Help needed..

[Jmiss]

I have lost my enthusiasm, ability to run, energy, everything. I think doing the parkrun on Saturday was my downfall. I have been out today to run for 20 minutes but gave up after 12 and used the excuse that I was doing the Coopers test. I have lost all motivation and don't know what to do. If I quit for a few weeks and start again around week 6 would that help may be?...should I push myself to complete my last remaining 3x30 mins runs to graduate?...I need advice especially from you experienced runners. I am never going to run a marathon or even probably another parkrun....long term I always just wanted to run for 30 mins 2-3 times per week for fitness and to help with weight loss but I now fear I have lost my mojo for good. (

[rammsteinqueen Graduate]

Hi there, sorry to hear you have lost a bit of enthusiasm. Sadly, I am not experienced but I have recently graduated and like you, I am struggling a little bit. Are you running the same routes? Would mixing it up be a better option? Do you run to podcasts or listen to your own music? Sometimes having something really good to run to helps with your rhythm and brings euphoria. Perhaps going back a week or two on the podcasts may help. If you didn't enjoy the parkrun then put that at the back of your mind for now and just concentrate on getting to where YOU want to be. All the best to you x

[lightweightkate Graduate]

Oh no 😮! So sorry to hear how you are feeling. Maybe that park run was a step too far before finishing the programme. And yet you felt so proud afterwards and you got around it 😃

Think that's what you have got to hold onto now. You only have 3 runs to graduation and you have come so far and done so brilliantly.

I would say put today behind you, give yourself 2 or 3 days rest and try W9 R1 again.

believe you can do this and don't forget we all have bad runs 😡. Mine was in W7 when I just plain stopped after 10 minutes so you are not alone.

Be really proud about how far you have come. Good luck 😀😀

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

So parkrun is not your thing? So you had a bad run? That happens to everybody and shouldn't be a reason to give up! Just think of what you have achieved so far - you can run for 28 minutes non-stop. 28 MINUTES. That's incredible! If you stop running you will lose that ability and all the fitness that comes with it. If you just get out there regularly you will retain it and be able to build on it. If I were you I would just take the pressure off and toddle off without music, Laura or anything. If I stop after 10 minutes that's fine - just walk for a minute and repeat the procedure.

You've come so far - do you REALLY want to give up?

[Jmiss Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

No I dont....i will try again...thanks.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Now then! What earth has happened?

You have completed a park run, you've got to the final week. You're a winner and have done so well why so down in the dumps?

Remember why you started this after watching the marathon. You made a decision to get out there and do something for your own well being. And that exactly what you have done. You were probably tempted to go too fast at Parkrun - very easy to get swept up in the crowd!

So you had a bad run today - well, I'm afraid that's just part of being a runner. Sometimes it's awful, sometimes a struggle but often it's just wonderful!

You're doing more now than you probably thought you would ever manage. Why not persevere to try and complete the programme. After that, you can please yourself. If you really don't like the continuous runs there is nothing wrong with returning to walk/run intervals - you can clock up good distances without feeling totally wiped.

C'mon my dear, dust yourself off and get out again in a couple of days for a really good SLOW run. Don't take Laura - just go out and run with no pressure or expectation.

Run just because you can!

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Fabulous Ullyrunner 😀

[McFitty Graduate]

No way! You are too far on to give up now (and we've got crates of fizz ready to open for your graduation)! You haven't lost anything. You've just mislaid it. We all mislay our enthusiasm from time to time and our motivation too. Have a good few days rest and then try again. You'll find that motivation and enthusiasm hiding behind a gremlin! Remember there are no rules to this. You haven't failed anything. You are a runner and we're all so proud of you!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Don't worry jmiss, You will be able to run for 30 minutes non-stop.

Next time out like Ullyrunner suggests start really slowly, stay slow, once you get to the five minute mark, think to yourself now my body is starting to realise what is required and pumping more oxygen around. Push through the next few mins and stay slow but you may begin to feel looser. Your legs know what to do.. breath as normally as you can, relax your shoulders. You know you can do 28 mins two more is doable. Going slowly saves energy for the end.

You are probably tired after pushing yourself, and legs feel heavy. Rest up then back on the plan. Week 9 r1.😊😊

Atta girl..

Good luck x

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Sorry to hear you've hit a speed bump. We all do. The best plan is to set your next couple runs up for maximum success to give you that mental boost.

Tricks that work for me is picking out either a new scenic route, or my downhill route that I get my partner to drop me off at the top of on his way to the store. My new favorite tunes and off I go. Walking breaks okay, just a run-what-you-feel to have fun. I also like to return to Laura, usually around week 4 or so for intervals.

Or if you're feeling particularly glum, try week 1 and marvel how far you've come (still might be out of breath because you're running faster), you'll be amazed at how quickly that minute seems to pass now.

[Jmiss Graduate]

Thanks everyone...as usual all your comments have made sense and hopefully my next planned run on Saturday will be W9R1 complete....finger crossed.

[Lornia Graduate]

Don't give up, you have come so far. Bad runs happen and the mojo leaves sometimes but it'll be back. Be kind to yourself but try again.

[Coddfish Graduate]

Please don't give up. Some runs just don't feel right. Just because you lack your running mojo one day doesn't mean you will the next time you go out. Try to pick a day / time when it's not too hot, make sure you are well hydrated, take it slowly. You will get there.

Btw don't give up on the idea of doing another Parkrun some time either, they are great for giving you a regular running appointment. Once you have graduated, build up until you can run 5k either all as a run, or just with one or two short walking breaks. If you go back to Parkrun then, you will enjoy it.

[Ellymeg Graduate]

This is why this forum is so good! Everything everyone says is so useful - don't you just feel the love and support. Every single person has your back Jmiss . You have worked so hard and have achieved so much, well done!

Waiting here, to cheer you on your next run - you can do it 👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼