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Everyone’s heard of the “runners high”.
There’s nothing more invigorating or inspiring to a runner.
Whether it’s crushing your personal record(PR) on the track or gliding through a long run, the feeling is unparalleled.
Of course if this happened every time on each run then everybody would be doing it.
So the alternative is when you have a bad run.
Unfortunately it happens to all runners whether you’re well seasoned or a newbie.
And here are seven reasons why you had a bad run.
You’re Training Too Much
When you’re in the middle of training it might be difficult to realize when you’re doing too much.
Take a step back and look at your training schedule.
Many runners don’t believe that resting is equally as important as running.
It gives the body and the mind time to recover which leads to better performance.
Continuing to over-train will almost insure many bad runs
is the future.
It's important to listen to your body.
If you've ever experienced this feeling and wonder why do my legs feel heavy this could be a sign.
Tracking your heart rate is another way to measure.
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If your resting heart rate remains regularly elevated this could also be a warning sign.
Long Distance Running
When training for longer races like a marathon, your outlook changes.
You get ready for your long weekend run with great expertise.
Making sure you go to bed early and get the proper amount of sleep.
The night before you carb up to ensure you have enough energy for the morning.
You expect your longer runs to be difficult so you prepare accordingly.
Then during a easy 5 mile run you feel like you’re going to die.
Don’t assume you’re going to breeze through all your short runs.
These are going to feel just as hard if you haven’t given your body the rest it needs.
You Feel Overwhelmed
Society is pulling you in all directions from work to kids to relationships leaving you completely exhausted.
A lot of times you may think you feel fine but your body may disagree.
Being consistently tense will cause muscles to suffer and lead to running fatigue.
Also not getting enough sleep will decrease your body’s ability to perform well.
With that being said, running is also known to be a good stress reducer.
The key is a proper training schedule that incorporates enough recovery time.
You’re Feeling Under The Weather
Sometimes our bodies feel an illness coming on before we’re willing to accept it’s happening.
You may fatigue faster while you’re running or find yourself performing slower than usual.
If you're feeling run down it's alright to take the rest of the day off.
Listen to your body.
Trying to continue your normal training schedule when you’re sick isn’t going to work.
It will hinder your performance and compromise your health.
Stick to shorter runs and add more resting days.
You’re Not Resting Enough
Recovery is vital after a long run or intense training session.
Your body will break down if you consistently push it too hard.
Many runners try to figure out how to push through the pain instead of taking a day off.
Muscles need rest even if you don’t feel sore.
Also there are supplements that will aid in recovery like BCAA's.
Trying to run after a serious exertion will almost insure a bad run.
You’re On The Road
There are a whole host of factors to consider when traveling.
A long,cramped flight or changing of time zones will alter your workout.
Going to a higher altitude can also greatly diminish your result.
Dealing with weather can be tricky.
You may think doing a race at sea level will give you an edge.
But don’t forget about humidity, it’s a killer if you’re not used to it.
Also watch when the weather first turns cold or hot.
If you don’t give your body time to acclimate, your run will suffer.
There’s No Reason Why
Sometimes a bad run is just that, a bad run.
Just remember everybody has them no matter how long they’ve been running.
The key is to recognize it and don’t beat yourself up about it.
Learn from it and move on!
