Sunday just gone will be remembered as the day I ran the worst run of my life. I mean, I’ll probably have forgotten about it in a few months, but right now the memory is sticking. It wasn’t a race, just a standard Sunday trot along the roadside, but my gosh, it was horrible. Rob and I had planned to go out for 5k run, but before the first 1k was complete I was struggling, with a stitch on both sides of my body, tight lungs and heavy legs. I knew from the start this was going to be the worst run ever.
I wanted to stop, but I kept pushing. I pushed myself as far as 4k, but then just couldn’t keep going. I honestly thought I was going to be sick. Sometimes I get a horrible feeling at the beginning of a run, but it passes and I end up feeling ok. Yesterday was different, my body just wasn’t happy.
I think I know why this was, but I suppose you can never know for sure. Maybe it was a combination of things, or maybe it was all in my mind. The night before I’d had friends over for an early birthday celebration, an evening that was fuelled by pizza, salad, M&Ms and cupcakes. Eating this kind of food the night before you want to run maybe isn’t the best idea, but I’m still not 100% convinced this was the only reason, as I’ve had cheat meals (days!) before running in the past and never felt this bad.
I’ve been pretty shattered lately. Mentally and physically. I think this is due to a hectic schedule and my looming yoga trip to Thailand which I’m a little nervous about. Maybe my run yesterday was my body’s way of telling me to slow down. Like I said, I’m not sure the reason for my awful run is even covered in this blog post because our bodies are wonderful but baffling things, things that we can never really read properly.
What I like about running is that you can have a run like I did and then two days later have a great run, where everything just works. Apart from a few jogs along the beach I don’t think I’ll get much running done whilst in Thailand over the next 6 weeks, but when I come home, we’ll see what happens.
Do you remember your worst run? If you’ve ever had a run like mine, just don’t let it get you down. It’s really blimmin’ frustrating, I know, but it’s just a blip and I’m sure your next run was better or will be better. Remember to listen to your body. I could have pushed for 5k, but then I might have actually been sick and I don’t wasn’t to put my body through that, it’s not worth it.
Be kind to yourself. Love, Cat x