NEWBIE ALERT!!!

[McPotter]

Good morning all

This is my first day on this forum, and my first running forum in fact!

I've been running regularly for around a year (started originally on the Couch to 5K); slowly increasing my time / distance … with varying degrees of success!! I'm currently finding myself really undermotivated and was hoping some of you may be able to share your tips / experiences with me please?

Thanks so much Xx

[MutleyShuffle Graduate10]

Good morning McPotter! I got a bit bored after doing consolidation runs of 30 mins 3 times a week for a couple of months. What motivated me was to set myself a new goal - 10k - and to start mixing the runs up a bit. If you take a look at Ju-Ju's magic plan on here you will see she suggests doing a variety of runs each week including one with speed sessions. You can use the C25K+ speed podcasts although I didn't get on with them personally. I used an app called 30:20:10 for my speed intervals.

I also joined a local running group to give more variety - and company - and oh yes, Park Run! I love Park Run, I'm addicted!

All the best with finding your mojo! 😊👍🏃

[McPotter in reply to MutleyShuffle]

Thanks Mutley

I've been reading some older posts this morning, and loads of them mention this ju-ju plan thing(!) so I'll definitely be taking a look at it. I'd thought it was mostly due to darker mornings - when I prefer to run - but maybe it's simple boredom!! Think you could be right that I need to shake it up a bit so that I'm excited to get out again.

Who knows, perhaps a local Park Run is on the cards too … thanks again

[Snuffy_T Graduate10]

Try a park run? I did my first last week...I can't wait to go again!

[McPotter in reply to Snuffy_T]

Hi Snuffy

Congratulations on your first Park Run!!!

I've half considered doing one before, but never looked very seriously … think I will be doing so though, especially if you're hooked after one!

I have been getting out running, but it's felt like such a chore; so am going to shake things up and get excited about it again.

Thanks for you tip

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi McPotter, lovely to hear from you.

Lots of motivational things to help keep things fresh...

You can join the monthly Quest, maybe take a look at Ju Ju's 10 is the Magic Number plan... its fun to follow and works.

Do you record your runs on Strava, many of us are members of a c25k club on there. Having a record of your run stats is very satisfying, its nice to see any improvements and keep a log. We are all very supportive there too.

Posting your own run reports on here and reading how others are getting on, can help lots too...

We all run together on this forum and share the highs and lows😊

[Piglet7969 Graduate10]

Hi McPotter, i also love the Park Runs, and i found joining my local friendly run group helped me massively, it's a no pressure group the ones who run it always say just do what you can and at your pace, i'm usually always the back runner, but i run for me, slowly working my way up to 10K, completed 4 miles twice now.

good luck on you progress.

[McPotter in reply to Piglet7969]

Thanks Piglet!

Well done for completing 4miles!! You’re right to run only for yourself & I’d like to think that’s who I run for too ☺️ Hadn’t thought of joining a running group, but there’s definitely one locally to me so I may look into it 👍🏻

Good luck to you on your way to 10K

Xx

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome! Well done for reaching a year’s running.

ju-ju- ’s 10k plan without a doubt. It’s fun, excellent, and you can communicate with others doing it at the same time as you.

Other than that, park run, virtual challenges (which give you a medal for completing) and actual races.

[McPotter in reply to Hidden]

Hi Flick

Thanks for your welcome 😊 and the ju-ju link 👍🏻

Seems that Park Runs are a favourite with everyone!! Definitely something to get on to sooner rather than later 😉

Xx

[IannodaTruffe Graduate10]

You might find this guide to post C25K running helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[McPotter in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks very much for that 😊

Lots of great advice, ideas and links to follow up on 👍🏻

[McPotter]

Thank you Bluebird

I like that a lot ... we all run together ☺️

I don’t currently record my runs anywhere, but I believe you’re right that it’d certainly be very satisfying!

I can feel my mojo returning already 😬 thanks for your kind words & advice

Xx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to McPotter]

The Strava app is free to join. You can record your run and still play music on your smartphone.

The nhs One You c25k club on Strava is the one with 374 members.

Happy running 😊x

[Tartancat Graduate10]

You could try finding different routes to run - I always get excited when I get my trusty OS map out, though I'm not good at map reading and generally get lost, but it all adds to the fun!

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Hello and welcome, I think everyone has covered what i was going to say... a few ideas to stay motivated:

Sign up for a race

Vary your route

Join strava and sign up for the virtual challenges ( I do these alot they are fab!)

You are also very welcome to join our 10k plan here to if thats something you are interested in.

Well done on your journey so far