Hello and help

[Murphy113113]

Hello

I have completed the NHS C25K, and have also taken part in 2 ultra marathons and in 2 years have done 50 parkruns , you might wonder why I’m here but for the last year I have fallen out with myself and running and want to get back into running again my quickest time for 5k was 29.55 but I’m struggling now and my times are 42 minutes if not slower and I am doing 1 run a week not 3 or 4 as I used to I’m in need of motivation and inspiration

[robew88636 Graduate]

Great history. As rightly pointed out, the only thing you need is a little bit of motivation. And you came to the right place.

How about you start making some time from your current time table and fill in with some walks/ runs. Even GoT is over now. You can atleast add one more day.

[JaoJao]

Hi there, I’m sure you can find your running mojo back but you’re right it’s about the motivation to start up again. How about you go back to park runs and take it slow and steady each week, you can do it!

I’m not sure what the advice would be in terms of starting further down the c25k plan and skipping the earlier weeks, maybe the admins can advise on that xx

Good luck! Think of the running high!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Do you know what triggered the 'falling out'?

Were you part of the forums before and have just set up a new account this time, or have you not experienced the fabulous support available here before?

A few things occur on the basis of what you have written - but of course there may be a lot more going on for you:

1) You may need some professional support to boost your efforts. That's so perceptive to say you have 'fallen out with yourself' Right now you are saying you are 'only' doing one run a week but that may in fact represent a brilliant effort if you are struggling alone with emotional unwellness, and with professional input it might be so much easier to do the things you want to do (and which will help in themselves) It could also be that there's some physical stuff going on. So all in all, it may be that a chat and a check up with your GP would be helpful. Everything may be OK, it could be that you've just been so very determined to achieve such amazing things, you've strained your determination muscle and it will recover if treated gently.

2) It seems possible to me that your previous approach to running was about continuous improvement - faster, longer. It may be that your challenge now is to discover new motivations and new satisfactions that suit where you are now (or it may not... if you have something like a thyroid issue or anaemia or depression, it may be a matter of treatment and then away you go) You clearly *want* to run. My hunch is that if you are someone who has achieved not one but two ultramarathons that landscape is important for you and new routes may help.

[Murphy113113 in reply to GoogleMe]

Thanks for the message , I have struggled with mental health issues and have done so referral cognitive therapy which is good it’s like been given a tool kit to fix yourself though on the worst days it’s hard to turn things around even when I know it will benefit me if things don’t get better I will seek help from my Drs

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Murphy113113]

Be very compassionate with yourself and be very proud of what you are achieving. One run a week is worth something, you're ticking over.

As others are saying/hinting, slotting into a structure might be helpful (reduces the effort you have to put in yourself). Lots and lots of graduates return and do the full programme again so that might be worth considering, especially if you are someone still needing to see 'progress' rather than 'being'. It's a tool kit, like CBT.

Do use the forum (as you are doing), it can make all the difference.

[Murphy113113 in reply to GoogleMe]

Thank you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You need to get back into the habit of regular running, so following a plan with a target would be a good starting place.

This healthunlocked.com/couchto5... is the guide that we send to graduates of C25K with suggestions for future running.

[primaballerina]

How about trying some shorter runs and work on some speed? I suprised myself and managed to get faster than my usual shuffle jog by doing this (a girl who hasn't yet done 5k)!