Was confident about week 4 but now not so sure.

[OZGirl]

Just finished W3 R3 today and I really struggled which surprised me a little bit. The first 2 runs were great so I don’t know why I struggled so much today. Possible causes below.

1.I had not drunk much water today

2.I ran about 2 hours earlier than I normally do. I normally run in the dark and this time I was acutely aware of the amount of people about watching me running. (OK they probably were not watching me but in my head they were). Maybe I ran a little bit harder and pushed myself to hard.

3.I was a little bit hungry before I left but knew if I ate something then I would have to wait a few hours and I wanted to get it over with.

4.I didn’t have any protein with my lunch. I went over my calorie limit yesterday so I wanted to make up some ground so I had a bowl of vegetable soup for lunch.

Maybe I was just tired. The first two runs were so good I was confident about moving on to week 4. Now I am not so sure.

[Mirella Graduate]

Firstly you finished the run so you did great. Secondly we all have bad runs where things just don't go as expected, you just have to accept them and focus on your next run.

Try not to over-analyse your running. As long as you aren't eating junk or drinking alcohol then at this level diet really doesn't play that big a part. Water is probably the most important thing but if you are on a diet you are probably already aware of the benefits and are likely to be drinking more than the average person. I managed to graduate whilst on a vlcd diet (500-600 cals a day) and am currently working my way up to 10k so anything is possible.

Well done so far, week four next and I bet you will be fine, I think week 4 was my favourite. Relax, don't stress and enjoy your next run

[Alaiyo Graduate in reply to Mirella]

Just so people don't get the wrong idea and do something unhealthy, you were medically supervised on the 500-600 cals per day, right? (I am sure you were, this is really to make sure others stay safe.)

In general, without special supervision, adults should not eat less than 1200 cals per day, and will not usually get the kind of weight loss benefit they seek from going below that, because their metabolism slows down.

[Alaiyo Graduate]

As Mirella said before, you don't need to worry too much about an occasional challenging day, and you did finish, which is great.

I am an "over-analyzing" type, so I totally relate to your systematic approach. Feel free to note and tweak things to get your best results. I personally am a big fan of protein. Depending on your diet, I would recommend cutting carbs or fat before cutting protein if you want to limit calories. Carbs will give you energy for your run, but it's the protein that will make your body stronger as you rest after your run - preparing you for future runs.

Keep up the great work.

[glendam52 Graduate]

We all have bad days but in isolation it doesnt mean too much what matters is determination to finish that run and that is what will matter in the end.

Good luck with your next run I am sure you will be fine.