I've forgotten how to run!!!

sastrodder

I've messed up!!!!

I did a 10km run on 26th May and it went horribly. My training had gone really well and I was hoping to improve on my previous time of 01:02:16. Unfortunately, I hadn't anticipated it being so hot and by the time I got to 8km I was done for! I had to stop and walk a little bit and for me, once I've stopped once it's pretty much game over!!

As a result, I lost my confidence a bit and last Sunday was the first time I could face going out since. Again, it was quite warm and I managed 4km (I was aiming for 5) before throwing in the towel.

The problem is I am signed up to do another 10km run on July 14th and I'm wondering if I should even bother! I've got an exam on the 4th so the majority of my time is being taken up with revision for that at the mo. Have I got time to get to where I need to be to make my next 10km run worthwhile???

tresmond

Dont give up........running should be enjoyable, and you are putting to much pressure on yourself.

Why don't you have a break from your revision and have a nice run, whatever the distance...clear your head!!

Don;t worry about the 10km...completion is the key. try and go running 2 to 3 times a week and keep pushing that distance, even if you walk and by July you should be fine.

If it's hot take water with you and wear a cap.

Maybe after your exams join your local running club, then you are not running on your own and it's more dun.

Good luck.

scottb81

You haven't forgotten how to run. You took a month off and lost a significant amount of fitness.

If you want to improve you have to be consistent.

OtiWanKenobi

I totally know where you're coming from!

I completed a half marathon last summer but it wasn't without enduring multiple sprained ankles, back aches, IT Pain and shin splints.

About 6 months ago I was advised by several seasoned runner friends that I needed to change my running form. I did and it was like starting all over again. I could barely do a mile without being in pain because I was using new muscles, etc. I had another ankle injury.... Needless to say I was in a slump.

Scottb81 is sooooooo right. I kept at it and out of a whim I decided to run another half marathon this past weekend. Even though the longest distance since my injuries and my slump was 5 miles. Guess what? I finished it!!! I didn't think it was possible....I was going to do with the mindset that I would do as much as I could and walk the rest. Well tell you what? I ran a total of 9....then ran/walked the rest of the way. Let me tell you....the MIND is a powerful thing. It took me longer to finish this year than last because it was hotter than hell...but it felt great to finish.

I say run the race....don't quit...you're body never forgets how to run. you'll thank yourself for making that effort!!! :bigsmile:

athenasurrenders

I don't know how fast you need to be for you to consider your run worthwhile so I can't address that part.

What I will say is that if you are anything like me, some exercise breaks will boost your concentration levels and give your brain a much needed rest from studying, so it might help your exam performance if you keep training.

mmsilvia

Keep at it ~ it will all come back to you

I went through something very similar...I ran daily but, took a break from it when I had my son. Now I wish I never stopped but, at the time it seemed like a good idea. It took me a couple of mths to get my stride back but, once I got it back it was the BEST feeling.

Think positive and you will be just fine

sjp_511

Don't get discouraged. You had a bad run. Everyone has bad days. Last fall I PRd on a half, did another one 2 weeks later and had my worst half ever. I hadn't been feeling well for a few days before the second race and was having worse than normal female cramps. I ended up walking most of the race because every time I ran the pain and cramps in my stomach would greatly increase in severity. I still finshed and that is what counts.

You need to learn how to shake off the bad days and focus on the next one.

And it can take a while to get acclimated to the summer heat. But I have gotten a lot of fall PRs by pushing through those hot summer runs that can be absolutely miserable.

sastrodder

Thank you all - you were right. I just needed to chill out and get over myself!!!

I just go thome from work, put in a couple of hours revision and then took myself off for a run. I changed my music and I set my endomondo so that it ddn't tell me how far I had ran until I was ready to stop.

I did 6km with no stops so I'm really pleased. I only set out to do 4 or 5, and I felt like I could've done more - I only came back in because I didn't want to miss How I Met Your Mother!!!!!!