I think it’s getting more difficult...

[Nicky_F]

Hi everyone. I’m feeling a bit deflated. I’ve just come in from my fourth consolidation run, so appreciate it’s still early days in my running journey, but it seems to be getting harder! I’m still using W9R3 with Jo (it’s a bit like a comfort blanket 😂) and trying to keep my routes varied. But I’m finding it’s getting more difficult each time; my legs feel really heavy and I just can’t get my breathing together. I feel like the fun is going out of it, and I really don’t want that to happen!!! I know I can always rely on this wonderful forum for some advice, so do your worst 😜 Help!!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Your situation is very common immediately post graduation, which is why we have the monthly Consolidation Club post healthunlocked.com/couchto5... where you can see what others are doing and get advice from at least one member of the admin team who will be watching out for you.

Heavy legs can be symptomatic of poor hydration. As a runner you need to drink 2.5 -3 litres of fluid each and every day, running or not, as mentioned in the guide.

Difficulty breathing may be because you are going too fast or possibly because of pollen levels which are quite high at the moment.

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

[Nicky_F Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you! I think hydration may be the issue. I always drink plenty of fluids every day but not a huge amount before I run; I’ve been going out about an hour after breakfast at which I just have a cup of tea. I know it sounds stupid but I’m worried about needing the loo while I’m out 😳 I’ve just seen your comments on another post about drinking 500ml (?) before your run. So I shall give that a try. And also check out the consolidation club, which I’d forgotten about!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Nicky_F]

This post about hydration gives you all the facts you need to know healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The 500ml immediately before a run does very little to help general hydration, as pointed out in the hydration post.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

You have graduated and "you know the score" which is run slowly, drink plenty of water the day before you run and just before you run, at the moment and at least for 6 months after you have graduated don't run on consecutive days, pace yourself, hopefully you will be able to run and enjoy your runs without finding the runs getting harder each time you run.

[Nicky_F Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr, I think hydration may be the issue (see above!) so will try that approach and see if it helps.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Nicky_F]

👍 🏃🏾

[Deals1 Graduate]

Yeah id say its common too. And the strange times we r currently in probably not helping much either. Just try and enjoy it with no pressue... And follow the good advice already given

Good luck and happy running 🏃

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Now you've graduated, you don't need to run 30 minutes if you don't want to. I used to do some quick 20 minutes interval runs, just to help with speed.

If you have the opportunity, try mixing up you routes and looking for somewhere new. The Nike running club app is brilliant for some new guided runs that might keep you going.

[Nicky_F Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you. Maybe it’s time to let go of my comfort blanket (Jo!!) and mix it up a bit. Hopefully that will help with the enjoyment side of things....