Negative thoughts.

[Peanutnanna]

Good morning!

After graduating C25K last summer, I have run on and off since then, though never really ‘loving it’.

I have achieved 5k only twice in this time and I am proud of myself for doing so.

Mostly though, I go out and warm up for around 5 minutes then start running (well jogging really).

Around 8-10 minutes in, I cannot stop myself from listening to my mind and body telling me I can’t go on! I try to go slower but this makes me feel very tired, heavy on my feet and to breathe more heavily. I stop running, then walk fast, sometimes for only 10-20 steps and can then continue for a bit longer.

I sometimes run by myself but often run with my husband who has done lots of marathons in the past. He is very supportive and encouraging and says I have a ‘good running technique’.

I know I can do it! I feel so frustrated I could cry (and sometimes do)!

Thank you for listening. Advice please.

[roseabi]

Hello! I'm so sorry to see you're feeling like this!!

I wonder, are you trying to always run for 5K/30 minutes (or some other target)?

From reading your post I am inclined to suggest that you might think about changing your running routine a bit. For example, try a really short run - say 10 minutes - and give it a bit more welly. If you feel uncomfortable running more slowly, it might be nice for you to speed it up a bit, and if you plan to do a shorter run you will be able to achieve your target before you get too tired. Or, have you come across fartleks? It's a Swedish word meaning 'speed play' and is a type of intervals workout where you alternate slow jogging with short bursts of speed, just randomly as you feel like it.

[Peanutnanna Graduate in reply to roseabi]

Thank you for your reply.

I don’t always go out with a target, sometimes just go out and see what happens. I’ve gone back and dipped in and out of weeks 4&5 that I thought would help a bit. I also run on different days and different routes (although I am a little restricted in this current situation). A 5k run/walk takes around 37mins so don’t think I’m going too slow or too fast. I have come across fartleks before when I used to go to a running club and I sometimes incorporate them as advised. 🙂

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Just getting out there is good, especially in these times.

I know you say your husband is very supportive, but maybe you're being put off by the fact that he runs marathons? Just a suggestion 🤷‍♀️

If you download the Nike running club app, there are some guided runs as short as 15 minutes. They might give you the structure you need to carry on.

Good luck

[Peanutnanna Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you for your reply.

I don’t feel put off by my husbands achievements and have thought a lot about that in the past. He does not run regular marathons now.

I use the NRC app regularly and have also done a few guided ‘runs’ with it.

I think I’ll just carry on getting out there and see what happens 🙂

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Peanutnanna]

Good plan. Just don't give up.😀