Lost Mojo

[Rockshammer]

Hi all graduated in mid December (again) and was doing up to 5k three times a week - Went out last Thursday and really wasn't feeling it and only managed 4.3k and felt let down - Now not sure if it's in my mind but it hurt and was hobbling around all day Friday and Saturday but did 2.5k on Sunday but felt empty - Help!!! Should I rest this week?

[mooning]

Sounds like you're in need of a rest, mentally and physically. No harm or shame in it. We all have periods like this. You might want to think of anything has changed? Could be you're not taking enough water on during the day, per perhaps your unconsciously going faster than needed. You could try distracting yourself with a podcast or something, something that requires more concentration than music. Either way, a few days rest will hopefully take some of the pressure off. You never know, you might find yourself eager to get back out there. Best of luck

[poppypug Graduate10]

I would definitely take some time off here . Theres certainly no harm in having a rest just to recharge your batteries and maybe going walking just to get out in the fresh air if you miss it.

I take a week off here and there , and I find by the end of the week I am chomping at the bit to get out again.

When you go back out there again, maybe try a new route or running to different music and maybe just doing a shorter run just to ease you back in .

Good Luck xxx

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Another vote for taking a few days off. You might be fighting off a virus or just a bit run down? Rest up, miss your running, and then fall in love with it all over again! Good luck.🙂

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10]

My big fear would be that I just wouldn't get back into it. One weeks rest would turn into 2 - you get the picture. But that's just me. Why not plan a short run? Speed is a great podcast and is really fun. It's quite short. It sounds as if you might be getting a bit bored, just doing 5ks. Try and shake it up. However, a rest now and then is also not bad!

[Jonesycat Graduate10]

I had a bit of a dip before Christmas which puzzled me - I was finding it increasingly hard to finish what should have been relatively easy runs. I don't have a Garmin or smart phone etc, I just use a bog standard Timex sports watch and Mapometer to work out distance and pace, so one run I paid strict attention to my splits. What really surprised me was I was running my first mile hell for leather (for me), and then getting progressively slower as my energy drained away... I didn't feel like I was going too fast, but hey, the stats don't lie! So just by setting off at a much more sensible pace that I could maintain I easily managed the next run without feeling like I was about to die, all of which gave me a massive mental boost.

And yes, sometimes a week or so off works wonders.

All the best.

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate10]

I'd take a week off.

[IannodaTruffe Graduate10]

You are still a very new runner and you need to discover what turns you on in the running world. That might be solo running, racing, marathons or ultras. For me, getting out to run solo in beautiful surroundings is the source of most joy. Forget about distance or pace and just enjoy my environment, which is heightened by running rather than walking. For some, training for a particular event becomes the motivation.

My normal regime of 2x5k runs during the week, with a 10k plus at the weekend, works for me. The 5ks are maintenance runs to enable the longer self indulgent run. At present I am only managing 1x5k per week, owing to recover from injury and I will admit, the time of year, but I don't beat myself up about it and will gradually get back up to speed and distance.

Don't let running be a burden. Find your secret. Keep running, keep smiling.

[sharon1978]

I think that you are having to learn a couple of lessons all at once. We all have bad runs and its part of the process to work through them - to figure what you can do to keep going and talk yourself round and get right back out there!! Make sure as many said that you are well hydrated before and after runs. Stretching is very important at the end of your run and its a great habit that will stand to you.

Do you think you might need new runners that's worth looking at too I start to get pains when mine need changing although yours sound like a bit more than that.

When in doubt you are better to rest up you can always do some walking swimming or cycling if you are up to it and feel the need to keep active. Just think of this rest as an investment if you are injured and continue to run you may end up having to take much longer off in the long run! Take care and happy running when youre back out there!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

I agree with the others.. time off can be really beneficial.

Recharge those batteries and then come back refreshed and steady and slow. When you feel like it, maybe a really good brisk walk, do a route that you fancy running and then when you are ready for it, a slow and gentle run

Many of are off the running path currently mainly through illness or injury.. and a few of us are having to take it steady.. Good Luck