Going backwards!

[SB1000]

I am not sure if anyone can help with this, maybe some words of encouragement or similar?

I started my running journey about a year ago and with lots of hard work managed to get to 9 miles in 1 hour 28 mins. I was so happy, and felt that I was really improving. Then in April 21 covid hit. Since then I have completely lost my drive, I struggle on most runs to reach 5k. I don't think its a medical thing (I had covid very mild) but more of a mental block. I just can't get myself to go any further. On the odd day I might manage 4 - 4.5 miles but that's it. Plus I feel like I am getting worse.

Has anyone else struggled with a mental block? Did you do anything to overcome it?

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Don’t underestimate the lasting impact of Covid. While your symptoms were mild at the time, perhaps your body is saying otherwise!

Have you eased your way back to running? Slow, short runs to start with and then building up gradually again. Are you running too fast perhaps?

An idea might be to forget about distance at this stage and instead go out for timed runs, say 15/20 minutes and then build up. I’ve done that recently after returning from injury and Covid and it worked well for me. Might be worth a try.

Mental barriers are very common with running so try not to worry too much about it.

Try running slower, shorter runs and put the 5K marker to the back of your mind for the time being. You’ll get there again. I promise 🙂