Need some runner advice....

chrissyh

I am very frustrated...when I run by myself, I am running twice as far as when I am with my husband. Not sure if I am trying to go faster because he's there or what but it seems everytime we run together recently it's me slowing us down. I struggled last week with 2 of my runs - but I chalked that up to being tired.

I've realized how much of running is mental and maybe I am just not preparing myself....I started running on May 5 - with Couch to 5k - I finished it in early July.

I've also not slept good in a week and a half - since we got our puppy so I am really tired - maybe this contributes...but there again - when I jogged Sunday, I did 3.5 miles - last night - barely 2....

I also did a strength training class Monday night - could it be too much back to back??


Any advice from anyone who's been there would be great....

chrissyh

:ohwell:

PureAndHealthy

Honestly I would say it's probably a little of all of those things. Also the weather and what I've eaten in the previous 12 hours has an effect on how long I can last. When it's hot and humid, I just can't get as far (about passed out when I tried to push myself in the heat one evening.... not fun:sick: ) and if I haven't eaten enough OR eaten too soon before a run... I don't do as well. Your husband may run a little faster than you do which makes you increase your speed and therefore not be able to go as far as you would on your own. I wouldn't worry about sometimes being able to run farther and faster than other times... just maybe pay attention to your schedule, diet, weather, etc and see if you can find what's most affecting your run. Good luck!

chrissyh

Honestly I would say it's probably a little of all of those things. Also the weather and what I've eaten in the previous 12 hours has an effect on how long I can last. When it's hot and humid, I just can't get as far (about passed out when I tried to push myself in the heat one evening.... not fun:sick: ) and if I haven't eaten enough OR eaten too soon before a run... I don't do as well. Your husband may run a little faster than you do which makes you increase your speed and therefore not be able to go as far as you would on your own. I wouldn't worry about sometimes being able to run farther and faster than other times... just maybe pay attention to your schedule, diet, weather, etc and see if you can find what's most affecting your run. Good luck!

Thanks!

KatWood

Running is definitely as mental as it is physical. I am no expert but maybe you just need a few days off (all vigorous exercise). I am training for a 1/2 marathon and just found out that I am actually running too much! No wonder I always seem achy.

Running with others can definitely mess up your pace, however it isn't always a bad thing. If you think about it your husband is challenging you to go faster. Once in a while I run with my mom who is slower than me, but it is actually a good reminder that to run for a long distance that I need to control my speed to save energy.

Good luck and congrats on finishing the couch to 5k program!

chrissyh

Thanks Kat - I have been so proud of what I've accomplished and felt like I stumbled a bit...but you are right - I have been achy most of the time - maybe a bit of rest is in order....