Spanner in the works!

[Itaba]

I had just finished week 3 and was nervously looking forward to the challenge of week 4 when I put my back out. I haven't been able to run for 10 days and now I'm having a hard time finding the motivation to start again as week 4 represents a bit of a psychological hurdle for me. I would really appreciate some advice.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I am glad you are feeling better and your back has eased...maybe just head out for a little jogette... just to test everything out. Choose a route you enjoy and listen to your body.

If all feels well, then maybe just repeat the last run of week 3 as a dress rehearsal and then carry on, Slow and steady as you go and you will remember why you began this and why you want to carry on.

You are going to be fine... and we shall watch for your post!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

What was your motivation for starting in the first place?

Has that changed?

Put in the effort and you will reap the rewards.

[Alast]

I understand what you mean about it being difficult to find your motivation when you haven't been out for a few days, especially if it's due to an injury. I'd say just have a quiet think about what made you decide to start this adventure in the first place, so that you remember what got you off the couch and out there each time to get to the end of the third week. Once you've got that back inside your head pop back out and have a gentle go at W3 R3 again. You'll be safe in the knowledge that you've already done this and in real time, only a few days ago, see how that goes. If you complete it, then great, if you want to you can move on to W4, if you don't feel ready to move on yet, then do another W3 run until you feel that you can. If (and I doubt this) you don't complete the W3 run, you can then decide if you want to just start again from W3 R1 and get all 3 runs done before going into W4. This isn't a race, there is nothing wrong in repeating runs or dropping wack a week if you feel the need. Although we have to push ourselves a bit every now and again to get to the end of the longer runs, there is no point in pushing on too soon into the longer runs and finding out we can't do them, them would really knock our confidence and kill our motivation. Have a go and let us know how you get on, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[deltronic]

I had various set backs due to ill health and very much agree with going back a few runs just to ease back into it and get your confidence back. I've found that running is about 80% mental and 20% fitness. Best of luck - you can do it

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

It can be as much a mental battle as a physical one. Why not do a run from W3 again to boost your confidence, and that may bring down the mental barrier.......good luck 😁

[Oldlady57]

Go for a gentle walk/ run, see how you feel. Take the pressure off yourself to achieve anything other than just getting out. Go on, you can do it!!