Running gone downhill

[Anonymous]

I used to run 5k no problem until this year. I finally got COVID and it wiped me out, and I haven’t been the same. But I also turned 50, and am post-menopausal. Is it a combination of all of the above?

FYI I still do CrossFit. I have some pretty good workouts, though, but maybe it’s because they are shorter intensity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to run 5k no problem until this year. I finally got COVID and it wiped me out, and I haven’t been the same. But I also turned 50, and am post-menopausal. Is it a combination of all of the above?

FYI I still do CrossFit. I have some pretty good workouts, though, but maybe it’s because they are shorter intensity.

It's a combination of everything. I'm nowhere as near as fast as I used to be. Also 50 and took a good year off due to an injury. I still run but I am SO MUCH slower. I've gotten to the point where I don't care about pace I'm just happy to be out there running. I still run 3-4 miles at a time but I'm pretty much a turtle now.

In order to get better at running you just have to be consistent with it. Something I'm struggling with now. I do F45 and OT so I'm not running as much as I used to which isn't helping in the pace department.

[Anonymous]

I plan to focus more on strength training which is really important for older women I think.

[Anonymous]

I'm 51 and have noticed the same thing - my running has gone way downhill since about 2020. I can still run, but not as far or as fast and I'm exhausted during the run and afterward. I'm exhausted a lot, actually. (I have thyroid issues but this goes beyond that.) I'm in peri menopause but periods are still happening pretty regularly. I lift weights 3 days a week and I'm still consistent with the running but it's hard to enjoy it when it feels so hard. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

After COVID, you have to start back up slowly and work as if you’re starting from scratch. My 8 year old can’t run 5K either. Give yourself at least a month (if you now feel totally fine). At 50, you will be able to work back up to 5K or 8k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After COVID, you have to start back up slowly and work as if you’re starting from scratch. My 8 year old can’t run 5K either. Give yourself at least a month (if you now feel totally fine). At 50, you will be able to work back up to 5K or 8k.

Thank you for all of the responses. I will make it my Fall goal, and will be be too hard on myself like I used to be! I also noticed that I need more sleep.

[Anonymous]

Start from scratch, and focus on zone 2 training when you run.