Motivation and enjoyment

[Meanmommab]

I completed C25K in November and was so proud of myself. Since then I seem to be missing the motivation of a set programme. I have reduced my running time once a week due to a ITB issue rather than stop completely and have tried to get going with the Jeffing training programme on my Garmin however hip discomfort is the same as ever and seem to have technical issues with the Jeffing. I have read on this forum about people running Hadrian's Wall and away from Zombies and wondered where I would find these or if any one had any other suggestions for helping me find my motivation again? TIA

[nowster Graduate10]

Is the ITB problem still around and are you doing any exercises that might help with it?

Are you doing activities other than running the rest of the week?

Do you find you push too hard when running?

[Meanmommab Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Have exercises from the physio for my ITB however did stop doing them after Christmas for a bit and didn't really feel any difference. Wanted to keep running and advised to do cycling if I wanted to do some other cardio work but haven't. Do some other exercises through the week but not for prolonged periods, do more short sets to get me moving and away from the computer when working from home. Am very competitive with myself so do try and do better every time if I can and get despondent if I don't see any improvement.

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Meanmommab]

I understand the competitiveness. It's put me on the injury couch a few times.

I've been working from home since March last year, in front of a computer for up to 8 hours a day.

Taking up running has given me motivation to get out and away from those illuminated rectangles (monitors and TV). But it doesn't need to be running. Just a 20 minute walk round the block is enough. My partner has remarked that I'm a nicer, more relaxed person to be around if I've had a bit of exercise.

Have you ever been out for a slow easy run with no target distance or pace, just to smell the flowers or take in the sights? The key is to mix things up. By all means do a run that stretches your abilities, but don't do that every time you go out.

I've decided to not pursue speed but instead gradually extend range, even if it's at a slower pace. But I don't do 10km on every run. Today's outing is likely to be a short 20 minute run, probably just over 2km.

Don't forget your warm up and cool down 5 mins walks either side of running, even when following a watch's plan.

Most importantly, go out and have fun. Don't make it a chore.

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to Meanmommab]

Meanmommab , I'd like to echo the excellent advice from nowster .

I can totally understand the competitiveness thing, but as someone pointed out on one of the forums a while back, even world champions don't break records every run. I personally needed to hear that to understand that I really can't expect to do better in terms of time or distance each time I go out.

My run today happened to be statistically good, but my favourite bit was waving my arms about and singing along to "Born to run" for no good reason other than I felt like it. That, and the blue skies and the scent of the freshly-felled trees in the forest will stay with me longer than the technical aspects of the run.

I understand that "Zombies, run!" is a free app - though I'm too much of a wimp to try it! Also, if you Google "virtual Hadrian's Wall run" you'll find that, along with other (paying) options for virtual runs.

Last but definitely not least, why not join in the HU Ultra Relay? See here: healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

[CBDB Graduate10]

Here some ideas and links that have helped me in the past:

1) Why not join the Sister Strength and Flexibility forum here on Health Unlocked. A lot of us runners hang out there and it makes cross training and workouts so much more fun if done together. Many of us are currently doing the daily Yoga practice from YWA. See healthunlocked.com/strength...

2) I love Conqueror’s Hadrian’s Wall, see theconqueror.events/hadrians/

There are many different ones and they certainly keep me motivated to get out there and put my regular runs in.

3) I have also done the deed and signed up for my first race. These are different than above virtual challenges, and they rather motivate me to train with a specific improvement goal. I joined this one and the race will be on Easter 🐣 😱: runderwear.co.uk/pages/fest...

4) Zombies, Run! Love it. 🧟‍♀️ Initially I suggested it to my teenage son, but it was too uncool for him. So I tried it out myself and fell in love with it. Immersive storytelling that drives your running! It has a free plan and can fully function as a running tracker. zombiesrungame.com

5) As a last thing (but possibly not for everyone) is to design your own plan and have fun with it. I love the planning phase and planned my own post consolidation phases. Here’s one of my plans for post-consolidation: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Would love to read how you get on! Good luck and find what feels fun!

[Meanmommab Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I will have a look at them and hope that the combination of better weather, lighter evenings and a variety of new things to try, I will soon be out having fun!