Lockdown and summer were the perfect match to start something new and complete C25K. I graduated in July and was deliriously happy, but boy, am I finding it hard now. Back to work, kids back to school, dark outside, no spare time and I seem to have lost my mojo.
I've only managed 5 runs since I started JuJu's Magic Plan on 4 Sept and am feeling sluggish, podgy and guilty for not getting out there enough. My next run should be the dreaded 6k of Wk2R3. My last run was Saturday and I managed 5k but with a sneaky 30sec walk in the middle. I need to find some inspiration and motivation to get back on it.....any tips fellow runners?
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58soon
Graduate10
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Slow and steady is the mantra slogan of C25K, it can also apply when running longer distances, Ju Ju's Magic 10 plan like C25K is a training course so running slowly is perfectly fine, take all the runs slowly, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, good luck. 👍 🏃🏾
Sorry no solutions but I can relate as your story mirrors my own. I’m fortunate to have a treadmill but I’ve not used that either due to finishing work late every day. I’m not beating myself up about it. There are only so many hours in a day. I want to run and will run at the weekend but won’t let it just become another thing on the tick list. Just really enjoy it when the time comes 😊
Would it be possible create a routine? Set run days... that no matter what as a minimum you give yourself 20 minutes/half an hour on specific days in the week. It's trying to create that habit that no matter what, at this time I run. I know maybe easier said than done and of course things will crop up, but the more the habit is ingrained the more likely you'll keep it up. This time of year is tough, I graduated c25k early November last year and there were days I'd get to my run time, usually 7.30 in the evening and I was so tired but I had to make myself go.. and I always felt better for it, mentally and physically.
That's a good idea - then at least the family know to expect me running on a specific day/time. Will have to get home from work, cook, not eat (!) then run. You're so right, I will feel better if I make myself go
Ahh, the benefits of lockdown - no travel - lots of extra time!
I’m trying 2 short runs early mornings in the week - one 20min and one 30min at the moment - and the long run on the weekend, and so far it’s working. I’ve invested in high viz top and chest torch to give me confidence going out in the dark. The benefit of early morning is you’ve done it and can get on with the day. Also I have a pact with myself that if I have a day when for whatever reason I’m really not feeling it, I still get out and run even if I can only do 10mins, because it’s the habit of getting out there regularly that will keep you doing it. Be kind to yourself and Good luck 🌞
I think you’re right BonniesRest. I’ve definitely got out of the habit of running every other day. Need to start a less ambitious habit, like you say, of getting out there for however long I can squeeze in - even just 10 mins. Perhaps I should try some shorter faster runs! 😳😀
If it helps, I'm pretty much in the same boat. Including today's I've only done six runs since 6th September, for very similar reasons to yours.
While I don't feel great about it, I'm going with the flow for the moment, and running when I can, even if that means 2 or 3 days between runs. It's the only way that I can realistically manage!
My sneaky tip is that there is nothing wrong with a 30sec walking break every now and again. I run with my dog and there is always a stop or 2 (occasionally 3) within the first couple of km to clean up after her, but I still count my runs as being whole.
I have also been through slumps in running before, sometimes it can just be really hard to find the time and motivation. But realistically that is ok too. One thing that made it easier for me was to work out ways of thinking of every run as 'the easy one'. I would try and make the shorter runs faster, but they were only short so they were the easy one. The long one I told myself I can go as slow as I want with absolutely no pressure so it was the easy one. And the 5K - well I had done a handful of 5k runs by then so they were also the easy runs!
Your comments helped so much. I kept in my head if I need to stop, I can. Then I didn't need to (this time at least!). But 1 did the long run thinking it was the easy one - it worked! Thank you
Loads of great advice here. Every week pick three run days and do them. Then you know and everyone else knows and it just becomes part of the week. Like Mum22boys I run after work in the evenings during the week but make sure I'm fuelled and hydrated all day so when I run, I'm ready. I save the longer one for the weekend. Do it for you because you deserve it mentally as well as physically.
I've always gone out first thing but now with darker mornings am thinking need to go in evenings instead but I've never found it my best time to run so am trying very hard not to slip into not going either time cos once the habit is broken....... Keep on running, its worth it !
C25k and jujus plan are just that a plan, but more importantly a guide. Everyone is physically different so should approach running the plans to suit.
You have a busy life so the running has to be done to build up your stamina. I think your pushing it if you want to do 6k for wk2 run3. If that's your route then are you doing 7k for wk3, then 8k for wk3 etc.
Because of my age I mixed runs 1 and 2 but did the times for wk3. I wasn't under any pressure, so built up my stamina very gradually.
Wk8 completed 60mins easily then next 2 wks did 5 short runs (a resting period) then 10k on the 6th run in 1hr 21 mins. Because of the gradual build-up I knew I would do it. Could have carried on.😎
It struck me that maybe the distances are putting you off? Have you considered switching to the timed version of the Magic Plan? I worked my way to 60 mins first then gradually increased until i got to 10k - my gradual increase in one long run per week actually matched the distance version. Might feel easier?
I did the same as Fionamags and switched to the timed plan after week 3 as the distance meant extending the time too quickly, I’ve been plodding along slowly since early July and still in Week 7 but slowing down has really helped me enjoy and look forward to the runs 🤗
Hi 58soon, I’m on the magic plan too, did the 7k week 3 run last night. It is a challenge to do the long runs, but that’s why we chose to do it, right? 🤣🤣
Is there anyone who would join you for the runs either in person or virtually ? I go out with a friend, but even if they can’t make the same time for a run it’s good to have someone on the same target to push you on.
Good luck with it all, if you want a virtual buddy, I’m happy to tag along.
You're so right - the reason we feel so proud is because we are achieving what we didn't think possible. Yes - that's why we do it!
I started with a virtual running buddy, but she has dropped out, so am now depending on this forum, which is SO inspirational. Good to know you're there - I'll look out for you!
You guys on this forum are so inspirational! Thank you all, for your encouragement.
Today, I decided to take a break at lunchtime and try to complete the 6k of W2R3. I was nervous and unsure to start with, but as I kept going I tried to remember all the names of those of you who had posted replies, suggestions, tips and shared similar challenges. It helped so much and also made the time go quicker!
38mins later, my Strava said I'd completed 6k (my first!). So, a few days off actually helps, not hinders.
I will take you all (virtually) on my next run and have a few phrases to remember....think of every run as an easy run, don't break the habit, create a routine, mix time and distance, 10 mins is better than nothing, and just go with the flow.
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