I'm hiding under the duvet...running mojo has ... - Couch to 5K

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I'm hiding under the duvet...running mojo has absconded.

lemondoodle profile image
29 Replies

My running shoes keep giving me reproachful glances.

I'm stalling at weeks 8/2 .Maybe I should go back a week to week 7?

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lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle
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29 Replies
Jaqs99 profile image
Jaqs99Graduate

I'm new to this (W2R3) but have browsed loads of messages here. I think that doing something a bit "easier" when the mojo has evaporated is much better than doing nothing at all. It will at least keep your running shoes quiet!

I noticed you write a lot of motivational messages to others here... I'm sure lots of people will be here in a minute to help you get your motivation back. Good luck be kind to yourself ... and your shoes'

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to Jaqs99

Thanks for your kind helpful reply. I think you're right and I need to be kind to myself - I have a lot going on with unwell elderly parents at the mo and I think I'm probably a bit worn out. That and the pants weather we've been having have thrown my schedule. I think I'll aim for a 15 min run tomorrow (rather than 28) that feel less intimidating.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

You can't stall at week 8! You've done the hardest bit and you'll be able to finish no problem. Surely you don't want to miss the chance to graduate and post it here! We're all behind you. YOU CAN DO IT.

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to Irishprincess

:) I can't give up - I've just ordered a garmin,lol I'm going to keep posting til I graduate, even if it takes me weeks more.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate in reply to lemondoodle

Well done you! It took me ages to complete the programme due to injury, life, etc but got there in the end. There's no hurry. Way to go lemondoodle!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

I am sorry your mojo is on the down side. I was feeling a bit like that recently. The weather, bad runs, Xmas you name it. I set off with them weighing me down as I ran. I went out yesterday and told myself what ever happens happens. Your well enough along the program to treat yourself to a fun run. Go out, run for as long as want, walk and then run. Whatever takes your fancy. Go naked. (Music I mean). Just shake it up a bit. Leave the front door with a sense of excitement about the run. I found that worked wonders for me. The when your all fired up back to finish next run on the program.

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to Realfoodieclub

Thanks real foodie - I think this is what I need to do: I can feel optimistic about a 15 min run rather than 28, so perhaps tomorrow I will set off and aim for that. And if I fancy walking/running after the 15 mins, then great but if not, that's ok too. The fact I really am in bed at the mo feeling a bit worn out does suggest I need to listen to my body.

I_will_do_it profile image
I_will_do_itGraduate in reply to lemondoodle

Lemon doodle, I am living this with you! I've stalled at week 9 and have reconciled to do exactly what realfoodie has suggested to you for my next couple of runs. It's purely psychological...I've run for 35 minutes in the past, but now seem to be stalling at 20... I'm gonna run at the weekend, so will check in with you after that. Let me know how you're getting on. Hopefully, with both of us looking for them, we'll find our mojos in no time. The tinkers are probably off hiding somewhere together! ; )

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to I_will_do_it

LOL, d'oh, I should have realised mine had a partner in crime having a good time elsewhere! The critters.

I hope you had a fun, fun run this weekend. I've just really enjoyed doing 15 mins and I'll do it again on Tuesday. I am sure this is the route back to graduation. It's actually really encouraging to me to hear you have stalled even closer to the end. I'm sure learning how to handle these blips are part of successfully running long term. But it is easy to feel that know I have actually got out there again.

Keep me posted.

Jenner78 profile image
Jenner78Graduate

Lemon doodle I always find run 2 a struggle. Try not to be to hard on yourself. But If you feel that you need to do week 7 again to help you find you mojo then it's got to be a good thing, hasn't it?

I am sure you will soon be back out there and enjoying how far you have come.

Good luck, chuck :)

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to Jenner78

I hope so Jenner - I really want the benefits of regular running. I've a lot going on at the mo as mentioned above and I think I need to let go of graduating asap and work on just enjoying the running until I am ready to progress.

I felt it was worth posting to get support and a good record of the ups and downs that can be experienced before graduating.

Jenner78 profile image
Jenner78Graduate in reply to lemondoodle

You have done so well to come as far as you have and you should be very proud of yourself for that.

Try not to let it put you off.

P1glet1 profile image
P1glet1Graduate

Come on Doodle, we both know that you can do it :) Mind over matter I promise!! I think you should make yourself a 30min playlist and just go with the flow as Realfoodie says. xx

P.S. What colour's the Garmin? Mine purple

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to P1glet1

whimper...

Orange.

P1glet1 profile image
P1glet1Graduate in reply to lemondoodle

Awww don't whimper, you make me feel bad lol! Just remember any run is better than no run. Orange sounds good, you'll have to test drive it when it arrives....

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to P1glet1

Don't feel bad :) I just feel a bit whimperish but I def now need to go to bed. Tomorrow's a new day and I might feel brighter and perkier. I'll aim for a 15 minuter - I feel that can get me out of the door and then sneakily convince myself that maybe I can do more...and the garmin will definitely need test driving :)

Fitfor60 profile image
Fitfor60Graduate

I think you have good idea to go out for 15 mins and just see what happens A short run is better than no run Dont put too much pressure on yourself but by just getting out there you know you will feel better Hang in there you know we are all behind you It can be very mentally and physically draining when family not well but you will graduate even if just wee while later than you planned Hope parents feel better soon

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to Fitfor60

Thanks fitfor. Appreciated. I think the situation is a long term one which will have ups and downs, I just need to get past this stalling so I know I can have difficult weeks/fortnights and know for sure I have the ability to get back out there and get going again. But at the same time, allow myself to curl up under my duvet when I need to.

I really value all this support very very much.

Fitfor60 profile image
Fitfor60Graduate in reply to lemondoodle

Its a really difficult situation and you will find a way to cope Just keep talking to us all and take care

Leyther1 profile image
Leyther1Graduate

I hope you find whatever it is you need to get your mojo back. You are almost there, so so close (I know its not over after week 9 but you'll have your shiny badge). Do what you feel is right for you but please don't give up.

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to Leyther1

Thanks Leyther. I guess tough times like this make achieving that shiny badge even better.

Lemondoodle, trust me we all have days like this. You're human!

There was a point in Week 5 where I just lost my mojo and nearly gave up, but I persevered.

You have come so far, so try not to give up. Your graduation is so near you can almost smell it.

Perhaps go back to Week 7 to boost your confidence. I know you can do it.

Hoping tomorrow or the next day is a much better running day.

Viktor

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to

Thanks Viktor - , hearing others got through these lost mojo phases does really help. Yes I can smell it. I guess wanting it is why I posted for help. I cannot give up now, I just have to find a slightly different path to get there.

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

Sending a virtual hug. Don't beat yourself up. Just do what you feel like and enjoy it - you might surprise yourself! It doesn't matter if graduation takes a little - just look at how far you've come.

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to Ullyrunner

Thanks ully. I'm not thinking about it until Sunday now and will go with the flow.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Week 8 was the toughest one for me and I remember questioning whether I was enjoying it or not. In retrospect I wasn't, but I pushed on through and it is all history now. C25k shouldn't be a tyranny, so your 15 minute plan, before normal service is resumed, is a good idea. We are all watching, not with reproachful eyes, and know that you will get there, because, as you have said before, it feels good when you do. Good run just around the corner.

Keep running,keep smiling.

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thanks, it really helps to hear people found this particular week really tough. It's a curious phenomenon. No possibility of attempting anything before Sunday now. Having this support really makes me believe I can do this, even if it's by fun running for a bit. It will be amazing to actually experience coming out the other side.

in reply to lemondoodle

Everyone here is right behind you. It's a great forum to be part of. Have your days to rest and get back onto it when you want to.

I started in November and I have gone back several times. I just want to be happy with what I'm doing. Who cares when you graduate. The point I'm making is that you graduate and you have accomplished something so good.

Best wishes lemondoodle.

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to

Really wise words Viktor - it doesn't matter when I graduate does it and til then, every run is good.

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