Running - going backwards :(

[moutonfou]

I started Couch 2 5k in March and from then on went on an uninterrupted 17 week streak of running 3 times a week. I got my 5k time down to 27 minutes.

Then for the past couple of weeks, I had migraines, a period, and prepping for a job interview. Still managed to run once a week and thought that would be fine for maintenance, after all it's only been a couple of weeks.

But last couple of runs I've really struggled, breathing problems, Parkrun today was 2 mins off my best (to a time I last ran 2 months ago) despite feeling dead at the end, now feeling onset of DOMS in my knees.

Can you really go that far backwards in just 2 weeks? If so this running lark is brutal!

Do not be disheartened!

You have done amazingly well this year, sounds like you are a little under the weather so having a little blip in running form. A few early nights, and a bit of tlc will help whilst you get back into routines again. If persists, always worth getting your iron levels checked out - that seems to be a common issue in many things!

I'm really disappointed this wasn't a post about someone who could literally only go backwards.

@Meltor

Running is so fickle! You take a break or feel a bit crap and it all goes to pot. You sound as though you are doing a brilliant job, from c25k to 5km in 27 mins is amazing, be proud of yourself and don't be disheartened at a slower time whilst you build yourself back up. We all get a PW (personal worst) from time to time, they suck big time but you'll always recover sooner or later.

It is normal.

You shouldn't be running 'hard' (for a PB) more than 20% of your runs anyway. Reduce to your pace to 10 or 11 mph and slowly increase distance on one of your runs.

Sometimes you just lose your running mojo. But keep going out, you'll still feel glad you did when the run's done and your running mojo will come back eventually.

I was injured physically and had lots of non-running life problems for about 2 years. I am nothing like the runner I was (I was fast) and it all seems like the most almighty effort. I now concentrate on getting the love back. I pootle around with people who are much, much slower than me just to enjoy 15 miles of chat, laughter and making new friends. I have my PR time to 23 minutes (I used to run sub 20) and am just happy being happy. It is a terrible knock to your self-esteem isn't it? I don't enter any races anymore because I don't need to know that I can't do what I used to ( I bloody know anyway!).

Don't give up and concentrate on finding the love again!

I attend a Wednesday intervals group. There's a character in the group who used to be always in the front running fastest, or near enough to fastest. All the time shouting instructions (like who has the puff to shout if you're working very hard?).

He got ill or injured & had 3-4 months off. He's near the back now with us slowpokes, but improving steadily.