Does this ever happen to you?

[ChisJo]

I started long distance running a couple of years ago - nothing serious, just more for health reasons. Last year, I decided to try to get to a 10km run. I made it to 8km.

This year, my goal increased to 1/2 marathon. Everything goes all right, but then I get in a slump. I want to run and I go out to run, but I can't go far, I am not motivated, my muscles hurt and there is no desire to finish. So I stop. It's like one week I am running a 15km, and the next week I am lucky to make it down the block.

Just to give you some background, I am a full time student and have 2 part time jobs. Yes, I overwork, but really have tons of energy. Is it just my body literally giving up? Is that why I can't make it?

I feel like such a failure when I can't do the run. I feel like giving up. I don't know why this is happening and then the slump starts. I will go for a couple of weeks with not wanting to put on the shoes, but then one day, I will get motivated again. It's happened twice so far this year, and it puts me SO behind my training.

Also, I am not in a run group. I would LOVE to be, but my schedule conflicts with the group times in the city that I live in. I don't know anyone that has the same schedule as me that can run the same distances as me either. I feel like giving up - I just want to make it across the finish line, but can't get the stamina to do it! I am frustrated and at wits end - does this ever happen to you?

 

[wtpclc]

Are you trying to do too many long rruns back 2 back? Many o fus are on a prgram where we run no more than an hour 2-3 days during the week and then push it more during our long runs. Maybe you need to work your way up a little more. It's not recommended to increase your distance more than 10% per week, so maybe you're just pushing too hard too fast.

I would back off and try to work your way up gradually. Just a thought.

SO, will wi see you at the WDW half come january?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yes. I get in slumps. Just coming out of one. Very hard to stay motivated outside the training window. That is the time to cross train and do FUN activities while maintaining fitness for running.

Swim, play racquetball, take a spin class--anything. That will help break your rut. Then you will get to a moment where you realize you miss it and then that is when you are ready to hit the road again.

 

[ChisJo]

Yeah - hoping to do the 1/2 in January - that is what I am working towards. I will convocate in December, and my gift is a trip to WDW and the 1/2 marathon.

Not running too much or too quickly. I am following John Statton's marathon training guide (own's the Running Room). Anyways, will keep working. Today, instead of running, I went biking instead - WOW, what a difference. I went 12 km outside and it was such a different cardio experience.

But, still feel like I am in a slump....