Morning everyone! First time posting here - not even sure if it’s the right place to post...
Since I graduated a couple of weeks ago I have done 4 consolidation runs but I just haven’t got the enthusiasm for running that I did throughout C25K! Please tell me...How do I get it back?
It should be a run day today (last ran on Sunday) but it’s wet cold and windy and I’ve talked myself out of it. First time I’ve talked myself out of a run since I started the program. What’s wrong with me?? 😪
Dips in enthusiasm are part of the process. People who lose their way post C25k is all too common. You have a plan, you had a goal to work towards - and now... nothing.
What you need to do is find another goal. Whether thats to get faster, go further or to be ready for an organised event a month or two from now. Have fun with it. Try different types of runs: intervals, fartlek, hill running.
Extend your distances if you like and work up to 10k or join a park run - some really thrive on the community feel. If nothing else download something like the zombie run app and work your way through the missions.
Theres lots out there to explore now you've got the gear and the stamina to do it all!!
Sounds like you've reached hibernation stage which is not surprising given the time of year and weather. I'm trying to reignite my love of running by starting to listen to music again and choosing a new route so I'm not doing same old same old. Hope you find something that works for you.
Forget the weather if it's your run day get your gear on and out you go .
Try a brand new music playlist or my favourite is looking for new routes to run.
Good luck 🤗🤗
It does seem common to feel like that after finishing. I think the great thing about C25k is that every single week you’re progressing, it’s so exciting! It’s hard when that’s gone. I’ve given myself a goal of running a 5km race within the next few months. I’ve also made a couple of new playlists, and I’ve run a couple of times to the Headspace mindfulness guided runs on the Nike Run Club app. If it wasn’t for my niggly tendons, I’d maybe give Ju-Ju’s magic 10k running plan a go - it’s on this forum to just do off your own bat, or you can join in when they run it. Good luck!
Hey Hidden ...that's pants...and I know that feeling well...as do many of us on here. Soon after graduating it's like you lose you're way a bit...and then comes the 'I can't do this anymore, I'm rubbish...I can't run for more than 10 minutes, what's wrong with me' and the feeling of being utterly rubbish at running...and setting out on a run with those thoughts already in your head is setting yourself up for a completely pants run...so...what I would do is have some fun...you've done the consolidating so why not just run because you can...look at how far you've come and remember that..aim for a few short runs, runs that are achievable in your current mindset...just because you've run 10k doesn't mean you have to run at least 10k every time you go out of the door...aim for a 3k and stop when you've done instead of aiming for a 10 and not reaching it...that way you're finishing on a high and that will make you feel better about your run, then when you're mojo is back up and functioning properly you can aim for 1 long run a week and a couple of short ones...
Many, many of us feel like we've lost our way after graduation, whether it's 5k or 10k and the pressure we put on ourselves to run longer and further is needless...some people are distance runners, some people are endurance runners, some are fast and some are slow...we are all different but have one thing in common, we love running...and each one of our runs are ours...no one elses x
great responses already, so I'll try not to repeat.
I find myself like this a fair bit. You've basically just got to get your kit on and out the door!! bash those gremlins!!! just go for a run, no distance or time in mind, and see how you go.
Mix things up... are u near a parkrun?
Hope the mojo returns soon for you
take care
A lot of people feel the same I know I did. Why not do the JU JU magic plan as jazzy runner suggests. It helped me even if I am doing the easier time plan.
Could I ask what JU JU is? I am interested as I am starting to lose my mojo too 😢
ju-ju- is a person! She is one of the Admins on these running forums, and she designed a 5k-10k training plan, the Magic Running Plan, which is a regular feature here on Bridge to 10k.
Here is the Info post for the Magic Plan:
healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...
And we are currently running a group for the Magic Plan - here is the latest post:
healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...
We are on Week 3, but you can start at the beginning and still join the group discussions 😊😊😊
Hello, I am Juju I am one of the admins, the 10k plan is designed as a step on and structure after c25k as often people feel a bit lost- I know I did after I graduated. If I am struggling to get out I often take expectation right back and just go somewhere I like, for a gentle and short run . Once you have done some of that and its enjoyable, it gives you the oomph to go a bit further and the mojo comes right on back.
Thank you JuJu. Your advice is very practical. I am in a club (we completed C25K in October and our group are the beginners. I’m the slowest out of everyone 😂 which I’ve accepted! I am interested in the bridge to 10 k but will try and make sure I’m running 3 times a week again first. It is hard in winter and I’ve been a bit lazy but I have no excuse as I can run with my group Monday and Wednesday evenings as well as doing parkrun on Saturdays. Thank you and I’m looking forward to going further xxx
As others have said it's not uncommon - have you thought about trying a parkrun? Even if you usually run alone (as I do), it can be fun and something different is usually worth a try!😀
I like running to Set fire to the rain by Adele. Failing that, try to fit your runs during daylight if you can. Switch up your running route if you can
I still have Laura and the wk9 run going for the first 40 mins together with some good tunes. That is 6 months since graduating but works for me and keeps me going.
I did two things:
varied my running route and distance. Even just a one mile run, but faster will do;
bought a new piece of kit (top, socks or leggings), and then had to run to get my money's worth out of them 😁
Nothing wrong with you at all. The hardest thing I found was looking out the window discovering it was grey and miserable. Then the self delusion sets in .... I'm a bit fed up, I'll go tomorrow etc etc.
For me I now get up and go...... The gremlins witter on a bit for the first 500m and then they die!
So I'd recommend trying a new route or trying to go maybe just a bit quicker since 6 secs per km faster means you finish 30 seconds faster. Maybe run 1km faster than you usually do and 1km a bit slower.
I also use the time to think through things and remind myself how lucky I am.
A hot shower, cup of tea and a chat afterwards sets ne up for the day
Keep posting
John
Thank you all for taking the time to send your kind, considered responses. You are all, of course, absolutely right and I just need to try a few new / different things. I have a 10k planned for the end of March to aim towards, but that fills me with dread at the thought of it as 5k is killing me at the moment. I shall take on your advice however and keep plodding onwards, however slow or short a distance. Thank you!
Hi. Sorry a bit late to the party, and I know you have run since but wanted to recommend the Nike Run Club guided or headspace runs. They are free (yippee). They even have one called I don't want to run run 😂 which I have used.
They are great for taking the focus off the act of running and you suddenly realise you've done your run for they day & enjoyed it.
Would especially recommend the Paula Radcliffe one. She talks about the importance of enjoying your running. I found it very inspiring and changed my view on what I perceived I "should" be doing.
Have fun x
Oh fab! Thanks very much 😊 is it an app?
Yes it is an app 😊
week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
How did your parkrun or (not)parkrun go?
