I’ve hit a wall!

[Jogon19]

I completed couch to 5k at the end of June and since then I’ve run 5k twice a week. But I’ve lost my motivation. I don’t want to give up but I’m not enjoying it and actually dread going now. I’ve tried changing route but that hasn’t helped. Any suggestions?

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

You’re not alone Jogon19, it happens to many of us. After the ‘excitement’ and routine of C25K we suddenly find ourselves out there alone with no plan - and it’s scary! But there are things you can do to increase the variety, eg join a running club. You could work on speed or distance, find some new routes or you could come over and join us on the Bridge to 10k where people have all sorts of ideas to make their and your running enjoyable! I’m acknowledged to be the world’s slowest runner I think and thought if I got to 5k that would be it. But I found I needed some structure so followed Ju-ju’s ‘Magic Plan’ with a view to getting to 10k - it gave me the focus I needed as a new runner. Come and join us, you’d be most welcome!

[Jogon19 Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you for your reply I think I need to change things a bit. I must admit, I’m not keen on running further than 5k, and I’m pleased to get to the end of it! It takes me about 35minutes and by then I’m relieved to be finished. But who knows? Never say never. I will give your suggestion a go!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate in reply to Jogon19]

If you’re doing 5k in 35 minutes you’re doing really well Jogon! That’s much faster than me! And the more 5ks you do, the more you’ll find them ‘easier’. Go you!

[Jogon19 Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks for that Oldgirlruns. You’ve cheered me up. I will persevere!