Did I forget how to run?

Krista916

Not sure what is happening recently to my running. I started with the C25K program in March and finished the program. Currently I run 3-4 days per week and I try to run at least 2-4 miles every time. I ran 4 5k races over the summer and my times were better and better. I have not signed up for any more races (yet) and I feel like all of a sudden I can't remember how to run. I get winded, everything hurts, it feels akward. I'm barely making it through a straight mile or mile and a half before I have to stop and walk for a few seconds so I end up switching over to intervals. I know my speed is increasing because I run using the Nike app, but I could not think that just a 30 second time difference per mile would practically kill me. My last run, my first mile was 12:03 and att he beginning of the summer I was around 12:40. Is my body rebelling? Have I lose my drive because I'm not training for a race? Did I really forget how to run? It's only been going on for about 3 weeks. Could it be from the weather changing? I was really hoping my runs would improve in the fall.

Runningcircuits

It could totally be mental - I know I hate cold. Hate, hate. I had a slow run my last one because my head was playing the "cold hands, cold face" dialogue in my head. The mental challenge of running is often greater than the physical.

But....could it be your shoes? I know mine are beyond worn and I am in serious need of a new pair. Shin splints and extra sore muscles told me so.

Good luck!

PS-maybe a new playlist?

-Jen

Domane1963

Maybe your body doesn't want to run 3-4 times a week and is telling you to have a break. I'd have a week off and then try again to see if it makes a difference. I'm 50 and recently read an article that explained that people over 40 take longer to recover than the whippersnappers - at the time I was running 5km three times a week and finding it hard going. As much as it dented my pride, I took a step down and started running just twice a week... and that has really helped. Last Sunday I felt fantastic and ran 8km for the first time.... and whipped 42 seconds off my 5km PB in the process!

Mr_Knight

Mental state is a huge part of running performance. Any athletic performance, really.

Could be as simple as your (metaphysical) heart is telling you it would like a couple of weeks off...?

The other thing is that it doesn't sound like you're increasing distance. I find I don't feel comfortable at 5km unless I run 8-10km at least once a week. The funny thing is I'd forgotten that myself with my cycling (I'm Tri-training) and have been struggling with what used to be "don't even think about it" distances lately. That's a sign I need to bump my time in the saddle back up, at least one session a week.

Good luck!