just did week 7 run 1

[Littlepony]

this was the hardest so far.. I’m still lying down an hour later and my face is still red!! Don’t understand why this one was so much harder than week 6 run 3 which was same running time. Have I hit a wall?

[sheps Graduate]

I suppose it all depends on a variety of factors, including your own state of mind. Did you sleep well? What did you eat? When did you eat it? So many things.

But the point is that you did it and you can congratulate yourself on that. Or if you won't, I will. Congratulations! You did a great job.

[nowster Graduate]

Different weather conditions? You pushing yourself harder due to being more confident?

There are so many factors that can make the same run feel harder or easier than other times you did it.

[sheps Graduate in reply to nowster]

There, Litlepony, more factors that will have made a difference.

Now, turn those little pony heels and kick through that wall.

[Littlepony in reply to sheps]

Thanks I think it may have been because I had no protein for breakfast this time. I feel much better now after a high protein lunch ☺️

[Littlepony in reply to nowster]

Thanks yes I think it was my zero protein breakfast that did it

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Littlepony]

If you are used to eating a breakfast, a couple of hours before you run, then that could have a real impact...

[CBDB Ambassador]

Well then you deserve some extra “well done”s as it was hard! Well done! Mightily well done! And one more, an extra Well done! 👏👏👍🏽👍🏽

[Jancanrunagain Graduate]

here’s a non exhaustive list of things it could be without mentioning the dreaded wall

Eating too much/not enough/different stuff/different time

Drinking- same options as above

Tiredness and/or time of day

Mr JCR says long distance cycling is in the head and not the legs - same with running - sometimes you can just feel exhausted even though in principle everything is normal

Speed - as you get fitter you can speed up without realising it and because you’ve built stamina (whereas in W1 or 2 you may have been puffed at the 60 second mark), now your cardio rhythm has improved no end, so it’s easier to run too fast. One of the best tips I try and keep close to mind is that if you’re running and your head could be seen bobbing up over an imaginary hedge then for this programme you’re going too fast.

It’s no disgrace to go slower as you do more distance but loads of us find our speed is improving and that makes it so easy to overcook speed later in the programme

You’ve done a superb job, speedy Gonzales!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Walls are meant to be kicked down... just ease back now. These longer runs are perfect for slow, steady and relaxed running.

Try to just not overthink, simply relax and let the newly forming running legs do what they are getting really good at!

Also , upping your core strength and stamina work on some rest days? Always a great idea. !

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

It sounds to me as though you are doing really well. There was a big change in the weather over the last week; I had my first leggingless run of the year and one thin underlayer and a top layer for my run on Thursday. My usual winter attire would have left me looking and feeling like a lobster! 🙂