CR1 - harder than I anticipated!

[LazyVeggie]

Had my first consolidation run today and yikes I found it harder than I’d expected. I managed 30 minutes but at a much slower pace than my previous run. Wasn’t breathing as well as before and felt a little unsatisfied throughout. I’ve been eating well, drinking plenty of water and sleeping pretty decently this week so I think this may have been a mental block? Hoping that my next consolidation run feels better (even if I don’t go much faster) and keep having to remind myself I’m still pretty new to this running game! Has anyone else had this experience with consolidation runs? How did you overcome it?

[Roxdog Graduate]

I think literally everyone can find the consolidation runs a bit of a bumpy ride to be honest. At this stage you're still quite a new runner and now, without a voice in your ear, it can be strange.

I remember struggling beyond 20 minutes on a few consolidation runs, whereas others felt perfect.

A few things which could be happening here are

- you're getting used to running for 30 minutes

- you may be setting off too fast

- maybe you're a bit bored with your route.

I found changing routes really helpful. It will settle down, please don't be discouraged, this is so normal! 😊

[LazyVeggie Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Ahhh good to know I’m not alone! Thanks for your helpful tips - I will set off at a steady pace tomorrow, experiment with a new route and just bear in mind that I can relax and just take it run by run. Also need to remind myself how fun running is - that it’s a real treat to be outside making my muscles work!

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to LazyVeggie]

I think that's a perfect approach! Once you've done a few more CRs you could start mixing up the runs a bit, some shorter, some longer. There is a consolidation group on the forum for people at your stage which might help. You are definitely not alone!

[nowster Graduate]

In addition to the stuff Roxdog said, some days you simply haven't the mojo. There are often no obvious reasons why.

[LazyVeggie Graduate in reply to nowster]

That is so true! I always think each run should be better than the last - a steady progression - but of course life doesn’t work like that! Will try and relax and enjoy tomorrow’s run (whatever happens!)

[RamblingMe Graduate]

First consolidation run was much like yours so I slowed it right down at the beginning which helped me get through the first ten minutes and then seemed to up the pace a bit naturally. I'm not making rapid progress but adding a bit of distance each time. Just pleased to make it through to 30 minutes and the satisfaction that goes with making small amounts of progress, and just being out there!

[LazyVeggie Graduate in reply to RamblingMe]

Ahhh not just me then! I will go and a steady pace tomorrow and just appreciate the run itself. Have to remind myself that I’m doing things pre-C25K me could have never achieved so should enjoy them! Thanks for the encouragement!