Any tips for getting back into a running routine after a few weeks off?

[SadieHU]

Hello everyone! I haven't posted for a while, but have been reading all of the amazing posts and accomplishments everyone has been achieving!

I was just wondering if anyone has any motivational tips to get back into the swing of things after taking a few weeks off?

I went on three 5k runs while away for Christmas and have done one 8k run yesterday, but I am finding it so hard to stay motivated. I was previously doing a run or circuit training at least 5 days a week before Christmas and I feel like it's impossible to get back up to that level. I have signed up for a 10k at the end of January to at least have something to train for, but I am wondering what else I should do.

Thanks very much, and good luck to everyone running today

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

I'd say training for the 10k should keep you busy... What else do you want to do? Perhaps sign up for a HM later in the year?? It's good to have things to aim for to keep us going!!!

[misswobble Graduate10]

You start where you start. Dive in with a slow 5k around your local park or somewhere pleasant, fave tunes perhaps, and enjoy. No pressure at all ☺

[AdamB Graduate10]

Suggestions:

1) Have you tried "Zombies Run" (it's a smartphone app)? Although the concept seems ridiculous, a lot of people find it quite immersive and it certainly livens up their running.

2) Change the time of day you run at. I struggle (mentally) to get out in the evening after work. However, if I lay my kit out the night before and set the alarm clock to go off an hour early, I can quite enjoy an early morning run before breakfast. It sets me up for the day.

3) Go to parkrun. You could even play at being a parkrun tourist and visit a different run every Saturday morning. It gives you a target to aim for.

4) Make a public commitment that you are going out for a run tomorrow. Post your intention here on the forum. That way, it's much harder to find an excuse not to go.

[I need to get out as I've ducked out of running the past 2 days because of the rain - I'll commit here and now to going for a run tomorrow. There are enough people on the forum who can see my Garmin traces. I'm sure that Poppypug will post and shame me if I haven't recorded a run by this time tomorrow night]

5) If you have a Garmin, join the NHS C25K group on Garmin Connect. There are a group of us there who support one another in a slightly less public forum than this one.

[SadieHU in reply to AdamB]

Thanks, Adam! These suggestions are great! I really like the idea of this Zombie Runs! I will definitely look into it today

[AdamB Graduate10 in reply to SadieHU]

I first came across Zombies Run when jogging alongside Regents Canal in London (was just visiting and was looking for somewhere quiet to run). I overtook another jogger and thought nothing of it until 2 minutes later she came tearing past me screaming "Move, the zombies are coming!". I had a good look round, but the zombies were definitely not coming. Some time later, I caught up with her again. She apologised and sheepishly explained that she'd been listening to the app and had gotten a little too carried away...

[poppypug Graduate10 in reply to AdamB]

Ha ha , love it ! xxx

[poppypug Graduate10]

Ha ha Adam ! I am keeping my beady eye on you, make no mistake ! I shall be looking out for your post tomorrow xxx

I agree with Adams suggestions , Sadie . I am using Zombies, Run at the moment in and amongst other things. Its brilliant ! I am not usually one for any kind of computer / X box games or anything like that , but this is so addictive . It makes me squeak with excitement , its really good !

Tonight, when I came home from work , I was tired and feeling a bit meh, so I got my gear on and did the C25K + Speed podcast. Nice and short , but I felt like I had had a good workout and felt so much better when I came back, so maybe have a go at that .

Good Luck and I hope you find something that suits you xxx

[AdamB Graduate10 in reply to poppypug]

Well, I got my run in. It was only 6K and was slow. The river has burst it's banks again so I had to keep high which means more lumpy bits (130 metres worth according Mr. Garmin). I do feel better for it, though. My excuse is that I'm supposed to be taking it easy because I've a cross country race on Sunday. However I've just heard that it's likely to be cancelled because the course will be too muddy!!!

[poppypug Graduate10 in reply to AdamB]

Good stuff Adam, that was taking it easy ?????

Yes, its great how a run always makes us feel better xxx

[Bazza1234 Graduate10]

1. Put your running gear on - and walk out the front door.

2. Start walking!

3. When/if you feel like it , start jogging easily

4. When/if you feel like it, start running

5 Then - and only then - if you feel like it, decide what it is you want to do for the rest of your run.

Repeat this as many times as necessary until you feel like you are ready to commit to continuation of your running career

[SadieHU in reply to Bazza1234]

This is a great idea, Baz! Going to give this one a try Thanks for your suggestions!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate10]

I'm a carrot sort of girl. I always like reaching a little further than I am capable of but found after I did my HM and 10km I was a bit "what now" I loved the buzz of going for something I hadent done. I'm not ready for a marathon but I decided to do speed work and it really has helped with my zest for getting out the door one run I just focus on speed and it really helps me get out and push myself before I didn't really understand the buzz you could get from speed work and just worked on endurance. I'm sure if you shake things up a bit you will find something that ignites that old buzz again. Happy running.