Running backwards (not literally!!)

[avagomo]

Graduated at the end of August and then did first 5k race beginning of September in 38.02 mins. Since then I feel I've gone backwards - I'm struggling to run the full 5k distance. I'm using the Stepping Stones podcast (tried the Speed one which nearly killed me!) and am running fairly comfortably for 30 mins in which time I run about 3.6/3.8k. To go further or for longer just defeats me presently. Maybe it's the change in weather or because I had a weeks holiday and missed some runs although did lots of walking. Going to give myself a serious talking to - I've done it before so I can do it again!! Watch this space!

[doggymum Graduate]

Please don't be too hard on yourself. You are still getting out there and going for a run which is not to be sneezed at. You should give yourself a big pat on the back for that as its easy to give up when feeling demotivated.

I went through a similar thing myself for a few week after graduating. I did all of C25K on the treadmill, but after doing a few Parkruns I bit the bullet and took myself off outside. I've tried to take the pressure off myself by going for a run when I want to, not because I feel I 'have to' to get 3 runs a week in. I've also been running to my own playlist rather than the podcasts as I felt I was failing them every time I tried. I will go back to them, but I'm going to enjoy my 'running me time' for what it is for a few weeks 1st.

Hopefully you will find something that works for you. Even if you plot a 5k route to do for your run and end up walking a bit of it, it could help you refocus your running so that you challenge yourself to go a little bit further before your walk break each time. (I've been doing that at Parkrun!)

Good luck avagomo - keep us posted!

[avagomo Graduate in reply to doggymum]

Thanks for your encouragement. Gave myself a good talking to and went out yesterday in a very determined frame of mind. Began a bit iffily but then got in my stride. I listened to the Stepping Stones podcast and when Laura said the 30 were done I carried on until I felt I couldn't do anymore. Checked on geodistance.com later and I'd done it - 5.094k!!!

[Deryn61 Graduate]

You are still doing more than before you started so good on you! If you keep getting out there (bugger the weather, rain is very cooling!) 3 times a week if possible is all you need.

If you can then start to add a few mins on to one of those runs each week then you will soon build up both speed and stamina (that's all I did). Don't worry about distance just enjoy your run!

I did lose my mojo a bit after graduating so signed up for a charity 10,k downloaded a personalised plan off Runners world website and knowing I had a "race" coming up kept me motivated.

Just think of the progress you made from when you started, you can achieve amazing things!

[avagomo Graduate in reply to Deryn61]

Thanks for your encouragement. Gave myself a good talking to and went out yesterday in a very determined frame of mind. Began a bit iffily but then got in my stride. I listened to the Stepping Stones podcast and when Laura said the 30 mins were done I carried on until I felt I couldn't do anymore. Checked on geodistance.com later and I'd done it - 5.094k!!!

[Deryn61 Graduate in reply to avagomo]

Fantastic!

[flowerbox Graduate]

I'm struggling to find the time and the motivation since I graduated. It was about a month after graduation that I managed to run the full 30 minutes again. I did it by listening to the week 9 podcast. I'm trying to mix things up a bit by doing the Speed podcast, the week 9 podcast or a 5km (not non-stop) each week. My best 5km time is currently 41 minutes so I'm not breaking any speed records.

[avagomo Graduate in reply to flowerbox]

Thanks for your encouragement. Gave myself a good talking to and went out yesterday in a very determined frame of mind. Began a bit iffily but then got in my stride. I listened to the Stepping Stones podcast and when Laura said the 30 mins were done I carried on until I felt I couldn't do anymore. Checked on geodistance.com later and I'd done it - 5.094k!!!