Looking for my mojo

[Feltip]

Havent run now for 2 weeks, partly no time, partly no enthusiasm

I've really struggled since graduating, it's like I've lost my way.

I'm planning to go out Friday morning with the Nike running club app, it may only be 20 mins I'll probably decide on the day.

Struggled mentally this last week, I've only just gone back to work since April and now I'll be off again due to the lockdown, worrying about Christmas and not being able to see family. All the rubbish that everyone else is worried about. I know running really helped me before so I'm trying really hard to muster the energy and enthusiasm to get back to it.

Thank you Tinytears60 for your kind words, I read what you said to changing-woman I hope I can be of some inspiration to you. This forum was a tremendous help to me when I struggled mentally and physically with different runs so I hope you continue to post on here because the people are truly wonderful.

I have noticed that I've dipped mentally and realised quite quickly that I need to run again, fingers crossed I manage Friday and it's the re start I need

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Your situation is not uncommon amongst new graduates, which is why the Consolidation Club exists healthunlocked.com/couchto5... where you can plan your training, get advice and support and see what others are doing.

Lost mojos are normally found either down the back of the couch or in your running shoes........put them on and you will be away.

[Feltip Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, as always wise words very much needed and appreciated 🥰

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hi there !

Hope you are ok ?

If it's any consolation I am feeling exactly the same and for all the reasons you mentioned .

It will be 2 weeks for me on Friday.

I hope we can both find that needed inspiration !

🤞

[Feltip Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

I havent even been on this forum so had no idea you hadnt been active either.

Its such a horrible time isnt it. Luckily I've realised quickly that I'm dipping so hopefully I can at least get out Friday even if it's just a small run.

I've only been back to work 4 weeks and I'll be off again and my kids school have had 5 covid cases now with my daughters friend being sent home twice as she's been identified as a close contact. Just makes me worry 😟

When are you planning to run again ?

Shall we make a pact and check back on on Friday to see how we both get on?

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Feltip]

Thank you for your reply ,

Well, I was actually intending to run this morning but I let the Gremlins get the better of me 😐

Ok yes, let's see where we are on Friday !

I hope we will both have run ! 🤞

[Feltip Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

It was a beautiful morning today I sat outside a lovely coffee shop on seafront near to where I live, making the most of it before the lockdown

Had a lovely hour to myself, which gave me time to clear my head, a bit of self care

[Tinytears60 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Aww Instructor57 read my reply to Feltip .. words apply to you too 😀👏💕

Oh and read my calamity jane post from Monday - that’s enough to make anybody want to run.... NOT but it will make you giggle

Hope you’re ok Mister 💙

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

Hi lovely

So sorry you feeling like this - I think it’s something we all go thru, and I had nicer weather to encourage me out in, so.......

Firstly a couple of things to say

1. Be kind (to yourself) - it is strange times at the moment 💕

2. ✂️ - my special slack cutting scissors, on loan to you for when you struggle to practice number 1 for yourself.

You haven’t lost your way - those pesky gremlins have tried a kidnap attempt!

Lots of things get in the way, life, work, autumn weather but more importantly the chatter in our heads.. we know this running malarkey is a mental challenge as well as a physical challenge and sometimes those gremlins in our heads just refuse to be silenced.. 🙈👺

it’s more than ok to let them think they’ve succeeded, that you’ve indulged them for a bit.. but now they need to vacate your headspace.. read em the riot act, threaten to cut their heads off with my scissors ✂️ 🤣

Seriously tho - you got this! 👊 💥 Those gremlins are no match for you with your running family cheering you on 🗣 📣 👏👏👏

And... you’re so right... running IS food for your soul!

This is how it goes, running gear on, out the door, Perhaps a new playlist ( new songs invigorate you 🎧 🎵)... don’t forget the warm up walk and stretches after a couple of weeks rest you need to warn your legs 😀👌

And off you go! .... no pressure on length of run or on pace ... enjoy your music and just run.. one foot in front of the other....

most importantly have ZERO expectations on yourself... run a bit, walk a bit, all run, the choice is yours... but guess what - YOU’RE BACK, YOU’RE OUT THERE 👏👏👏👏 and you will feel like an Olympic goddess ( or at the very least pretty damn chuffed with yourself, tho I prefer goddess!)

( I’m no expert but if you get to 20 mins I would think about stopping.. be kind to yourself kicks in here and 20 mins is a decent outing for your legs)... that said if you don’t get to 20 mins then it’s no drama... do not be hard on yourself and just GWTF (Go with the flow!)

You got out there and you did it .. and you will be so chuffed with yourself, run, walk, hop, skip or jump.... whatever you choose to do...

I know you like NRC but honestly the lure of strava virtual bling does it for me every time.... example would be this Friday I needed 8k to finish a walk challenge for October .. I didn’t particularly feel like it but ‘lure of the bling’ got me out there 🤣🤣 and the plus side was I got some amazing sunset photos 👌( snd my virtual trophy too 🏆)

my inner Competitive Annie needs feeding and those challenges on there keep me on it or try ‘race at your pace’ it’s brilliant and the lure of a challenge is sometimes just what you need to keep the running appetite going

💕 x

[nowster Graduate in reply to Tinytears60]

I can understand the call of the bling, having run for 3 minutes barefoot on wet pavement last night just to get a Strava badge. Sometimes silly is what's needed too.

[Tinytears60 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Omg - we could be related!

I howled reading this! 🤣🤣

[Feltip Graduate in reply to Tinytears60]

You are just wonderful, you just say such nice things, I could do with you in my pocket to whisper to me whenever I need a pep talk 🥰

Thank you for your kindness, it's just what I needed

I'm learning, as I'm being kinder on myself than I would have been previously. I shall go out Friday morning with a "what I'll do is what I'll do" attitude with no pressure on myself

And I will report back 😁

[Tinytears60 Graduate in reply to Feltip]

Bloody brilliant!👏👏👏 💕

Exactly the right attitude to have and I can’t wait to read... ( and secretly I don’t care if you only do 5 minutes... it’s the getting out that matters!) x

[RunNewForestRun Graduate]

I also experienced a lack of mojo and running felt like a chore I had to force myself to do, rather than something I throughly enjoyed and looked forward to. It is just a passing phase, so don’t let it prevent you from moving forward with your running. If you are interested, take a look at some of The Happy Runner podcasts; they’re only 10 mins long. But you might find them interesting/inspiring and might help you to shift your mind set and not put too high an expectation on yourself. Not everyone who graduates goes on to 10k or longer distances or faster paces and races. I bet there are many who quite simply just like going out 3 times a week for a comfortable run in the fresh air.

[Feltip Graduate in reply to RunNewForestRun]

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to me. I'll certainly take a look at the podcasts you suggested.

Its reassuring to know others have felt the same, I'm normal 🤣

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

I would seriously recommend the excellent 3 supplementary C25K+ podcasts: Stepping Stones, Stamina and Speed.

Download them there: nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/c...

Maybe go back to a 3x per week schedule and alternate between these 3. Of course, the Nike Run app is also v popular, so please do whatever suits.

[Feltip Graduate in reply to John_W]

Thank you, I'll take a look at those. I'm happy mix it up until I find what suits.

I know I want to continue and feel how I did before when I was in the middle of the program, so that in itself reassures me

[Bambi2020 Graduate]

Think lockdown has locked up everyone’s mojo in one way or another- it’s the uncertainty of everything. You’re in a great position, you’ve graduated so you know you can do it- look at it as running on your terms now- you can enjoy it without having to always reach a goal set by someone else. Look to Friday’s run as a good opportunity to get some fresh air, pick a different route and see how you go- you’ll feel better for just getting out. Also paint your toenails a crazy colour the night before because that always makes you feel like those little feet can then run faster!! Look forward to hearing about your next adventure xx

[Feltip Graduate in reply to Bambi2020]

Thank you, you are right, it is a good position, I do know I am capable.

I just need to find my desire again, I know I want to so that's a good start