Running frustration

[Pippa49]

Since I have been back from Swansea I have been struggling to find the motivation to go out and run. Not ideal as I have a big finale to the year. Somebody suggested that I was putting too much pressure on myself and maybe they are right. After my DNF at Brighton marathon in April I feel under some unseen pressure to do things a certain way.

However tonight after deciding I didn't want to go out running I have decided I am not going to run much this week if at all. I have decided to tear up the training plan I downloaded and printed off for the Yorkshire Marathon. I believe once I have decided that I am having a break I will be in a happier position to get out and run again.

I know that some of my running friends will say that I won't have enough time etc but I am not a beginner having done 5 half marathons but I need a break from running for a bit.

Thank you for reading.

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Many professional athletes take whole seasons off, take a few weeks off running but keep doing some other excersises to keep fit so that when you restart running you don't need to go back to run 1, week 1 of C25K.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks I swim twice a week but its the only other exercise apart from running I do. I am concerned that having two weeks of no running will not leave me enough time to get the mileage in for my big event two weeks after Cardiff Half (I will only have 14 weeks to get up to 20- 22 miles.

[Hidden]

Due to injury earlier in the year, I’ve only just started training for my first half this October, and I’m 72 so not as quick to gain condition as I was even a decade ago. But I’m going to do my best. Lots of people would say it isn’t enough time. My only cross training is swimming, yoga and walking the dogs. There is no point stressing about it and making myself reluctant to run. So I’m with you on this.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

It's good to take a break sometimes xxx

[Bazza1234 Marathon]

I put together a 52 week Couch to Marathon plan which culminates in my first marathon on Sunday. I wasn't a"beginner" having been running for 4 year with 3 HM's under my belt - but I had had an injury which had set me back for 6 months. It's been a long 12 months and I am ready for this marathon - but I also think that I will be wanting a break from running for a while. I am certain that I will get back to it - but I have found that preparation for these marathons and half marathons are very long and tiring. Better to get back to something maybe a bit more enjoyable for a while. I am going on a 14 day cruise in a months time and I am looking forward to playing around with the ship's gym treadmills and my heart rate monitor

[Oldfloss Administrator]

You need the break take it x

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Go with your gut. Once you're feeling more into it the training won't seem so bad and if you really want to acheive the goal in time you will. 👍🏻😉

I often think there is a lot of pressure in signing up for these things that robs some of the fun and anticipation.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks GoGo -jjojo. I was 50 this year and I had hoped that Brighton marathon would have been my goal but although I did 18.26miles on the treadmill managed only 13 on the day. Yorkshire-marathon is another chance but it's the rigidity of training plans that put me off. I have decided to run when I feel like it and how far I want to to try and get my running mojo back. I have started with a session at my running group today.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Pippa49]

Running in a group will probably help a lot by making it less of a chore 👍🏻

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I have been looking through the t&cs and at the current time I would only get 20% of the fee back if I withdraw., I can't transfer to the 10 mile race but don't want to defer as I would end up doing two marathons in a year : London or Brighton in April and Yorkshire in October. Not sure if I am ready for that. Really don't know what to do. When I signed up I was excited to get another chance but now feel under pressure especially as I only have 15 weeks until race day. It's my own fault for not reading the t&cs first so I have three options :

1) knuckle down and train

2) defer to next year - not ideal

3) withdraw

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Pippa49]

🤔 well, I don't know how much the fee was but unless you'd beat yourself up even more it might be better to have the 'withdraw' as plan B.

See how you feel in a few weeks after some time with the club etc.

Only you know whether it's just nerves or if maybe it is the wrong time for this one.

It's a women's prerogative to change her mind 😉 if it costs something, better it be cash than wellbeing 👍🏻

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

It was £53.20. I have emailed the organisers (they replied to my message) to find out what my options are. I don't want to withdraw but scared that having too long a break will not give me enough time to get the mileage needed done in time. My mum is back in hospital so I'll not make a decision yet until I hear back from the organisers.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Pippa49]

Wait and see. You don't need to decide yet 👍🏻

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Have had this reply to a comment on Facebook :

Hi Philipa, we've just replied to your DM but please don't worry about the cut off time. The 7 hours is due to road closure restrictions. We would never ask you to leave the course unless you become ill or pick up an injury which means you couldn't continue. If you require longer than 7 hours then you may be asked to complete the course on the pavement but will be fully supported by a back marker until you cross the finish line where you will be cheered in and presented with your medal. Hope this helps and if you have any other worries or questions then please feel free to drop us a DM. Katy

Think I will be OK. Of course I will train and I have worked out that I have 11 weeks till Cardiff Half then another week before marathon race weekend starting from week commencing Monday 15th July. I can still get the mileage in even if I start at 10K and go up in 1-2miles increments. Feeling a bit better about it now. I can chill out for another week running if I want to and swim as cross training and relaxation.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Pippa49]

I'm glad you're feeling better about it 👍🏻😁

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

'if it costs something, better it be cash than wellbeing' - what a brilliant perspective, that can be applied to so many things 💗