Help - lost my mojo.

[Aimeek]

About a week ago (maybe just over) I did my first run of week 9, but i haven't run since. Work has been busy and I just can't motivate myself to go at all - i don't know what's wrong with me. I found week 8 really tough going and didn't enjoy it much and i think it's put me off running a bit, I'm also eating really unhealthily at the moment and feel totally out of control.

I can't believe I've come this far to fall at the final 2 runs!!! Has anyone been through the same thing or has any tips for getting back out there? I know it's a case of 'just do it', but the days are slipping by and I'm not going, I'm now worried i won't be able to run for 30 minutes anymore.

[SuzukiLisa Graduate]

Oh no! I think we all get like that from time to time, but don't beat yourself up about what you haven't done. Just look at what you have achieved in the last 9 weeks!! Its only been a week since your last run. What about just doing 10 minutes today? 10 minutes is better than no minutes, and perhaps you will want to carry on for a bit longer? xx

[Cazvs Graduate]

Yes, I had a major mojo loss during week 8 (I wonder if it's a common thing?). I did a couple of runs where I just went out and ran with no timing and no distance in mind- I just went and ran for fun. It really did help, because I didn't feel that sense of failure if I did run far enough or for long enough. I also made a new running playlist which helped a lot.

Good luck finding your mojo! We all go through it and come out the other side. You'll love running again soon, don't worry

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Oh dear poor you, sounds as of the rest of your life has butted in a wee bit too much lately, but hey ,as they say **** happens! I'm certain thatyourmojo is only hiding ina corner of your head and when the coast is clear of other hassles it will re-emerge happily! Lost oomph is by no means uncommon at do e stage in the programme.

I'm with the other two on the 'try a little chirpy 10 min run' plan..... find some nice music, chuck your trainers on and just pop out with no pressures at all for a little jog around the block! Your legs certainly won't have forgotten what to do, and with some sun or a soft breeze you may find that your head clears wonderfully and you find the 'enjoyment factor' again!

As and when your life hassles are sorted, you'll be able to get back to those remaining longer outings .... And then graduate ... What a mighty sense of achievement that is!!

Hang in there hunnn, we all look forward to your success blog soon!

Cheers, Linda x

[Hidden]

feeling flat is never good is it, especially when you can't put your finger on what's behind it. although reading some of your other blogs about how you felt mixed in W6 & finishing W8 on a low too I guess something has been building up to make you feel this way ....

I got my blues during W7 & I put it down to a combination of low energy from not taking in enough food (calorie counting ATM so was already on reduced calories) & the recent warm weather (okay not this week), - plus disturbed sleep (still light at 10pm and light again at 4:30am)

.. you say that work has been busy - is that any more busy than usual (ie longer hours) than normal - do you think this could have zapped your energy & therefore your enthusiasm to go an run.... you seriously shouldn't under-estimate the energy you need to run for 30 mins.

You haven't fallen - just hit a slight bump in the road - okay it's W9 - and 2 more runs until graduation, but you have already run for a 30 minute session - you know you can do this - so now you need to want to do it.

It's the weekend coming up & hopefully you're not working both days - so why not as the others have said - just go out with your trainers on - do 10 mins and see how you feel.

Chin up - when you feel you've had enough rest - lace up them trainers and get out there & let your running be you release from your stress.....

[suzybenj Graduate]

All great advice _ I graduated a few weeks ago - I have to say week 9 felt like a burden - I really had to drag myself out I did two very scrappy runs and was totally fed up to have got that far and feeling like 'failure' - ridiculous feelings of course. I then didn't run for nearly two weeks - with the last run looming over me - but I took myself in hand - chose the flattest favourite route i could find - I ran slowly and counted out each five minutes completely determined to finish -and finish I did - the relief and pleasure was immense. But importantly that weight lifted immediately and all my runs since have been pleasurable -not necessary great runs - but i walk when i want to and don't beat myself up - i am still out there doing it.

And so be proud of where you have got to - go out and do whatever run you can do and then only one run left to do. Good luck

[Sellininnit Graduate]

Hi there, i too lost enthusiasm but in week 7, but managed to force myself back out there and once I got started, the 25 minutes was up in no time. This little bit of force has put me back on track and I now have only four runs to go to the end. I too suggest that you pick a very flat route for your return to the program and perhaps don't restart at week 9 but maybe week 7 or 8. You can get over this hurdle - I am hopeless (i think my running is slower than my walking) and I did, so you can too. Best of luck.