Getting over a slump.

[Bruuuce]

Hi chaps. I’d just like to thank you for the advice after my last post. I’ve stopped worrying about increasing my speed for the moment and I’ve stopped trying to tussle with hills. Yesterday I went back to running 5k at a slow jog and I enjoyed it more. I might have even looked like that bouncy effortless runner I want to be. I don’t think I’m ever going to love running and I can’t help being being disappointed that I don’t feel any faster or fitter since I graduated but I took your advice to look back at where I was six months ago and I realised how far I’ve come.

Some of you suggested a park run or running club. I would do a park run but there isn’t one near me. The local running club has a huge membership but I know that I would feel discouraged rather than inspired running in a group.

Anyway I’ve got my mojo back - thanks.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Glad to hear it.

Re: "I can’t help being being disappointed that I don’t feel any faster or fitter since I graduated" ... When was that? And, do you run by time or distance?

[Bruuuce Graduate in reply to John_W]

I’ve done both time and distance. I’m still on a mission to find something I really enjoy. After I graduated I ran 5k three times per week and one run for an hour. I was happy with that achievement but I don’t think I’ll ever set out to run an hour again. Then I switched to running for at least half an hour. I’d set an alarm on my watch and head out on a random route then head home after the half hour was up. Just lately I decided I wanted to conquer a hill (incline) close to where I live. I struggled but it was only a 2K route so my speed on the flat was quicker. I did my first 5k again two days ago. I am still between 8.30 and 9.00 pace, still get slightly breathless at times and my thighs still ache a little afterwards. This was my pace for my first 5k. Sorry for the long reply.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Bruuuce]

Have you tried any fartlek stuff?

[Bruuuce Graduate in reply to John_W]

I read up about this and I’m going to give it a try.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Bruuuce]

"I know that I would feel discouraged rather than inspired running in a group."

Why is that?