Losing my mojo...

[Mummy-Jill]

So, I graduated a while ago, and have carried on running three times a week - outside and on the treadmill, but I've sort of lost my motivation. I don't seem to be getting any better - I'm not running significantly faster, or significantly further, and don't know how to set myself targets to improve. Anyone else feel like this? I was so chuffed to complete the plan and now I feel at a loss. Help me, running pals - I need my mojo back!

[Hidden]

Hi mummy-jill , can understand what you mean, i graduated last november so still fairly new still, there is so much information available on the old interweb, different training plans etc etc Guess sit really does depend on what you would like to do , run faster? run further? maybe both ?

Any increase in distance or time should be no more than 10% a week

I am currently going to work on doing 1 longer run in a week , i can run 5k so adding .5km every week then on another run am going to do speed work 1 week then hill work the next and my final run will be a parkrun each week ish . The plan being that i will be able to run a sub 30 min 5k at some point this year and be able to run 10k in distance

I dont have a rigid plan i am just winging it but if search the web there are lots of set plans you can use

Not sure of that is much help but deciding what you want to do 1st is a good place to start , then go from there, maybe even look at any local running groups ,being with others could help spur you on ?

As they say the world is your lobster

[AndyD Graduate]

Rob has some very valid points and some good ideas... but I think you should remember that you are still running 3 times a week and I presume that you feel that you have exercised when you complete each run?Whilst most of us would like to go further or farther it doesn't always happen as quick as we would like. I do know how you feel, my 5k times have only improved recently when I started run/walking! I do plod away with a few walking breaks, but I know that my "runs" are still doing me good.

I really don't see that you need to lose your Mojo as you are still running. If you have got a huge desire to go further or faster (or both) then I'm sure you can find details about speed/stamina plans on this site which should help.

All the best

[misswobble Graduate in reply to AndyD]

Entering a race would help give your running some focus. I use free training plans downloaded from myasics, which i love, as they tell you exactly what to do

Joining a local running group is a good idea

[useitorloseit Graduate]

I was exactly the same as you - graduated in early October and was just doing the same distances and speeds. But then I tried the stamina podcast and found that running to a regular beat really helped me get faster. I now set a metronome ticking away over my audiobook when I run and I find that the consistency of bpm means I don't slack off and my speed has improved. There's still a long way to go before I'm doing 5k in 30 mins, but it was nice to see some improvement.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

This is why I think that some people lose their "mojo" after they complete C25k.

In the beginning, we all start c25k for a reason - whatever that reason is. As we progress through C25K by following strictly to the plan, we become very happy with our achievements each week and bask in their Glory!! We receive strong affirmation of our progress - and, as they say, success breeds success.

Then the programme comes to an end -- we have either forgotten why we started c25K in the first place - or perhaps we have indeed achieved our primary goal - and that continuing affirmation and discovery of ourselves comes to an abrupt end.

SO - what is then needed ?? Firstly another reason to keep running - and secondly ANOTHER PLAN/PROGRAMME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I intend to continue doing running training programmes forever - even after I have gotten Gold at the Olympics.

[Javea99 Graduate]

Personally, the hardest part was the first initial decision to start C25K and the very first run.

I agree that once you have graduated at times it is hard because of a lack of structure. I graduated back in June, still run 3 times a week and my approach is similar to Slow Rob's above. Pretty much trial and error, always reading what others have done, trying and experimenting. I have even tried the running away from German's mentioned last year.

Sometimes I don't want to run yet, when I have finished a run I always have such a mental buzz of achievement.

At the moment I run a 5 km, a longer run and I am experimenting with intervals for my third run - nothing too rigid - counting lamp posts.

For longer runs I started off with 30 mins and increased by 5 mins per week running at a slower pace. I can now comfortably run for an hour.

Both the longer. slower runs and shorter / interval running have gradually over the months reduced my 5 km time. 15 minutes of core / strength exercise at home twice a week has also helped - again this is trial and error as to what best works.

I always use Runkeeper as it reminds me of pace and distance as well as upbeat music.

I also agree that for some park runs, entering races, running with others works, as of course does reading posts.

A year ago (actually 8 months ago) I couldn't run. I now can and feel so much better for it and am looking at entering some local (Alicante) 10 km runs this Spring.

As Bazza notes, don't forget why you originally started - experiment and go for it!

[Hidden]

I felt a bit like you, didn't really feel I was making much progress, so as MW says I downloaded a 10K plan. I don't feel I necessarily have to get to 10K, but the structure of another plan has revived my interest. I'm also a huge fan of C25K + podcasts, I use them with the 10k plan. I'm making progress, it feels slow sometimes, but everyone works at their own pace. I've ordered a little clip on metronome from Amazon, can't wait for it to arrive!

[cathryn14 Graduate]

Hi Mummy-Jill.

Remember you are still running three times a week. You do not say how far or for how long but if you have completed the programme then I am sure you are doing a lot more exercise than you did before you started and it is still all benefiting your body and your mind as well.

I take my hat off to all those inspired to do longer and longer distances but currently I feel 5 km 3 times a week is still great! And I am not going to worry if this is where I stay!

I occasionally listen to week 9 again ( a wee fix of Laura) or the stamina podcast as suggested by usitorloseit, these remind me of my C25K journey and how far I have come and how I do not want to go back to my pre C25K body!