Running help

[Igotta]

I've completed C25K and now try to run 3 times a week. I've done 5K 3 times and usually do between 2.5-4K BUT

I'm still finding it so so hard. My legs hurt and my head shouts at me to just stop.

Will I ever like it? Am I just not a runner?

I was so proud of my first 5K but I'm just not enjoying it now.

Anyone got any tips or advice? Thank you.

Heat doesn't help. Make sure you're well hydrated including salts.

Do you need to slow down?

The C25k+ podcasts are a good follow on from the original plan.

My body often takes about 5k to warm up. My sweet spot is about 4 to 8 miles so it is possible that distance suits you more.

Slow down!

Just go out, tell yourself you'll just do 20mins, but might carry on if it's going well.

I ran as a chore to be ticked off the 'to do' list, only done because it was good for me. It took months before I started liking it.

Don't go too fast and yes agree that my best and easiest distances are after 5k when you start to find a rhythm. Also, try to run with someone so you can chat, or listen to audiobooks or podcasts. It's dire if you've nothing. If I'm listening to a really good book it's a lot easier and I almost look forward to it.

Few thoughts from me ... Have you tried running different times of day? I much prefer running early in the morning, can tolerate lunchtime if I must, evenings are dire. My kids are the complete opposite.

Are you able to vary the route? I’d been running the same route for weeks now and I think it would begin to grate a bit if I’d not changed a bit recently.

Also I need music, makes a huge difference for me!

Was also going to say slow down! A lot slower, like 30 second/mile slower. Are you varying your route? Go somewhere you haven’t been before. Do you know anyone else who runs, who would be up for a socially distanced run with you? It’s easier with friends.

I find 5k quite hard, especially if I’m going fast. I only really get going after 2 miles. I’d rather run 10 lovely slow miles than fast 5k.

And also, it’s roasting at the moment and that makes it seem loads harder, so don’t be too hard on yourself.

I've recently got into running (still amazes me that I voluntarily get up early and run, never thought I'd be one of those type of people!).

My good runs are always when I've got out of my head and stopping thinking ow ow ow I don't like it. Agree with the other posters that a good soundtrack is essential - for me it's good upbeat music I can run to the beat of. My friend likes running to audiobooks.

I always assume the first km will hurt so I tell myself to keep going whatever. Maybe you could do the same for the first 5 mins?

I also agree with other posters to try slowing down, should make your legs hurt less.

Also maybe try doing some squats and lunges in between runs to help build muscle?

Don't listen to your head. Heads talk crap and will tell you almost anything to talk you into giving up.

Running might not be for you, that is a possibility. Other possibilities... do you have an injury? (when you say your legs hurt, are they just knackered?) Are you running when it's hot, and if so, try dawn, it's so beautiful...Do you need a goal? Running 5k was an achievement, and trying for it kept you going. Time yourself and do it faster? Aim for longer runs? And... are you running the same route over and over? If so, try changing it.

I'm a runner. But not all the time! Have a week off? I've had months off, sometimes. It's always there to go back to.

I've just started running I've been trying to run every other day but my ankles have been aching so I've been giving myself an extra recovery day. Like others have said I find the first couple of km hardest and my aches seem to go away after that and my run's more enjoyable. I usually do between about 7-10 km and I always run in the morning when it's cooler. I aim to be out of the house by 7.30 at the latest. I also ease myself into my run. As I'm achey for the first bit I run slower and gradually build up speed.

An afterthought... are you taking care of hydration? Dehydration can make running feel like a real slog, even when your body is quite capable of the distance. Very important, and especially when the weather's warm.

Psst you don’t have to love running, quite a few people at my running club only love it for the social side and when its done .

Now you’ve achieved your goal the hard reality and boredom sets in..I’d normally suggest a race, but as they are all cancelled why not try a virtual running challenge with a medal at the end ? I’d also mix it up as much as you can , run ‘with’ a friend or child on a bike, run through a park or along a canal, do intervals or a hill session. Many runners will do a speed session (short and fast) an effort session (hills) and a long , slow run each week. Boredom is your enemy as if you’re focussed on something else like your 5k then you’re not focussing on the effort.

Thank you very much.

I've picked out a new route for tomorrow and I've downloaded a podcast. I'm bored of all my music so that's a great idea. I really fancy an audiobook too.

I think I'm maybe not drinking enough water either, so I'll up that.

My legs just feel heavy and plodding rather than very painful. It's all a slog if that makes sense.

Thanks again for the comments, I really want to enjoy it.

I started a thread last week asking the same thing.
There are lots of helpful suggestions on there. Varying the type of run, what to eat, stride length, music etc.
But hydration is the main thing to look at. Not just before a run but at all times.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/exercise/3924290-Running-help-needed?msgid=97027400

Thanks elephant.

I planned a 5k today but ended up stopping after 1k and crying all the way home

My legs felt like I was wearing concrete boots.

I'm going to try again soon.

Some really good suggestions here thank you, the only thing I can’t do is get up earlier to do it! I wish I was one of those people who can run in the morning but I feel so tired and I’m just not a morning person lunch time seems to be best for me, evening feels too much like winding down to get the energy to go

I’ve downloaded the Harry Potter audio books to get me going again

I've been drinking loads more water and doing the suggestions on here.

Today I had an amazing run! 5K, lovely breathing and light legs.

Thank you all very much.