How to find mojo?!

[Woods25k]

Hi everyone! So four weeks ago, I got to Week 9 run 1, and I was on cloud 9! Then I got the flu for the second time this winter! I’m now completely recovered and feeling well, but I just can’t motivate myself and keep finding excuses not to run. I imagine I’ll maybe go back to Week 6 or 7, and try and build from there, but at the moment all I want to do is wait for light evenings and warm weather, but that could be May! Anyone else had long breaks but managed to get back on track?

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Sorry you’ve not been feeling great but glad you are on the mend. Maybe if you can, run when it’s light and not too early or too late, seeing light might make it easier. Also try to remember how you feel after a run, there is nothing better to lift your mood in this bleak winter! You can do it... put on your running gear tomorrow and give it a go!

[pinkaardvark Graduate]

Absolutely.. loads of us have had breaks and it is entirely normal to struggle to find the motivation to restart and get back out there. When we first did c25k that was the driver but once done it can be easy to forget how all the successes made us feel.

I believe what commonly happens with those of us who run long term, is after a while the pattern, routine, the sheer inertia of getting out there regularly makes the activity so much easier. With both the physical and mental pathways and routines lubricated by sheer repetition.

So the key to returning to it is to make it as easy as possible to get back to a routine. If you regularly did 3x5k then it's the 3 times a week that is important. SO simply go do 3x1k or even less, just put the gear on and go walk with the option of a jog when you feel like it. To combat the cold, wear much more than you did previously. Allow yourself to feel warm and comfortable but able to peel stuff off when you need to or choose to.

Just make those first attempts to rehook into the pattern and hopefully it will happen again for you.

Good luck.

[Woods25k in reply to pinkaardvark]

Thank you, great motivation!

[Deals1 Graduate]

Glad you are on the mend.

Just try getting out the door and do what u can (within the program) good luck. Your mojo is waiting for you around the next corner 😀

[Beechwood10]

I have just had a break of 3 months, mainly because I have always run at 6.30 in the morning before work. Winter and dark mornings were my excuse. Last Saturday I made myself run, I thought I would just run till I can’t and then walk abit then run again. I managed to run it all (although slower) with one small walk of two lampposts 😂. I felt so good and pleased with myself. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. So if I can you will be able to. Good luck.