W7R2, still a slog

[SeeJillRun]

Had to force myself out the door today. After 2 hard runs my running mojo seems to be deserting me 😢. Tried telling myself that today would be different, that’d it’d be back to feeling good, or even just ok, but sadly it was not to be. I don’t even feel good now I’ve done it, just disappointed and fed up. Not sure what’s going on but I don’t like it 😔

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well done completing. You’re doing great work on the plan... so there’s no need to feel disappointed, we just need to make it more fun for you I guess. What are you listening to during a run? I love my music 24/7... but I run better to spoken word, and sometimes that is coaching... I ran the end of this plan, to the exact same timings, using guided runs on another app. I did go through a stage, just after graduation in my case, where I wasn’t loving it, so I went out with a different mission... to see how little ground I could cover in 30 minutes without walking, and it was an amazing run... lots of fun. Also, maybe when you’re in a nice conversational pace, and out of earshot range, you should talk out loud and tell yourself how amazing you are to be able to run 25 minutes. How relaxed are you before you run? I usually get a 10 minute headspace in before I go out, that really helps me in the toxic 10.

There’s an answer to the question out there, but it may take some experimentation to find it.

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks, you’re absolutely right, I guess I just got so used to enjoying it that I’m sad that I’m not enjoying it right now. I usually listen to music (I listen to podcasts the rest of the time so it’s my treat) so I changed what I was listening to today, but then I missed the couple of songs that take me out of my head. I changed back to them but lovely Jo Whiley became interrupting Jo Whiley so I kept having to restart them

I will admit that I’d spent the day not looking forward to the run cos the last two had been so hard, so probably not as relaxed as usual. I like the idea of using Headspace pre-run though.

I don’t think I was ever out of earshot today, lots of dog walkers cos it’s Sunday. I usually sing when I get the chance but I’m not brave enough to sing with so many people around lol 😂

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

I was forced to sing once at karaoke, I said I’d go last... and the landlord seemed very pleased that everyone supped up and left in a very timely manner that evening!!!

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Lol! I’ve never been brave enough to do karaoke. Can’t say I’ve ever really wanted to either! 😂

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

I’ve never been asked since... result!

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

😂😂😂

[RunRunRun13 Graduate]

Oh Jill don’t be fed up...well done for getting through it and completing it. Has anything changed ie hydration/food intake that may make you feel sluggish ? I have had a couple of runs that I didn’t particularly enjoy and had to postpone today’s too so I’m sure we all have these “down” times. New day tomorrow and maybe change your music to upbeat ones to get you going and “sing” !!! Who cares if people look...it’s about making time for you and what makes you happy. What about treating yourself to something once you’ve finished each run. Flowers/item of clothing/makeup - something you love and that makes you smile (doesn’t have to cost the earth) We are with you all the way 🏃‍♀️

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to RunRunRun13]

Aw thanks, I love the idea of treating myself though it won’t be make-up lol, I barely wear it even though I work for a beauty and wellness company 😂 I like the sound of flowers n that’s better than the chocolate I feel like buying 🍫 💐

Nothing’s changed that I can think of, though I’m going to up my hydration a bit n see if that helps. Actually, my energy levels haven’t been as good n I’ve just now realised it could be cos I ran out of the supplements I usually take so I might just have to grin n bear it till my order comes next week. Thanks for making me think about that, I can’t believe it didn’t occur to me!I’m definitely making a new playlist to keep me going in the meantime though 🎶🏃‍♀️

[RunRunRun13 Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

It can be the small little things that make such a difference to a run...so hopefully it gets better once you start taking your supplements again, I drink lots of water daily and visit the toilet quite frequently too 😂🤞

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to RunRunRun13]

I drink over 2 litres a day. Me n the toilet are very good friends 😂😂😂

[SmashedPotato Graduate]

Dear SJR You completed this run even though you were not feeling right which is fantastic in itself. You may be fighting off a virus or some such which is why your mojo has temporarily gone into hiding. Try not to let it sabotage your brilliant efforts to date and all that is to come. When I do my next run I will be thinking of you, spurring you on. Be kind to yourself and a big virtual hug meanwhile. SPx

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to SmashedPotato]

Thanks SP, virtual hug gladly accepted. It’s possible it’s a virus, I’ve had a tickly nose for several days. I guess only time will tell. I won’t let it put me off, whatever’s going on, I’m sure it’s just a blip

[molly1973 Graduate]

Oh, Jill, that sounds rubbish. So sore that you’ve had a few tough runs. The key thing is that you got out and did them: my week 9 runs were a bit like that, and the first few consolidation runs too. I kept at it, and in the end something clicked and the runs were enjoyable again. I have to say that when I’ve had busy weeks and haven’t been able to fit my runs in as often, I really miss it. Fingers crossed you have a super run next time and re-discover your mojo 👍

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to molly1973]

Thanks! It’ll take more than that to put me off, it’s just so frustrating to go from it all being so enjoyable to having to force myself out the door. I’m sure it’ll come good soon though

[Wimborne]

SJR you are doing fabulous. You got out there and you did it 👏👏😀😀🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️. Look how far you can run !!!! That’s amazing. Really amazing.

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Wimborne]

Thanks! Yes I guess I shouldn’t grumble lol, I’m running almost 3k and 7 weeks ago I could barely run 😂🏃‍♀️

[Pianism Graduate]

Just complete your runs and give yourself time. You will find your happy place soon enough.

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Pianism]

Thanks, I’m going to make a new playlist so hopefully that’ll help 🎶

[JohnT32b]

Hi Jill, sorry to hear you’re going through a tough spell. If it helps I too found W7 very hard but then this week it was better. Every run brings something new. Have you tried skipping a little that usually makes me laugh or smile x

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to JohnT32b]

Thanks, it’s reassuring to know that other people have found Week 7 hard. I’ll try some skipping next time I’m out 😁

[Islesrunner Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

I sometimes dance to the music if nobody is about 😂

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Islesrunner]

Now there’s a thought!

[Rainbow2019 Graduate in reply to Islesrunner]

Glad I’m not the only 1! Usually on my cool down walk home (and definitely when no one else is looking!) Seejillrun - you’ve got this. We all have off days. Weeks sometimes. Running related or not. Hope you find your passion again. Give yourself a treat to celebrate all you’ve achieved so far. Maybe look at your goals? Have you ticked any off or nearly got there? Would it help to give yourself an extra rest day? You are amazing. You got out there when you didn’t want to and did it anyway. Don’t be so hard on yourself. We’re all rooting for you. You can do this. Only 7 more runs until you graduate

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Rainbow2019]

Thanks, all these lovely comments make me feel like I have my own cheer squad lol. I’ve tried extra rest days but they don’t seem to help any. I am pretty close to 3k/2 miles/the bench I can see on my route and intend to revamp my playlist. I think it’s probably down to running out of my supplements, my general energy levels have been down n I’m feeling stiff so hopefully things will improve when my order gets here 🤞

[Islesrunner Graduate]

Can you go slower? Are you pushing yourself too hard?

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Islesrunner]

I tried going slower yesterday but it was still hard work. I don’t think I’m pushing myself too hard, I think I’m just struggling for energy generally. I realised it’s only been like this since I ran out of the supplements I take so hopefully things will improve once I get some more 🤞

[Kertesz]

Oh SJR... I feel miserable for you... so much good advice above. I was struggling on this week too - and took the advice of Elfe5 who suggested slowing down my pace to a point where I <felt> I could go much faster. It did wonders for my energy levels/enjoyment - and at the end, my timings weren’t much different to previous runs. I was just a lot happier! Also... I found this pinned post really helpful on my down days:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Hope you find a way to get your mojo back!!

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Kertesz]

Thanks for that, I definitely think my usual positivity has wandered off and my mindset needs some work. Reading the article on the link has helped to remind me that so much of this is in my head.

I did go slower yesterday but may slow it down even more and see if that helps. Going to make a new playlist too as I’m bored with my usual one so it’s not taking me out of my head anymore. Hopefully a new one will give me a boost 🎶🤞

[Islesrunner Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

I change mine up every week, drop the tunes I don’t find motivating and add another one or two x

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Islesrunner]

Thanks, that’s a good idea. Will give it a try

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

sorry that you are finding it a slog. Thinking about it, I think you might just be running too fast. Also on one of the runs, I just decided that I was going to enjoy it (sun was out) and I did, I sort of conditioned myself positively. We are all here with you

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thanks, I do keep slowing down more and more but it doesn’t seem to be helping. Hopefully the better weather will help though, the wind n rain isn’t good for my positivity

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

not for anyone's but at least it's refreshing. What about your breathing, are you breathing through tummy, ie lower on the body?

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Yes, deep breaths from my diaphragm. And I’m going slow enough to sing aloud. I have noticed a general drop in energy and increased stiffness since I ran out of my supplements so I’m hoping things will improve once I’m back on them 🤞

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

Ah yes, could be linked or could just be the change. Just keep going, it will get better. I am going through the same at the moment. We will get there!

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thanks, hope we both manage to push through it soon 🤞