Lost motivation☹

[Chicken55yrs]

Help, I was really happy after graduating with 3 great runs whilst on holiday in Scotland & final run when I got home. Since then with the really hot spell we had, my IBS playing up & finding the time to run I've only been managing once or twice a week. One morning which is my favourite time to run I only managed 10 mins but my legs felt like I had done 30! I was so excited when I graduated but now feel totally deflated. I am not looking forward to running at all!! Help 😱

[lmoto]

It’s all fell away from me too, that’s great you graduated, I didn’t get that far, now it’s the rain & wind putting me off, I’m sure something will spark ⚡️ & you will be back on track

[Chicken55yrs Graduate in reply to lmoto]

Hope so and you too!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Do you have any short, medium and long term targets for your running?

As suggested in the guide to post C25K running healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

This can help you plan what you need to do to hit the next target and gives you the satisfaction of achievement. They don't have to be lofty aims, just something that extends your current level.

Have the original reasons why you started C25K disappeared?

Your situation is not at all uncommon, but could lead to your fitness dwindling over time. We are all recommended to do 150 minutes of heart rate raising exercise each week, but that doesn't have to be running.

Have you tried running somewhere new and beautiful, with no thought for pace or distance covered? Just run for fun, because you can.

[Chicken55yrs Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for your reply. I never really set myself goals as I know that if I don't meet them I will give myself such a hard time. I'm still doing it for the exercise and more importantly the mental aspect for my anxiety. Will re-check the info in the link, thanks again.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Chicken55yrs]

Just make them easily achievable weekly goals, like running for a minute longer on one run each week, or knocking a second or two of a given distance.

[Oddity]

Hiya Chicken! Been there, got the t-shirt!! I went on holiday after graduating and found it really tough to get back into it. What I did was to stop worrying about time or distance and just get out there and run with no pressure. And remember to keep taking it slowly. Then I started getting pain in my foot 😞 which I've rested for just over a week now.

I've just completed a 30 minute run (minus a few seconds) and feel as proud of myself as I did when I graduated six weeks ago. Sometimes I put the wk9 run on the app sometimes I don't. I've also found running different routes helps. I was going round and round the local cricket club for most of the c25k programme and it was so boring!

Don't give yourself a hard time and just try and enjoy it. Every run is better than no run!

[Chicken55yrs Graduate in reply to Oddity]

Thanks for that Oddity, I've done the same listening to week 9 runs again as well as I find it quite hard without Laura encouraging me and letting me know how much time has gone by/left to go. I have a bit of OCD and like things to be structured. I'm off to Scotland again in 2 weeks and know I will run 3 times in that week.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You maybe just need to get back into a routine of running to enjoy it again . Can you pick 2 or 3 set days a week and stick to them. Hope then you can find your enjoyment of running . Good luck 😊

[Chicken55yrs Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

I always try to do Saturday morning as I feel better on an empty stomach. I already get up at 5am on week days for work & get home around 5.30, usually feeling bloated, sometimes so bad that all i want is to put on loose clothing and a hot water bottle. Sorry to sound negative as i mostly do try to push myself to do it.

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to Chicken55yrs]

Look if a Saturday morning is your best day for a run then stick to it. Why not try to find new routes to run on that day and new music to listen to. It keeps your running interesting . 😊

[Chicken55yrs Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

will try my very best!

[RunRunRun13 Graduate]

Hi Chicken, don’t be deflated as we can’t always run three times a week and it’s good to have a week off or reduce the running now and again or it can feel mundane sometimes.

I’ve been there too recently with the heat etc and only ran one long run this week but know I will get back to it from tomorrow.

So few things which may help

1. Have you used the Nike Running App ?

2. Long, short, whatever you fancy runs a wk !

3. Race Your Pace - give yourself a goal a month

4. Treats - when you complete your runs weekly

Knowing that your not alone as we all go through this and writing on kitchen calendar, diary to keep a record of your achievements.

Good luck and I’m running in the morning, maybe you could get out there with me too ! 🏃‍♀️

[Chicken55yrs Graduate in reply to RunRunRun13]

Thanks Run what brilliant advice, I'll be sure to follow your tips. If only I didn't have to go to work, I'd be out there with you in the morning. Good running!