A little lost

[FreedomToRun]

My last two runs have been 15 minutes each and a week apart.

Any thoughts? Should I go back to one of the programme weeks and build up again? I just get so tired!

[Workingathome Graduate]

If you think it would help motivate you go back to one of the weeks, maybe Week 6? Maybe it’s the motivation you need. If you want to push on just tell yourself you’re going to do it three times this week decide on a time of maybe bc 20 minutes and that you’ll go longer if you can, then go! If you do 20 minutes on the first 2 try to do 25 mins on the third oneAccording to comments on here you won’t have lost fitness in that short space of time so you should be fine to just keep going forward and as long as there is nothing health wise underlying the tiredness just try to push yourself s little to get that buzz back

Let us know how you get on!

I’ve been struggling to force myself out but I’m just about to go now, it’s a bit on the late side really but I know I need to try as I’ve not been since Wednesday and that was the first time this week.

[FreedomToRun Graduate in reply to Workingathome]

Thanks!! That makes total sense. Think I just need the structure and to be back on the forum for awhile to get all the lovely encouragement! Thanks!

Enjoy your run and I’ll check in on progress 😀

[Workingathome Graduate in reply to FreedomToRun]

So I’m just back. The warm up walk was fine then I set off running and to be honest the first 10 minutes were absolutely horrible! I really didn’t think I was going to get very far at all but reminded myself of the toxic ten and forced myself on but I was too hot and it was only the thought I’d have to walk all the way home if I didn’t run that kept me going. it wasn’t until about 20 mins in that I started to feel better so just kept telling myself a little more and a little more and I managed 28 minutes.

I think my problem is that I’ve finished the programme so subconsciously I just expect myself to be able to run comfortably now and not feel tired until after 30 mins 🤔 so I need a reminder that I’m still very new to this and it will take time to get better, easier, more comfortable etc. Maybe it’s the same for you? I do feel great now having forced myself to do it!

[FreedomToRun Graduate in reply to Workingathome]

Well done on your run! Totally agree. The more I read your reply earlier the more I realised I’m new to this and it will fill uncomfortable. I remember that great feeling after a decent run so I’m going to try again and not let the toxic 10 or 15 get to me.

Thanks for helping

[Workingathome Graduate in reply to FreedomToRun]

Your very welcome! Do post and let me know how you get on. I think we need the support on here just as much now to keep going if not more! Good luck I’m rooting for you!

[Midgeymoo17]

I think the question: What type of “tiredness”? - is an important question for answering your question.

Tired: I am out of breath, my calves are temporarily uncomfortable (like they felt fine climbing the stairs in you house- but now their gone), if I am wearing a heart rate monitor and the same run is registering higher heart rates, I have been running less regularly. ie Symptoms are completely run induced- then it may suggest a need to build back up.

Tired: I am generally fatigued- I could feel my legs when climbing the stairs this morinning, slept too little last night, I am stressed from X, I exercised (cross trained) harder on my rest day, ie: “tiredness” symptoms that (even if you did not notice them) existed before your run. In this case, as long as you can identify soon and take action to reduce their impact, you should find you do not need to build up again. However, if this is the case it is important to allow a little extra rest (either extra day off or if a little chronic a few easier runs) and allow your body to get over the physical stressor before retrying. If this “tiredness” is persistently affecting your runs it is time to see the doctor.

Sorry trying to explain the difference between the two is difficult but for me they feel quite different on a run. Tiredness type 2 feels like type 1 (breathless and high heart rate) but the run is smooth where as type 1 (ie tiredness due to lack of fitness) tends to result in more form breaking.

[FreedomToRun Graduate in reply to Midgeymoo17]

Thanks and yes tired is a catch all so you reminded me to break it down a little. I think its more head than legs or puff. I need to break through that, so going to try again with a less tired attitude 😂

[steviej99 Graduate]

Hey Blueskyabove don't sweat it! Don't forget you've graduated now so now you're running for fun! You don't need to worry about time or distance. Why don't you just run for say 20 minutes, three times a week for s couple of weeks. Nice and slow, no stress. Enjoy the running then switch on c25k and go week 9. I graduated back in 2018, I still find the first 500m to 1k tough before I get into my running rythm and I still do week 9 occasionally just for fun. Good luck and enjoy your running

[FreedomToRun Graduate in reply to steviej99]

Thanks! Will certainly try not to worry but to enjoy it!

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

I think it’s very easy to lose motivation. Try remembering why you started the program in the first place. Think about all the positive things it’s done for your wellbeing, me personally I usually find these thoughts are enough on days I don’t feel like running 🙂

[FreedomToRun Graduate]

Thanks to you all! Ran early (checked and my morning runs are fine, evenings I give up). New route along the river. 25 minutes and only a second or two break to cross the road. Slow but got that warm just exercised feeling!!

Thanks as I remembered everything you all said and it really helped. Stopped using forum so I need to be back here too.

Reckon a tiny bit of fitness gone but I can build that quickly and walk on my non run days to find new routes