I decided once I graduated a few weeks ago, I would maintain the routine as I’ve loved what I’ve avhieved, but somehow I’ve slipped. 1 week I ran once, next week I ran once and it’s been a struggle to get motivated.
So I decided I’d join a gym so that over winter I would have no excuse due to weather etc. But I’ve even struggled to run my 5k on it.Last night I got 4K, but with a 2 min walk in the middle to keep me going. And the blasted thing is giving me a sore right hip! I thought if I ran 5k outside, I could run 5k inside. Turns out, I’m struggling! Anyone have any words of wisdom?
Written by
Evie75
Graduate
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We run differently on a treadmill and use slightly different muscles. But please, please try to get outside at the minute. The weather is perfect for running and the world around us is just stunning and waiting for you to explore it.
I did most of the programme on the treadmill for injury related reasons but once I got outside I didn't go back. Apart from once during this winter when I jumped on the treadmill again and found it so hard! It's just so much nicer and fresher outside.
The motivation to run is yours alone. We can choose where our motivation takes us. You've worked hard for your graduation and fitness and it would be a real shame to lose that . Otherwise what was the point in starting?
Go on, get out into the big beautiful world and run through some puddles and jump through some leaves. You know you want to........🤗
While running on the treadmill the sunshine was beaming in at me, and I did think why am I doing this inside?! I’ll try to get outside when I can, but once the dark mornings and nights start, I’ll need a lot of motivation to get out!
You’re right tho, I’ve come too far to stop now. Thanks for the words of wisdom 👍👍
I always struggled in the treadmill... I guess you could get used to it and I may have to in the snow, but for now the temperatures outside are just great for running.
Listen to her majesty Irishprincess ...Autumn and winter are magical times. Head torches and high viz gear as and when..and unless you are in a UK dark zone..there is always peripheral light..😊
He majesty x is so right..crunchy leaves puddles..star lit frosty mornings..the colours and the sights and sounds..bliss..that will get you right back in the mood. Relax and enjoy x
When you were initially doing c25k, you had a goal - complete the programme. Perhaps that kept you getting out there running 3 times a week, using the app or podcast to help you along. Those may have served as forms of accountability that kept you to your goal, helped you build the habit. Are there forms of accountability or goals you could set that might help you keep to the habit of running 3 times a week? Like joining a running group, signing up for a 5k event (and another after that... and so on), joining the bridge to 10k group or using the podcasts that come after the c25k, running with a friend, setting a goal to make 6k or 7k by a certain date?
I think it's less about motivation and more about habit and meeting personal goals. Some people struggle with these things more than others, and it's not a "lack of self-control" or being "weak willed" or anything like that, it's just part of some people's personality. For me this has been really key to realize and instead of feeling like "oh I should just feel motivated, I should just be able to do it", I've found ways to build accountability and use some other little tricks for habit-building to keep myself at it.
Set up some accountability if you think that will help, schedule your runs, set out your kit, use an app, a timer or some upbeat music in your headphones and treat it the same as you did in the beginning - as something you're going to do despite the fact you may not like it.
It sounds like you have just gone off the boil, having completed the programme and also got to 5 k.
I imagine that you are goal motivated, so I would suggest that you do some consolidation runs and then head over the bridge to the 10 k gang🤩
Regarding running outside in Autumn/Winter, give it a go, get those layers on, add your hat and gloves, a head torch if you are an early bird, and start crunching those leaves!
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Sorry.. Absolutely topping!
I carried on running after 30 mins!
Woop Woop 🏃♀️🏃♀️
Treadmill VS outside? 
Speed or Distance?? What is more important???
