beginner and going backwards?

maria74

Hi,
I finished c25k in Aug and was running 30 mins without breaks and then moved up to 35 mins and then 5K and was able to do this in 34/35 mins.
But now I seem to be going backwards. Did 1st 5k last week and tool 37.45. Today I did 5k and it took 34 mins but I stopped about 3 times for about 10 secs.

I have been trying to do 1 long run per week and had got up to 1 hr (2 weeks ago) and then 2x5K runs during the week. But I am stopping a lot more ..during the 1hr I stopped 3/4 times. I am not sure if it is just psychological and if I should be worrying about it, or just keep doing what I am doing. Although I know myself I am not as happy about my running because I am stopping so much. I just dont seem to be able to keep going...and it is especially bad during 1st 15 mins (which I know can always be tough at the start of a run). After 15/20 mins I am not stopping as much

I dont really have a real plan for running, I enjoy it and am delighted with the way my body has changed and that I am finally doing something I have always wanted to do and I would like to speed up a bit I suppose. was delighted to do 1hr and would eventually like to do 10k.

Just wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom, or thoughts. I would really appreciate it.
Thanks

macinalli

Why are you stopping during your runs? If it's cos you're out of breath, then you just need to slow down a bit til you get your breath back. Stitches can also be a problem - if that's the case you just need to watch when you eat before a run.

If it's a case that you're just stopping for no reason, then that's a different thing and not so easy to solve. Sometimes the mind starts telling you to take a break - the only way through this is to just ignore that voice in your head and keep going. Do any of these sound like the reason?

RoyMcC

Hi Maria,
First of all, you've done a great job so far. You should understand that progress is never linear and that you'll have setbacks along the way.

1. Try not to concern yourself with speed just yet. That will come. As macinalli says, just take that pressure off - slow down and enjoy your running.

2. Instead of stopping, try slowing down almost to a halt, but keep moving. You'll find that, after a minute or two, your legs will recover a bit and you'll pick up a bit of pace again. The Kenyans have a great saying - 'Let the run come to you.'

3. Set yourself that 10k race target, maybe for the end of the year or the Spring. Find a programme, or set one for yourself, which will get you gradually to that level.

Good luck.

fungirl1

Maria - well done so far!

Agree with earlier replies - I think you need to figure out why you are stopping:

1. if you are out of breath - you need to slow down until you get your breath back - but maybe try running a little slower so that you dont get so breathless that you need to stop.

2. Are your legs too heavy / tired - are you stretching before and after you run?

3. Is the little voice in your head saying "stop" - this one is harder to deal with (I think ) - you have to tell your self you can do it. Begin by setting realistic goals / improvements for yourself ...I still struggle with this one...I talked out loud to myself when running the HM in Dublin this year!!

4. Are you hydrating properly before you go running? I find my runs sooo much harder when i am not properly hydrated.

Hope this helps

maria74

Hi, Thanks for all your suggestions. Am off out now for a run and try to figure out exactly why I am stopping so much! Thanks

maria74

Thanks for theadvice guys...think I needed a bit of encouragment...and a kick! Managed to do 56 mins yesterday (sore feet...blisters I think..made me head home) and it was great!:) Beautiful day and I took it reeeaaallly slow, but did 8.5K so delighted! Stopped after 15 mins for about 10 secs and about 25 mins to cross a road. At 35 mins I felt fantastic and could have run forever!
Realised when I am stopping it is mainly because sore legs etc, took RoyMc advice and slowed even more a couple of times and it really helped. Thanks a million guys...just have to sort my feet now!!:P

rainbow kirby

Good stuff, you'll be ready for a 10k before you know it

macinalli

Sore feet aren't an issue - once you've good shoes and socks that fit properly it's just a matter of time before your feet get used to the running.

If your legs are sore from running then as fungirl says you should also look into stretching. Don't stretch before you go out, but instead spend 5 - 10 minutes at the end. It'll remove the tightness from your legs and you'll feel better starting off the next day. If there are certain muscles that are causing problems then there are lots of videos online that give good examples of how to stretch these properly. Keep it up!

Have you looked for a 5k/10k race that you could do? It's a great focus for future training and the race day buzz is always worthwhile!:)

maria74

Did 5K in Ratharnham couple weeks ago..am thinking of a 10K maybe. Done an hour run couple of times now..so maybe!:)