In the doldrums

[Sparkey5000]

Long post warning!!

Help!! Im going backwards! Did c25k last year.....maintained running 3xweek in a particularly yukky winter. Hit one hour running at the beginning of the year and since then I just seem to be going backwards! I feel like I’m full of excuses and not able to turn the tide. Routine got hit a bit when we were in hard lockdown. Got back into it when the restrictions on only going out once a day were lifted. Struggled to keep up 5k, tried podcasts, different music, no music but still I was ending up walking quite a bit so cut back to 30 minutes. Then started to walk in that run, thought I was beating myself up too much so dropped back to 20 minutes....something better than nothing I thought but now can’t even sustain that!

All sorts of theories are in my mind.....Yes there has been stress....I’ve worked all through the pandemic full time from home. I have helped sustain school work for my kids and one now lives with me permanently after her relationship totally broke with her Dad. But stress is always in my life it seems.....so not a new aspect. I’m moving less through the day as no meetings to walk to and lunch time wanders to the supermarket. I’ve been vegetarian for 8 months but eat a better diet now than ever before. I’m lighter than I’ve been since my teens. What is going on?!!

What do I do next? I will not give up, but I need to get to enjoying this again. Do I go back to C25k? Try a new plan? Stop moaning and just get out there!?

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

First give yourself a break - it's been an incredibly stressful year for you. Restarting c25k seems like a great idea, loads of people restart for all sorts of reasons. You'll have a great structure and specific goals. You already know you can do it. You can go back to the other forum as a wonderful cheerleader for anyone struggling . Good luck and happy running 🤗

[Sparkey5000 60minGraduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thank you.....I feel better for just getting it off my chest and I knew you guys would be right behind me as this group is awesome!!!!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Sparkey5000]

You are welcome. We are all just runners like you. Go back to the other forum, become the awesome one cheering on the new starters. You'll be amazed how good you feel about your own running when you are encouraging everyone else. 🤗

[Fionamags Graduate10]

I agree with Grannyhugs - get cracking on c25k again and rediscover the magic. Maybe you can start at week 3 or 4 rather than going back to the start? You will have to suck it and see, I suppose?

Good luck!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

I see i missed this post, i feel a bit like this at times then other times feel i want to improve so push through, seems you may have a big case of gremlins and I wonder if you’ve speeded up without noticing? Willow went through a phase where he played different music and ran off too fast then was walking within 15 minutes, I just plod along so caught him up and over took him

I tried the 30 sec slow jog 20 sec run and 10 sec sprint the other day and wore myself out

I have no good advice other than what the others said I just like the sound of my own voice lol so have babbled on, 😂🤣

[Sparkey5000 60minGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Not babbled at all.....appreciate you replying and sharing your experiences. X

[NickiCS]

Other ideas

1) Mix the running up with other sports/exercise/strength training

2) Mix the long running with speed work, hills etc

3) Look at Raceatyourpace. You pay £10 and chose how many miles you want to achieve in a month, then get a medal at the end. I did for the first time last month and it helped motivate me. I ended up doing my longest runs

[Sparkey5000 60minGraduate in reply to NickiCS]

Thank you.....done great ideas