How do you keep motivated after 5k?

[Ploddy_Ploddy]

Does anyone have tips how I can stay motivated after doing my 5k event? I ran Race for Life a week ago and had to walk a lot of it due to heat. Then I didn't run again for a week and really struggled to keep going - so much so that I had to drop down to a walk for a short time before running again.

My friend and I run together once a month and want to try a Park Run.

I currently run alone and only have 2 straight roads/routes to choose from and I'm struggling. Would really like to keep up my fitness after putting in the training.

[Gran4z Graduate]

So many of us graduates struggle with what to do when it's over. There are lots of ideas here, I will try and cover a few. There's Bridge to 10k, there's 5k+ podcasts, really good for building stamina, speed and strength ( I've been using them and can now run 5k without needing to stop ). Someone else suggested using W1R1, during the 60s run go as fast as you can, during the 90s walk jog slowly. Believe me it's tough!

Good luck, enjoy whatever you do, and have fun 🙂🌻

[DLMZ Graduate]

Hi have a look at this thread as it’s similar to what your asking.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[AnnieW55]

Hi it's not unusual to feel a bit lost after graduation - it happens to lots of people. In your case it seems to be compounded by a couple of not so good runs which were probably affected by the weather. So please try and put them behind you. Just go for a run without any intention of time or distance - just because you can.

You say you only have two runs you can do - have you looked on google maps for local pathways/bridle paths new routes? If you do only have these two can you do them in the opposite direction to usual or switch the side of the road? This can give you a different view of the road. Actually if the Parkrun you are thinking of doing is not too far away you could always go there and run/walk the course, or round the park.

The link below maybe helpful it gives some ideas on what next. I do hope you manage to carry on.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to AnnieW55]

That was my first thought... there must be other route options, it's just finding them!

Mix it up, different music, different views. Find what's fun for you. Regain that sense of acheivement. Remind yourself just how far you've come and how far you could go... 👍😃

[misswobble Graduate]

If you can drive or hop on a bus you can increase your running area. Pastures new always gives your running a boost

Parkrun is great 😃👍

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I agree misswobble pastures new really works for me too! ❤️

[Tasha99 Graduate]

ParkRun is the way forward! Just try one and you’ll see why ❤️👍🏽

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Post race blues is common. THe motivation drops off. What works for me is to book another event ASAP and make myself get out there. The spring quickly comes back in the step when I start to look forward to another run.

Don't underestimate how sapping this heat has been for runners. Just to finish in theheat was brilliant.

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Using a new App and/or programme can freshen things up. I’m doing that now and enjoy the freedom of choosing what I feel like doing on each run. You can also create a plan to follow. Lots of people go on to Bridge to 10k! I’m not sure about that myself, but do try a bit of exploring, that’s how I found something that just took my fancy! Basically, I’m doing whatever I like! Running free is great for me!

Best wishes for finding something that ups your running mojo! ❤️