why am I struggling?

[Daffodil19]

I graduated from C25k last year and then work etc got in the way o i have done it again during lockdown and graduated again last week. I have then this week started to do my consolidation runs and the first one was fine but the subsequent two I have struggled to do more than 10 mins. I am ensuring I am drinking plenty of water and I am always out for 6am so i go first thing before I start working. any ideas as to what I am doing wrong??

[OldSpeckledHen]

I’ve not graduated yet, so not sure am best to answer, but are you still using the app (w9r3) or running solo?

Have you always run first thing in the morning?

Am sure someone better qualified can advise better, but just want to say don’t give up! You’ve got this 🙂

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I'm not sure you're doing anything wrong, you're still getting out there and that's brilliant! It's been very warm this last week or so, that has definitely affected my performance.

Maybe you're missing the structure of the programme. You could try some of the guided runs on the Nike running club app, or listen to week 9 again.

You don't have to run for 30 minutes now. You could try some shorter interval runs - check out fartleks on Google.

You could try some new routes or challenges, a hill near you, maybe?

You are allowed to meet one person outside of your household now. Do you know anyone else you could run with?

Whatever you do, don't give up. Running is in the head as much as in the body. You've come too far to stop now.

Good luck 👍

[DexD Graduate]

Hi Daffodil19 - I'm experiencing something similar. Completed c25k a couple years ago and then lapsed cos of work, then started the program again and decided 20 minutes running was my comfortable limit and then that lapsed as well. Combo of retiring and lockdown, I thought I'd try again and did Week 8 Run 1 yesterday. I found it really HARD - despite going very very slow. Red in the face and calves aching for ages after. Like you, I'm drinking loads of water, taking rest days and following all the advice. So why hasn't the enjoyment and pleasure in running kicked in?? Also (though am not really that bothered) why isn't the weight 'falling off me' as so many other posters say?? Maybe it's a long game and we need more patience? Or maybe, it really is ok to set a shorter goal - 20 mins, say - and stick to doing that on a regular basis (better than stopping altogether etc)? I'm not giving up on it yet though - reading up about and trying to practice the Japanese slow jogging thing - and chi running looks similar too. I know I still approach each of the longer runs as if it's going to be a hard battle ... and then, it is!! Got to try and shift that attitude and then see ... apologies for the long post - clearly your post resonated with my frustrations!!

[Daffodil19 Graduate]

thanks all. I have been keeping the structure of the week 9 programme at the moment as not confident to wing it yet and I like the structure. perhaps I need to beat myself up less and recognise what I have done! although I am with you on the frustrations DexD !!

[Fionamags Graduate]

I really struggled in consolidation too. I lost all sense of pace for some reason and I realised I was setting off too fast and burning out. I then started using the c25k+ podcasts and found them really helpful to give a bit of structure. They are quite tough but they give you something to aim for.

I am now in the 3rd week of JuJus Magic Plan which is on the Bridge to 10k forum. You can either do this by increasing increments of distance or do it to increase time. I'm doing the latter. I am feeling much happier with having goals again. Maybe something like this would work for you too?

[Daffodil19 Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

oh I've not tried the podcasts I will look at that. I will also look at the magic plan you mention! Thank you

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Nothing wrong at all... and there may be any number of reasons for this.

These are strange and frightening times and I do feel that the effect on us is often unseen, but manifests in different ways.

We may be running differently ( I know I was, when I first left the safety of the confines of my garden ). Holding ourselves tensely, not quite as relaxed in our runs... we may not even be aware of this.... and the weather... we hardly have time to adjust to the heat and humidity.

So...maybe shake the runs up a little... try some short and sweet, a new route if possible, and try a lovely longer relaxed steady run too... Just head out and see where you get to, no time or distance in mind. Keep the runs slow and steady.

I know you like the structure of the last week of the plan, but that just may be why you are feeling it is difficult right now...have a little shake up and see how you feel

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

We have a monthly Consolidation Club here healthunlocked.com/couchto5... designed to allow those suffering the post grad blues with somewhere to swap ideas and plans with at least one member of the admin team and thos in the same situation.

When did you last have a break? A week off may be a good idea.

Do you run in different places? Variety is the spice of life.

Run somewhere beautiful, don't just slog around urban streets.

Have some targets for each run and each week.

Relax and forget about tracking, pace and distance and run for fun.

[Daffodil19 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

thanks will take a look!