I fell in love with running 18 months ago and have pushed myself ever since.
Life has been very intense these last two years and it's all finally calmed down and relaxed.
What a wonderful summer I have had with completing uni, having some quality time off work to spend with my daughter. Meeting a new wonderful man.
The only issue is I've relaxed that much I've lost my motivation. I was running 25-30k a week pre summer,with weights 3 X weekly and feeling like a lean machine.
Now, I'm struggling to do 12-15k and have really felt the difference with my metabolism. I'm about to hit my 46th birthday and want to get my running and fitness mojo back.
Any suggestions would be brill! X
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Herbpie
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It sounds like your life is in a really good and happy place, which is wonderful. As for the tiredness....so many possible causes.
Is your tiredness only when you run? If so, could it be as simple as drinking a bit more water and doing stretches/warmups? Or maybe follow some sort of program to gradually build up to where you were before. Starting off with low and achievable goals will build up both your strength and confidence safely.
If it's in other areas of your life as well it could be worth getting your GP to check your blood. My thyroid started failing in my 40s which leads to horrible fatigue but it's very easily treatable. Another possibility is (peri)menopause which, again, you can do something about. You might be lacking iron or vitamin D or some other component of a healthy diet. Best to get it investigated if it's spoiling your fun.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that you sort this out.
I agree with your first post and totally disagree with your second! Nothing to be gained from Herbpie forcing herself to do something she doesn’t want to do - that will just drive her mojo away. She should just take a break until the urge to run comes back. Of course, as a parkrun event director I would also recommend using parkrun as the way back in to loving running when the urge returns ….
I take your point completely UpTheStanley , I expressed myself badly. What I meant was that making the effort to get out when you don't really feel like it is sometimes the way to establish or re-establish the running habit.
Herbpie has lost her motivation. I'm suggesting that it might come back if she can take small steps towards it by establishing a routine so that her default is to run, even a short run, rather than not to run at all.
I really think it depends on the individual. Many people find routine helpful. I don't. I've forced myself out to run when I didn't feel like it and it's left me feeling worse than if I hadn't run at all. Yes, I know any run is supposed to be better than no run, and we're meant never to regret a run, but in my case, that's simply not true.
Hello.... well... here you are and here we are. Yesletsgo has given you some great advice...
So. Maybe in your own words, pushing yourself for the last fourteen months, was not the best idea ever?
You are in a great place,. with a great partner...why not ease back and smell the roses...on a gentler, laid back relaxed run Maybe find a new starting point, one that does not require any pushing at all !
My thoughts, start being a tad kinder to you; your body and your runs, may thank you for it.
A new start... a slower start, with new routes and shaking up the distances too, could be the answer... and we will be here to support you, all the way back
I wonder what the psychology behind it is. Maybe running channelled your frustrations before now and was something you could control and now you don't have that same need for that! I would say you need to reframe your motives or goals.
Also maybe accountability would be helpful in the form of a running buddy (maybe someone on here is local to you?!) or even posting your goals here as a first step. Or perhaps a running group?
I often find that some of the best runs are the ones that you set no conditions for as you head out the door. Follow your body and your mind. Find the pace that is right for you. Mix it up...
And reward yourself now and again for just getting out and doing a run. I'm on the injury couch atm, but I've ordered a new pair of running socks to keep up my spirits.
At the start of this year my running was in a mess!! Injury, lack of fitness, bit overweight, and frustration that I couldn’t get back to where I wanted to be. VO2 max was as low as it had been since I started checking it! average heart rate when running was too high. I generally was not a happy bunny (unlike you 🙂).
My running now is as good as it has ever been, actually it is probably better with new pb’s at 10 miles and HM, and I am really enjoying it again. How ? First my magical physio fixed my injury. Then I was told that I was pre diabetic , and my OH was told that she was diabetic…so big change in diet required, and finally I made the Nike Running Club HM plan, and more recently the NRC Marathon Plan the framework for my runs. I am someone who needs a plan, structure, road map, call it what you will.
I have no intention of running a Marathon; aged 72 is a bit late for that I think, although some argue that it isn’t. What the marathon plan has given me is a link into daily training (just 10 or 20 minute sessions) which are a mixture of yoga and strengthening exercises, so far without using weights. There is a big focus on single leg work, which is coming on nicely. The running element is all about technique/running form a coach in my ear as I run really helps. Running faster without increasing effort definitely feels like a win! Now I am fitter, stronger and leaner than at any time since I started running and my VO2 max and average heart rates are as good as ever they were.
So, a framework and feeling that I am making progress is key for me. We are all different of course.
🍏 Loved reading everyone’s worthwhile advice.. we learn so much from each other.
Have a look at some of the guided runs on the free Nike Run Club App.. absolutely loads of motivation there & runs of any length to choose from. Many of us run with those excellent coaches when we need some incentive or help.
I went through something similar earlier this year. I’d been ill and couldn’t get my mojo back. I did 2 things - I joined a running club. Found new running friends! I don’t run with them every week - fortunately I can dip in and out when I like and they support me whatever. There’s a group whatever your pace. Running with others may not be your ‘thing’ (and it isn’t usually mine) but it never fails to give me a boost to go and run with them. Another advantage is that they run in places I wouldn’t go to by myself - like in the woods! My club is part of the ‘Run Together’ group. Mostly, you just pay for the runs you do (About £2) but someof them are free.
Then I got myself an online running coach - so had to follow the plan that she set! The runs started off easy with a few tough ones thrown in. I did it for 6 months and - wow. Loved it. My fitness is back on track and I’m doing the long, slow runs that I love again.
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Maybe find a new starting point, one that does not require any pushing at all ! 
Winter running
Blowing off the cobwebs!! 🕸 🏃🏾♀️❤️
Tips for running in the heat?
Feeling proud of myself!
