Hi everyone, hope you’re all well! Well done to those cracking on with smashing out Couch to 5K and well done for those still getting out running both graduates and soon to be graduates in this chilly weather!
Have to say, I’m really struggling with motivation recently. I’ve been taking part in my local part run recently and have been finding it really hard. I have dropped from 3 runs a week to 1 now that I have graduated (finding it a bit harder to fit into my routine with work recently ) and have found that My passion and love for running that got me through to running 30 mins and now 5K seems to be dwindling. Everytime I do the park run and other runs I just feel that everyone seems to be doing it so easily and speedily. I know it’s not about entirely about pace but I am struggling with these demoralising thoughts.
Any ideas for how I can get my motivation back? I really want to keep up with running as I do enjoy it but feeling like I am going backwards ability and motivation wise is becoming a bit of an obstacle 🤦♀️
Written by
rejstone
Graduate
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😂😂😂 this really made me chuckle! I have invested in a lot of Lycra so I think I will add that to my motivation now you have said it!!! 😂
I am thinking about a running club definitely but at the moment feel that all my running buddies seem to make me feel worse about my own running, if that makes sense? As they seem to do it with such ease but like everyone says, running once a week is going to make a big park run harder so I think if I just try my hardest to get out there like you say with a club, I will hopefully find myself getting back to where I was 😊🤞thank you!!!
I think you should try to get out there more often. The more regularly you exercise the stronger you will be and the easier it is. Remember that feeling of taking time for yourself and feeling stronger. It will help your work life too!! If you can't fit in the running then do other exercises to keep your fitness level up and your happy hormones pumping! I hope you find your mojo again, keep on going, you know you can do this because you already did!
Hi rejstone, Well done for your Parkruns and getting to 5k.👌
I agree that running once a week will make that run hard work. If you can fit in a second run, even a short 20 mins, it will help maintain your stamina and keep your legs strong. Mix things up a bit, try the c25k + podcasts, there is a 25 min speed one which is fun.
No need to compare yourself with others, your running is for you, maybe do a few more solo runs at the weekend instead of Parkrun every week. Find new routes and enjoy what you can do.
Think about what you will write in your run report while you are running then come on here and tell us all about it...
Hope you get your mojo back soon, there is Ju Ju's Magic 10 plan on the Bridge 2 10k forum to look into and the monthly Quest you could join in too!
Look at Slow running by Chris Bore on Amazon. It’s a very short but highly informative book and you can download it for free. It challenges many concepts we have about running and may just help to remotivate you. I am on week 8 aged 63 and admire everyone who graduates.
Thanks for heads up on this book... I've just read a few pages and I'm going to sit and read it later with a cuppa. Think it will be grounding for me ...keeping me focused on the joy of running I've recently found and not to get swept up into the 'faster, longer, harder' hamster wheel that seems ever present in my head!!!
Try shaking it up... new routes... shorter faster routes and some really great, just see where you get to, runs.
Try the C25K+ podcasts.... as Bluebirdrunner suggests...try to fit it in, even just a short 1K.. to up your running days and help you remember how good it feels when you have run....and maybe, take a look at the Strength and Flex Forum.. loads of exercises there or some rest days which may get all those happy pheromones jumping again?
The more you run, the more you will want to run. At this point, I would say discipline (rather than motivation) is the key. Good luck!
Most runs I do I need to give myself a kick up the backside to motivate myself but once I start I’m always pleased I did it I run every other day starting from the beginning of c25k and still after graduation. I’ve never regretted a run once I’ve started but I know I will regret not running if it wasn’t for a good reason. Hope you get yr love of running back and your motivation as to why you started.
Thanks everyone for your supportive comments! What a brilliant community! I have just ran with the couch to 5K+ podcast that was recommended with Jo which felt rather savage but good too, like you all say, I didn’t regret going but I would regret not going 😊! Will keep in mind what you have all suggested and fingers crossed it comes back 🤞 already looking forward to trying to smash that same podcast run and hopefully find it a little less savage 😂
People make it look easy because they run regularly, which is the best way to get miles on your legs and improve your stamina, strength and speed.
One run per week, according to recent studies, will give you major health benefits and possibly longevity, but it will unlikely be enough for you to continue to see any measurable improvement.
Maybe parkrun every week is not the place for you, as it inevitably leads to comparison. Those 8 and 80 year olds who overtake you probably have been running for much longer than you.
How about going to some beautiful park, woods or trails and just run for fun, with no thought about pace, distance or duration, glorying in your ability to do this amazing thing, which is so beneficial to your general physical and mental health.
I found joining a running club helped me, I hated running on my own. With the club I found a friend who was a similar pace to me, we now run at a conversational pace 1 night a week, join the club run once a week and run parkrun Saturday. So 3 runs sort of happen, without much thought. Find what helps you enjoy being out, you will find that will pick up your motivation again. Another thing that helps is find something to aim for, I chose an 8k road run, which I achieved Friday, I am now aiming for a specific 10k run early next year, once done I will pick something else to give me a reason to keep improving. Don't give up, you have come so far.
I’m sorry you’re struggling with motivation. I was like you and felt I needed the structure of a plan like C25K so started Bridge to 10k. That way I have to go out 3 times a week. Perhaps that would work for you or maybe repeat the last week of C25K using the app as your encouragement. I still listen to it now.
I also agree about ParkRun. I have only done it twice but think I prefer running on my own as I only have myself to compete with.
I realise it’s harder now it’s dark and often raining but if you can get out 2-3 times a week you will build on your strength and stamina. Keep going and remember when you’re out there you’re not alone, we’re all out there in different parts of the country doing it with you.
Hi rejstone i didn’t see your post until today. I hope you’re feeling better. What are the reasons you started c25k in the first place? (I know you’ve graduated)I think everyone struggles with motivation at some point I know I have. I had a collapsed lung and pneumonia and needed to quit smoking - and I didn’t/don’t want to put weight on ( I quit a few years ago and put 3stone on😱 ). When I’ve had a bad run at least I’ve done it . Just know that you’re not alone and if you need anything - encouragement/ kick up the backside we’re all here!!
Thanks Jacca 😊 I’ve been thinking about your comment today and will have my goals in mind when I do my next run - to keep fit and get those endorphins running 😁 well done you for getting through all that and still cracking on 😱x
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