Disappointing run today

[joeyg76]

I went out today to do W7R1. I completed W6R3 day before yesterday and I really enjoyed it, even managed a little pick up of speed for the last 60 seconds.

Today was so different. My legs felt very heavy from the start, I got half way and my legs were really aching, so I slowed to a walk for a couple of minutes, tried running again and just had to give up. I was a good 10 minute walk from home and my legs were aching so much on the walk back.

I was so disappointed with myself at first, but then after thinking about it, I still ran for 13 minutes non stop which would have felt impossible at the start!

I usually run on Saturday, Monday and Thursday as they fit in best, and I always notice that running feels easiest on a Thursday. Seems obvious as I've had a 2 day rest instead of just one..

Now the run times are longer, I wonder if I should just run every 3rd day for a little while until my legs get stronger. The last thing I want to do is injure myself and be unable to run for weeks.

Anyway, after beating myself up on my hobble back home this morning, I've decided to be more positive about it, give myself a 2 day break and start W7R1 again on Tuesday. I shall try yoga on the days inbetween and some general strength training to hopefully make myself stronger and more able to run.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

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.

Heavy legs can be symptomatic of poor hydration. As a runner you need to drink a minimum of 2.5 -3 litres of fluid each and every day, running or not, as mentioned in the guide.

This post about run preparation expands on the theme healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Try longer between runs to see if that makes a difference and if any run is tough just slow down. An easy conversational pace is the recommended pace for C25k.

[joeyg76 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, I have been drinking more water, but maybe not enough, I'll pay attention to this and see how I go. I do always look at the links you post up, very helpful.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to joeyg76]

There is an FAQ post about hydration too healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[brozwn Graduate]

You haven't given up though which is the main thing! And as Tim has said sometimes it's the hydration, I know I never drink enough so I have been trying to drink more recently and it has seemed to help out a bit. Maybe drinking right before you run as well? Good luck for Tuesday and I hope it goes better for you!

[joeyg76 Graduate in reply to brozwn]

I've got a 500ml chillies bottle and try to fill and drink this 4 times a day, but I do forget sometimes when I'm busy. I will try and drink more. Also I just did a lovely yoga stretch I found online called yoga for tired legs. Hopefully it'll help!