Anyone just ever have a bad run before? I try to run 2 miles and walk 2, a few times a week. And every once in a while when I get out to run I can't go more than 4 minutes and am tired, and just not into it.

That happens to me sometimes. Although I can't run 2 miles straight yet, there are times when I just give up my routine and walk the rest when I'm too winded or start to get cramps way before I usually do.

Yep.. Some days I can run for days... no problem.. Other days.. it's agony to get 2 miles out. I take it with a grain of salt...

Remember to start out slow...

Yes - I try to jog every other day, at least 2 miles. Sometimes it is a real struggle to even get through it. Other days I can go longer. It has a lot to do with how tired I am, what the weather is like (I jog outside), and what I have eaten for the day.

Yes, that happens to me sometimes. These days, I run about 2.25 miles, preceeded by a warm up walk and followed by a past paced walk (all on treadmill). Every once in a while I have a day like that - I actually always finish my preset quoata (because I don't allow myself to quit) but it's a HUUUGE struggle. On other days, I get into a zone and I am thinking of various things, and the time just flies by.

But, I also call a "bad run" a run when I have to get off the treadmill because bowel movement is knocking on the door and cannot be put off any longer.
I really annoys me to get off the treadmill when I am in the middle but ya know .... what can one do.

There was an article in Runnersworld at one time that mentioned everyone (from beginners to the elite) can have those bad runs.

Don't fret it - this is one reason to keep a running log to identify the pattern.

I find it interestng that some days that I expect a bad run I have one of my best and vice versa.

Yes it happens - Lori

Me too!

Once in a while I can find something to blame it on... like the time of the month, eating less than usual, doing a hard lower-body workout in the days before, or not drinking enough water that day. But usually it seems random.

It seems to happen to me when I try to run too many days in a row. Ummm...like more than one. I guess that's why I'd rather be on a bike.

Me too! I'm glad to know it's a NORMAL thing! I would have to say at least once a week for me! I run at least 2 miles 5 times per week, and those days when it's rough--it takes everything in me to finish!

When I was running (pre-pregnancy) I would have a bad run every now and then. It happens to every single runner at some point or another. You just push through and look forward to those runs that feel fantastic... you know, the ones where you're in the zone and could run all day.

One suggestion that I got here on 3FC was that if you find yourself worn out during or after exercise, and you're not overdoing it, then maybe you are not getting enough protein.

I increased my protein intake and it did make a difference. The reason is that it's not fuel I was lacking, it was enough material to rebuild and maintain my muscles.

Worth a try, maybe.

Jay

I agree about dehydration. When I've had a 'bad run' and look back to the day before, I often find that I hadn't had enough to drink. Not to worry though, you're still reaping the benefits.

The previous poster hinted at something that I think is a great idea. Pay attention to when your bad runs happen and what's going on around that time... you may just find a pattern. I noticed that my bad runs would usually happen the day after I'd had a wee bit too much wine. The dehydration did it to me every time.