W7 R1 (first real struggle)

[Kick-boxer]

So I’ve been ‘merrily’ plodding my way through the weeks finishing each run thinking ‘ah that wasn’t so bad, feeling pretty good about this’ until yesterday! I’d finished week 6 on Monday but weather and work meant I didn’t start week 7 until Friday (yesterday). It was pretty windy out there but it’s the first time I’d say I really struggled physically. My legs felt tired and was getting breathless and at times, I almost felt like stopping. Not sure how, but managed to finish it but am now doubting myself as it felt so difficult. I wasn’t running fast so wondered, can running against a windy conditions really affect you that much?!!! Hoping Sunday will be kind weather wise 🥴🥴

[Hidden]

Well done for keeping on going when you felt like stopping. It's great to break through that barrier. Running against the wind is hard, there's not only the wind resistance but it takes your breath away as well. It's great when you round the corner though and it's behind you Don't doubt yourself, you've done it once, it does get easier. Fingers crossed that Sunday is less windy x

[Kick-boxer Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your words of encouragement. It really does help. Think my routine of running every other day has helped me so far as it felt odd not getting out for 4 days!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

If you are breathless then your breathing is not optimal and this is normally the result of going too fast. Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

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.

This post expands on the theme. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

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.

[Kick-boxer Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Many thanks for all the advice and hints & tips. I do drink a lot of water every day but work has been very stressful this week and am wondering if that tension affects you when trying to run? Although I always do feel so much better once I’ve finished a run!!

[chunkypie Graduate]

Well done for not giving up. I think i read many moons ago that for every 10 mph in wind speed its equivalent to pulling a 1kg weight. So the wind does make a big difference 😀

[Kick-boxer Graduate in reply to chunkypie]

Good to know! So maybe I’m not just a lightweight lol

[chunkypie Graduate in reply to Kick-boxer]

I'm full of useless random factoids 😆

[Kick-boxer Graduate in reply to chunkypie]

Will remember that for future reference 🤣