Post run reflection

[Jillybean0141]

3.5K in 30 mins again this morning. I know I can do more as I managed 4.3K in 38 mins last Tuesday but every run since then has been around the same 3.5K in half an hour. I'm trying to figure out why I feel I can't go further or what is making me stop. The weather has played a part for sure as it's been pouring every morning so that's not very motivating but I'm already out and getting wet so what's another few minutes? I've been trying to get more sleep and am drinking more water than usual - feel as though I'm spending all day in the loo I'm drinking that much (sorry TMI!). So what is it that's stopping me pushing on for a few more minutes? Now that I'm home and showered I'm reflecting on the run and am annoyed at myself for not trying harder but there's no point in being negative so I'll look for the positives. I got out of bed at 6.30am even though it was raining and I ran for 30 minutes. I could so easily have turned over and gone back to sleep but I didn't. I said to myself at the start of the programme I'd be happy running for 30 mins 3 times a week and that's what I'm doing. Rest day tomorrow and then back out on Saturday so will see how I get on then. Has anyone else experienced a similar mental block in consolidation?

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Maybe you need a new aim. You could bridge to 10k? I think it’s just a mental block. Usually we have things like races to book and parkrun to join but you guys graduating now have nothing to transition over to.

[Jillybean0141 Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Thanks, I might take a look at the bridge to 10K forum for inspiration 👍

[sally1993]

I think despite how far you are running, getting out of bed at that time in the morning (IN THE RAIN!), 3 times every week without fail to go for a run is a massive achievement and you should be really proud of yourself for just keeping this up. X

[Jillybean0141 Graduate in reply to sally1993]

Thanks Sally, I appreciate your kind words.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The Consolidation Club exists for new graduates like you who need extra advice and support healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You need to decide whether you are attempting, on each run, to increase pace or distance. It is not wise to attempt both at the same time. Create some aims for the short, medium and long term, as suggested in the guide to post C25K running.

[Jillybean0141 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. I want to focus on distance so will have a good read up on the advice in the thread.

[MontyMooDog Graduate]

Yes I agree with the other posts. You've done great but haven't got a target to aspire to. Read my post above on my Consolidation run 2. I'd set myself an objective which was to have a nice slow run but to take me to 5k. And that's what I did. But I could have stopped after 30 minutes.....but I didn't and then ran for 40 mins and 5.2k. I took a photo on part of my route and wrote about it to share with others on the forum. Perhaps you could try something on those lines??👍😀

[Jillybean0141 Graduate in reply to MontyMooDog]

Thank you, I think you are right about needing a new goal. I'll check out your earlier post for some inspiration 😁

[Joglearner Graduate]

That’s interesting. I graduated last week and carried on past the 30 minute mark to do 5K in my last two runs of week 9 - my fastest being 38 mins 25 secs. This week I have limited my consolidation runs to 30 mins and tbh they have been a bit of a struggle and my run this morning was 3.78 km - even slower than the first! I think it is a mental thing - I intend to battle on and not worry too much about distance covered - I’m sure the recommended 3 x 30 min runs a week will eventually result in increased speed. My next run is on Saturday as well - so let’s see what happens then!

[Jillybean0141 Graduate in reply to Joglearner]

Good to hear I'm not alone. I think you are right, it is mental and I need to beat those gremlins! Good luck for your Saturday run 😃