Back to it

[Liz5K]

I graduated C25K back in November, did a couple of months of consolidation runs then started Ju Ju’s magic plan running the times, not distances, as I’m slow. At the beginning of April I ran for 60 mins and was so thrilled! Then I got a cold, then a chest infection and lost my motivation and fitness. I’ve completed very few runs in the last 8 weeks and am so disappointed with myself after being so disciplined all winter. Damn this menopausal malaise. Today I started back with W5 runs and will build things up again. How do you all keep at it when you lack motivation and loose your will power?

[Shakywakey Graduate10]

Well done for getting back out there. A great first step.

Keep remembering the sense of achievement you feel after each run 😁

You have done fab to complete c25k. And the glorious British summer is ideal for running in 😎

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Sorry to hear that it’s been a struggle recently... but you’ve still done some runs, to the motivation wasn’t lost, at worst it was diminished a little.. and you’re now back on it, so I think the will power is fine. Enjoy getting back into more regular running... you’ll be back where you were in no time.

[Deals1 Graduate10]

It can be a struggle at time.. But you've still done a few runs. So dont worry.

Try new routes, if possible. Parkrun maybe. Just enjoy it and don't put any pressure on yourself for time or distance etc...

Good luck and happy running 🏃

[DebJogsOn]

You completed C25K and you're back out there so are more motivated than you give yourself credit for.

I think you need to find out what you most enjoy and feel good about when you run. For me it's actually being outside and having some time to myself - when work and family responsibilities are all too much - so I now work to maximise these things by planning lovely scenic trail routes for the weekend and also using the opportunity to listen to podcasts/books I've been meaning to catch up on. I then just do shorter 'keeping my hand in' runs after work a couple of times a week.

At times when I'm less busy I think about pushing distance or pace and might purposefully plan a pacy 5k, hill or speed run and distance run into the week.

I think it's about running what makes you happy and not worrying too much about keeping up with anyone else or a specific programme - unless of course that's what makes you happy.

Checking into this forum as helps keep me motivated along with collecting my stats on Strava (where I also like having a record of the places I've run and can add photos etc).

Here's to lovely summer running!