Dissapointed :(

Andiebeanluvsu

I am so bummed with myself right now!!! Today was supposed to mark my last week in C25K--my 28 minute run. I only made it about 21 minutes today (and had to dig deep for that) before my legs got all wobbly on me and I totally hit a wall.

I'm fairly certain that it was a combination of the heat (it's nearly 80 here this morning), and the fact that I started the "You Are Your Own Gym" 10 week novice program on Saturday. I had started with arms on run days, but then I was looking into it, and a lot of people suggested working legs on run days to give them a full day's rest--so I did legs on Saturday, too. I went walking yesterday as well to soothe my sore leg muscles.

Is this just a case of too much too soon? Should I keep pushing through, or should I put strength training on the back burner?

I'm just so discouraged right now. I know strength training is important, but it kills me to see my run endurance suffer because of it

PaytraB

Don't be discouraged. All runners have "those" runs. It's devastating but the next run is almost always a terrific one, so you've got that to look forward to.

You're still finding your running legs and strengthening your body. Perhaps the leg workout before a run pushed you over the top. Next time, if your legs start to feel wobbly during a run, try slowing down (or did you do that?). It's surprising how much a slower pace can lead to a longer run time.

You're doing great. You'll graduate C25K soon. These types of runs happen to everyone and will continue to happen in your running life. Look forward to the next run; it'll be a better one.

rduhlir

It is actually normal for your running to suffer slightly whenever you start a new program a long side. Don't be discouraged, the DOMs will subside and you will be back to normal in a couple days. I personally don't run on leg day...though I don't really have a "leg" day, all my strength is full body compound exercises.

But don't worry, it is completely normal to have pretty strong DOMs when you start a new strength program. You got the run done anyway, even if it wasn't as long as you expected. Don't be afraid to bring back walk breaks if you need them. I know in the last few weeks you don't walk, but walk breaks can be a runner's best friend on tough runs. Jeff Galloway has gotten people to Boston using walk breaks. They are a way to rest briefly in a run, but not affect endurance. I still use walk breaks during my runs if needed, and always use them in long runs.

Andiebeanluvsu

So, I will eventually get to the point where the DOMS isn't so bad when I strength train? Whew!! I guess I just will keep at it, then. I just started this week, so I'm not sure where I need to fit everything in. The program I am doing alternates upper body and lower body 4x a week. Since I've already been running 4x a week from the start, I just assumed it would be easier to do strength after my run, so I could maximize recovery time and just do some light walking on my rest days 3x a week. I'm open for suggestions though. I did do legs after my run today, but I just scaled back the ladder sets to 4 minutes instead of 7.5 minutes--it wasn't terrible.

As for my next run...should I try to advance to 30 minutes, even though I didn't complete my 28 minute run today?? I'd hate to have to repeat days, but maybe that's just stubborness coming through.

rduhlir

Yes, DOMs do subside. I hardly get any now. If I do then is just general muscle tiredness.

The decission to advance is really up to you. If you feel good that day then try it, if not then stay at the 28 minutes. You really are already there...after all it is only 2 more minutes. Slow down even more if you have to.