A bit discouraged.

[MaryDerry]

I set out today as .0 degrees! for my usualy 30 minute run. My first problem was wearing enough to be warm as I started, but by 13 minutes I was boiled! So stopped at the car to take some layers off. I ran for 32 minutes to make up for stopping and every step was a real struggle. I would have thought by week 3 post graduation I should be feeling pretty good doing my 30 minutes. Still at only 2 1/2 miles. Now I am not really bothered by the distance, but I am bothered by the stamina. I ate 2 bananas and an apple before starting out, waiting about 45 minutes. No tea, just water. But wow, shouldn't it be getting easier?

[Fingalo Graduate]

You've done the whole programme so know that we all react differently to different stages. I'm sure there will be other graduates along (congratulations, by the way) to tell you they felt the same and to give you better advice than someone yet to complete it, like myself, can do.

The reason I replied is because I was curious as to whether you've considered that it's because you've completed the programme that you are finding it hard? It seems to me that you've had a challenge for at least nine weeks and now there's nothing to guide you or challenge you. I know it's something I've looked at the nearer I come to graduating.

[notbad Graduate]

I think what Fingalo has said makes a lot of sense, it certainly was my experience to feel a bit 'flat' post-grad & I still have bad runs even now. I made the same mistake as you going out over dressed and then boiling this a.m! The thing is not to get discouraged, we're still building fitness so it won't feel easy, but look how far you have progressed in such a short time. Don't know what you are running to at the moment but have you tried the 5k+ podcasts? Sometimes I find going back to Laura gives me a boost.

[notbad Graduate in reply to notbad]

Oh and well done for struggling on when it wasn't easy, that is what stamina is all about.

[Greg_M Graduate]

Some days are like that I am afraid. The important thing is you completed it. Two years down the line I still regularly get those runs that are all about brute force and ignorance rather than smooth flowing effortlessness - well you know what I mean

Also getting the clothing right for different conditions is one of those experience things, you will have a better plan next time now you know much you warm up which is another distraction lessened which didn't help this time round.

Don't think anything of it you're doing just fine.

[MaryDerry Graduate]

Thanks you guys, I do see what Fingalo means about no focus. When I was doing the programme I used to wake up with an excited feeling and couldn't wait to get out and conquer my next run. Now that the podcasts are over I do think there is something to what you say. Perhaps I should download the 5k+ to try that. I have just been running to my own music and aiming to get to 5k in 30 minutes.

As for the layers question. I plan to go out next time with what is comfortable by the end of the run. Will just have to feel cold for the first bit I think.

[swanscot Graduate in reply to MaryDerry]

I'd recommend the 5K+ podcasts and doing a variety of runs. When I graduated I felt I could only run as one speed, but by introducing short fast runs in short intervals of speed (5K+ Speed), I found I could run faster. And even better, by running really slowly I found that not only could I run further, but it was enjoyable.

Try Stepping Stones to start with, then move onto the others when you're ready. I'd also try running slowly for as long as you can and see how far you can get.

[Jeddahpm Graduate]

I agree with Greg. As an example, the week before last I ran for 40 mins, enjoyed the run (i never find it easy) and bounded around like a playful puppy afterwards. This week I ran for 50mins and after the first 10 I felt almost each stride was hard. All my recent runs have involved the same weekly increases but I know that some runs are just tougher than others and am well equipped with handy distractions for myself along with lots of determination and enthusiasm. Everyone is different but for me I just take each run as it comes and know that whatever it is I can match it as I have done before and will continue to do. Perhaps finding the whole program hard but still enjoying it has given me the confidence to know I can succeed even during the most trying runs. Anyway well done on graduating and completing such a tough run!

[gdeann Graduate]

(((HUGS))) Mary!!!! I feel your pain and hopefully understand where you're coming from. I think as more mature women, we tend to compare our stamina to other women 20-30 years younger. I am doing a 10K program and get down when I compare my pace to others. I keep thinking I should have more stamina and be faster, then I remember, I never ran until 5 months ago. As a women, I also find hormonal changes in my body can cause my body/ legs to feel heavier etc. Like Greg wrote, some runs will be that way. Last week I had one of my best runs ever, it was half-way enjoyable, my next run stunk big time!!!! Try dressing in light wicking layers with a light jacket that can easily be removed and tied around the waist. Good luck Mary, try not to get down, look how far you have came! Gayle

[MaryDerry Graduate]

Thanks for all of this. I think I will try the Stepping Stones and see if that helps. I do tend to forget the age thing!!!! Up until last October I had never run for even 1 minute, so I need to keep that in mind too. Some positive self talk is in order!

[greenlegs Graduate]

Just a thought about the warming up. I run from my house, so this time I did half my warm up walk away from the house, then walked back, dropped off my outer layer at home, and then got running. Not always practical, but it worked well for me, as I felt I needed two fleece layers to get going, and I don't like ending up carrying one of them.

The trickiest bit was working out when half of the 5 minutes was up, as I hadn't got a watch on, so had to guess.

[MaryDerry Graduate]

I like that idea. I could do that with the car. Just be a bit for brisk on the warm up to try to heat up a bit. Good idea!!!! Thanks.

[eshaz14 Graduate]

So with Gayle on this one, I also keep thinking I should be doing more, then force myself to remember that for 20+ years I did very little (alright non-existent) exercise.

Keep it going Mary, remember that a short while ago you were doing nothing, now you're running for 30 minutes.