Running question ❔

[Elissy]

Hi, just a quick question to the more experienced runners. I went out to do week 6 run 2 of couch-5km a little while ago. After my warm up run I realised that I hadn't ha any food sine a early sandwich for lunch, I usually eat a banana or something small about 30 minutes before running. I carried on running 2x 10 minutes but this time I found my legs really hurt more than normal and i was really hungry by the end.

Could the aching legs come from not eating for a long time or just be an "odd" day???

[Keep_on_going]

I rarely eat before a 30 min run and I'm usually fine. Anything longer I'd definitely eat.

I usually run in the morning before work, however, over Christmas I didnt have to rush so I ate before runny img and I did notice the difference.

I'm not sure if the aching legs are due to not eating or something else but I suggest that you always warm up AND stretch your legs before and after running and, if you usually eat, eat.

[Keep_on_going]

Just to add, it could also just be a bad run. It happens but don't let it put you off 😀

[Elissy 3kg]

Thank you both😊

I run every other day, and usually come home at 4.15, have a snack and go out about 5.15. Then home for cooking dinner.

Might just be getting used to "normal" calories after Xmas and me going out hungry in the pouring rain.

I think I will re run all of week 6 as I don't feel like managing 25 minutes yet - and that is next 😉

[Hidden]

Could be the not eating, although as with keep-on-going, I often don't eat before running (normally run at about 9am after school run and eat breakfast afterwards) - except if it's a longer run. But because you run in the afternoon, perhaps you do need to rely on that snack ?

Do you know what it could be though - I found that the week 6 runs were tough because you got into a running routine for 10 mins, and then stopped to walk for a bit - and I actually found it more of a struggle to get going again than I did when running for 20 mins the previous week. My legs felt more tired because of the walk in the middle. Could it be something like this - where your legs are just stiffening up a bit during the walk section ? Week 7 is actually a lot easier because you are back to running non-stop again (surprisingly !!)

[Elissy 3kg in reply to Hidden]

Hmmm, you might be right. I found the 20 minute run at the end of week 5 hard, but after about 13 minutes it got easier and at the end I felt like I could have kept going. I was going to put off the next long run at the end of week 6, but I might give it a go Monday morning 😊

I can always go backwards if I feel it's not working 😏

[Hidden]

I found weeks 6, 7 & 8 really difficult too, so be kind to yourself! My bad runs are normally down to not having had enough water during the day or the day before. But I think post-work running is very difficult, I often feel much more worn out than I do in the morning when I manage to run before work refreshed straight from a nice sleep. So I'd agree that a mid-afternoon snack is probably a good idea - banana, nuts or oat-based for slow-release energy. But also it could just be a bad run - you can't always find the reason for those! Hope the next one goes better - just keep taking it all as it comes

[Elissy 3kg in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Ruth

I can't get out in the morning and quite like the time after work to switch off.

I will try the next run and if I struggle too much, I will go back a couple of runs. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought I'd ever get into -and enjoy - any kind of running, so I'm pleased I got this far 😊

[nhs2015]

I run first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Between 5 and 6am.

With Parkrun here starting at 8am, I will have breakfast around 6 then be ok for a run at 8am.

I also find the longest runs better. Once I start I can keep on going. Once I stop I find it hard to start again.