My running streak was like a pregnancy...

[primaballerina]

....and now my metaphorical baby is ... er, dead ! : (

So, I started my Couch 2 5K journey back in late February 2019 and got to graduate just before my 50th birthday two months later.

I carried on running 2 to 3 times per week and even got to do 5K a few times and got to complete it in a 'record' of about 38 minutes! (although that was tough for me, normally 45 mins was nearer my 'norm')

However... November/December time my ... mojo got up and left, various typical exuses - a bad cold, bad weather and so on and so on.

Then at the end of December I entered my first 'group' run - which, here in Portugal, is not like "park run"... and I ended up going the wrong way and not completing 5k (4.35k) ... just because I was last (only by about 5 mins - but no one was left to direct me at a crucial turn)... and everyone in the race was a serious competitive runner (rather than oldie beginner like myself).

I felt like a fraud...

The weather continued being bad into new year... I got in a couple more runs (a lovely one on Christmas day, while my family cooked Christmas lunch for me).

Now I've put on a good few kg and only been on one or two short runs this month... my brain wants me to go, but I just can't get out the door.... I've not got a problem with social distancing out here in Central Portugal, so I can avoid people on my usual route.... I've been trying to walk 5k from time to time as well... but still just not 'feeling it'.

So - any advice or encouragement anyone... ?

PB

AKA TubbyBallerina

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

It's just a case of everything not going well for you, hopefully things will get better soon, talking about pregnancy,

I read a report about a lady who is expecting a baby in May, she and her husband came first in their respective catorgary in a parkrun on the 14th March, that was the last parkrun before the lockdown, despite being 7 months pregnant, she was the first lady in a time of 19 minutes?, her husband was the first man in around 17 minutes, really amazing especially for her.

[primaballerina in reply to AlMorr]

Wow - that is inspirational (if I got pregnant now, however I'd be in all the newspapers for the wrong reasons!!!) grin.

I'll just work on the running bit!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to primaballerina]

👍 🏃🏾

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear of your problems. Maybe returning to the comfort and discipline of C25k again? It would get you started and doing it again might boost your confidence 🏃‍♀️👍🏃‍♀️

[Curnie1]

Have a go at the Couch 2 5k. It’s structured but informal. You can go at your own pace , repeat weeks etc

It’s a bit of fun , there’s lot of support on here.

And even if you take a wrong turn we won’t know unless u tell us.! Lol!!😜

Maybe buddy up with someone on the forum to encourage each other.

Good luck, you’ll be fine! 😀

[mattymoo33]

Hiya honey. Walk, run, do what makes you feel great! We 50 plus gals have to laugh at ourselves. Whatever it is, have a go. I've started cycling here which I wouldn't do unless on holiday.

Don't worry where you get to as long as you get something from it.

Get out there baby, show Portugal what you're made of. 🌞🤸xx

[Madmum2 Graduate]

Oh no ! ... ( too one Portuguese living person to another ) .. I recently down loaded Zombie , run ... just for a giggle and something different.. it’s great fun , made the time go very quickly , bit cheesy but hey ...

I understand your get up and go has got up and gone ... wish we lived closer !! If you find anything else that helps give you a lift whilst out for a run .. let me know x

[Fionamags Graduate]

Maybe you need to set some goals for motivation? I just completed the programme and am in consolidation mode at the moment. My target is to try to do 4k in 30 mins by the end of 3 weeks. (When I graduated is was 3.5k in 30 mins). After that I am going to move on to the 10k training. I think without goals and targets i might lose momentum as well.

Above all, keep checking in and posting on the forum - that gives a real boost too!! Good luck.

[runwithdog Graduate]

with regard to your feeling like a fraud at the race YOU MOST DEFINITELY WERE NOT !

YOU WENT OUT THERE AND DID IT,it would have been easy for the others who knew what to expect so working up to 5k and actually doing it is a big WIN !

sometimes my mojo is lacking and the only way for me to sort it is just to get up and go first thing in the morning without thinking about it,you just have to find what works for you.

how about doing a 2k out and back for a couple of days just to get going,no pressure?

[RI78 Graduate]

Hi primaballerina I’ve not been on here for quite a while and just thought I’d have a look what’s been going on and found your post, exactly the same as to why I’ve not been on here for a while I got out of running 😞 pulled muscle in back, dark nights, cold mornings etc etc and before I know it it’s 5 months later. Very disappointed in myself because I was loving it so much but now can’t get the motivation to start up again even though I now have our wedding as a reason to drop some weight. Sorry I can’t offer any advice just wanted to let you know you weren’t on your own with how you’re feeling xx

[primaballerina]

Thanks to you all for your support and empathy. I'm not really one to lay it out on a forum, but everyone was so helpful when I started here last year... so I must go back to enjoying (and giving) support.

Thanks again everyone.

I'll keep with my updates

PB