Will be completing week 7 tonight but have to say I seem to have lost my enthusiasm with it this week. I have been able to carry on for the 25 minutes but am now finding it tedious and not really getting a buzz from it 😩.
My fear is that if I continue to feel like this then I will be inclined to give up. I have signed up for a 5k park run to keep me going for now but was hoping that I would get the addiction bug and be keen and eager to get out for each run, but it has definitely dwindled this week.
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Madloonmary
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I think most new runners find longer runs a challenge at some point.
It takes some mental adjustment and distraction............don't think about running or time.
Try changing your routes about a bit.
Find a mental distraction. I used to give myself a running commentary in florid descriptive language, on everything I could see, hear, smell and feel as I ran. This gets you to evaluate and appreciate your surroundings.
Run somewhere beautiful.
Many people find comedy podcasts help to pass the time.
You may also find slowing down helps to make it all more achievable and enjoyable.
Hi IannodaTruffe, I mix up my running routes with some on the local roads, nearby park and others at more scenic parks as I do tend to get bored quickly.
Do love the idea of comedy podcast, any recommendations? Also the distraction of what is around sounds good as it will stop me thinking about how heavy my legs are feeling!
Have to admit I am terrible at drinking water, always start the day with a bottle full of water and good intentions however by the end of each day it's still normally around half full.
Production quality and content can vary massively with podcasts, all of the above are good but don't be put off if you can't find something that you like straight away as there are literally thousands to choose from. Just about everything from BBC Radio is available as a podcast and is a very good place to start
Hi Madloonmary , sorry to hear you are not enjoying it as much as you were, but I can totally understand where you're coming from.
I've just finished W6 and I have found the longer runs very tedious. I run in the gym so there's nothing to look at (apart from lots of people much fitter than me lol), no breeze, no change of scenery, but what keeps me going is two-fold.
1. Subborness. I can do this. I will do this.
2. I have a longer term running goal which in 2021 will (hopefully) see me run various distances at Euro Disney with 1 or both of my daughters (who, of course, are both much fitter than me so I'm playing a game of catch up that I started too late!)
I guess you have goals set - even if just to get through the next run?
I found this link which offers some advice and which I hope is useful?
I hope you keep on with the running - even if it's a chore you know it's good for you, physically and mentally, and it may provide a base level of fitness for something you enjoy more.
Hi DDJ2019, I totally applaud you for being able to do it at the gym not sure I would manage that as I definitely need distractions but lately find my mind is back on my heavy legs or how I'm not breathing properly (funny how it's fine when I'm not thinking about it!!)
Stubbornness sounds like a very good character trait and working very well for you!
I wish you luck and am sure you will be joining your daughters in 2021. Thank you for the link and support.
I think it is normal (certainly was for me). Just need to stay mentally tough and week 8 is actually enjoyable you are so close now. All in the mind. Well done 👍👍🏃🏼♂️🏃🏼♂️💪💪
I definitely agree with the podcast plan. I’m still listening to music while I run at the moment, but soon I’m going to move to podcasts to keep me entertained. I guess it means it is your uninterrupted ‘me’ time so you get that and get fit at the same time!
There are so many podcasts out there to choose from so get looking now! I think it is a bit hit and miss finding one you really enjoy as everyone is different. I can listen to them all day at work so I need a good library of them. Favourites for me are Gardener’s Question Time (dubious horticultural humour) and The Infinite Monkey Cage. Then there are quite a few running podcasts which I haven’t tried yet.
Also audiobooks are a good idea - if you really get into one, you might run 10k by accident - for me, that would have to be one amazing book 🤣
You need to downlaod a podcast app, I use podcast player (I'm on android), and then when you've got that you can subscribe to podcasts so search for the runpod podcast.
I found podcast helf pass the time more than music, with music I find I think over the top of it but with funny podcasts (or whatever your thing is) because Ur listening properly time flies by.
Oh and if u have kids u get to listen to the rude sweary ones and not have to keep pausing if little footsteps are coming at you lol
It’s not uncommon around week 7/8. Sometimes it’s just tiredness and an extra rest day or two does the trick. One way of getting a rest without disrupting your routine is to go for a long walk at your normal running time. Another, if you go to parkrun, is to go along as usual but volunteer instead of running. Both of those give you an extra two days’ break from running without going back to the couch: you keep the three times a week routine going but get a rest from the actual running.
Sorry to hear you’re not enjoying running so much at the mo, and I also try to find ways to distract myself when I attempt to run.
I started off listening to music, but have recently switched to comedy and sports podcasts. You might know about this already , if not I recommend you use the BBC Sounds app ( it’s free ) and you can either stream or download the podcast if your choice. There is a big comedy section on there, including some great stand up shows.
Hope you’re ok to keep going. Happy running 🏃♀️ 🏃♂️👍
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on to week 7! And other achievements.
Week 7 and extremely fatigued
:) :) :) Week 7 completed
Week 7 - things are getting serious
Week 7 done and dusted! 
