Endurance with running

Why is it I ran a 1/2 marathon 2 weeks ago without too much trouble, but am struggling with 4-6 miles afterwards?  I keep wanting to walk.

Maybe you haven't allow yourself enough rest time to have fully recovered from the 1/2?

It is natural to have a letdown after an M or HM.  Not sure why.  It just happens.

It might be the lack of goal?  When you ran the HM you likely had that as a goal  ...  you likely had spectators  ...  you likely didn't want to let yourself or others down.  Embrace fear  ...  we all have it and it is a great motivator.

Now, you likely lack an upcoming goal  ...  or race.  You likely are running the 4 to 6 miles alone.  I find that even during long (20 mile) training runs I fight the urge to slow down or even walk.  If I am running with someone  ...  I don't want to embarrass myself by doing that  ...  so I find the motivation to keep running.

The great news is you did a HM.  You will get over this phase.  Keep running.  Pick out a new "goal".

Don't worry! It is awesome that you finished the race and you are still running.  That is all that matters!

Try a slower pace to start, and if you have any hills around, try doing some hill work (slowly) after a good 1 mile warmup.  I have found that the hills challenge me in a way that makes the rest of my run easier and more enjoyable.

A nutritionist friend of mine described marathons as the new "fad diet" because so many people run them and then stop running altogether. And you are still running!!!

Good luck!

I don't know but I'm having the same problem!  I ran a half on October 18th and average 8:30 per mile - I was on top of the world for days and feeling amazing but my running has suffered.  I should be able to do 6 mile runs easily but am finding myself walking after 4.  :(  I have cut back on my running and am doing more cross training before I start training for another half in January and hopefully it will get better!

Original Post by kelly827:

I don't know but I'm having the same problem!  I ran a half on October 18th and average 8:30 per mile - I was on top of the world for days and feeling amazing but my running has suffered.  I should be able to do 6 mile runs easily but am finding myself walking after 4.  :(  I have cut back on my running and am doing more cross training before I start training for another half in January and hopefully it will get better!

 This is not uncommon.  Training is not just physical.  It is also mental.  Without a specific purpose  ...  our mind lacks focus and drive.  The good news  ...  once you set a new goal  ...  and the fear of underachieving in it arises  ...  you will find that your running abilities will return.