This has been the worst week so far ... the reason is I have not been running!🙁
I graduated last Saturday and then I lost my motivation.
With no more Jo to spur me on , no more goals to complete, I returned to the “couch”.
Today felt like week one again and I had to make myself get out the house for a run.
So with the quietest run ever ( no Jo and the music failed two tracks in) I ran for 30 minutes. It was nice to feel I could do this and it has spurred me on somewhat.
I wonder how many other graduates feel like this.
Sorry for the moan
RGR
Written by
Run-Granny-Run
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
38 Replies
•
It is a tricky time, when you are trying to find the path forward. I would just commit to running 3 times a week for 30 minutes for a few weeks (consolidation) and then decide what you want to do next. Do not allow yourself any choice about whether to run or not. Almost everyone says that they rarely regret going, but often regret lolling on the couch.
You'll be fine. I was so worried about not having Sarah to spur me on but running through the fields and trails I was just flying around having a ball. In your neck of the woods you'll be able to do the same! 😁
You did help me by posting and that was so kind of you. Thank you
OkaY RGR - here was my ‘foolproof’ plan - well it fooled me!
Number 1 I set up 3 x weekly alarm reminders to go out and run -mine say ‘Mr Smooth says get your trainers on and run’ - that way I fooled my self Michael Johnson was till on my tail!
Number 2 - I made a mental commitment to keep posting and encouraging others on here, and I felt I couldn’t actually do that unless I was still running
Number 3 - For my first month or so, I still ran to Mr Smooth I just replayed the W9 runs again and again
Number 4 - I continued to post each run here and then later on my own running blog, because I felt if I did that I would continue running.
Number 5 - my running days became immoveable - they were diarised in my diary for the year ahead, so that I had no excuses not to go, because friends and family knew that even on holiday my trainers came too..
Number 6 - I put out my running kit, exactly the way I did in C25K
Then I think I found by about 2 months post graduation, running was part of my life and I didn’t really need the ‘crutches’ any more, but I still have and do them all, to this day.
It may be too control freaky for you, but I know given any chance I will flake, so by coming up with the many dimensional nagging, it kept me going.
You can still use the app as well if you need to. Just click on one of the week nine options and there should be a “Repeat this Run” option. But as helenwheels says there is an FAQ post on what next.
I finished three weeks ago and am doing 30 mins or so three times a week. Trying to explore new routes to keep things interesting and keep me motivated.
Consolidation... runs because you can..new routes.... music you enjoy... routes that are old friends... look around, relax. no pressure.. runs for pure joy...pop a 30 minute in too ... then think.... Hmmm.... maybe C25K + podcasts...structured, a voice to help you and new disciplines to learn...check this out too...
Set yourself a routine. I bought a fancy running watch and programmed in routines; 5 min warm up 30 min run 5 min warm down plus the same with set distances to extend my runs.
Hey RGR - firstly, many congratulations for graduating!
Secondly, I have also missed the progressive structure of C25K. I've been trying out the C25K+ podcasts nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Couch-to...
The music is crap, but the structure is helpful, particularly the Speed and Stamina podcasts.
I've also tried a new route. Not sure what my long term goals will be. I'm not a social runner, so doubt if I will be doing parkrun, but I hear that is very enjoyable.
Whatever you decide, keep running and posting, and good luck! x 😀🏃♀️🏃♀️👍
Good for you for getting back out there! You've made amazing progress, don't stop now! You don't have to go farther or faster, unless you want to, but don't stop! I like Jancanrun's "foolproof" tips! Some great ideas there.
For me, I needed some short and longterm goals to work toward. Having them written down on my fridge, on my calendar, and coming here to talk about them helps.
It’s not a moan, it’s sharing your troubles and that’s what the forum is for😘
It’s hard to feel like this at a time when you feel like you should be buzzing.
But, you’ve had a week off (well deserved) and now you’re Back to it - AND, you enjoyed it!.. (it would be more worrying if you hadn’t). Keep posting and reading and that should help with the motivation?
My advice?... get a proper playlist sorted for next time (or maybe a podcast?) I’ve discovered I run better with those instead of music-i find it easier to control my pace.
Try to get out soon and keep us posted Good luck 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
I used the podcasts with Laura when I did Couch to 5K, and after graduating couldn't bear the thought of running without her, so my next 6 or so runs I carried on using the week 9 podcast, and then weaned myself onto my own playlists . I also worked out different routes to give me more incentives.
Yeah, l also thought 'what next', life without guide was bleak and made no sense. I questioned my inner motives and set on a highest mountain for 33 and a half days, chanting, until my motivation returned by which time my beard was knee length.
Ok, maybe not that but l then completed the program again (long story), then 10k and now I'm about to do 21k.
Just go out and run, don't analyse those things, simply run. Leave couch for the guests when they visit, or something.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Take it from me
The worst part is the start, not the end.
Worst run/lesson learned 
Possibly the worst place to run? 
Worst run ever! 😭😭😭
W8r2- worst run ever!
