Can’t be bothered.

[Runningkp]

I haven’t run since Saturday morning and this morning got up early to do W7R2 but haven’t moved from the sofa. I just can’t be bothered which is really unlike me because I usually look forward to it.

I’m technically on annual leave but have (regrettably) booked to work tonight and tomorrow night and we go away on Friday night so really I should go today if I want to try and finish week 7 before we leave. I know it’s only me setting that goal...

I think I’m tired; work has been rough lately. And I also think I’m a bit bored? I’ve been running the same route because it’s the only flat road near where I live and introducing hills at this point will almost certainly make these long runs less achievable.

Maybe I’m just having a down day. Can anyone relate?

[Hidden]

Your body may be telling you to take a bit more rest. It’s worth respecting that. Can you also vary ypur route? You may cope with hills better than you think. I had no choice as there is nowhere flat here. At 71 I felt hard done by, but now I realise that they are making me a better runner and they no longer daunt me.

[Runningkp Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I think I’m just tired... my other half has been unwell and my immune system has probably been working overtime trying to fight his germs. Luckily I’ve not come down with it.

I decided to vary my route. It was good for the boredom but my calves weren’t happy! I guess it’s all worth it in the end though

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just read this and checked your profile... You describe yourself as an over thinker...

Okay, stop over-thinking this.. just pick up the running shoes and get out there... The mo-jo, the run gremlins and lack of ooomph monster, all hide under them.

Work has been rough... a run will help... your'e feeling tired...a run will help... boredom???

Change the route, run it the other way round, drive to another place, where there are hills.... hills are great... they challenge yes, but can be great fun too. This journey is not about speed anyway...These lovely longer runs are made for flat and I do envy you that, but, maybe find some different flat...where you can focus a tad on your style and the different elements of running

" When you feel like stopping....just remember why you started"

I cannot run at the moment ( trapped sciatic nerve ) please, get out there, and take me with you

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Sorry to hear about your trapped sciatic nerve. Oldfloss . I do hope it eases soon and you are able to get back out there xx

[Runningkp Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I took you with me in spirit Oldfloss. Sorry about the mud and sweat haha!

[mrrun Graduate]

I always say to myself (and whoever else wants to listen), it's all in the head.

In other, simple words, you either want to run, or you don't want to run.

[Hidden in reply to mrrun]

Yes!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

When I feel like that, it usually is because I’m on the verge of coming down with something and a rest day helps to kick it into touch. If motivation isn’t usually a problem for you I would listen to your inner self. If on the other hand you are prone to a bit of procrastination get your kit on and go out for a gentle walk which will help with stress, if while you are out you feel like upping the pace and doing wk 7 go for it. 😀. Have a great holiday.

[Hidden]

I have to second Oldfloss ' sentiments here! Runningkp get your bum off that sofa, get out of your head and get out the door! Change your music if you cant immediately change your route. Challenge yourself to something, count your top 10 blessings in order of how happy they make you as you run, and youll come back feeling revitalised.

[Rignold]

Yes, get your shoes on and get out there. I guarantee you will be glad you did.

Everyone always goes on endlessly about motivation. Motivation is a mice occasional bonus but its not what does the hard work. Discipline is what makes you do what you know you need to do even when you don't want to. And when you have done what you needed to do even though you didn't want to you will find it hugely motivating.

Arseing around on the sofa is only going to make you feel more despondent. Get out there. Its half an hour of your life. You will be so glad you did.

I have to weight train at home at the moment, and yesterday it was raining constantly all day. Between that and kid and dogs and so on it got to 8PM and I had not done my wokrout for the day. I really just wanted to go to bed. Going outside in the rain in the dark and lifting cold wet slippery barbells dd not appeal whatsoever. But I did anyway. Partly because it needed doing, partly because a gap in my training log would glare accusingly at me all weekm and maily because I just engaged auto pilot and got out and cranked out the reps. And halfway through I found I was actually quite enjoying it, dark and cold and wet and all, and even got an extra 2.5kg on a PB, then went and slept with a feeling of satsifaction rather than being out of sorts.

Run!

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

I agree with the advice above - unless you think you are coming down with something, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving it a go (and in that case, if you feel grotty, you can always stop). Rig's distinction between motivation and discipline is fundamental. We often wait to be motivated as if it is a shaft of light that comes down from the heavens and pierces us in the noggin, and while there are moments we feel like that, much of the time we need to give our reluctant selves a push. But I don't think you ever regret it.

You mention that work has been rough and I see you are a nurse, so I'm guessing that rough really does mean rough, and shift work also saps energy terribly. But it may be that a quick run gives you the energy you need, and after all it will be over in less than half an hour, and you decide the pace, so you can take it very gently.

But the best reason is this - in my experience, and I know that this is the case for a lot of runners out there, you can't always predict when the good (or indeed the bad) runs come along, and not infrequently it's the ones we expect to be a slog that turn into the really great ones that set you up for the day.

At W7R2 you no longer really need the podcast, just a timer, so if you prefer, make yourself a nice reviving playlist of music YOU like, and force yourself out of the door!

Good luck

[Runningkp Graduate]

Thank you everyone for kicking my arse. I was out all morning and read your replies while my lunch was cooking. I realised it was now or never because I needed to (try to) sleep before work so turned the oven off, put my lairist running gear on, downloaded a new album to listen to and took myself out.

I changed my route and returned to the fields I used to run around. Id forgotten how hard running in grass is! It was a bit muddy and slightly hilly so my calves were screaming. Admittedly I didn’t get my usual post run buzz but I do feel good that I went out and did it.

I’m working tonight and indoor skiing tomorrow so won’t be attempting w7 r3 until at least Thursday. I may even do it Friday because I do think I need a break... we go skiing for a week on Friday night ⛷

[HeleneCorsa Graduate in reply to Runningkp]

Good for you! Well done. Running in grass really is tough and, with mud and hills to contend with, it must have been pretty hard going, but you can cross it off your list and be satisfied with yourself for making the effort.

Enjoy your skiing trip - I think your running legs will benefit immensely from skiing and a break from work won't hurt either

[Runningkp Graduate in reply to HeleneCorsa]

Thank you. I’ve only skiied once and fear held me back. I’m hoping this year I’ll make some good progress and not break any legs! 😃