So yesterday I completed my second consolidation run for 30 minutes but only managed 4.71kms. I did go a different route for the first time since I started which did involve a few inclines when running up the locks on the canal. I can’t help feeling a little despondent about it. Towards the end my pace dropped off and it took every ounce of strength to get to the 30 minute mark.
I know I shouldn’t be down about it because of how far I’ve come but it kind of feels that I’m going backwards.
Well done.
Not every run is going to be better than the last and your running career will not follow an inexorably upwards curve.........a bit like life.
Everything going on in our lives can impact on our performance as a runner. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables that need to be optimised to enable enjoyable running.
You are doing really well. Don't feel down.
Many of us experienced a little dip during the consolidation phase, but it passes with the more runs that you do. During consolidation you learn more about yourself as a runner and begin to accept that no two runs are the same although there is still something to learn from each one.
You are definitely not going backwards. Today you have achieved a great distance in 30 minutes. You are much closer to reaching 5k than many at this stage, but don't get hung up on the distance just yet. Keep consolidating your 30 minute runs for a few more outings as each run is making your legs stronger and building your stamina. You will know when you feel ready to switch from time to distance and run for that 5k. You are so close already, so the difference will be negligible. Good luck and enjoy your runs, that's the key 😊
Hi, I feel exactly the same as you. Consolidation run 4 today but it was hard and 2 mins slower than graduation!
We can do this, think we have to keep going and get through this phase...it is only a phase as I couldn’t run for 30 seconds once!
Let’s look forward to the next run, faster or slower, not worry about pace and just keep ticking off the runs to get more miles done before benefits...what do you think?
Thanks for the replies and encouragement peeps 🙂 I think I was kind of expecting too much of myself. I thought it would be getting easier and each run would be longer and longer. I’m going to do what you suggest Chrissie. Get more miles in before I worry about distance and pace. Like you I couldn’t run 30 seconds before I started and now I’m beating myself up because I’m not running far enough 😂😂
Tomorrow is a new day and a new run!
Only??? That's really good. I do 4k in 30 mins. I don't care because 12 weeks ago I wanted to vomit after 60 seconds. I have done a couple of 5k in 37/38 minutes but in general I am sticking with 30 minutes for now until it feels easy
So after Saturdays ‘disappointing’ run I decided to go back to my normal route. If I’m honest it took a lot just to get out of the door. First 5 minutes felt a lot harder than usual but just put that to the back of my mind and got on with it. Not worrying about pace or distance. Got to 30 minutes and my legs kept going! Only for another 5 minutes though 😂
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