Story of two 5k runs

bigislandhikers

Ran a 5k about two weeks ago and had a best time. Felt really good with energy at the end. Ran another one a couple of days ago and felt awful. My time was over 2 minutes slower. I wanted to quit about half way into the run and nearly puked at the end. It took me almost a day to recover and feel like myself again.

What can cause such a difference between on race and another?

Thanks
BIH

scottb81

Could be different terrain, higher temps, something you ate, something you drank (alcohol), not enough sleep, not enough recovery, or just a bad day. Try and pinpoint what you did differently before each race and that is probably the cause.

jkeeling39

Hydration can play a major part in your overall performance level. I too have had these peaks and valleys in my running and setting a daily water goal has helped even those out.

Culley34

Try and give yourself more time between races.

Also, I agree with the others -- it sounds like hydration. Was it hot and humid?

wolfgate

On the time only, don't ignore the factor that unless the course is certified and they actually ran the certified course, then the distance of each race was likely not 5k. They vary widely - I've raced 5ks that were anywhere between 2.8 and 3.5 miles. Most 5ks are not certified and if they are they tend to advertise in prominently. So you can't tell that much from your time differences.

Now, as to how you felt (where you can tell something), as others have said it depends on a lot. From nutrition to hydration to weather. Often, hoping to set a PR, people start out harder than they should and end up struggling later. Try to think about all differences between the two 5ks, and speculate on what might have caused you to feel worse.

Experience will help you learn how to run a 5k most effectively. It's a tough distance to race well and requires learning exactly where that personal threshold is that let's you run hard - but not overextend.

sixisCHANGEDjk

I had a similar instance but with about 2 months between races. It was probably my diet and hydration but I think I tried so hard to beat my last time that I went out way too fast and just fizzled out. Ended, as you say, with about a 2 minute loss of time. I just hope for better races next time. They won't all be great.

Yanicka1

Bad runs happen.

DonniesGirl69

Could be anything, different temps/humidity level....not enough fuel.....not enough hydration can cause the symptoms you're describing.

bigislandhikers

Ok I guess I wont worry about it.

My first mile on both runs were both about 6:40. It was hotter and by part way through my mouth was all cotton and I couldnt spit if I tried. I thought I drank enough but perhaps not.

Thanks
BIH