Still struggling on and patiently waiting for my mojo to return!

[Run46]

I know it's ridiculous to be feeling sorry for myself when I'm still running 3 times and a minimum of 15K each week but it's like in achieving so much more (a few decent 10 milers, an 11 mile and HM distance) earlier in the year then I expect the 5K to be easy and to have no problem doing atleast a 10K long run each week and am disappointed in anything less.

Only lately I've struggled, I've managed a couple of 10K's but twice I've felt 8 is all I can manage, and last Sunday I struggled and stopped at 5...when I looked at my stats my heart rate had been unusually high so I think I was right to stop, but still felt deflated.

Hoping I get my mojo back soon coz I either need to be happy with 5K or figure out how to get back to 10 miles sometime soon!

On a plus side, I managed my fastest 5K last week in 30 mins and 53 secs so it's not all bad.

Sorry for being such a negative sod!

[Hidden]

Running Mojo's are unpredictable critters, and you're doing a decent job of banishing yours Run46 keep on with those 5ks and before you know it you'll be back running further and varying your runs again!!!

👍 Run safe

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Imc50, just keeping my nose to the grindstone and trying to atleast appreciate the ones that don't feel quite so hard 😏

[Papillon17 Graduate10]

I did the London BigHalf in March 2020 and the furthest I have run since is 4.52 miles. The rest of my runs have been just over 5k or 3.2 miles. I was doing one 5k a week at the beginning of the lockdown but have up it to two for some weeks and what a difference I have seen. 2 or 3 minutes off my 5k time now down to around 26.37 to 26.43. Your mojo will be back, I so enjoy my 30 to 40 mins lone time running with my music 🎧 🎶, me the elements and now a regular course so I know what I have to do to finish. Good luck it will be back.

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Papillon17]

Thanks Papillon, it helps to know others that managed a HM don't stick to the long distances...I need to get back to just enjoying the runs rather than expecting everything to be longer, faster etc 🙂

[Papillon17 Graduate10 in reply to Run46]

No not me I had personal reasons for doing one, and like you and now just doing short runs and trying to improve.

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

You're not being negative at all. Maybe for a short while just go out for a run with no distance planned just lace up go out and enjoy. 😊😊

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

Good idea thanks Buddy, I need to let go of my expectations and just run 🙂

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to Run46]

I think that sounds like a really good idea 👍

[OrbitABit]

Maybe try an easy week to let your body catch up with itself and recover from recent weeks? I’m no expert btw, just that when my own heart-rate is up higher than normal (from lack of sleep or work stress) i benefit from rest days or just walking and yoga, and nice food, which brings it all back together and i get a bit of bounce back.

I’m coming back from a long time off and i agree, it’s unbelievable how long it takes the body to ramp up again when the mind is up for it already! Just gotta go with the flow i tell myself,

Good luck!!

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to OrbitABit]

Thanks OrbitABit...yes I was relieved I didn't force it when I saw my heart rate, clearly something was going on.

In honesty I probably know what, as after 10 weeks off and some lockdown weight gain I have recently started back at work full time, gone on a diet and been getting less sleep!

I think I'm going to let go of my expectations and just let myself run, at whatever pace for however long...I can soon start to push it when my energy improves 🙂

Enjoy getting your fitness back, happy running 😊

[Cantstopmenow Graduate10]

Hi Run46, I was thinking of writing a similar post, so it's good to know I'm not alone! (I hope you enjoy your running again very soon - whatever the time and distance)

I've realised a couple of things that affect me at the moment -

- I dont have a particular target or aim at the moment, so I am going to set one. I am more motivated and i run better when I have a goal.

- while my diet is ok I am not eating foods that fuel my running, and not drinking enough water the day before a longer run.

- I need to plan for a longer, relaxed run to enjoy the outdoors and the countryside, rather than stressing about time and distance.

- 5k is fab, 30 minutes of non-stop running is fab. Why do I expect it to be easy?

-life is a bit topsy-turvy at the moment, so go with the flow.

Xx

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Cantstopmenow]

Yup, totally agree with everything you said...I think the only thing that's changed from when we started is our expectations!

Defo helpful to know there's a few of us feeling the same, and these strange times definitely haven't helped!

Here's to not constantly competing with ourselves and just enjoying the runs xx

[Cantstopmenow Graduate10 in reply to Run46]

Definitely! We're hanging in for the moment. Your Sunday morning run inspired me to go out running! Hope post-lockdown work is ok x

[Mum22boys Graduate10]

I don't have much to add that the others haven't already said but just keep going, it will come back, and these regular 5ks are doing you lots of good. Also, just think of the mental stamina and strength your building while you're not finding it easy, that will really help on your next super long run

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Mum22boys]

Thanks Mum22boys, I'm glad I posted about it, nice to have a bit of moral support from guys who understand 😊

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to Run46]

Everyone here is so supportive 😊

[Fabulous450 Graduate10]

Hey Run46! 👋🏽👋🏽 You’ve done brilliantly with running at least 5k, 3 times a week! 🤩 But I can understand the frustration of not running quite as far or finding it quite so easy.

Things have been so different for us all recently. Loss of mojo is temporary...go easy on yourself! You go out there, you run ✅!! You’ll be back to full mojo!! ❤️

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks Fab, it's really helped posting on here about it...I knew you guys would understand 😘

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Run46]

🤗 Of course, been there, done that, may even lose mojo again, but I also know, I’ll be back!! I’m still a runner, even when I’m not running. I’m a runner on pause!! ❤️