I know I'm not the only one to struggle with post grad inertia but I really am struggling. I do miss being told what to do and when to do it - and that is not something I thought I would say about anything.
In my favour, I can say that I did get up and go this morning - a little later than intended but that's ok. I set up the week 9 run with Ms Whiley to talk to me and keep me on the 30 minute track - I switch between her and Michael Johnson - set the runkeeper app to tell me what I have done and off I went. Lovely morning - sea smooth to show there is no wind and reflecting some little fluffy clouds, motionless in the blue. One or two boats and ships out there and all peaceful. The lighthouses look close enough to touch.
Passed a few wild campers in their vans; they chose their spots well for a perfect start to the day. I was about fifteen minutes in to my run at this point - going well and enjoying it. Then, out of a tiny van with its roof up, comes a gorgeous collie and I stop to talk to her owner whom I thought I had met before - she is living the life I want. Except it wasn't her at all. It didn't stop me standing and talking to her for ten minutes though; dogs, camper vans, wild camping, travelling, we covered it all. She even took my contact detsils in case she needs a dog sitter while she goes off travelling. I eventually paused the apps but, by the time I set off again I had lost the mojo and simply ran home. Which was not far enough away.
A case of "any excuse" really - I should have kept going to complete 30 minutes of running even though I had taken a break. I've always run alone and it is only now that I feel the need to have someone alongside to keep me going. As Autumn approaches, I fear the gremlins are fighting with the mojo and getting close to winning - I need a target, a sergeant major, something. Something to keep me going through the deterioration in the weather - the autumn winds can be fearsome here and there will be days when walking is difficult, let alone running.
Sorry to post a downer amongst all this wonderful positivity. Need the proverbial boot up the backside and not sure how to give myself that. Heyulp!
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sheps
Graduate
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Firstly, I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling.
I have to say you sound like you have the most amazing scenery to run against. Lucky you.
I'm only on week 8 and so I can't offer any advice from experience but I hope someone on here can help you. It's an amazing achievement to reach W9, R3 and so I'm sure you wouldn't want to see it not progress from there.
No need to apologise for your post - that's what the forum is here for. We are here to read the good, the bad and everything in between, and offer support and advice.
Good luck and keep posting to let us know how you're getting on.
Thank you, snack_shack. I graduated a few weeks ago and thought that using the timing of the final week would keep me motivated. Not automatically, it seems.
I am very lucky to run where I do. It changes each time, being coastal, so always something new. Limited scope for other runs though as there are serious hills in all other directions for which I am not yet ready.
You are a grown up and should be self motivating. Able to be alone with your thoughts for long periods. It's at times like these you find out how deep you can dig to find your inner resources. Honestly! When you are against it it's surprising how tough you can be 🙂💪
A coastal run with just you and the cliff top paths and beach is a great training ground. Lucky you 🙂
Woo, nothing wobbly about that boot up the backside, missbrutal! Wanna come running with me - you are what I need. I feel like a little girl standing in front of the Head Mistress (so much worse than the Head Master).
I am not at your stage yet but I'm nervous because I also really like the structure of the program. So, I've decided do try out "Zombies Run" which is a story-based running app with "missions" of about 30 minutes where you try to get supplies to build your base and escape the zombies that have taken over the world.
Another thing I've seen that I thought I might try is the built-in "training" programs in my Nike+ Run app. You can configure them for "be a better athlete" or "train for race day" and they include different types of runs and exercises. If you don't like zombies (??? ) then maybe something like that is more your speed (pardon the pun)...
So sorry you are feeling that way. I know how it feels, I graduated at the end of July and every run since then has been a killer. I didn't know if I would be able to carry on if something didn't change. Until this week, when suddenly everything is easier and far more enjoyable. I don't if that's down to practice and it eventually becoming easier, my mood in general or what! I have stopped listening to music though and switched to podcasts (stoicism was today's choice!!!) and that's really helped me zone out of obsessing about every second of running, which I tended to do with music. Weirdly.
Maybe you could join a club, park runs etc? When I feel like stopping, I just think about all the agony I've been through getting to this point and then I become a stubborn git and refuse to give up!
I'm sure there will be plenty of words of wisdom from peeps on here with far more experience than I about how they get through it. Just know that you are not alone though. I think we all go through phases, it's about trying to ride out the crap ones in order to get to the good ones?!! And believing that there are good ones! There are I promise!
After graduation running is yours to do whatever you want with it. I think it's great you are using it to meet and talk to interesting people while out In Your community. In an that sort of instance could you just jump back to wk5 run 3 on the app and start from the 20min to get you back into the rest of the run. That way you get to do everything and help with the motivation. It will all fit into place eventually and with time you will pick up your run again naturally,
Hi Sheps, I know we keep mentioning this but Laura on the C25k +podcasts is quite demanding in that you really have to concentrate and think as you run. It wouldn't be too difficult for you and as Laura says at the end of Stepping stones 'don't worry if you didn't quite manage it today, try again next time."
The music she has running in the background is 'proper' running stuff with a beat to run too by audiofuel and you get a good rythmn going.
Whilst I like the idea of an app, Jan, I listened to Laura's Stepping Stones and I would run off the cliff if I were forced to listen to that music. I am hoping for help from my resident teenager (supposedly resident but not often "present" even if he is here) to get the stuff loaded to my phone.
I also run along roads without paths and need to keep my ears open for cars - not many but there is no space for people and cars at the same time so I have to be aware. Hence, no music to date.
Hey Sheps, yep, l fully get how you feel about 'running' music. If l had to listen to it, I'd probably give up running, give away everything I've got and become a monk. Some say that about the music that l love though
Joking aside, it seems as if you're struggling for motivation, that happens. Think how far you've got, think benefits, how far you can go, how running can influence and transform your health. Focus on good stuff and you will be fine. You are privileged to be able to run through beautiful scenery, cherish that too.
As for the weather? There's no good or bad weather, it is whatever it is, just go out there and run
It is also possible to get a single ear phone. I have one which I bought when I lost all hearing in one ear, and can't cope with noise in the offending ear due to hyperacusis. My single earphone is the clip kind (my ENT warned me that earbuds can lead to hearing loss) and works well. It would enable you to listen to music and hear things in your surroundings.
Other runners I've heard of use bone conduction headphones which then able them to listen to the environment with both ears.
My son gave me that nickname when he was little. I keep it to remind me of where I once was 😃
I love the freedom of running and walking. I ran a coastal path last week and it was a blast. Just me, countryside to the left the cliffs and sea to the right, blue skies and sunshine. What else does anyone need 😃 Afterwards I ran downs the downs and into a pavement cafe and then into the sea to wash off my trail muck. It was proper fun 🙂 Stopped to take pics, lav stop, fell down 😁, got back up 🙄
Can't wait to do it again. Three years ago I could hardly shift 🙄
Apart from starting the programme I think this is the hardest bit - to keep going after graduation.
You need to remind yourself why you started in the first place. To get fit? Therefore you need to continue to run to keep fit. To tone up? Therefore you need to continue running to see results. Whatever your reason don't lose sight of it.
Running is hard and you are a relatively new runner so dont be too hard on yourself as it takes time and perseverance before you start to get that lovely buzz. The important thing now is to get into a routine and stick to it. I can't believe you are not motivated to get out and run where you live! Sounds glorious and most of us would sell our bodies to have that on our doorstep!
Ok, a suggestion. Start at week 1 again and do the whole programme with a slow run/faster run approach. So for the walking sections just run very, very slowly and for the run sections speed up a bit. Lots of people here have done this and it gives you a bit of structure and discipline to have someone tell you what to do again if that's your thing, which it seems to be.
But looking long term, you need to remember why you started running in the first place. To me, just being able to run is enough motivation to keep doing it 🙂 So many people can't.
That is a really good plan, your royal highness. I had started doing this before getting distracted by the hope of doing a 10K sooner rather than later. That has been knocked on the head since i realised that it was too big an ask of my still too couch shaped body. I shall return to the Week One Mk 2 plan.
Thanks for such a thoughtful post.
Sheps, this is butt kicker signing on for duty.
You know you bailed don't you.... do I need to do the whole parental thing, this is going to hurt me more than you. So am aiming a big well meant kick at your butt ! Did you feel it, it sure hurt my toe.
Do you a deal, we will buddy up, you can kick mine I can kick yours . I am running tomorrow, you may name and shame me if I don't. Butt kicking over, oh and you can run to music, just do as I do and only put in one earplug. I haven't been run over yet and this is Italy where even the nuns drive like rally drivers.
Okay friendly person now back, if you want a run buddy I'm here...
We have gales and rain this morning so no I'm not going out. It's a tricky week because I'm working every day and have 3 evening meetings. Our local gym doesn't open until 8.30 or I would have gone there this morning.
6km.. yay. Oh poor you sounds very full on this week, ping me when you're thinking of going and I'll virtually nag you again.
I have found that variety really is the spice of life. I try and run different speeds, different routes, different distances. Often I only decide what to do as I step out. I have a collie so have to go out every day, whatever the weather anyway, so that does help with motivation 🐶
I listen to audiobooks for long slow runs because I need something to occupy my mind when running for an hour or so. It really helps me and I find that if I have a good book it makes me want to go further so I can listen more🏃♀️😊👍
I've got a feeling I will be the same - at the minute I am running because Jo tells me too - I have no self motivation - I need someone telling and encouraging me - I am afraid I will give up😢I do like Irish princess idea of returning to Week 1 though 😝
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