So, I think I have lost my mojo of late. Searched high and lo, even under the sofa cushions, it is nowhere to be found. My last two runs have been hard, and I found myself not really wanting to go out, which is unusual for me. I think that is what worried me most (the hard runs do not bother me, as we all know that they just happen now and then). But, I had got a bit blasé. I was improving lots, not finding it a stain, and able to run quite far and at a good pace. So, it was a shock to struggle a bit.
Gave myself a bit of a talking to last night and had a lightbulb moment. I need a goal and some routine and I need to actually push myself a little again, just like I had to when I first did C25K. I know in my heart of hearts that I have put off doing the 10k training plan out of fear. Fear that I will injure myself, fear that I will not be able to do it - the lightbulb moment came when I realised that these are exactly the same fears I had when I did C25K. And I managed that. And what if I do get injured? I rest, recover, start again. As I always do. How do you know if you cannot / can do something unless you try, right?!
So, this morning I did run 1 of week 1 - just 2.5km. I went back to my old C25K route, just to remind myself of that time when I first took on this running challenge, and it was a sweet reminder of all the fun and triumphs I had then. I found it a little tough, as at 8am it was already 21 degrees, and the humidity in London is pretty high at the moment. Considering it was just 2.5k, I have never before come back so red faced and with rivers of sweat pouring down my neck and back before! Found myself reminiscing fondly about my cold winter runs...I was in shorts and a vest, but to be honest I was even finding my own skin too hot to run in! But I did it.
So here I go, Mummycav -- care to join me on what seems like an impossible mission? I will understand if this is not your moment, of course.
For all you B210K graduates, what single piece (or more!) of advice would you give me for doing this programme? I am all ears! I am following the lovely ju-ju- 's plan.
Sorry for the ramble!
Sadie-runs x
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Sadie-runs
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Yes, it came as a shock to me, as after almost 9 months of running not once have I not felt like getting out! (I have still been going though, I am a determined lass since starting running). Thank you for the advice and kind words. Like C25K, I am going to put my trust in the programme...
I also did not want to start any plan to get to 10k so I didn’t. I was fearful of not being able to do it. I just upped my distance as and when I felt like it. Most of the time I go out thinking it will just be a short run today and then I usually make it to 5K at least (but not always). One day I just got to 8K as I ran slowly and I learned that was the key. When I ran my 10K the other day I thought I’ll just run out very slowly and see what happens. I am learning that it is not a competition (this helps me to enjoy it more and slow it down).
Morning Sadie, lovely to hear from you again and sorry to hear of the loss of your mojo.
You’re thinking too much about it.....can I do it? will I injure myself? etc. All negative thoughts, reasons not to go out of the door opposed to reasons for wanting to do it....fitness, well-being, challenging yourself, your old self really 😊
Since I started this running lark, I’ve needed a goal. First the Santa Run 5k then a 10k race and now the Great North Run....all reasons to lace up and get out there.
I’ve been on a similar journey to you when I tore a hamstring and after I recovered, it went through my mind ‘What if I do it again’ but I got over that.
I’m now mixing my training up a bit to make it interesting.....Intervals, Fartleks this morning, club run and long run!
If you’re in London, there’s a race series organised by runthrough.co.uk/ All abilities are welcome on them so worth a looksee 😊 Something to aim for Sadie.
Thanks dear Ted. I have been overthinking it, but last night marked the end of the thinking and this morning the start of the doing! Lack of confidence crept it, after injury and just two hard runs. Silly me.
I have watched your running journey with awe and respect, Ted. Thank you for your advice. And thanks for the link to those races - I would love to run in Battersea Park! Perhaps I will sign up to one of those...Going to try my first park run next week to get me used to running with people.
Just plan to enjoy the long runs - find some lovely new routes and put one foot in front of the other. And mix up your other runs (intervals, leisurely jogs, some pushing the pace).
Whoop whoop!! I am excited that you’ve taken this on...& I might have a little go myself...so where do I find it & yes, tips please from all our 10k friends...I’m up for it...might take me a bit longer than you though Sadie, you’re a machine...but I’m just the foot pedal! 🤨 watch this space folks....
Oh my god this makes me so happy! 😁😁😁 Don’t worry, MC, I think I will take longer than the 8 weeks to be honest. No doubt I will get an injury along the way knowing me. 😂 My plan is to take the longer runs REALLY slowly. I don’t care about time, I just want to do this. And with mojo. 😁
I think you can find the plan under pinned posts on this forum, but if you like, I can send you my handy wall chart, which follows the plan? I can send it to you tomorrow when I also send it to Neil. If you are interested PM me your email address. It is nothing fancy - I just like to stick these plans on my fridge and tick off each run as I do it.
Ohhhhhhh....go on then!!! Your lightbulb moment was a lightbulb for both of us coz I need structure too...and something telling me what I do next....my email address is on its way to you xx 😘💪🏻🏃🏼♀️🏃🏼♀️🏃♂️
I’m so glad you are going to give the 10k plan a bash. This is a link to week 1. I am starting a new on on the 15th of June.... shall I put your name down?? Xx
Great advice on here, as you know, and you have always given great advice generously yourself.
Great decision on JuJu ‘s plan and pleased you have found your mojo again.
No advice from me, a novice and first post just yesterday.
Just one thought that perhaps maybe helpful or whatever, I would like to be able to empathise on
this loss of mojo, can understand it,
but for me that took 74.5 years to find it , I am never going to lose it.🤔
So Sadie, I humbly suggest as a novice runner, do not beat yourself up and do not stress, believe in you and your experience and your running decisions and remember every time you take a non-injury break you will come back turbo charged.🤔
I often think as a novice, it can be much more challenging for you flyers to put the brakes on, versus my problem of how to find the accelerator🙈
Our bodies are so clever at perfecting and locking us into
a particular mode and it takes us time to convince that there is a change of plan and a new situation.
Sorry , went off on one.
Enjoy your 10 the magic number plan.
Look forward to reading your progress Neil, Guesty and others. What a team.💫🏃♀️💫.
Thank you Tbae. 😘 Some great advice here, and I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. I really appreciate the bit about injury and not beating myself about it. You are so right on many levels.
I AM nervous, but so elated to have come to this decision. And it looks like two of my best buddies from when I did C25K last year might be joining me too!
That is just fabulous and brillant.Like you and the team.
I watched the lovely JuJu’s videos on this current rolling plan, Last one was think about your own mantra.
Got to thinking of the C25k mantras and the two Mentors and indeed the drivers of the C25k programme,
Slow and steady and find your own happy pace
No fear, only belief and enjoyment,
For hills, short steps, short steps, short steps,
Gosh and many more.
Maybe time for you to start thinking about yours.🤔💫🏃♀️💫
For goodness sake woman, all ths manning up stuff when all you need is a credit card/paypal and access to Tikiboo or Sturdy By Design- purchase some new lycra, that’ll motivate you. I should know 😈😈😈😈
Or shoes - nothing like shelling out over £100 on those to get you running (if only to keep yourself from looking at your bank balance)! We real runners know where it’s at 🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪
LOL! I have a fine array of running clothes, but may need more shorts if this warm weather persists! And I did buy some amazing wireless AirPods so I definitely doing my bit for the economy!! 😘
Change the routes, distances, music, even clothes. Keep it fresh. Once you finish something, go and do it again (I did, everything). Don't think about ultimate targets, brain tends not to like that, simply go and run. Injuries? What injuries?!
Humidity? Saturday was bad and I couldn't get out to the park before 1pm, by which time it was really warm and I had to complete a 10K practice run. Towards the end I was battered but I did it and there were only a few people out there running at the time. Just do it!
Think of what you've done, what you've achieved, the changes and positive stuff you've realised. You can do it for fun, at least! Don't do that mojo stuff! Come! On!
Thanks mister. I got it in hand now. I did my first training run for the 10k programme today, and am feeling a return of motivation already! Phew. But keeping it fresh? In this heat?! I am fast discovering I am a winter gal to my astonishment.
I cannot believe you did not melt running 10k on Saturday - pffft!
You can do this stuff, and enjoy it at the same time, I've read your posts, this was a short blip.
Heat is just what it is, we adapt. Come on, start early, the colours and smell all beautiful, and yes, you'll melt but so what? I'm not saying go push, simply go out and enjoy. Once it gets a bit too much, stop.
And do not stress about injuries. Proper ones take time to develop, wrong approach (l know about that), and misfortune (very rare).
Go out and enjoy this great weather while if lasts, don't let me remind you in late November! how it was!
What a lovely post, and Thankyou, I’m so glad you are enjoying having a focus. I do think it’s important to have something we aim for whether it’s to run 3 times a week, get to a 10k, HM, marathon or to run every day. Whatever it is, it gives us structure and focus which we all need in some shape or form. Well done you on your journey so far...
I really enjoy having something to follow and to keep me on track. When left to my own devices, I tend to flail about and feel lost. I really liked Ju-ju’s 10k plan. It was very doable. I liked using the shorter run for some type of speed work. I use RunKeeper and there is a Pace Academy chellenge that had some different types of speed workouts that I would use, or just did some random fartleks. Sometimes I used the short run as a faster all round run to see what I could do. For me, I really enjoy variation to my runs and this plan had enough of that to keep me interested. Good luck and enjoy! Many of us have succeeded with it and I don’t doubt that you’ll join us!
Hi Sask! I was fine pootling about doing my own thing for a while but I think it got old...plus I know I have a track record of getting comfy and not pushing myself, being too dumb to realise that part of the pleasure is having a goal and reaching it, just to see what you can do. Thanks for sharing your experience with me, this is all so helpful! x
Great idea! - Juju's plan is super, simple and works. For you and MC, women of your calibre, it'll be a walk in the park (well, hopefully not, but you get my drift ). If I can do it, you 2 most definitely can!
It's been so hot this weekend, I was out early Saturday morning and was a putrid beetroot by the end, I need to take water next time just to tip over my head half way round. Managed 30 mins - the first time in 2 months - before the old arse cheek went stiff, but my gremlins were causing havoc every step of the way, it's a never-ending battle!
Thank you FPF! 316Neil is joining us too - we will be like the Three Muskateers of the running world! 😂
Yeah, this heat is making it tough. I went a most alarming colour after my short run yesterday. I am SO happy you managed 30 mins again, that is great news! Arse-cheekitis must be on the wain? (And the more I run, the more I am realising how ‘mental’ this running lark is, the gremlins have been trying it in with me of late, the little buggers.)
Remember that it's both body and mind and sometimes our body can do more than or minds think they can.
My first 10k in April took me 1hr 29 or 8:51/km. I have repeated it now another 3 times knocking 10 minutes off so improvements can come once you have done the distance.
Thanks Richard. You have done 10k, so your advice is everything to me! I am listening ... and the key message is to forget about time and focus on mental strength. So that’s going to be my focus. Feeling very excited about this new focus now - just what I need. 😁 As runners I guess we never stop learning.
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10k #4 - I’m starting to count up my consolidation runs
Reminding myself to love life and starting to trust my legs a bit
