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Original poster

I think I've hit a running 'low' - feel old, slow and crap.

1 reply

blearynweary · 19/04/2016 10:44

I only started running a couple of months ago - had loads of support on here which was great. I started off planning to run for 10 minutes, now I can run for 20 minutes plus and have been running about 10k a week. I'm slow. About 7 minutes a km. I was really happy and pleased with myself when I started. The longest I've managed is 4.5k which is great as I am training for a 5k race for life in June. And despite having plantar fasciitis, I've not had any injuries.

But I've hit a low point. I've not lost any weight and hoped I would have by now, which I thought might help my running. I'm still really slow. I still struggle with hills. I don't know ANYONE in RL who runs as slowly as me - anyone I know in RL who runs is either training for the fecking London Marathon or doing triathlons!

I made the mistake of letting my SIL follow me on Strava and of course she's running 15k at a time at a 5 min a k pace.

My plantar fasciitis isn't going away and I can feel myself starting to lose motivation.

Help!!

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MNHQ

LisaMumsnet · 19/04/2016 14:11

blearynweary when I read your post I just HAD to reply! I too am the slowest runner I know but that hasn't stopped me running marathons - even though I do often come last. Running is the most amazing life-affirming activity there is and on no account should you let your speed determine your enjoyment of it. You are doing absolutely fabulously - most people I meet tell me they can't even run a bath! And you're doing it with plantar fasciitis - blimey! Everyone struggles with hills - just keep doing them and they'll get easier. I still find running a challenge after doing it for many, many years. My advice is to find a running buddy as quickly as you can (it makes running feel like a party not purgatory) - parkrun is a fabulous place to start. NEVER be intimidated by parkrun - it's just the friendliest place going! Yes there are Olympian members like Jo Pavey who run 5K in 5 minutes flat, but there are also two year olds and 90 year olds and everyone supports each other. Don't be disheartened about losing weight through running - many people don't. If you just nudge white carbs off your plate and replace them with lots of veg and salad that will make a huge difference. And don't forget to have protein at every meal. Get off Strava as quickly as you can - honestly, comparing yourself to others is never going to be satisfying. Set your own targets - aim to speak to 10 different people at each parkrun, create a running CV of superfun races - and celebrate meeting them. I read a great race sign once that said 'You don't find yourself, you create yourself' - you have already made a great start at creating that new fitter you and have every reason to be proud of yourself.

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