Bad diet

[Clarenic13]

Hi everyone. I started couch to 5k over lockdown and completed it in the correct time - surprising myself. I never quite got to 5k, in fact it would be a little over 3k. I’ve kept the running up 3x a week only last week noticing a jump up to 4K. I was delighted but now I see my distance dropping again. I’m in isolation again (covid cases where I work) and my diet has been terrible. Do people find if they don’t eat well their performance is affected?

[nowster Graduate]

Good question. I definitely feel more sluggish if I've eaten heartily at the weekend (along with a bit of beer or wine).

I assume your isolation means not going out for exercise too?

[Clarenic13 in reply to nowster]

I run in the back garden. In circles 🤦🏻‍♀️ but otherwise no, not allowed out of the house.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

There's no doubt that what we eat and drink affects our mental and physical performance.

Don't worry so much about your pace or distance - focus on the positive which is that you're still getting out and running. Keep running to time (so 30 mins or 35 etc) and you'll be fine. Better to be making a habit out of it - which is great!

Keep at it

[Clarenic13 in reply to John_W]

Thank you. It’s slippery too with all the rain. That won’t help.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Clarenic13]

Running in the rain is great! Does this mean you'll only run in the summer ?

[Clarenic13 in reply to John_W]

I run on grass in the back garden 🤦🏻‍♀️. Haven’t progressed out of the garden. When the nights get darker I’ll brave it and run in the street. So self conscious.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Clarenic13]

Honestly, no-one will care. Lots of beginners feel the same way but quickly realise that no-one is looking. You'll be fine, trust me.

[Clarenic13 in reply to John_W]

I know. I sound like Andy Murray in his fifth set!!! Ha ha. I’ll get over it. I’ll have to, Ive wrecked the grass in the back garden!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Clarenic13]

Also, doing in a back garden and going round in circles or rectangles will eventually cause you an injury. I've learnt that to me cost this Spring in lockdown.

[Clarenic13 in reply to John_W]

Oh really? Why?

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Clarenic13]

the repetitive turning motion can cause strain on the knees - you'be better off running in straight lines mostly ... so outdoors : pavements/roads/park etc

[nowster Graduate in reply to Clarenic13]

We tend to forget: runners are invisible except to other runners.

[Pete9122 Graduate]

Like others have said. Don't worry too much about your pace/speed. The most important thing is that you are doing it!!

Where you are doing it doesn't matter either, garden/park/pavement/treadmill, all that matters is you are getting your heart rate raised a bit for the required time.

On another issue, there's really no need to feel self-conscious about jogging outside (when you can). Most people are too busy thinking their own thoughts/engrossed in their own problems to even notice anybody else running.

So, well done!! 👏👏

& keep at it👍👍