Does anyone else struggle at this time of year.....

[Pc59]

At long last managed to get out for a run! 😊it was hard going !!! Legs really felt like lead & really had to fight these pesky gremlins!! Got to my 3.5km in 30mins which has been my distance & times for last few weeks! Last long run was about 2weeks ago & really struggling to motivate myself this week. Tonight was first run since Friday just had so much on at weekend & really frosty last couple of nights! Maybe my expectations too high was trying to keep to 3 runs a week & only got 2 last week! Really thought I'd be at stage of saying I love this running but struggling! Think as not seeing it getting any easier or making progress! However will try & get my positive hat back on & keep trying😊😊

[Cuig1975]

It's tough getting out can't wait for the days to stretch a little bit , hoping to go tomorrow after work ... I did get out Tuesday and completed parkrun on Saturday ... But the week before with kids sick I found it difficult, I still find the legs heavy etc wonder when it gets easier ?? I do 5 k now on most of my runs and nip away at my times so while I'm finding it hard every run is helping I guess

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Cuig1975]

Good for you & great you getting to 5k every run!! Well done you! I'm sure it's a case of perseverance!!😊keep up the good work!

[Cuig1975 in reply to Pc59]

The last 2 k are the easiest I struggle in the first 2 , think I still start to fast .... Sign up for a parkrun it's keeping me motivated

[Pc59 Graduate]

Well I have my barcode but haven't plucked up the courage to go!! So self concious & times slow but have said I'd go on 24th!! Who would have thought at 59 this would be so difficult to just go regardless of what folk think!! O I'm a silly woman😂😂x

[orchards Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Sounds like your times will be just fine - probably about same speed as me and the one I did there were quite a few took longer than me. And I'm no better about what people think, and am 4 years older...

[orchards Graduate]

I do think this time of year can be difficult and I am more likely to have heavy legs and/or breathing not well controlled when it's cold. had been wondering how well I would manage 3 runs a week with winter weather but I've just been to running club this evening (they have a run/walk group) - otherwise I think I would have found it much harder to motivate myself to leave the nice warm house. I haven't run when the temperature is below zero before, either, and being with other people gave me more confidence that i could do it. Having done that i will go out by myself if it's frosty, and I felt really good after the run. Is there any similar group you could try out?

[Pc59 Graduate]

I used to go to jog scotland years ago but I must look into it as that just might help my confidence too thanks😊

[Flossie22 Graduate]

You keep that positive hat on, running buddy. How about doing a 30 minute run once a week and a shorter run of 20 minutes once or twice a week? I think with the shorter days, it's difficult to stay motivated and find the time to fit in our runs, especially with Christmas plans and work getting in the way. You'll be just fine, Phyllis, stay warm and listen to your body. I've got the mince pies to make, will be dangling them from my Santa 🎅🏻 hat for you on Christmas Eve at our parkrun! 😊🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻😊

[Pc59 Graduate]

Ah Flossie 22 you are an angel you know that's a great idea as just got it in my head I won't progress unless I do a minimum of 30 mins each run but I must admit I will try that to see if I could get 3 runs in each week! Think I might need two mince pies 😂😂😂😂 you know these park runs so daunting I had a guy in that I was selling his house & we got chatting & it came to light he does the parkruns & he does them in something silly like 20mins obviously super fit😀!! I Can't get my head round why I feel so daft if I'm last!!! I think I need counselling to overcome fear of parkruns😂😂😂x

[Von99 Graduate]

I am just the same! I've had a cold which although not bad in itself really messed up my breathing when running. I really am struggling to get out at the moment and keep motivated. I was so full of good intentions but I feel it's slipping away.. 🐱

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Von99]

You & me both but I'm going to try 1 30mins or 30+ run & 1or two shorter ones maybe 20mins as its dark frosty nights that put me off & so much on at this time of year!! We will get there😊😊😊x

[Gillysmith]

Hi, just keep at it, it really does get easier, I found once I had mastered 3.5 miles then no more struggling I'm now at 4 miles and not realising I'm actually running, it's just a great feeling, and don't be put off by the frost that actually makes lovely running conditions as long as no ice. Good luck

[Pc59 Graduate]

Thanks I really want to keep up running so will keep plodding on & il think about what you've said & make that my goal as love to get to "I love running stage" 😊👍x

[misswobble Graduate]

Parkrun is fab ! everyone runs their own race be they slow or fast and no-one there will judge you. there will be folks there walking, plodding, walking with Nordic poles, the walking wounded 😊 It's a nurturing environment for runners of all ages, shapes and sizes and capabilities. Get yourself there and jump in with both feet ☺ You could volunteer first if you like, to get the feel of it

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Regarding your comment about whether or not to do parkrun yet - I suggest you go to your local parkrun website which you'll find a link to from the main parkrun website. Go to the results table and look at the times of the last few runners for the last few weeks. If your likely time is much slower than the current last place people AND if you think that it would be depressing/ discouraging/ demotivatIng to come in "very last" then leave it a few more weeks. It's quite possible though that when you look at these results tables you'll find quite a few other people are at the same level as you. That's certainly what I found. I was 146th out of 180 on Saturday, but that was my seventeenth parkrun! The only time I see those speedy people like the man you spoke to is when I'm on marshalling duty...

[Lee337 Graduate]

You're not on your own there Phyllis. I am also *really* struggling to get out and run at the moment. In fact, I haven't had another run since my graduation run on Saturday and even then I wasn't exactly full of enthusiasm to get out there. I just wanted it completed. You might be the same as me inasmuch as when you finish a run you feel good, but it's just that motivation to get out there and start one! I know it can be difficult to sometimes get the time to run when you have so many other things going on in life (especially working!) but I guess if we were really that in love with it we would always make the time wouldn't we? I must be honest and say at this moment in time I can't say I'm in love with it.

I somehow got through C25K but the last few weeks were very tough indeed. I don't just mean physically, I mean mentally it was tough as well! I actually started the plan when I was 'between jobs' and therefore found it very easy to get up and go out every other day as I had nothing else I actually needed to do. But now I am back at work, I am so knackered (mentally, not just physically) that I really couldn't be ar$ed, even if it is possible for me to find enough time for it. Not only that, it's so damn cold out there at the moment that I simply cannot stand the thought of venturing outside unless it's absolutely necessary.

I was hoping that purchasing a treadmill would be my answer...and it might be, when the bloody thing finally gets delivered!! I was supposed to take delivery of it on Tuesday Nov 29th but late on that day I received an email from the company saying the container had only just arrived at Southampton and once it gets dropped off at their warehouse in Norwich they will then ship it out to me. So, I'm now having to wait for another week before I take delivery. Unfortunately, I will be away in London on a family get together during this time, so knowing my luck they will try to deliver, fail and send the damn thing back to the warehouse!

I was quite eager to give this treadmill a good try out on Tuesday, especially as I was due a run that day anyway, but as it didn't turn up I didn't get to run. I think that once I have my treadmill it won't be as difficult to do a run as I know I don't have to brave the bad weather outside. All I will need to do is make sure I can find around 45 minutes to complete one.

I know it might sound like I'm just making excuses (and maybe I am?) but to be honest I'm really chuffed that I did complete the C25K plan and I definitely do not want that to go to waste. I really do want to have that great feeling you get after a good run everytime I think about running, like some people on here. They love running and can't seem to get enough of it...I want to be like that, I really do. I'm sure we will get to stage one day my friend! x

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Lee337]

Lee thank you so much for that post it was like I wrote it just how I feel right now! Funny I had a treAdmill & sold it in Jan as I never used it!!! Wish I had it back now! Or then again maybe like before I wouldn't use it! I do like beInglis outside if weather was better & not dark when I get to go out due to working full time! We just have to keep ourselves going Lee and nice to know we are not alone!! You and I can have another celebration when we get to the I love running stage!! Like you so proud to at least have completed c25k 😊 hope your treadmill arrives soon & let us know how it goes! X

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Yes Phyllis we can indeed have our own extra celebration when we finally get to that 'I love running' stage, which will eventually come if we keep at it.

Ok on getting rid of your treadmill. Well there's no guarantee that I am going to like using one and it may also sit there gathering dust at the end if the day. However I need to try it out as I'm really struggling to find the time (and effort) to get outside in the dark, wet weather at the moment. I just about stumbled across the C25K finish line but since then I haven't done a single run!

Keep on running! x

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Lee337]

You too good luck with treadmill😊X

[Lee337 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Thanks! x

[Irish-John Graduate]

It's below freezing point out there, and dark.......the prospect of going out the front door to run this am is like contemplating a walk down Freddy Krueger Memorial Alley at Halloween.....

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

😂😂you are a tonic!! Exactly how I feel! 😊

[RuNananana Graduate]

The only thing that gets me out on a morning when the temperature is only 7 degrees (which is what it was yesterday) is the thought of the temperature differential when I'm running... like, for example, I read that you add somewhere between 8-12 degrees (depending on your weight) if you are running. So if it's 7 outside, I add 12 degrees, and it's like I'm running in temperatures of 19 degrees instead - not cold at all!!

Yep - I play mind games something fierce with myself - my car clock is 9 minutes ahead so I'm never late for work (I can't do math in the morning).

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to RuNananana]

I like that thoughts & so true about using mind games I'm going to work on that!!! Thanks!😊

[melly4012 Graduate]

I totally understand. It's cold out there! There's also probably the added factor of having graduated a month ago so being without the structure of the programme. Two runs a week is better than one and one is better than none! Could you maybe buy yourself something new for running so that you want to put it on/use it? Do you have a running watch? If not perhaps something like that could go on your Christmas list?

[Pc59 Graduate]

Great idea I have a Fitbit but bought my son a running watch as he was training for a half marathon so it was an early birthday& christmas pressie😊 maybe time to treat myself too😊😊 aChristmas pressie to myself😊 thanks😊x

[OndaC33 Graduate]

I think this must be hardest time of year for motivation; X mas plans, bugs, short days, weather.... every run is even more of a success in December so I I think we can take something more from it every every time we manage to get out. Not sure how motivation is going to be after I finish c25k in a few weeks..... but spring time is coming (although a few months off!!! )

[Pc59 Graduate]

Very true & can't wait for spring & just lighter nights!! 😊

[CarolStr Graduate]

Totally sympathise; I need to get out there this morning as haven't run since Tuesday (and that was incline intervals on a treadmill) or been outside (running) since Sunday. It's just so damn cold (and I'm in the south, so goodness knows what it's like for you Northerners - but it was -4.5% at 06.45 on Tues brrrrr). Clothes are on the radiator as I speak...

Think Flossie22 has a good plan - shorter runs will keep your spirits up (seem so much more achievable in my book) - quicker to get home to that glass of wine and will also get you fitter. I looked at my local Parkrun times and if I had run last Saturday I would have been last by over 2 minutes (and that's not including the tail). So we can be last together on the 24th, chasing after Flossie's mince pies!

Anyway, chin up Running Buddy; it will get warmer!

[Pc59 Graduate]

O so true Carol it is cold here though nit as bad last time i was on on wed! Ive a night out tonight working tomorrow & babysitting all weekend so not sure when il get out but i am taking kids a long walk to get my 10000 steps! Working on the mind gremlins! 😂😂it doesnt matter if last ! Will be running!! Or trying😂😂x

[loisamelia Graduate]

My legs are really feeling heavy too, I don't know if it's the time of year or what. But even when cycling it feels worse and I have to go down to baby gear to get up the hills.