Harder than I thought

[Deej182]

First run of week 7 done. Been struggling (both, to finish runs, and motivation-wise) since week 5. That being said, I still keep managing the runs and I'm, pretty much, completely injury free, so far (although I did put a knee support on, for one run when my knee was a bit iffy). I think, after a while, it's far more of a mental challenge than a physical one (especially, as my depression has been quite bad lately). My legs start feeling like lead, only 3 or so minutes in. I feel my head and body feeling really hot, within 5 minutes. Then it's a gruelling 20 plus minutes to keep going after that.

Keep going, everyone. Rest and recover if you need some extra time away. But don't give up. One step at a time.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Well done with your progress!There is one thing that you said that jumps out at me .

My legs start feeling like lead,

This is a classic symptom of dehydration.

Are you drinking around 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day , even on non running days?

[Deej182 in reply to Instructor57]

Fair point. Water, no. I basically live off tea. I would imagine I'm getting about 2.5-3L of tea in, per day. But it is a diuretic. Maybe it's time I start drinking more water!

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Deej182]

Haha, I'm with you on the tea 😁👍But as you say, it is a diuretic.

I personally find it makes a huge difference, especially in the calves .

It's always my red flag if my legs feel heavy !

Have a look at this informative post !

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Deej182 in reply to Instructor57]

Yes yes! It's the calves that I get the lead feeling in (more than my quads or legs as a whole)! Duly noted, thanks again!

[Deej182 in reply to Instructor57]

Also, thank you for the well done! ❤️

[Moosefacedgoose Graduate]

hey Deej182 well done for keeping on keeping on even when mood and motivation is a challenge 💚

[Deej182 in reply to Moosefacedgoose]

Thank you ❤️ Hope your runs are going well! 🙌

[PeggySusi Graduate]

You are so right.. don’t give up, as it will get easier. And sometimes the harder it is to finish, the better it feels when you’ve done it.

[Deej182 in reply to PeggySusi]

That's true 🙂

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

I found the same as I got further through the program. Week 7 was a low point. I was just really tired! I think that’s pretty common-we see a lot of people posting similar experiences. It does get easier. Extra rest can help. Adding strength and flex work on rest days can actually help too! You might be pleased to know that although tea isn’t as hydrating as water, it still counts towards your fluid intake.

nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/f....

[Deej182 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Ah, that's good to know! Thank you! I figure my body will get used to these longer runs, eventually, but yeah, real tough at the mo!

Yes, I do want to start doing some strengthening exercises. I keep putting it off 😩 Lol.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator in reply to Deej182]

You’re not alone there! Most of us would rather just run but it’s really important for helping you stay injury free. I’m saying this recovering from an injury and everything I’ve got from the physio is about getting stronger to stop it recurring.

There’s a lot to think about as you’re starting off so just let it build into your routine over time. The strength and flex forum is a great place to help you get started. I know there are some exciting posts coming soon so it’s worth a look!

healthunlocked.com/strength...

[Deej182 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Brilliant, thanks! I've been really diligent with my post-workout stretching because there's a little video on the app, for it 🙂

[backintime Graduate]

You're doing great!

you're not alone in your struggle, we all have low periods and week 7 is hard, it's the first week with no walk breaks at all - mentally that's a challenge, but you'll find it does get easier. I find it helps to a) be stubborn and decide not to quit the programme and b) remind myself why I started and why I want to do this.

I second the water/hydration. It makes a huge difference to my legs (and lots of other stuff.

[Deej182]

Thanks for the advice 🙂 stubborn, I can do! Drinking more water today, too 🙂

[Cf12345 Graduate]

Brilliant for your achievement so far. With your other challenges, you’re doing great!

I have the same points among my run where my gremlins are either trying to convince me I have no motivation to run, or my aches are telling me to stop.

I read something a couple of months ago that has completely transformed my thought process and enjoyment of running - it was simple- when these thoughts/aches come along it’s to answer them with ‘yep, that’s how I feel at this part of the run/before run’ and carry on. It’s almost like accepting that’s how my brain works and not trying to battle the thought makes it go away.

I don’t know if that makes any sense but, having battled with motivation and completing runs, (even 10 minute ones), this simple change has turned everything around.

Anyway, long list for a short message!

You’re doing great. Keep going 😊

[Deej182 in reply to Cf12345]

Good advice 🙂 thanks very much 🙂