Not sure why but this week of runs have been awful. I've finished them all but not enjoyed a single one. The first I could console myself by this being the longest run I've done but the next one seemed harder and today's even harder. I've tried changing the route, slowing down and changing my soundtrack. I finished the runs but felt awful at the end, definitely not getting that runners high that I've been getting at the end of previous runs. Today's max bpm was 10bpm lower than previous runs according to my fitbit.
Anyone else have this happen, does it get better? Should I stick with wk8 until I start enjoying it again or carry on to wk9? Any advice?
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Zip54
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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.
Perhaps you are fighting an illness.
Finding a good distraction for longer runs takes your mind off the time. Audio books or podcasts work for many.
Oh no Zip54! Ive finished W7R3 today and it was pretty tough, so was hoping for good W8😂! Congratulations on finishing it! Hope your next one is a better one, keep going!🏃♀️
Wow, well done NusiaFab I'm sure your experience will be different to mine. I have been eating a lot of junk food this last week and late nights so I expect that's related.
The Christmas food is still a culprit for me!😊 I'm back at work today so will need to keep reminding myself that if i eat well, i will feel well. Hope you will have less of the late nights and will get those running highs soon!
I have had that happen- usually when I haven’t realised that I’m starting a bug, sometimes if I haven’t been sufficiently hydrated. I hope next week is much better. 😄
Thanks, that's what I'm wondering, maybe it's post holiday blues 🤔 I guess my biggest worry is that this is the way it's gonna be from now on but if you've come out the other side and are enjoying running again then it's a good sign this is only temporary.
It’s very easy to be afraid of grotty runs continuing after having some, but I promise you that it will come right. Make sure you are well hydrated on all days (not just run days), well nourished & well slept - as much as possible, life is not always that straight forward! Go gently, maybe slow down & don’t push yourself & allow things time to come right. 😄
I completed wk8 run 1 today and had a similar feeling. Felt tired almost straight away and just couldn't get going until the last minute when I seemed to get into a rhythm I've not found before. My avg time per km was almost a minute slower than previous runs. Hopefully run 2 will feel better for me and wk 9 is better for you. Nearly there! 😀
Sorry to hear that, hopefully your next run is better now you know what's in store for you.
Sorry you’re not enjoying the runs Zip54 , but well done for completing the week. Are you stressed..? Or have lots on your mind..? My headspace is definitely not there sometimes until I shake it off and focus and that makes the runs less enjoyable, but I tend to shake it off and treat the 40 odd mins as a ‘retreat’ away from anything else..? Hope it gets better x
In addition to IannodaTruffe post perhaps you may need to take a couple of rest days then try again. I wouldn't get too hung up with the stats the NHS recommends 30 minutes steady running 3 times a week.
Something is keeping you going despite you saying you are not enjoying it. Is it the feeling of actually having done it? It feels great after you've exercised doesn't it. I know that has often been what keeps me going.I'm at a similar point to you be programme and I must say I haven't felt as good in week 8 as I have done in week 7. I remember absolutely loving W7R1 then I've just stepped to settle. I think that's because we are pushing ourselves to a point we are really changing our capabilities. In order to reap those benefits, we've got to do a bit of hard work first... Who knows, I might be wrong 🤷🏼
You are doing a great job by just keeping up with it and getting yourself or there. You're within spitting distance of the end goal. Keep going xx
Thank you Lindsey1097 that's a good way of looking at it - I'm determined to finish this but it's actually hard work. The thing that keeps me running is not wanting to give up something that I know so many others have finished. I did get out again today for wk9r1 and it wasn't quite as bad and I felt great after I finished this time. So maybe the next one will be even better 😊
Well done for getting this far yourself, maybe we will cross the finishing line together.
Brilliant. That's good to hear. Yes we just might. I don't think I can do run 3 until Monday morning due to rest days and work commitments but it will definitely be soon.Good luck 🍀🏃🏼♀️🥳
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Hate running...can’t breathe
Hate this. But no challenge is easy
W8R2 I hate treadmills.
At what point do you stop hating running?
My mind hates running 
