What are your gremlins whispering?

[Yesletsgo]

I notice that not many of us have posted over the last couple of days and drew the conclusion that perhaps our running is taking a bit of a back seat.

At this time of year the weather isn't great. There are a lot of nasty bugs around. The sun rises late and sets early. There's only a week left until Christmas which can mean a frenzy of shopping, cooking, preparation, present buying and general stress.

For me, I think the gremlins have eaten my mojo, like the dog eats the kids' homework. Three weeks without a run for no real reason except it was so gloomy and cold where I was staying. Now I'm home from my travels there is so much to catch up on, both Christmas and work related, that the need to conserve my energy for the stuff that has to be done is working against the urge to run.

I'm consoling myself that within a week the the days will start to lengthen. Even a few minutes has a disproportionate positive effect on my wellbeing.

Three weeks isn't long enough to lose much in the way of fitness. Once I've done that first run the rest will be easier.

I'm sure my motivation is starting to reappear. I almost made the effort yesterday but after 4 days on the road decided I needed to rest (I was enjoying being in my own bed so much after 3 weeks away!!).

This morning it was really windy, I don't like running in wind at the best of times. At least I had an excuse today.

So, assuming I'm not the only one feeling like this, is it gremlins for you or is life intervening? What pep talk works to get you back moving again? I need all the help I can get.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I have managed so far this week to run a 10K on Monday and 5K this morning, both in fresh to strong westerly winds, the 10K was my 13th this year, ran one 10K every month this year except March when I ran two within a week, I wish you Yesletsgo all the best for the season and many more runs in 2025.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Good to hear this AlMorr , I'd hate to think everyone was as unmotivated as I feel. You make it all sound so straightforward, it's quite inspiring

Thank you!

(just to clarify, I love a good breeze and I will run when it's windy, I just prefer calmer conditions when it's cold)

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Don't let the gremlins beat you but don't run if you are unwell, I generally run twice a week, on a Wednesday and Saturday, however, because of the recent cold spell I only ran 3Ks and as it got milder decided to run that 10K there on Monday, this week I'll be running 3 times because this Saturday I am going to parkrun wearing my Santa hat and a Christmas jumper.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thankfully I've not been ill, just so lacking in motivation that it hasn't even occurred to me that I might like to run. I haven't felt like this since I started running, but it was just so bitingly cold, damp and gloomy while I was away that it sapped most of my joie de vivre. If the sun had shone or the snow had fallen I think I'd have been out like a shot but no, just cloud, drizzle and darkness. Here's hoping tomorrow it'll all come together!

I'd be very happy with a 3k! Maybe I should get along to Parkrun too.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

I'll tell you why I do those 3ks no matter what the weather is, it all goes back to the first winter after I graduated from C25K, the winter of 2018/19 when I didn't run for about 3 months, when I started running in March 2019 I regretted not running and reran some if the weeks of C25K, I reran the course in 4 weeks, not 9, after that in the winter months and also in bad weather I run what we call on this forum a "maintenance" run which for me is 3K, so if you feel a bit down try at least a short 2 or 3K run in a park near to where you live, good luck 🏃🏾✔️

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

The weird thing is that through the summer I was doing 3ks for exactly the same reason - to keep consistency. I'm really not good in the heat but by slowing right down I got into a really good routine. That all went to pot when I went away again.

My next run will probably be 3k, it's a really nice distance, takes me just under half an hour so not too long to run before I can have breakfast. Here's hoping the weather is ok in the morning.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

It’s the aftermath of flu here that’s killed anything energetic. I’m just totally wiped out all the time. I know it’ll pass but my goodness, it’s frustrating. I can’t wait to get back to doing something active. A walk would do right now! I know that I just need to be patient and pushing myself out when I’m not recovered is just going to be counterproductive.

Hope you can find your mojo. This time of year is especially tricky!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

You have a 100% genuine excuse for not running, you've been really ill! It's horrible when you want to get out there but you just haven't got the energy to walk across the room. Just take it easy, force yourself to rest and one morning you'll wake up feeling lively again

I think my mojo might be reappearing, at least I'm sort of feeling guilty for not getting out much (which I definitely wasn't last week). The mojo can be a timid beast, needing gentle encouragement (though a self administered kick up the rear and a good talking to can work too 😂)

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Sorry to read you have had the flu MissUnderstanding - it can be really horrible! You definitely to focus on rest and recovery so that you can feel better for Christmas…those runs will wait but you will get back!🙂

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Sorry I missed this! My watch has officially decided I’m recovering rather than detraining now so I guess that’s a good sign. No runs yet but I’m hopeful for some soon! Thanks for the good wishes! Happy Christmas to you 🎄

[moopo]

It is just idleness that stops me. I had a weekend away, late nights over indulgence, not home until Monday evening. Today was the first day back home with the inclination so I went out, my first run in a week. I came back with a sense of achievement, pleased I'd made the kick to put my shoes on. I could have gone out yesterday but just didn't. I have to remind myself that I want to run regularly, shake the ennui and pull my shoes on. I don't beat myself up when I don't go but I do see it's my choice to do the runs so I'm just fooling myself by taking an extra day or two off.

Cold weather, slippy underfoot, dark shorter days, coughs and sniffles, injuries can all curtail a run. Being an idle git doesn't cut it, so I tell myself to buck up and get out. Walking not running day tomorrow.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to moopo]

Every other time I've been away I've enjoyed the experience of running somewhere different. This time it just didn't happen. Your post is reminding me of how I'll feel when I finally do make the effort.

Tomorrow is another day, as they say, and maybe it'll be the day I break this slob streak 🤞

[21magpies]

I feel this! Combo of life and gremlins here. I'm AuDHD and I need my routine, but when something disrupts it I really struggle to claw it back - I have to, though, or the repercussions get a bit much. For the past two weeks, it's been hugely disrupted by Christmas trips and an altered work schedule. I'm proud I managed to get a run in last week while visiting family, but haven't managed to go since I got home - partly lack of clean kit, partly lack of mojo. I'm aiming to get going again tomorrow or Friday (before the really high winds kick in again), as much for my brain as for my fitness (which I can feel slipping away, especially in the face of loads of extremely tasty presents from customers at my job!)

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to 21magpies]

I get what you're saying about disruption. Routine is our friend but mine has just evaporated over the last 3 weeks. I'll be back at home for a little while now so just need to take that first run to get back on track.

Well done for getting the run in last week, you and me both need to get out in the next couple of days

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

ohhh..my mojo disappeared ages ago…I am desperately trying to find time to go looking for it…since I started working 3 years ago my running has taken a rapid decline…I still feel so good when I get out there but it’s getting out there, my gremlins are whispering all sorts in my ear…that’s the problem at the moment…I have 2 weeks off over Christmas, so I won’t be sat in my car all day so I have no excuse but to kick those gremlins into touch and go find my mojo…

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Two weeks off will do you the world of good. These last few years we have stayed with my brother for Christmas. He bought the house we grew up in so I get to sleep in my teenage bedroom (completely remodelled and totally different these days of course!) I force myself to go for a run on Christmas morning just so I'm not a total slob all day. The first year I did it alone, then with Mr Y, and now my niece runs so I'm hoping the 3 of us will get out there. Only trouble is she's young and runs very fast 😱😂

Good luck with your wintry gremlins!!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Aw, that’s so lovely!! I would love to go back into a house I grew up in!!

Your Christmas Day run sounds like a right good idea, if I have it in me I might get up with the sparrows and fit one in…but I have a feeling I will be peeling potatoes 🤣🤣

Your niece might just run at your pace seeing as it’s Christmas? xx

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

It's a strange time of year isn't it? We spend the hot sticky summer runs saying roll on winter running then when the time comes life sneaks in with shorter days and Christmas and for some flu or colds. But as you say, we are nearly at the turn of the year and the hope for longer days, less wet and windy weather and of course, our mojo is waiting for us with new year 😁.

Wishing you good running, and remember what Jools said to me as she virtually bundled me out the door... 😁

[RunKRun in reply to SueAppleRun]

What did Jools say to you Sue? Don’t leave me hanging! Xx

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to RunKRun]

Ha ha... Something along the line of.... I know you want to get fit again and be able to run like you used to....but of course it's your decision if you get up and go out! At that point I thought I'd better go then 😂😂😂xxx

[RunKRun in reply to SueAppleRun]

Love it! Our VRBs are priceless aren’t they? I love this community. Xx

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to RunKRun]

Me too xx

[Xmrkn20 Graduate10]

I’ve not been too bad at sticking to my routine of 3 runs a week, but it’s over the Christmas period that the gremlins will emerge! Am determined to keep them at bay and still go out 3 times, even if I do shorter runs. My motivation will be the additional festive food that awaits my return!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Xmrkn20]

Keeping to the routine is the key, isn't it? Is the thought of all that eating and drinking and sitting around relaxing enough to make anyone put on their running shoes? Or is it the direct opposite???

Good luck and my your mojo never falter

[Fasterthanshizu]

Our dog ran under a car at the end of November. He's recovering amazingly well but needs close supervision to stop him from reopening his wounds. We did shifts overnight to stay awake watching him.Carrying him around is wrecking my back, but when I have been able to run it's really helped shake my vertebrae back into place.

So my gremlin says nothing, just watches me intently from his crate, waiting for a moment of inattention so he can nibble his sutures!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Fasterthanshizu]

Oh dear, poor doggie! They just don't understand that licking wounds isn't helpful. He's lucky you're taking such good care of him.

Hope your little gremlin makes a speedy recovery so you can get back to the running

[CBDB Graduate10]

LOL lots of gremlins over here as well. They multiplied during my illness, and now I have difficulties chasing these out of my tired body, one by one. I am still lacking any energy at the moment, manage to get myself to my rower here and there, but only manage one run per week and this run being very very short.

I miss my energy levels. (Am looking to get blood tests and Vit/Minerals checked)

So very much fighting with gremlins at present. Thanks for this post.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Being ill really knocks you out, getting blood tests is a good idea. This time of year particularly it's easy to lack the willpower to resist the unhealthy choices and the tests will show up whether you can take any action to feel better.

In the meantime be easy on yourself. It takes time to get well and, much as we'd like to, there we can't always do anything to speed things up.

Looking forward to hearing you're feeling better

[Jericho2332 Graduate10]

I'm away working, can't wait to get home and run! Two weeks off (at least) after tomorrow and going to run as often as I can 🤞🏻 il kick a gremlin if I see one! 😂💪🏻

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Jericho2332]

Those gremlins had better watch out if you're around

[nowster Graduate10]

The gremlins this last week have been work (leaving things in a good state so I can take the next two weeks off) and a tummy bug which Herself brought home which made me not want to be too far away from the loo.

But I did get out for a 10½km run this lunchtime, after delaying waiting for a delivery driver (the 8 stops away notification, etc.) to arrive... and a last minute "loo check".

No PBs or anything as brash as that, just a comfortable plod.

I see from your more recent post that you have dispelled your gremlins. May they long continue keep away.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Wow, 10.5k over lunchtime with a tummy bug...mind you, I'd be running fast too 😜

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

The tummy bug is mostly gone now. The worst day was Sunday, and I've been feeling less and less delicate as the week has progressed.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

My anxiety is always worse in the run up to Christmas. Combined with the busyness this does impact my running and this last week I have struggled to get out as much due to feeling quite overwhelmed at times. This is precisely the time I should make running my absolute priority but hey…we’re human aren’t we?🤷‍♀️

Have finished work now for Christmas however, and just got back from my morning run🏃‍♀️🙂…so things are on the up again! 👍🙂

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

There are lots of reasons why it can be overwhelming at Christmas but I think that on balance getting out for a run is helpful...if we can only motivate ourselves to get out there

Happy to see you feeling more positive

[Jell6 Graduate10]

It's a really tricky time. I lost an entire weekend to putting up decorations. 1 day was pretty much just sorting out 1 tree! Also there have been multiple days with extremely strong winds. I'm drinking coffee now, contemplating a run in rain and 40 kmph winds. If I don't do it, then I've only run x 2 this week. Make me go someone!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Jell6]

If only I'd seen this earlier I would have said something very positive Jell6 , did you manage to overcome the pull of your warm dry home with coffee?

[Jell6 Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

I did, and it was hard going. Hail hitting you in the face in those winds is no joke🙄😆

High winds

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Jell6]

That's a really strong wind! I had a 26 mph westerly on my run this morning, that was bad enough.

Congratulations on finding your motivation to get out there