I’m having trouble with motivation at the moment. I really want to increase my distance again, but it’s just not happening right now. Maybe it’s because there’s a lot of ‘stuff’ going on and I’m more distracted than usual. I always feel better for having been out running, though, just not enjoying the runs as much. Mr Garmin tells me that my VO2 Max is 38, Superior, but I don’t feel fit!
I set off steadily to do a 5K run this morning. I felt ‘bleh’. I couldn’t get the jobs I had to do out of my head. Running down the single track road, I saw a heron flying low over the river. I didn’t spot him before, but must have spooked him as I was running. I saw a sparrow gathering nesting material and watched a rook trying to fly with a branch that was far too big for it. Definitely nesting time!
I run out of the lane and cross the main road. 2K done. The third km sees me running out of the village towards the Deadend track. I’m already tired, but can feel my pace increasing. Yes, I decide to run along the Deadend track today, it’s been a while. I’m running along a Strava segment that I’ve recently reclaimed as Local Legend. Doesn’t hurt to add another one to the tally! 4th kilometre and I turn up the Track and continue. I don’t need to go right to the end as I’m only doing 5K, so I turn round just before. I hit 5 km on the way back, but I’ve miscalculated and I’m a bit too far from home, so continue to 5.5 K.
Warm down walk, stretches and ☕️. Running is hard at the moment!
Splits: 8:01, 7:54, 7:49, 7:43, 7:21, 7:11
Written by
Jools2020
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I hear you - just running somewhere else (and not in the dark) would be nice. I think every run, no matter how short counts as a victory at the moment, so well done for getting out - 5.5k is fab!
So sorry to hear that you’re struggling with your running Jools ☹️ ... don’t be hard on yourself. You are getting out there which is really good and I’m sure your motivation will return.It was a good run and negative splits ... well done 😊👏🏻🏃🏻♀️ X
Look at it another way. Think what it would be like if for one reason or another if you couldn’t run. You’ll be gutted. I can’t stand running. But always feel an immense sense of achievement when I finish. Grit your teeth and keep on at it. Even if you just stick to 5k for now you’ll not regret it.
You’re right. If I’m on the IC, I can’t wait to get out there again. I know a few people who can’t stand the actual running, but I’ve always loved it. Good advice to keep plugging away at 5K. (Or 4K, I’ve never liked 5K that much!) Thank you.
You got out there Jools2020 so well done! It’s horrible feeling a bit meh, but it will pass - at least that’s what I tell myself 😆. All the best. 🏃♀️👏🏼🏃♀️👏🏼
Never mind! You felt bleh, but still got your shoes on and went out and ran.
This is your “me” time...you are officially allowed to put all your problems/worries on the back burner and give yourself some slack.
If you’re not keen on 5km, why not give yourself some 30 minute runs? You are *so* allowed 30 minutes for yourself every day...see how far you can get in 15 minutes before you turn and come back 🥰
You have a lot going on and maybe even mindful running doesn't quite hit the 'off' switch! At least you're still running and I'm sure those distances will come. You'll know when you're ready! 🤗
Jools - you just cant help yourself with those negative splits 😂 Even feeling a bit bleh!
I want to build my distance back up again too - but its not happening for me either so don't be so hard on yourself. You have a lot going on so even just getting out there is a win
Those negative splits did at least make me smile when I looked at the stats! Yes, I did get out there without too much trouble. I won’t be able to run now until Sunday so I’ve dropped a run this week, which I was disappointed about, too. I guess we’ll both have to be patient and just get out there when we can. Thanks, Diane.
Despite all the thing happening and not feeling it, you did it and you ran those 5.5 km. And with some serious negative splits too, nicely done! Hope you'll feel better soon!
Stay strong. This probably isn’t the best time to be on form and might not be right for achieving longer runs. Our energies are finite, and there are lot of demands on yours. You don’t need any more pressure. When you are ready for that extra distance, you’ll know, your body will know. Likelihood is, that mojo will pop up when you least expect it. In the meantime, treat yourself kindly.
Thank you. I know that you’re right. I have so many balls in the air right now, it’s not a time for longer runs. I need a certain amount of calm for that. I’ll know when is the right time and it may not be before I move. I think I just need to accept that for now and get out when I can and do what I feel up to without punishing myself! 🙏👍
When we moved interstate late last year. I stopped running by distance and just ran by time blocks. I found I could always make time for 30minutes sometimes 45mins at a push. It kept my mental health in check still getting out to run but it took the pressure off thinking I had to do a certain distance. I still run by time now. Be kind to yourself. You know you can do the long runs. They will wait ❤️🏃♀️
Well done on running, I'm also struggling with motivation lately so know what you mean. I've just popped on here to inspire my butt out of the door for a run 🤣
Running might be hard at the moment but getting out there and keeping things ticking along is exactly the right thing to do. This winter has been tough for so many of us and it's showing in our moods as we wait impatiently for release and spring. Won't be long now before we get our mojos back.
HiCompletely relate to this. I too am going through a bleh phase. Not been well so not run for a week. Hopefully will crack it today. But hard to restart. Gd advice on here though. My running friend told me to keep just going out and once April comes and it gets warmer it will become more enjoyable.
I haven't posted, but I've been exactly the same- 4k plus is an absolute SLOG!- no energy or motivation at the mo. I'm beginning to wonder if it's a 'post covid jab' thing. I was doing 10 and 12k a few weeks ago and I've completely lost my 'mojo'- let's hope we get it back SOON - Well done for getting out there and getting a 5.5k done, the thought of even attempting that is truly daunting at the mo!
I’m encouraged so much that I’m not the only one! It could be a ‘post vaccination’ thing with you, but more likely it just started off that way. Every run is a victory (new mantra!). If 4K plus is too much of a slog, don’t do it for now! Set yourself up for success! Just do 4K. I know, like you, that I can do the longer runs, but I’m going to put them on the back burner for now. We will get our mojos back 😊
I'm only managing 3k - 4k at the mo- I'm so glad I've got part 1 of the vaccine so don't want to deter anyone - it's just such a slog!- I'm still kicking my backside out the door 3 times a week (and dreading it!)- let's hope we get our zing back soon - although you have a lot do deal with at the mo so that's probably a big part of it. I, on the other hand have NOTHING to juggle, and that makes it even more frustrating!- well done you for getting out there anyway, I think I'm going to just do 30 minute runs till I get a spring back in my step.
I had the vaccine a month ago and only had a sore arm for a day. Maybe I felt a bit ‘off’ for a couple of days, but that could have well been due to other things anyway.
I think that 30 minute runs - slowly - are the way to go. Back to a gentle jog and take the slog away. Have you tried the Nike Run Club app? They do some great guided runs. The ‘Mindful’ runs are really good, especially the headspace ones with Andy Puddicombe. There’s one called ‘Running on empty with headspace’ that I haven’t tried yet. It’s a 32 minute run. Or ‘Morning run with headspace’ at 30 minutes.
I use the NRC app but haven't tried the guided runs yet- tried to download a short run last week and it wouldn't work!- I'm going to try again today!!!!I, too, didn't have any real side effects from the jab- bit of arm ache and headache but nothing much at all- lost my mojo a week later!- had the jab 3 - 4 weeks ago. Onward and upward!
Any run is a good run so well done for getting out there anyway 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻It’s hard when you’ve got so many other things vying for your attention and energy. I am so overwhelmed by work at the moment I’m only managing a couple of 30 min 4K runs a week but that’s still 2 runs better than nothing. Be kind to yourself. You’re a runner who is fitting your running around your life not your life around your running. When the time is right and you get motivated by something you’ll soon kick into gear!
You’re right. I’ve just spent most of the day doing a job I was dreading - packing up my photography studio. It went well, most of the equipment packs quite small into purpose made carriers, so I’ve really achieved today! That helps when you have so much to do! I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be stressed about work, so I sympathise with you. I won’t be able to kick into gear until after I’ve moved, but I will get out there as often as I can for 30 minute runs. That’s the answer for now. Well done to you for managing it! 😘
We do SMART targets at school Small Measurable Achievable Realistic Time limited targets. Achieving small targets just seems so much more manageable when things are tough and time is tight. Small victories 😊
Fab splits there - I need to try to do negative splits - mine are usyally positive ones, if that's a thing??? 5.5k is great - we've got better weather now so you can enjoy building back up in the warmth. It might help the old mojo as well.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Wk1r3 of juju’s Plan, 5.5k 
Running motivation waning...
Struggling with motivation for long runs 
