how to deal with lockdown blues?

[jano56]

I seem to have lost my enthusiasm and energy for running, and feel like I'm a loser. It's hard to remember those days when I could jump out of bed and enjoy a run. And when I do try, the pace is only slightly above a walk. Grrr. Any tips for changing my mood, getting out of this running-rut?

[Roxdog Graduate10]

Are you still on the couch to 5k programme? Or did you finish it? Your post suggests you had been running for a while and have lost your motivation. But the fact you've posted in the forum means you want to run!

I don't have a magic answer, other than perhaps reflecting in why you started running, what you liked about it and what your targets might be.

If you're struggling to run once you're out there, maybe think about going on a programme again? Maybe find a new route? Good luck.

[Roxdog Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog]

Oh, just noticed you posted in bridge to 10k so of course you finished cto5k! Sorry!

[jano56 in reply to Roxdog]

I finished the Cto5k ages ago, but maybe should go back and revisit it. I like the supportive commentary!

[Roxdog Graduate10 in reply to jano56]

Maybe a good idea to go back to week 7 where you're doing steady runs. I got bored with the talking in my head, but maybe it would help with your motivation. So much about running is in the mind. I'm sure you can still do it, but you mention being slow, so don't give yourself a hard time about pace and just try and relax into the run and be in the moment. Good luck.

[jano56 in reply to Roxdog]

thanks for your encouragement! it all helps.

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate10]

Hiya, do you run with it without music? Sometimes if I need a uplift I find songs which really make me smile and want to sing along to and get out there and just run, regardless of how fast, just to enjoy the fresh air, freedom and peace.

[jano56 in reply to Hedgehogs123]

thanks, I'll try music - any favourites?

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate10 in reply to jano56]

On Spotify there's several playlists that another member from here has put on and they're great! Look for Jancanrun public playlists. If that's wrong,.I'll have another look when I'm back on my laptop. Really helps me. Also depends on what sort of music you like, I'm an 80s girl so love all those, the Soft Cell Tainted love extended version is brilliant to run to!

Let me know how you get on, I find the support on here addictive and so motivating. Definitely kept me going, so it helps to spur each other on.😁🏃‍♀️

[dijep Graduate10 in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Thanks for the bit about the playlist. I'm still trying to get to grips with Spotify 😊

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Have you thought of doing a run for charity? I looked at the 2.6challenge at the start of lockdown. You can choose your own charity and your own challenge. I decided to run a marathon over a week but you could choose anything , maybe even just to run 2.6k I found the encouragement and thanks from my chosen charity amazing. Good luck and happy running 🤗

[jano56 in reply to Grannyhugs]

that's a really good idea - I'm going to look into doing a charity run. Thanks!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to jano56]

Brilliant, tell us all about it 🤗

[RunRabbitRun40]

Besides the great suggestions you've had already, keep checking in on this forum - I had a dip a few weeks ago but then came back on here and got swept up with everyone's enthusiasm! I saw posts from people who graduated C25K at a similar time and it was inspiring seeing their progress.

If podcasts are your thing, RunPod with Jenni Falconer is perfect for getting you into the mindset.

[jano56 in reply to RunRabbitRun40]

thanks - yes, it's good to hear from everyone, so supportive. It's already lifted my spirits. x

[dijep Graduate10]

Have you tried the 5k stepping stone podcasts? I enjoyed them after C25k, I liked the Stamina one best. Good luck. I'm sure you'll find your motivation again x 😊

[jano56 in reply to dijep]

I'm not brilliant on tracking down podcasts, but I'll try this. Sounds a good idea/

[dijep Graduate10 in reply to jano56]

I just googled C25k stepping stones podcasts and it's on the nhs website then you download them

[jano56 in reply to dijep]

thanks so much for your help. x

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

JuJu's magic plan did the trick for me because it mixes things up and is quite flexible but it's not guided like c25k. I've just posted about guided runs with NRC but there are many others (runkeeper, Garmin, Strava...) that may work for you if you like a bit of structure. I've also tried the zombies run app, which is fun 🙂 I'm sure you'll get your mojo back, don't be too hard on yourself 🤗

[jano56 in reply to Beatlesforever]

thanks, this is all helping me feel like it's worth another try!

[erin1090 Graduate10]

I had the same thing recently and did give up for a few weeks. What is now helping me get back into it is going back to things that I know work. So while I build my running habit back up I'm listening to week 9 of c25k again to hear someone telling me I can do it! It also means if I want to run slowly I can do that rather than running by distance and doing a 5k or 10k each time. And I'm doing a familiar route so I can go on autopilot.

It might not be what works for you but you may have something else that is muscle memory for you so all you have to do is put your running gear on and the rest falls into place.

[jano56 in reply to erin1090]

I think that's a good idea. I'll give it a go!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

Longish post alert! Sorry to hear that jano but you’re here and still posting so all is not lost. You’re certainly not a loser - think back to how you felt at the beginning of C25K and look how far you’ve come since then. I can’t help you leap out of bed with a spring in your step (I struggle with that bit myself!) but don’t despair at your speed. I think I’m probably the slowest runner in the world (well, here on the forum anyway) - my average time for 1k is 9 to 10 minutes and even now it’s not uncommon for me to be overtaken by a walker. So I can only plod on but I always feel better when I get home, even on those days when I’m really not feeling the love! It’s sometimes hard reading all the posts from people who seem to live for running and go out at the drop of a hat - we feel we should be like that too don’t we? But we’re all different and I found it helped me once I’d accepted that I’d never be a gazelle just living to run! I’m sure your mojo is in there, get out there and smile as you run - you never know, it might be just what’s missing! Good luck- let us know how you get on!

[jano56 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

thanks for your lovely comments. x

[Elfe5 60minGraduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Hey!! Another person who runs at my pace! 😄👍🏻😂 Enjoyment matters most. 😄

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10 in reply to Elfe5]

It’s good to know I’m not alone Elfe! I wonder sometimes when I find myself way out at the back just seconds after we’ve set off! Hey ho, let’s hear it for slow!!

[Elfe5 60minGraduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

You are certainly not alone. 😄I have noticed on the forum, now and then there will be a thread about slower pace & we all pop out of the woodwork & brandish our snail qualities! 😂

I’ve decided to think about enjoyment, duration & distance - I would only get discouraged thinking about speed! If I manage a sub 9 min K it’s a cause for celebration & rampant smugness!! 😂

[Catwise Graduate10 60minGraduate]

One thing I always do that really helps me is I wait at least an hour after waking up before I go for my run. I just can’t get the energy up right after waking up. So I’ve developed a routine where I wake up, have one cup of coffee plus I sip some water, and sit in bed and read my emails and catch up on this HealthUnlocked forum. I get so much motivation reading the posts here, whether it’s ideas of new things someone has tried, new achievements, or the opposite, people disappointed in their latest runs, people looking for advice/encouragement (like you!). Reading about running makes me want to run! I know if you’re working you don’t have the luxury of taking this time in the morning but I’m retired and absolutely love my morning reading time.

Btw, as I mentioned, I drink a cup of coffee first thing, so the very last thing before I head out the door is a trip to the bathroom! 😀

[jano56 in reply to Catwise]

That's interesting, I might try a slower start. Takes pressure off maybe?

[Hidden]

Variety is the spice of life! Try new routes, different lengths, speeds and intervals. Music for some runs, audio books and podcasts for others. Run at different times of the day. Maybe go with a friend or take a dog. We are in late summer now and the landscape is changing, try and look at the world around you. Most of all develop a positive mental attitude; lots of positive self talk

[jano56 in reply to Hidden]

Gear ideas, thank you!

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

Hi Jano, you have had loads of great suggestions already. I just want to add that sometimes “don’t think, just go” really helps me. If I asked myself if I fancy a run, I would easily procrastinate....for days probably! 😱.

Deciding my run time, having all my kit together & shoes by the door to aid “grab & go”, is a habit I got into during C25K & have stuck to. When my enthusiasm fails me, habit & discipline saves the day. 😄

[jano56 in reply to Elfe5]

You're right- once I'm in the gear I'm easy to go. Thanks@