Gruelling.... week 6 run 3

[Jamicharla]

So yesterday I completed run 3 of week 6 and I have to say, it was by FAR the most unenjoyable run for me on the plan so far! 😭😭 I did get through it... just, but it felt like i had to drag myself along at snails pace just to make it to the end. My legs started feeling tight and aching about 5mins in and just didnt really ease up at all. Grim!!! I did slow down as much as I could but nothing really helped. So now I am feeling somewhat apprehensive and deflated about week 7 and beyond... any tips?!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi Jamicharla ...try not to feel disheartened about this run...honestly, everyone dreads week 5, especially run 3 but actually, I think that week 6 is much harder, I don't know if it's because we feel invincible having completed the dreaded 20 minute run or whether it's because we are so close to the end that we can smell the polish on our new shiny badge that's waiting for us at the end!!

Can you think of anything that might have made this particularly difficult?? Lack of sleep, lack of hydration?? Heat? lots of things can affect performance...and sometimes a run is just like that...we set off full of determination only to have those 'I cant do this today' thoughts rattling through our head the whole time we're out...and I'm speaking from experience here, my last 2 runs have been absolutely pants..but I know that I'm capable of better than that, I am a runner and we have bad runs..maybe more than one, like me, but it wont stop me going out again and searching for that one run that cements that I am a runner...and neither will you...so bank the stamina and the distance you covered no matter how fast or slow you ran it, you still did it...and if running at snails pace gets you through, then that's what it must be...chin up, this one will make your next run feel so much better

[Jamicharla Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you for the words of encouragment! Thinking on it, I did run at midday so the heat probably didnt help. Also my partner joined me on this run, which, as thoughtful as that was, did make me more aware of HIS ability and I wonder if that subconsciously left me feeling a little inferior and stopped me from getting into the 'can do' headspace. Determined not to let any of it beat me, so will definitely try and keep a positive mindframe next time! Thank you!!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Firstly, let’s unpack that run... not only was it the longest of the plan so far, it got tough with the previous longest run still to go... that was a damn tough run... and you beat it because you’re mentally strong and refused to quit. A lot of running is a mental game...

We get the legs, lungs and heart tuned up, but we have to get that head right or it doesn’t work. Great run.

Just about everything affects our run, common issues now are heat, pollen, humidity, stress and also the concentration needed to maintain social distancing. Maybe one or more of these played a part, maybe some other factors meant you weren’t 100% at the startline. If you can identify anything, then you’re part way to resolving the issue. Sometimes though, a run is just tough... some people quit and go home... but runners get tougher and take a lot from the run. Maybe the least enjoyable run for you thus far just gave you more than any other run.

Try setting off at your snails pace next time out... hold there for 5 minutes and slowly ease into your happy pace over the next 5. That should have all your body systems working well before you really call on them.

[Busylady1 Graduate]

Keep going, be positive and go slow. You can do this, just keep telling yourself that! 💪🏼🤞🏼