Any advice? Struggle to run alone yet in a group I can

[Boringusername444]

10 weeks in to couch to 10k
Have now done a few none stop 5K runs in my running group.

Yet when I run alone I am instantly tired, struggling to breathe, get a stitch, sore legs and ankles and I have to really push to reach 1 mile then have to have a rest walk.

What the feck is wrong with me?
I can’t afford to do all my runs in the running club.

Do you have headphones? You could listen to the radio whilst you run. Radio 4 or catchup documentary.

It's been proven that people perform better when they're with others than alone.

I imagine this is just a mental blockage, start off small and build it up slowly and mentally you will tell yourself you can.

I don’t have head phones. I should invest- do you recommend any?

I will try starting with short runs and build it up.

Definitely listen to something. I did the podcasts for C25K and felt similar on finishing - I could run no problem with Laura coaching me in the podcast, but struggled when I was 'on my own' (ie without the podcast, even though I was running alone before).

I bought some fancy sports earphones, but complete waste of money imo. I am better with regular in-ear earphones and wear them up and over my ears, like the image.

Ah interesting way to wear them, i’ll Try that

Do you plan your route in advance and set a timer to go off after a set time? I also run better in a group, I wondered if part of it was because I just have to turn up and follow, I don't need to think about where to go or even the pace. I also don't have to keep looking at my phone to see how far in I am.
I find I can get a bit listless if I just go out on my own, I need a set circuit so that I'm heading off with purpose.

I've got bluetooth earbuds from Lidl a few weeks ago. I connect these via Bluetooth to my phone. I put one in my ear and the other down my top so that I can hear traffic. I catch up with The Archers omnibus! 😂

Do you chat when you run in a group? You could find that alone you’re actually running much faster than you do in group, and need to pace yourself better. If you start off too fast you can get a stitch.

I run to songs with decent lyrics or even rap/hip hip type stuff if that’s your thing- and by sort of singing along under my breath occasionally I can tell if I’m going too fast. It’s really helped me to pace myself.

Stitches are more common at certain stages of your cycle for done sciencey reason that’s waaaaaay over my head, but there’s a runners world article all about it. They recommend isotonic tabs before running to boost your salts and these have virtually eradicated my stitch issues due to totm.

^ the reason I ask about chat btw is that you’re supposed to be able to hold a conversation while jogging, not be totally out of breath.

Runners world article about cycle and stitch, if anyone is interested

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.runnersworld.com/advanced/amp20805395/how-menstruation-affects-your-running/

Are you setting off too quickly on your own OP? I find it's hard to pace yourself when you first start running. Download Strava if you're not sure and you'll get a rough time over 500m, 1km, 1mile. Use it whenever you run and you'll soon spot if there's a difference in your pace when you run in a group or run by yourself. Definitely get a playlist, podcast or something to listen too on the way round. Just remember to keep the music mid-tempo!

To run alone you need the kit! Good headphones that don't fall out plus something to hold your phone in are vital. Plus I have a Fitbit blaze so I can check my heart rate and distance easily on my wrist and I get a little buzz every 0.5 Miles. That's not compulsory but it does help! I don't know how anyone can run without headphones though; I have audible and listen to audiobooks!

I was going to ask if you set off too quickly.

When I run alone I have to try and pace myself. Try and walk the first few minutes to warm up and then run at a steady pace.

I quite like to listen to music too. In addition to keeping you occupied it helps with pace. I just have some in ear headphones which hook over my ears.

Thank you all. I’m thinking it’s a combination of all of the above!
I’m going to change a few of my ways and see what happens.
Thanks all. I’m still a newb to the running so I need to hone my skill :)

Read this thread! www.mumsnet.com/Talk/exercise/3273109-niko-niko-running-technique-experiences

I definitely think pace awareness and podcasts/music would help you.

Contrary to what most people are saying, I much prefer to run on my own: I can select the pace and generally don't push myself at all! Works for me though.