Seriously struggling ☹️

[BeetrootFace77]

Still running but the last 3 weeks have been so hard. I feel like I’m getting worse not better. I used to do about 3 x 7k a week, I’m still putting in the runs but struggling to get to 5k now 🥵. What do I do? Losing my motivation ☹️

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Take a break, it should be fun or at least fairly enjoyable. Set a day to run and give a few days without running in between now and then, once you start running again mix them up a bit, one short, one longer and one really slow gentle easy long run

Or.... if you haven’t already, join the magic 10k plan, sometimes following a plan is enough

And remember to post your runs, good or rubbish, then you will get all the encouragement and motivation you need

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks. I definitely think I need to shake up my routine a bit as it’s becoming a chore and something I’m starting to dread.

[SlowLoris]

Do you need a new target to aim for?

Doing the same run three times a week would demotivate me. I like my long run on a Sunday but the others are shorter and more varied.

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to SlowLoris]

Maybe I am bored and putting too much pressure on myself. It’s like when I’m doing it I’m thinking to the end rather than the moment if that makes sense?

[MoliJ Graduate10 in reply to BeetrootFace77]

You have been doing fantastic, just relax into it and absorb the things around you. I always run first thing because I know that if I leave it until later in the day I will talk myself out of it.

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to MoliJ]

Exactly like me 😀 With kids back at school and the early mornings being busy anyway I have about a 40 minute slot from 6am (which was pretty dark this morning). Maybe a less stressed run after they’ve gone to school might be better occasionally, I could even drive somewhere for different surroundings. I must say although running from my door is convenient it has got very boring.

[SlowLoris in reply to BeetrootFace77]

Sometimes I just go looking for new streets or routes, having a nosy around. It ends up as a slow run by the time I've backtracked from a dead end or made too big a loop. Stops me thinking about the actual running though.

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to SlowLoris]

Good idea. Need to be careful round here though as I live on top of a hill...what goes down... 😂

[MoliJ Graduate10]

5k is ok, we don’t have to run and run and run. I have reduced my distance since my injury. I have also started running different routes and I am thinking of Jeffing. Just to get some variety in my runs. I also download more music to my play list when I need more motivation. 😀

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to MoliJ]

I usually listen to the radio as I like the chat and music combo. Perhaps a podcast might be different and something to concentrate on and a change to get me out of my rut? 🤷‍♀️

[Moominette in reply to BeetrootFace77]

I love running to podcasts - I like fearne cottons happy place and how to fail with Elizabeth day. They’re like a little therapy session, so I find I look forward to my runs as it means a nice 45 mins of listening to something soothing and/or motivational. It’s my little bit of me time amongst a hectic life of toddlers and teenagers! Hope you get your mojo back soon. Keep on keeping on

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to Moominette]

They sound like something I’d enjoy to listen to 👍

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

Lots of good suggestions already. 😄

Another idea is to take your pace right down to a gentle putter for some runs.

I have just re- read some of the links in Iannodatruffe’s post for new graduates,(C25K forum). There are lots of comments about running 70% to 80% of our runs at a slow comfortable pace. It made me realise that too much of my running is a bit too much effort and push, (although even that is very slow).

Yesterday I deliberately went slow all the way, I found it quite difficult to maintain that, (had to say whoa to myself at times😂), but it was the loveliest most relaxed 4K I have ever done!

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to Elfe5]

My runs have got slower, a regular pace for me is about 6.30 per k, this morning was much slower and I still couldn’t wait for the 5k to end 😂

[Elfe5 60minGraduate in reply to BeetrootFace77]

Wow! You are much faster than me! Maybe some more relaxed & slow might help! 😄

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to Elfe5]

I’m going to make an effort to take it down and stay down and see how it feels 👍

[Hidden]

This sounds like a mind issue. You run, run well and run far. Relax and enjoy. Go out and see how you feel. Maybe have a rough idea but in the run, see how you feel. Maybe try a purposefully shorter one every now and then for a blast then just go easy, steady pace; especially on a weekend if you can. I prefer runs after work on a week day but a mid-morning longer run at the weekend. Podcasts, music or no music or sound may help for a change. You are still going out regularly and that is the only thing that's really important 😊

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I think I may try running at different times. Early morning has always suited me but I’m not so sure it’s working now especially with the darker mornings coming. I really really want to keep up running, I’ve worked hard at it for 6 months and don’t want to throw in the towel.

[Hidden in reply to BeetrootFace77]

That is a brilliant attitude. I did pretty much all my C25k and B210K running after work. My mindset it that during the day I can hydrate and fuel correctly up until about 90 mins before and I have dinner to look forward to after. I'm confident then that I've done as much as I can when I'm running.

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for all the advise. Really need to crack this dip so I can enjoy the autumn runs and I think a change in routine will hopefully help 😀

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

Loads of good advice already 😃 I will say, I was having similar issues after the C25K, just felt like I was losing my mojo. Starting the magic plan really helped - I think it's both the structure but also having different length runs in the week. I'm now combining the plan with some of the guided runs on the Nike run club app and the joy of running is back 🙂 also, if you haven't got some already, do get some good running lights / head torch, the days are getting shorter and shorter 🍁

[Hidden]

Be kind to yourself. You are still doing brilliantly. You do cover a sizeable distance during a week so maybe cut back a little to allow yourself a bit more wriggle room? A change is as good as a rest. Mix up your distances a little, as in The Magic Plan. Do 3 runs varying the distance during the week, eg a 4, 5 and 7k. Extend the longer run each week or repeat before moving on. This is really the Magic Plan so I think it’s worth you taking a look. 😊

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Delly. I think because I’ve done a couple of 10s I’m thinking that 5 should be a breeze now, but it’s not working out that way! I will take a look at the Magic Plan 👍

[Hidden in reply to BeetrootFace77]

I think those runs of different lengths will help you get back to your 10k and maintain it (says she who is still to get there !! 😉). Sending lots of encouragement your way 🤗

[Comfortnotspeed Graduate10]

Maybe try a guided run. The NRC ones are good and there’s lots to try. Mix it up a bit! 🌸😊🌸

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Slow down so you need less recovery.

[BeetrootFace77 Graduate10]

Thanks everyone for your advice and kind words of encouragement. Missed this community, I’m glad to be back as part of it 😊

[hamit Graduate10]

Well perhaps you are doing to much of the same thing. Not up to your distance but awhile a go I found one 5k was enough the other two runs are tempo training. or Hill runs.