Finding it harder since graduating

[Noodles7]

I graduated for a second time 3 weeks ago and was back enjoying the challenge. My times started to get quicker each run and I was on a high. However the last week I’m really struggling and I’m stopping mid run I always complete the 5 K but it’s like I’m having a mental block midway point. Not sure whether to have a week off as my body feels tired when running. Any advice would be great xxx

[Roxdog Graduate]

I've been having runs a bit like that recently too, so understand. There is a lot going on in the world and the fact that you are still running is great. Take the pressure off yourself to 'improve' anything, just run and hopefully you'll get over this hump. Maybe vary your route, turn your music off, or try music if you don't already. Mix it up. We all need to take the pressure off ourselves. Good luck.

[Noodles7 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Ah thank you for your reassuring words x

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

As Roxdog says, take it easy, and who cares if it’s slow and you stop for a breather in the middle? only you and you are amazing just getting out there and running, plus the weather is warming up

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

If each run was getting faster, then it’s inevitable that you’re going to hit a wall of toughness pretty soon as no matter who we are, that isn’t sustainable. Try running deliberately slowly next time out. Think about the effort level... 0 is couch, 10 is flat out sprinting... maybe we end C25K running between 7 and 9... back right off... try 4 or 5 out of 10. You’ve no doubt seen on here many times that slow running is the way to develop the fitness levels and is also the key to getting faster over time. The opposite is also true... while faster running may maintain the fitness well, it’s not necessarily doing the same for the muscles. This is discussed here mensrunninguk.co.uk/top-fea...

If you would like to have a coach guiding you through how to run a 5k easy run, have a run with Coach Bennett in the Nike Run Club distance based guided runs... he’s awesome.

[Hidden in reply to UnfitNoMore]

You are awesome too!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

All the above is excellent advice.

A week of no running may well find you come back reinvigorated.

You are an ideal candidate for the Consolidation Club healthunlocked.com/couchto5... where you can get advice for this post run slump experienced by many.

[Noodles7 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Brilliant thank you I’ll click on the link. I was thinking off taking a week off also thanks again