Trying to keep at it...

[Sarah774]

I really enjoyed couch to 5 k and was very pleased to graduate. Since then I had kept up with three 'run a week managing a 5k park run in 36mins slower than lots but I was pleased. Since then friends who run have asked how far do you go now, how fast? I haven't got and faster or further! In fact I have stopped running. I need some motivation to start again, anyone else having motivation issues after graduation?

[Hidden]

Park run is what keeps me motivated. I like meeting new people and chatting in the cafe after. So I have to do at least one other run in the week to make sure I don't just get gradually slower.

Stressful time at work at the moment and running is a good way to wind down after work so that keeps me going recently.

[damienair Graduate]

What works for me so as to keep motivated is setting little goals. But realistic, still difficult to achieve goals. Examples are:

Try to improve Parkrun PB each week.

Pick a 5K race. Train hard for it, have a goal time in your head and try to achieve or beat it.

Slow your running Pace right down and slowly start extending 1 of your runs each week and build yourself up to 10k.

Now that I got to 10K for the first time on Sunday I plan to run my first 10K race in mid November. So that will keep me motivated to get a better time and complete the race.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Why did you start?

Has that situation changed?

Motivation is an entirely personal issue.

You might find things easier if you had some aims...... short, medium and long term. This gives you the satisfaction of achieving something fairly quickly and still have other targets to follow up with.

These could be pace or distance targets or running in a particular place, such as a beach, forest or hilltop ridgeway. Aiming for an organised running event other than parkrun might help, especially if you use a training plan to give structure to your running.

For me, running started as a means of keeping me reasonably fit, which has paid off now that I have cancer, as my good physical condition means that I can be offered all appropriate treatments because I do not suffer from any of the common diseases and conditions associated with inactivity. I am also in a good place mentally, which I again attribute to running.

I hope you find your mojo.

You know it makes sense.

[Sarah774 Graduate]

Thanks guys i have taken something from all of you replies. I did start running because I wanted to get fitter. I was happy doing c25k reaching my own targets and not feeling like I have to compete with others. Currently banishing the school pe lesson feeling and setting myself a new route target. Love this chat forum just writing my post helped me to kick myself into action!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Sarah774]

Don't be pressured by others to conform to any pattern of running. I run for fun and competition is not part of my running life. This describes my approach. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Do it your way...........but do it!!