My Forum

 I've just read back through my post and you're right Julie it doesn't make a whole lot of sense

What I meant to say was that it felt like I was running very very slowly, and my legs were very very heavy. Yes you're right, I meant the actual effort was hard. You're all probably thinking I'm crazy, because if the effort was harder then of course you were running faster, but what I mean is that I wasn't putting any effort into it at all, I was trying to run slowly, yet I was still hurting, and still faster. I wasn't forcing my legs or pushing off harder, or increasing my stride length, nothing, yet it still felt very very difficult.

I think I need new shoes, I checked and I bought my Asics on May 25th.

Pan. 

Hi everyone,

 I think I may have answered this one myself, but your advice would be welcome.

I went out today for a short 4 miles after I'd been resting for the past week. I've been working on my dissertation and was slightly overworked so I thought I should lay off the training for a week. Now that the stress levels were down today (and also because it's my birthday!) I thought I'd go out for a gentle easy run round the park.

After about a mile into the run, however, the effort level went through the roof, even though my stride felt comfortable, the legs just felt like were glued to the floor. It didn't feel like I was running fast, in fact I started out slower than my normal easy cruising speed, which is normally 8:45 mins per mile. When I got back, however, breathing heavily, I looked at the stopwatch and it showed 30mins nearly dead.

Now, I know I had a huge effort perception, but I made myself slow down to what felt like a crawl, and still my legs felt like stone. The perception of speed was very slow, the effort level was high, and the average min/mile was much faster than normal cruising speed. I don't understand. If I was getting quicker the perception of effort should stay the same shouldn't it? 

I've never been overtrained so I'm not sure what that feels like, but my heart rate has been normal all week in the mornings so I don't think that's the problem, although it might be.

Do you think I need a new pair of running shoes? I run 25 miles a week (up until last week) and I think I bought my last pair 3 months ago. Is that what it feels like when your shoes wear out?

Anyway, I was annoyed that a short 4 miles should feel so difficult, but am impressed by the time. I am confused! Please help!

Pan. 

I haven't been able to go out running for 5 days now and my legs are aching from not being used! I was just considering running around the library, but as I was eyeing up the aisle with a little too much pleasure I caught the librarian glancing at me worriedly.

I tried running on Sunday, but I've been putting in such long hours recently that they refused to work, maybe all of this sitting down surrounded by paper will be a good break for the legs, shame about the damage to the eyes though!

So I've taken to reading this thread every few hours, dreaming about getting out there again. I guess my point is - keep running and keep writing about running, you really do inspire so many people! (and keeps me entertained through the dark hours!)

Thankyou!

Pan.

My last run was an imaginary run as I am currently under tight dissertation pressures and every hour counts unfortunately

But I ran all the way from our old house in Glenridding to the top of Helvellyn, taking the time to skim a few stones acorss Lanty Tarn on the way up and then navigating Striding Edge along the way. I practically flew up, 5:30mins/mile, quick dip in Red Tarn on the way down! Refreshing! I decided to take the stream path through the forest back past the campsite and back into the village, stopping at the outdoor store to curl up with their huge st.bernard. Best imaginary run in a while!

 Pan.