Motivation has gone on holiday!: Don't know... - Couch to 5K

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Motivation has gone on holiday!

22 Replies

Don't know whats wrong with me the past few days.

I usually have that get up, get dressed and go attitude but after resting my back and foot for a week and knowing that I'm ok to get back out there, I just can't seem to get going.

Oh my mind thinks of running all the time but the past few days my motivation is almost non existent.

I wanted to go for a run last night and after several hours of debating whether to go or not, I got up and went to the bedroom to get changed but that was it. I made all types of excuses and went and sat back down.

Same thing this afternoon. Got up to go and didn't get any further.

I think my motivation has gone on holiday away from this cold. That's exactly what I wish I could do too.

Winter time is definitely not my time of year. I am a Summer baby and Winter depresses me.

I haven't given up my fellow running friends. Just think this is a patch I'm going through and I will come out of it on the other side sooner or later. Sooner rather he than later would be great though.

22 Replies
vlmiller1225 profile image
vlmiller1225Graduate

Next step is put on those clothes and go for a walk.... get back out there! the running will come and you are SO CLOSE to graduation!!!! :)

in reply to vlmiller1225

That's the thing. I only have 4 runs left. Part of me wants to get out there and the other part seems like a block of concrete holding me back.

I now know what others felt like when they posted about lack of motivation.

May just be my lady hormones playing up. Time will tell.

vlmiller1225 profile image
vlmiller1225Graduate in reply to

I definitely can see how all the injuries and sickness would contribute to this! Hopefully you will break through that block of concrete!!

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate

Hi Donna, I am more of a summer girl myself (well, actually, summer, spring and autumn lol everything but winter unless it's a cold bright blue crispy sky in negative temperatures: yes, I'm weird!) and I'm struggling to get some work done in the first place when I'm back home: I feel like hibernating on some days, especially when it's raining all day long... Icy cold rain.

So, this afternoon, when the rain finally stopped I hesitated to go for a run and I know that if I had still been running for graduation, I would have gone for that run. But having some more marking to do (oral recordings take even longer than regular assignments) and still coughing, on corticoids because otherwise the students wouldn't be able to hear my voice, I stayed in.

Just take your time but make sure you keep the stamina you've been gradually building on: you're so so close to your goal!!! You can still graduate before Christmas: 4 runs left, maybe a couple more if you need to test your foot and ankle.

Can you try and run in the morning or is it just as difficult for you to get in the cold at those times? I feel much more energetic in the morning even when it's stil dark when I get up.

We're sending you all the motivation you want! I'll be running whatever the weather on Sunday, it's become a routine even ill...

in reply to Anthie

I think the sudden dip in temperatures has definitely contributed to my current state.

I really do detest the cold. Not to mention that winter causes me to suffer even more from my Vit D deficiency.

Hoping to take motivation from you all and get back out there as I do miss it.

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate in reply to

Do you get VitD supplements? They can work... If you have a bit of a sunshine spell soon, and time to run, go for it! Just a walk may make the difference with the promise of a nice hot cuppa afterwards... Mind you, I get the tea before going out sometimes to motivate me and warm me up. Keep posting to let us know how you're doing.

in reply to Anthie

Yeah I get them from the Doctor. Regular blood tests to check my levels.

I sure will post again.x

TJMazz profile image
TJMazzGraduate

If you haven’t felt 100% it’s not the best time to run. Maybe when you are feeling better in yourself your motivation will get going again. Don’t feel bad, it’s tough when it’s cold and harder if you aren’t feeling great

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Rest up.... wait until you are feeling completely better.. you are going to get there:)

You are right TJMazz. We're coming up to a beautiful time of the year but for some of us we struggle.

I think I'm one of those people who struggle. Just life getting in the way again.

Wanting to do more than you actually can.

I'll be ok. Just have to see this bad patch through.

ChrisAllen1 profile image
ChrisAllen1Graduate

The motivation is there, it's just hiding bit you are definatley going to find it very soon.

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate

Go out for a " let's see how it goes" jog. - No pressure on yourself.

I have really struggled with a nasty cold and must now have had at least four runs when I have gone out not knowing how far I would go - I just took a "let's see how it goes" attitude. On all but one of them it was okay.

Good luck 😀

Ajs07 profile image
Ajs07Graduate

Oh no Donna, you’ve had a bit of a rough time lately, no wonder your mojo is hiding at moment. Maybe your body is saying it’s not quite ready to go back running yet, which is why it’s difficult to get out there, take a bit more rest and then without overthinking get changed and go. I’m sure You will be surprised at how quick your mojo reappaears once you are out there xx 😘 I’m waiting for you xx

Why not try a mojo hunting walk? Then you can wrap up nice and warm, with no running pressure and see how you feel about being outside in the cold. You know your bod and how you react to the cold, so maybe a gentle walk may help, even just to walk around and think about how you get yourself out when you're ready to.

You are a gutsy, determined lady -you work through all those crappy work shifts, which heaven alone knows messes up your body clock something chronic.

As you say you are not giving up, just taking little breather. Good luck with the rest, looking forward to seeing you post your next run.

icklegui profile image
ickleguiGraduate

Aw love - you've done great so far and your strong attitude really shines through. The knowledge that it's just a bad *patch* is vital - you know you'll be out again soon! Winter is a bit naff what with SAD, VitD deficiency, colds and all sorts of cold weather logistics like how many layers to bother with, and you have been ill and have your work to contend with too.

I like the idea of getting your gear on and at least heading for a walk - I too did the putting stuff on - even the sports bra, which usually means I'm committed - and didn't go out, previous to my last run. It was disappointing - but I've been out since and I know you will when you're ready x

Also, it gets mentioned by a few people that we get a bit funny coming up to ending the programme. Like part of us doesn't want to lose the structure and the progression... so subconsciously we want to drag it out ... how funny our minds are!

Theziggy profile image
TheziggyGraduate

You can't get vitamin D from sunshine here in the autumn or winter - angle of the sun is too low.

You have four runs to go you say, but that is only to finish C25K, you have plenty of runs still to go after that!!!! If you think it is the temperature putting you off, consider doing a run on a treadmill in a gym??? Going for a walk is a good idea, especially if you see other runners which could kick start your mojo.

Good luck and keep going 8-)

I dont know if its the norm with the programme, or whether its just timing at this time of year, but i notice that a lot of people seem to be losing the motivation around week 7/8, i went through it myself, just try and power through, im sure you will feel better for it at the end of it. :-)

HeadInTheClouds profile image
HeadInTheCloudsGraduate

Hey lovely, I hear you... totally. I have certain ‘issues’ that are so much worse when winter sets in, and that’s why I started this journey - I needed something to fight it..!! I try to keep sight of that when my motivation wanes.

Don’t beat yourself up over it and don’t overthink it - you will only demotivate yourself further with negative thoughts.

You’ve had an injury and you have a busy working life ... that doesn’t make it any easier.

You are a gutsy lady, you have the drive, you know you can do this... and you will.

Be gentle on yourself and you will be out there again before you know it. X

VictoriaRuns profile image
VictoriaRunsGraduate

It happens, don't worry, but winter certainly can affect your mood. Try some vitamin D, zinc and magnesium enriched food, see if it makes a difference (it makes a world of difference to me). It certainly can't hurt =)

vlmiller1225 profile image
vlmiller1225Graduate

How is that motivation???

in reply to vlmiller1225

Hiya. Well I think it's back from holiday now but this week is so hectic at work that it's difficult finding time to get some decent sleep never mind run.

I haven't given up and I think of you all everyday but for the rest of this week it's not looking good.

I shall return asap though.

Thank you for checking up on me.x

vlmiller1225 profile image
vlmiller1225Graduate in reply to

Yes of course!! (Although i'm just now seeing this, i have been sick and we have had crazy weather) Hoping you come back soon and that work slows down a bit!

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