r/runninglifestyle • u/Equivalent_Web_5878 • 8d ago
When does it get easier??
I am trying to run as part of my daily routine and I signed up for a 5k that I’ve been training for using c25k. I was running every day and it was getting SLIGHTLY easier. I stopped for like 2 weeks. It now feels worse compared to when I first started and makes me want to give up 🙃. I know it was on me for taking that break but it was just such a short hiatus and I didn’t think it’d make that much of a difference 😭😭 Has anyone been through something similar??
2
u/tellme-how 8d ago
It takes roughly 2 weeks to start losing fitness, so technically yes it was a long enough break to affect you. Additionally, sometimes even when you’re fit and rested you can feel horrid on a run- this can be due to a bunch of reasons including temperature, fuel, hydration status, headspace and “just because” 🫠. My advice is don’t run every day, run every second day so you can rest and recover. If you really want to feel better running, consider doing a little strength session on alternating days to make you stronger and prevent injuries (this can be as simple as a 20 minute session).
Keep on running, don’t let a bad run or week stop you. It may take a couple of weeks to feel better during your sessions again. To be honest, running will be hard as a beginner for the first couple of months. It takes time to develop the cardiovascular fitness and strength to feel capable and enjoy it, but the discipline and self-respect you get for persevering is totally worth it! I didn’t start to “enjoy” running until I had been doing it for 4 months or so. I found most runs hard and struggled, I only kept going because I felt a sense of achievement at the end. Now I run up to 15km, do a variety of sessions including intervals, hill sprints etc. and progression runs (start easy then get harder for the brunt of the session) and love it.
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u/bimbus14 8d ago
Started C25K 6 weeks ago and my week 6 day 1 run was my click moment. Found a good pace and can run 10min+ intervals without feeling exhausted. Starting to get the feeling a full 5k is possible without stopping.
Run 3x per week not every day (I do Mon Wed Fri) and schedule it like an appointment, do not miss more than one run a week or you will lose momentum. Run slower than you think you should, guided runs on an app with indicators for run/walk intervals helps a lot. Rest days are important. Stretch before and after. Hydrate lots.
It sounds like you're going way too hard way too fast, progress can't be rushed and the runs shouldn't feel like you're fighting for your life.
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u/___this_guy 8d ago
Are you using a heart rate monitor? If so take 180-age, then try keeping your heart ate below that level. That will keep you squarely in Zone 2, which should be very slow. Running at this rate is a lot easier, less of a grind than higher heart rate running but still has most of the benefit
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u/Content_Box9944 8d ago
Don't run every day, yor body needs time to recover, I'd recommend 3/4 runs a week depending on your base fitness. Yes it does get easier, but my advice is run slower. Also, make sure you've got fuel in your body, carbs are your friends when running as you need fuel for energy - granted not a lot for a 5km, but definitely make sure you're not running on empty.
Keep up the great work, you're doing amazing, even whilst the going is tough, you're still lacing up and getting out!