Lost my streak?...

[Yorki_Girl]

Been running now for about 20 weeks. Graduated and still managing about 32 minutes 3 times a week .... till this week. Totally can’t get my energy up. Set off twice and turned back... week off or persevere? Anyone relate or advise?

[J111eth]

Perhaps try some of the other running apps, I’ve heard great things about the Nike running app. Maybe something different might help motivate you?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As stated in the guide to post C25K running a weeks break from running every now and then will reinvigorate you.

[Yorki_Girl Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Feels like such a wrench though....

[Papillon17 Graduate]

Hi I graduated in March 2019, and have continued to run no where as near as much as you, I usually run once or twice a week, I have managed a couple of half marathons, a few other distances up to 10 miles but I usually just now run 5k and have gone for improving time. Well tonight was one of those runs you have had, I have only failed one 5k and that was my first parkrun ended up walking several times. Tonight’s run like you I set off feeling good set my self a goal to beat my time around the park which I did but that took it out of me ended up stopping after a mile and resting for a minute before continuing totally disappointed but the next run is another day. Will just go back to my old route, run steady and get the result I want. Good luck take a few rest days and go again.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Persevere! Don’t let the gremlins win! You’ll feel great when you finish! Remember that feeling to motivate yourself! 💪🏽

[Knightrider_28 Graduate]

Stick with it ..will powr, take your mind elsewhere trick your mind it might work.

Slow the pace down and your body may kick start back into action. Good 👍

[Jim_Gray Graduate]

I run 5k every other day since graduating. I mix it up between the same route and targeting a personal best time and completely new routes but not worrying about the pace or total time.

I find swapping between the two approaches keeps it fresh for me. I also find that a few new runs helps improve my time when I come back to my “home” route.

[Runbird Graduate]

I would probably persevere . I am at about 13 weeks but recognise the symptoms. Last couple of weeks have felt quite hard going from early on and really felt like stopping but when I miss a day I find it even more of a struggle so that keeps me going. I have mostly stuck with the NHS post couch to 5k Stamina run for focus and encouragement but am wondering if I need a another distance challenge

[Grannyasbo Graduate]

Sounds like you’ve done so well. Something I’ve learnt (am still learning) through doing C25k is self compassion. Don’t be hard on yourself. Taking a rest is a good thing. Having a run that feels harder or is slower or shorter than usual is just fine. The important thing is maintaining this effort over time. It’s like a reasonably smooth road but with some bumps and dips. Think about how you can be gentle with yourself when you need to be and celebrate it when you can go for it and enjoy that feeling of kindness integrated into your running. Good luck with it all. 😀

[Tomartom Graduate in reply to Grannyasbo]

Such good advice! I’ve been struggling a bit over the week 5/6 and was being a bit hard on myself but I’m doing it that’s the thing! I’m going to keep a copy of this and read it back when I need it😊🏃‍♂️

[Crolla]

I've had breaks due to injury, and also breaks because I just don't feel like it. Been running for around two years now and on the whole I'm still going out three times a week. Skipping a few runs doesn't put you right back at the beginning. I don't know if this will help, but maybe next time you go out, if you feel your energy/enthusiasm flagging (and you're sure it's not an injury) then try walking for the rest of the time. I tend to run to music which always helps get me in the mood.

[Dexy5 Graduate]

A running break every now and then is really good for you. Don’t feel guilty.

[Fionamags Graduate]

I too think it sounds like you need a break. Why not take a week off then come back and start The Magic Plan on Bridge to 10k? You can do either the version that gets you running for 60 minutes or the other one that gets you to 10k.

I found it really got me going again and I found my love for running en route!

[SingsAndRuns Graduate]

Hi! I can report a similar story! My last three runs have been really bad- I got a terrible stitch at the end of the first one which I didn't get ever in c25k, the second one I stopped completely after 10 mins (blame the humidity) and the last one I had to drag myself round promising myself 'two more minutes and you can stop'!!

This forum is great for times like this- you can start feeling really miserable about it, but in reality it's just a blip. If you flip it on its head- twenty weeks ago I did nothing at all, this week just gone I did two 30 minute runs and a ten minute run. But we always look for the negatives not the positives!

I think today's run is going to be ace. I mean, I badly burnt the roof of my mouth last night and it's made my ears and breathing a bit wierd, it's raining here but quite warm (arrgh humid!) and I'm pretty tired already, but you know what, I'm going to skip like a mountain goat round the park and the roads! Well I might.... you never know!!!

Hang in there, get out and do something, don't overthink it, try not to worry, have an extra day off and tell us how you get on at the next one xx

[Glassmuffin Graduate]

Week off would be my advice. Do something else that makes you happy instead and be kind to yourself. Then start back again slowly.

[Legionjack]

I have felt exactly the same, pushed myself to persevere and go out, even if to walk rather than run. Have done it a couple of times and once out have found myself bringing in some bursts of running. I've realised that for me the issue isn't necessarily the running, it's making the effort to get out and once I've persuaded myself to get out I've felt much better regardless of whether I've managed a full run or not. So I would say don't push yourself to run, but do try to keep getting out and the running may come.

[KayBee1000 Graduate]

Sometimes I just go through a week where I don’t feel like running - esp if I’m feeling tired or under the weather. Give yourself a break for a few days then have a run but aim to do something different.

This week my calf was playing up a little right before my run - not enough that I couldn’t run but I didn’t want to push it and get an injury. I decided I’d run for 20 mins (instead of 30) and found myself wanting to increase my pace for the last 5 mins - I really enjoyed the change and found it invigorating.

So perhaps set out to only run for 20 mins, or go on a different route, or do intervals of faster running - just set out with the intention of doing something different, and you might surprise yourself and how much more ‘into’ the run you feel.

Going forwards you might find that one week every month (for example) you plan to do three different runs than usual - one shorter, one shorter with fast intervals, one a bit longer... boredom is a mood killer.

Good luck, let us know how you get on after a bit of a break (but just don’t let the break go on too long!) You’ve got this.

[GetFitMum71]

Hi Yorkie Girl

Don’t worry about it and be kind to yourself. Its a great journey. Have the route planned and go out and enjoy it. Meditation works for me. Don’t have anything set in mind just an enjoyable run. That way whatever you achieve you are happy with it. I am on Wk8 R3. I have not had time to run this week. Not bailing out but so much is happening with other commitments. I find having a few days break is good as my run is strong and composed. I was hoping to complete this by my birthday which is tomorrow but hey I will complete in the first week of my birthday. No big shakes.

[Yorki_Girl Graduate in reply to GetFitMum71]

Managed 4K yesterday and 2.5 today ... ran a new route today to focus my mind. Not too shabby so far. Maybe just needed a change after 20 weeks. Good luck with graduation it’s a good feeling

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Keep crossing those start lines... have a go at finding out how slowly you can run, sometimes when I do that I feel I can run forever... and that thought picks me up for the next one.