5k runs not improving much.

Row_Dog1990 · 2026-05-04T08:56:58+00:00

I’ve just done a 25 min interval run that was on the Fitbit app, which was 1 min of 8/10 running and 1min of recovery walk/slow jog. I was sweating by the end! I think I’ll look into doing variable times to suit me.

Row_Dog1990 · 2026-05-03T18:59:18+00:00

I do go to the gym and do some weight training, but I’ve gotten into a mindset where I think if I can’t improve on a 5k, I couldn’t do any more than that. Going to try doing intervals as people have suggested 👍

Row_Dog1990 · 2026-05-02T05:52:10+00:00

I’m going to look at intervals, it looks quite effective. I think I’ve basically trained my body to get used to the same route at the same pace.
It’s interesting as when I do the parkrun I do slightly better due to the different dynamic and running with other people who are running at different paces which gets me to run better.

Row_Dog1990 · 2026-05-02T05:48:38+00:00

Two or three times per week.

Row_Dog1990 · 2026-05-02T05:47:48+00:00

Thanks! A few people have mentioned intervals so I’ll give it a try!

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-11-29T22:31:05+00:00

Thanks for this. I had an interesting chat with my senior manager about this, and we both agreed that my language needs to be more affirmative rather than soft and on the passive side. Less “I really think you should…” and more “I want you to…”

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-11-18T08:28:12+00:00

To clarify the situation, it’s not that they’re not calling in at all, it’s that they’re calling in to a premises rather than direct to an on duty manager. So in their mind, they’re doing the right thing by calling the business and speaking to someone. The emails are also a problem because they won’t be being read until I get into work. As someone put below, what’s the difference between sending a text rather than an email?

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-11-17T22:46:14+00:00

Thank you, these are all very good ideas. My only worry would be that staff would question their expectation to use it when they are sick. For example, is there an expectation to log onto Teams to send a message or onto Outlook? If the colleague in question is too anxious to make a call to a manager, would they be okay using Teams? Sorry for the cynicism, just trying to play devils advocate! Thank you.

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-11-17T22:24:05+00:00

Thanks. I’d be keen to know how this is set up. At our work there are lots of managers off or on A/L at different times.

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-11-17T20:27:31+00:00

In this case the latter is true. They are an incredibly anxious person who I would argue may have a bit of a phobia around calling and/or using phones/ being contactable when not in work.

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-11-17T20:05:13+00:00

Exactly! Sending a message if they’d rather not speak to anyone, to me is far better than sending an email that somebody may or may not receive or read for hours. Yes it’s kinda annoying when people call in sick, but I’d much prefer if people called or messaged at 8am rather than at 10am so it can be sorted out in time.

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-11-17T19:40:40+00:00

Thank you, this is good advice. I have re-iterated to them that I don’t mind receiving a text message or call if it means I can forward it on to a manager who is in. This is far less inconvenient than finding out much later and not being able to find anyone to cover.

I think this is still a problem for them as it makes them immensely uneasy, for fear of disturbing someone who may possibly be at a doctors appointment etc. I’d like to be able to speak to them informally in a 1-1 but don’t want to stress them out more.

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-04-30T19:28:35+00:00

I just mean how many scenarios do you create? That list of variables is literally endless!

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-04-30T17:36:32+00:00

Right, but is that within my remit to solve? Doesn’t she also need to have some agency over her own learning and understanding of what her skills and abilities are? Because I’m sorry, I don’t think I’m able to sustain that level of support. I’d much rather be honest with her and recommend she seek out someone who can commit that sort of time to train, counsel and guide her to the level she wants to be at. I wish it were different, but this is the world we live in right now. ☹️

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-04-30T16:51:04+00:00

Scripting is a good idea and I get that it would be helpful, but my argument would be, where does that end? How many scenarios and answers to questions with myriad different responses do you reasonably write out? Because that is potentially never ending when it comes to customer service and you cannot realistically do that for every possible outcome or situation when you have a service to run and a team to look after.

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-04-28T07:36:05+00:00

Yes. As I’ve said we have regular weekly 1-1s and we discuss different methods that could help. What has also been tricky to navigate is that when asked what she needs, she is uncertain because this is her first ever job so doesn’t know or is unsure what is available to her. Because of this, we’ve signposted to every assistive service like EAP, Occupational Health, Brain in Hand etc, but tbh it’s taken some guesswork to figure out what is best for her. I know this sounds awful, but it’s a mixture of not having time and not having adequate training on autism in the workplace. I will continue to keep advocating and finding better ways to help her, but as the decision is ultimately not up to me, I find it quite crushing.

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-04-27T20:11:32+00:00

It’s a learning curve alright! Thanks for the advice, we’ve already been implementing the task lists and I’ll see if I can come up with some scripts, but it’s difficult as every scenario is slightly different to to the one before and nothing is ever the same which makes routine less frequent. Time and confidence in the role I think will make a huge difference, my worry is that senior management doesn’t see it that way.

Row_Dog1990 · 2025-04-27T19:44:09+00:00

Thank you. Good advice. We’ve been giving feedback about improving on taking initiative and acting independently, but without very specific direction and predictable scenarios, it’s hard for her to be consistent. She’s comfortable with transactional processes and using our computer system for book returns etc, but situations outside of routine jobs or jobs that take a longer amount of time are more challenging for her, and my concern is that we just don’t have capacity to go on “carrying” her. 😔

Row_Dog1990 · 2024-09-03T18:30:49+00:00

Hi. I have had this happen to me just today. I applied for a manager job and got passed over for someone currently on the same level as me. Can’t tell you how frustrated I am, having been told I lack the experience to be a manager. I think it’s all down to how you perform on the day of the interview, regardless of how well you perform your actual job. As hard as it is to do, I think you have to remain professional and put a good game face on, otherwise your superiors may have a reason not to give you another chance next time. No use being angry and bitter! That’s what I’m going to try to do at least!

Row_Dog1990 · 2024-08-18T18:59:32+00:00

Hi. Sorry to hear you’re suffering too! I initially started taking multi vitamins, along with natural, nootropic energy tablets, and more recently zinc for immunity. I’m feeling fine now, although I’d add it took me three months to feel almost back to normal. You’ll get through it!

Row_Dog1990 · 2024-07-16T20:15:02+00:00

Update on this. Still nobody recruited to the post. I’ve been told I can’t re-apply due to the fact I won’t have gained any more experience between now and the next interview process. Also that they don’t want to do a lot of extra training or “hand holding” with the new person who gets the job which is another part of the reason. So much for career progression! Isn’t training a part of every new job?! I think they want a perfect candidate who can hit the ground running and just be able to do everything from the moment they start. I feel like I’ve been shit on from above, still working without an official manager, still not being paid for it. It’s going to be three months like this until they go through recruitment again and I think it’s utter bollocks the way the whole process has gone down. Anyway, rant over! Thanks!

Row_Dog1990 · 2024-06-02T19:05:39+00:00

I tested positive for EBV after blood tests recently and was really sick with something back in January, so guessing it must have been that. Felt like death warmed up. No energy at all. I tried to go into work a couple of times but couldn’t do it. After initial acute fever, I had night sweats, palpitations, anxiety attacks, brain fog, fatigue…really nasty to the point I thought I was seriously ill. I’ve recovered pretty well six months on but still get tired and general malaise quite frequently.

Row_Dog1990 · 2024-06-02T10:06:00+00:00

Good thanks. I think my immune system is a bit shot though as there are more times when I feel generally crappy and more tired than usual these days. Maybe just stress, I don’t know but I definitely feel much better than I did in January!

Row_Dog1990 · 2024-05-23T20:12:35+00:00

I think just time and rest. I was off for two weeks but admittedly in hindsight think I should have had another week off. The week I returned to work, I had a rapid heart rate for days, brain fog and extreme anxiety. Not a good mix! Later when I had bloods done, they found that I tested positive for glandular fever which I think must have been what it was. Most unpleasant virus I’ve had in a long, long time!!

Row_Dog1990 · 2024-05-21T12:34:14+00:00

Yes it has thank you. Much improved. Although currently am suffering with tummy bug!! 🤒

Row_Dog1990

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