Help! I’ve lost my running mojo!

[MrsE74]

Hi all. I’ve been running for just over a year now having completed the C25K. Since then I’ve got myself loads of pbs and gone from 5-10K (find that hard!) but mostly stick to 3-4 miles each run. Thing is, lately I just don’t enjoy it. The thought of going out kills me and I hate every step when I’m out. I’m getting slower with each run, everything hurts and I can’t wait to get back home. How do I find my love for running again and how can I make it easier while I’m doing it?!

[siwhite Graduate]

Hmmm, that doesn't sound very good at all. I've only just graduated so I don't have any running advice to offer, but... do you remember how you felt when you posted this: healthunlocked.com/couchto5... ? I think I'd be looking back at what made me want to get off the couch in the first place and how good I felt about W9R3.

I hope you find your mojo

[MrsE74 Graduate in reply to siwhite]

Ah thanks for posting that. I remember that run so well! I felt amazing finishing the programme. ☺️ Maybe I need Michael in my ear for a few runs giving me encouragement. And to take the pressure off myself for a bit!

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to MrsE74]

Yes I agree just click on one of the wk9 runs to have someone help you along the way and make you remember how good you felt about running 😊

[GoogleMe Graduate]

After years with no personal interest in bling, it was virtual event medals that got me out of a slump. Just Google virtual medals and there are a number of companies, choose a medal you really like the look of.

Sometimes what works too is to have a break of a week or two. Or spoken word podcasts/audiobooks to accompany you. Are you running in new places or is it same old same old?

[MrsE74 Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

I’ve been doing the race at your pace challenges each month. I’m trying to get the “big medal” at the end of the year! I usually run the same couple of routes but have recently changed it a bit which was actually quite good. I also find listening to music helps, but my friend mentioned the audiobooks too so think I’ll give that a go. Any recommendations??

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to MrsE74]

Oh, everyone's tastes are different but worth checking out your library's digital audiobook loan service.

(In podcasts I'm very partial to BBC Ouch... not into inspiration porn but is a little nudge to get over oneself sometimes as well as funny... and if you are definitely not wanting to go at all fast, Gardener's Question Time)

[mrrun Graduate]

Try marathon training. That normally keeps you alert for a few years if you want to get it right. Works for me. Then again, I've never lost interest in running simply because l am petrified of going back to being an old me. You want to feel and look like you did before you took up running? No? That's your mojo.

[MrsE74 Graduate in reply to mrrun]

That’s one of the reasons I (eventually!) get out the door. I don’t want to go back to being overweight and unfit!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

All of the above may work, depending on personality, but do you ever go out to run somewhere beautiful and inspiring, without thinking about performance, distance or time.........just for fun, just for you.

This is why I run healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Having a break from running for a week or two is also something that it is advised all runners should do a couple of times a year, or more. you will return refreshed and reinvingorated.

[MrsE74 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I quite often go out running with my two little ones who enjoy running too. And those are usually the best runs. No agenda, no set pace or distance, just running together. I’ve taken a couple of weeks off where I just couldn’t be bothered to go out, and while it felt difficult starting again, it wasn’t actually that bad. I’m gonna try everything that people have suggested and see how I get on, but mainly I’m just gonna step back and be grateful I can actually get out and do this! 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️