Hey everybody! I started running in June and I am now at the point where I can run 8k/9k. As the weather is getting colder and it’s darker outside I am finding it a little bit more difficult to stay motivated, can anybody relate??? 
Also, I have trouble with my knees and I want to know what the best running trainers are for support? Any suggestions? 
Hi Paige5k, I also started in June and have just ran my second 10k so very similar path to you. I am at the point now whether I have to decide to keep with the longer runs, or bring it back down somewhere around 8k which seems more manageable to fit in with work kids etc. I joined the October quest after doing the first 10k in which you set personal challenges. Will probably join that again in Nov. Mine was to run 10k again which I have, improve 5k time and work on core strength. Setting yourself small targets helps counter the dip in motivation. I have decided the main thing is to keep running and keep up fitness level so I don't end up back on sofa with bar of chocolate!
Hi. I started in April and working upto 10k, feeling the same with motivation and the dark. I'm thinking I may have to ditch the parkrun and do a longer run at the weekend....or do the parkrun and carry on! 😂. So I can't really help,sorry. Not sure about trainers either. I know when I get my next pair going to get gait analysis I think. Anyways good luck and let's hope we can keep ploughing through the winter. Don't want it to go waste.
Winter running can be magical, it's my favourite. There's a lot of negativity towards it and I just can't understand that—the cool weather means you can go further more easily, the air is clear and wonderful to breathe in, it's life affirming stuff. Frosty days are perfect, just you and the crystals on the ground. Prickly nights too, running with the foxes and owls under the stars. Don't be put off, it's wonderful. I have suffered the summer to get back here and am delighted by the change of season 😊
I also started in June and am at 8k I been having the same thoughts over the last couple of weeks, as El said small targets are good motivation, there is a great post in the FAQ on here about “finished C25k what next” loads of info and links, I missed it after graduation but had it sent a few days ago, been digesting it and has gave me a few new ideas and re motivated me for winter months,trainers, google running trainer reviews, did you know seasoned runners have 3 pairs, a race pair, a fast training day pair and a slow run which have more protection for there healing muscle repair runs , I went for these, bit heavier but lots of support I spent 50 quid and well pleased 😀
Being from Florida I do not comprehend this concept of "getting colder". I guess that means you don't start sweating immediately after you step outside. 😧
I've had a week or two off myself and joining this forum has already helped with the motivation to get back at it so I understand. 9k is pretty great for a relatively short period of time.
I used to have a bum knee too. Just don't push too hard if you are getting bad pain. Keep up the good work! 💪💪💪
I like winter running, and under the stars Something quite wonderful about running under a starry sky Colder weather is generally ok as we can layer up and shed layers as we warm up. Tie your top round your waist sorta thing
You acclimatise really quickly, surprisingly so 🙂
You maybe need a new pair of shoes if your current ones aren’t up to it. Go to a proper running shop though, not just a general sports shop. The folks there are runners and know the issues as regards dodgy knees or whatever.
Having some sort of plan on the go is a good idea to keep you motivated through the dark days of winter. A distance to aim for or a race to train for etc 🙂
Running in the dark can take some getting used to, and you need to try (if you can) stick to well lit areas and be vigilant of your surroundings. But, running in the cold? Embrace it! As others have mentioned, layering up works well, and to be honest, you get pretty warm as you are running, so cold is not really a barrier. Personally, I am over the moon to be running in cooler temps, this summer was far too hot for running and I am happy to not be sweating buckets and worrying about hydration on the run as much! Not a fan of running in wind/driving rain though. On those days, if I have had a run planned, I switch it out for doing some strengthening core and leg exercises – which all help towards running injury free. By all means get a gait analysis and see if you need new shoes, but don't underestimate the power of strong glutes and core – a stable core and strong glutes can reduce leg and knee injuries and help with your running form. xxx
Re footwear, nobody can tell you the best pair for you, they only know the best pair for them. What's perfect for someone else may cause you an injury. Best go to a proper running shop and get a gait analysis done so you get the right shoes for you.
Shoes are individual to you. The link below has some great info and further informative links in it.
week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
How did your parkrun or (not)parkrun go?
