Mind over matter?

[Sammyyy]

After feeling fairly comfortable running fir 30 minutes, I decided to up it a bit & run for 35 minutes.

But found it quite difficult running today, no reason why, it just did. So for only the 2nd time since I started this running in January, I decided to stop at 25 minutes!

My pace was still good, ( although it didn’t feel good!)

Now I’m thinking maybe it was because I was worried about running for a longer time?

I think I’ll run using the NRC coach as normal for a 30 minute run next time, but instead of stopping at 30 minutes, continue running for hopefully a further 5 minutes, do other people have similar experiences?

Thanks for all the help you’ve given in the past

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I think that's a good idea, you'll take the pressure off yourself xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Great plan! Some runs are easier than others for all sorts of reasons. Lower your expectations and simply enjoy the run - that's a much nicer way to progress

[nowster Metric Marathon]

You mention your pace being good. For longer runs you need to slow down a bit. I found that hard to do initially.

It's easier on the body to progressively run for longer than it is to try to do the same distance faster. Going slow for longer actually can make you faster on the shorter distances. I was sceptical at first, but it does actually work.

You mentioned doing the Magic Plan a few months ago. How did you get on with it?

[Sammyyy in reply to nowster]

Hi, I didn’t progress with the magic plan, felt I needed to improve stamina, but am feeling a bit more confident now, thankyou for remembering!

[Sammyyy in reply to nowster]

Yes, think I need to slowly build up the time, thankyou

[Chesterlove]

I think sometimes runs just don’t go well. I’ve done an 8 mile one recently which I got such a high from, and I did a 15min recovery run another day and everything felt uncomfortable 🤷‍♀️. Just congratulate yourself on what you did and move onto the next one.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Some runs are just hard. It can be poor hydration, lack of sleep, the weather, the temperature, time of day, which socks I'm wearing... you name it! 🤣 usually when I compare the stats with similar runs there is little difference... they just feel tougher.

There's definitely a mental element though. If you build it up in your mind to be a big deal it will become a big deal. Maybe just add 2 /3mins for now so it doesn't seem like a noticeable increase.

[Sammyyy in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thankyou, yes I went out for a 30 minute run yesterday & actually ran for 33! Small steps, but it means I’m enjoying the running rather than dreading it ( most times!😂)Thankyou

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Sammyyy]

And that's what REALLY counts! Smiles over miles 👍🏻😁