Forums/

Beginner Running

Kate K.
Kate K. Sendmail

Hitting a brick wall

posted 4 months ago | Report

I don't know if it's the weather or what... but i'm stuck at running a 5k (3.1) and can't get past 3.1 miles. I have ran 3.5 twice but that's all the farther I've gotten. Is it normal or am I just not pushing myself? I think I have 3.1 miles in my head because I keep signing up for 5k races and I have 3.1 miles in my head!

Respond

11 posts

scroll to bottom
  • Ashley M.
    Ashley M. Sendmail

    What do you mean about hitting a wall? Do you physically feel a body breakdown at that point or is it that you just mentally are "over it" at that point or what? How long have you been running and what is your weekly mileage?

    I would just say to push through it. Don't increase your weekly mileage more than 10%, but slowly increase it so that is more manageable.

    My first thought is that you just aren't pushing yourself and that's is just a mental block. Running is part mental and you just have to develop your mental strength too.. Make yourself go just a little further each time. You will get past it. It always takes me a mile or two to find my groove when I run. After I hit a few miles, I start to feel great. You just need to find your sweet spot!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Patrick O.
    Patrick O. Sendmail

    Not sure if your an outdoors runner but if so to push yourself past the hurdle I would rather at least 3 miles away from home that way you have to run back and can hit the 6 mile mark.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Ryan
    Ryan Sendmail

    I see that on a 2 mile race, you did about 9 min/miles, but based on your logs you are often doing 3 miles at about 10 min/miles. Try slowing down - usually people find that their 5k race pace is a good couple minutes faster than their training pace when extending distance. Work on one thing at a time - distance or speed - but not both simultaneously.
    Depending on what level of fitness you have, you may benefit from taking a walk break for 10-15 seconds every 3-4 minutes to help you get past the 3.1 mile mark. S'ok - we won't tell anyone, and we'll still count it as miles running :)

    posted 4 months ago

  • Kate K.
    Kate K. Sendmail

    I run 2-3 days a week running atleast 3 miles per run. I have been running inside since the weather is a little bit colder here in PA. I've noticed that i do run faster outside than i do inside and that my race times are better (i have only done 2 races but have another one in march) i just get to 3 miles and i'm like i got to 3 i'm done! i thnk it's just mental but i appreciate everyones insight! i will take your suggestions next time i run!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Running Tips
    Running Tips Sendmail

    Kate, yes I think you might be having a mental block there. One of the main reason may also be because you are running inside. If you feel you are more of an outside runner it will be very difficult to run inside. I have a treadmill that i try to use on rainy days. By the half mile mark I'm ready to give up and many times i just end up running outside in the rain. I live in California so i know the weather is not even close to being cold as it is where you live. good luck to you. http://runningtipsforbeginners.com

    posted 4 months ago

  • Paul
    Paul Sendmail

    Kate,

    Its almost certainly a mental block.

    But as usual Ryan makes a lot of sense.

    So next time, set the treadmill to a slightly slower pace, turn the stereo up, or put a good show on the TV, cover up the display on the TM and just run... if you dont worry about the distance, and just run, then you can slowly extend the time your running a minute longer each run... before you know it youll be doing 4, 5 or even 6 miles.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Gil R.
    Gil R. Sendmail

    Kate, if I were you I would either forget races for a while and just run. Or commit to longer race training...10K...half marathon....

    posted 4 months ago

  • Kate K.
    Kate K. Sendmail

    Thanks for the replies everyone! I did go at a slower pace and ran an extra 1/2 mile. I probably could've ran longer but thought i'd add a 1/2 mile each week and then work on my time!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Tamie E.
    Tamie E. Sendmail

    Hey Kate, When I had that problem, I was told that it was more of a time block than a distance block. Try running for an hour, regardless of the distance. Run some, and walk when you are tired. Don't worry about pace. You will absolutely blow that wall! :D

    posted 4 months ago

  • John L.
    John L. Sendmail

    Your playing the mind game. Next run just let go, you will know when you break through the wall. Don't think so much, the body will do what the mind wills.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Kris O.
    Kris O. Sendmail

    Don't be too hard on yourself. We all want to improve but take it in a smooth pace., You did great on adding 1/2 mile per week. It's a great start. Consistency is always the key. If you be consistent in that half mile per week, you will add 2 miles in a month. That's an accomplishment. :)

    posted 4 months ago

Similar Discussions in Running - Beginner Running