Struggling

[scamp]

I have not run in about 6 weeks. I have been running to the speed podcast which is short but I find I am sticking with that and not going beyond that. I am really struggling to get back out there. Should I go back a few weeks and build up again. Need some motivation, plus the weather is sooo bad it makes it even more difficult.

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

If you've been running to the speed podcast you've still been running. Just get out there again without any pressure and do a slow and steady run. Speed is short because it pushes you, if you run slower I'm sure you'll be able to go for longer again!

[Slowstart Graduate]

Hi Scamp, 

It's hard to motivate you when we don't know what you want from your running?

I also find the speed podcast hard work, but then it is designed to push you out of your comfort zone. But perhaps you just need a change?

Perhaps you need to see where you are and consider what you want.

Go out for an "easy run", do it at your own speed and enjoy it, take your favourite route or maybe a new one, listen to some great music, whatever makes you happy. If you feel like doing a longer or shorter run, that's fine, remember you are doing this for you, not for anyone else. See what speed and distance you are naturally achieving and then decide where you want to go from there.

I find having a run just for me to enjoy with no pressure, no worrying about times and distances, helps me ground myself and gives me time to focus on what I feel is important for me. 

[Rainbowsmurf Graduate]

I've just got back into running after two months with no exercise whatsoever due to illness (and life in general being difficult). For my first run I just went out to see how far I could get. Managed 10 minutes around town, had to walk for a bit (about 3 minutes) then managed another 10 minutes. Today I managed two 12 minute runs on the treadmill at the gym with a 1 minute walk in between.

My advice would be to take it slow and see how far or how long you can go for. No set plan. You have been running so you may surprise yourself.

[scamp]

Thank you all for you re words of encouragement. Went out and did the speed run. It was great but tough. Was really happy with it and my mood was brilliant after.