The frustration! Delayed graduation

[RJN12]

Final run was today. Slept well, felt good and went out at 10 as per usual (less people on the canal). 15 minutes in I had to abandon the run, as I just couldn’t do anymore (and my heart rate had already reached the level it normally does the last minute or two). This is the first time in the programme I had to abandon ship - and the last few runs have been positively joyful.

Looked at my garmin stats and I ran at my usual pace. Then I realised I had a different breakfast than normally - a tuna sandwich. I normally have just fruit w a splash of yoghurt. So the culprit is likely my body still working through all the carbs and protein. Will have another go Wednesday - but such a frustrating start to the week and end to the programme.

[Jools2020 Graduate]

That’s disappointing for you! Maybe the sandwich had something to do with it. The fact that your heartrate seemed raised and you ran out of oomph could have so many reasons. Maybe you were excited about graduating! Maybe you’re fighting a minor bug - maybe you weren’t hydrated enough - didn’t get a good quality sleep - the list goes on. Sometimes in spite of doing all the right things, my heartrate shoots up within 2 or 3 strides of starting my run. I’m in a training program right now, running by effort, but effort and heart rate are linked of course, and I run more slowly with the same effort if my heart rate is raised.

As runners, we have to be prepared for the runs that aren’t so good. The good news is, you have the finish in your sights! The final run is there waiting for you! Perhaps take it more steady than usual on Wednesday to set yourself up for success. Good luck!

[RJN12 Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Thanks - I know it’ll be fine. The benefit of being on my second C2K is that I don’t get too discouraged. Was just looking forward to finishing on a high and moving on to my new (selfmade) programme. Might head down to the river on Wednesday to make it special!

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to RJN12]

That’s a great idea for making it special! 😊. I graduated for the second time a few months ago, too. And I get really discouraged after a bad run, though fortunately it doesn’t last long.

[red_faced_runner Graduate]

Frustrating for you, but glad you are not discouraged. Fingers crossed Wednesday goes better for you.

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

Some days things just don't work as they should.

If it's cold near you at the moment this will be putting a strain on your body in addition to anything else. Your body has to burn energy to keep functioning at its normal level in addition to the demands of running.

I recently discovered that you need more water rather than less when the temperature is low as your body is working harder to warm the air up as you breathe (or something like that, I heard it on a guided run the other day, if I've got it wrong someone will correct me )

Maybe have an additional drink of water before you leave the house. Never be afraid to slow down and take it easy if your heart rate is higher than it should be, especially when it's cold. Slow and steady wins