Losing it!

[Grannie49]

Help please. I graduated about a month ago. I’m finding it really hard to get out and run and when I do I find it hard to keep going. I’ve tried listening to week 9, putting on warmer clothes putting runs in my diary but the motivation is gone any suggestions or similar experiences most welcome. Thanks 🙏

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Why don't you look for the next challenge, maybe join us on the bridge to 10k forum, or download and use one of the popular running aps like the free NRC (Nike running club) app, all this will help to keep you motivated ! Maybe also change your runs a bit ?

Do a longer slower run , a shorter faster run or some interval or Fartlek runs .

Just that bit of variety can sometimes help 😁👍

[Grannie49 in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks so much. I tried the bridge to 10K forum but that dispirited me more so I left. I will try the NRC and set some clear goals. Thanks again

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Grannie49]

Hmm... What was the problem with the 10k forum 😒🤔 ?

[Grannie49 in reply to Instructor57]

I just felt people were very positive about their running snd jyst getting better. In comparison I felt like I am going backwards. I will return!

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Grannie49]

It can be difficult after graduation ! I graduated at the beginning of August I was ok at first but my motivation started to wain after getting to 10k.

And when I was working again after lockdown,

I think at times I put myself under too much pressure to run 3 times a week ,

Now I usually run 2 or occasionally only one !

But I feel less pressure on myself

[Hidden]

You'll get hold of that running mojo again Grannie49, perhaps take a step back, try a shorter run, a new running location, take pictures of your new running locations, this time of year, especially if cold and dark it can be hard to enthuse about leaving a warm house. Tough it out and you'll come through this tricky period. Perhaps even something simple like buy yourself a new running item, gloves or buff maybe a hat, anything can help motivate 👍

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

What motivated you to start in the first place?Has that changed?

Many struggle after graduation, so you are in good company and we offer help and advice at the monthly Consolidation Club healthunlocked.com/couchto5... where you can see what others are doing.

Have you read the guide to post C25k running healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it is full of tips.

[acountrycabbage Graduate]

Hi Grannie, your mojo hasn’t left you entirely. The fact that you’re hunting for it shows a commitment to running.

It’s sooo easy for mojo to slump post-graduation because suddenly there’s no set structure to follow and so momentum can go out the window.

Having that to contend with is a challenge in itself which I think is what makes consolidation such an important time in your journey as a runner.

Try and look at this as a positive and *embrace* that freedom of being able to run anyway way you like - experiment with different routes, times, fartlek, podcasts instead of music or even naked running (not plugged into anything) just you and the open road 🤩

The key is finding what works for you. What are your goals for right now? What are they for the future?

Like Instructor suggests, I’m a diehard Nike app fan as I love guided runs. The main coach on there, Coach Bennett might take a bit of getting used to, he’s bursting with American peppiness!

I struggled to get used to B210K to begin with. I think it’s because everyone’s doing their own thing so it’s not as easy to relate to as C25K. Did you spot JuJu’s Magic Plan on there? It’s a 60min or 10K guide over 8 weeks. Mentioning just incase increasing time/distance is in your planning.

Ultimately, perhaps you don’t have to enjoy it all right now, the important part is solidifying the habit of running. The more it will just become part of who you are and what you do.

I found that my ‘running emotions’ evened out a lot during consolidation. Had a very ‘meh’ run today. No high, no low, but I got out there so I’m trying not to question it too much. On to the next.

It sounds like you want to keep at it so maybe try not to overthink it just now.

‘Ebb and flow.’ Your mojo will come back 🙂

Keep us updated 🌟

[GardenGnome12 Graduate]

Hi Grannie49. Just be kind to yourself. I too have found it harder to get out since graduating. I graduated just before the clocks changed. To start with I was hard on myself when I didn't run or didn't run as far as I thought I should but then I realised, running in the winter is tough. Shorter days, colder, wetter and this year combined with the seemingly endless restrictions of covid. Once I realised that and started instead to be proud of myself for running at all it improved. Now I do 2 short runs in the week and a longer one at the weekend and if I don't get out for 1 (like this week) I don't beat myself up. Give yourself a hug, enjoy all that you have achieved so far and give a little run a go, it doesn't matter how short it is 🤗

[Grannie49 in reply to GardenGnome12]

Excellent words. Thank you so much 😊

[shuffleido Graduate]

I haven't found graduating an issue but the transition from treadmill to outside. I think what has made it worse for me is being sponsored to run for a Children's Charity therefore putting the extra pressure on myself. Although it's added pressure it's also a target/goal for me to achieve and I will not let people or the Charity down.

We really need to look back to where we started .. Today I exercised, walked and ran 🐌🐌🐌 for 1 hour (got lost down a muddy track🙄). 15 weeks ago exercise was walking up the stairs to bed from my couch! Be proud of what you have achieved, look back see how far you have come . Take care and good luck,

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Listen to the radio.

Go to the bridge to 10k forum.

It’s easier when there are races and parkrun to do. Join a club? I love my club.

[BradC Graduate]

You're not alone. I'm also one of the more mature runners (I'm 73). I graduated at the end of August and have just been doing slow consolidation runs ever since, gradually building up to about 40 minutes maximum. I enjoy reading the posts here, but I don't identify with those who want to go ever further and faster. I tried one of the post C25K podcasts and switched it off after a few minutes because, apart from not liking the awful music, the first episode was already urging me to run faster.

I feel that to be able to run 4 or 5 K at a modest pace two or three times a week without excessive effort represents an excellent level of fitness for someone of my age. I enjoy doing that and if the weather is unpleasant I watch the weather forecast and choose a better time. I do it for fun and to keep up my fitness, not to prove anything to anyone else. To make my runs interesting, I run various routes which I plan with the Footpath app or Google Maps and also vary the run length. (Unfortunately I have been unable to run for a while due to back pain, but I'm hoping a video appointment with a physiotherapist tomorrow will help me find a way to return to running - so at the moment I envy you that you can!)

So my advice is, do it your own way - you don't have to match what anyone else does. And if the weather is awful, wait for a better time/day - especially if it is likely to be slippery

[Grannie49 in reply to BradC]

Thanks BradC. Wise words. I’m 71 nearly 72 so your right I should be pleased to be fit enough to run at all. Let’s face it I’ve never run before. So I’ll go out with a spring in my step. 🙂

[Wakeygas Graduate in reply to Grannie49]

First of all, well done for graduating. I think the suggestion of changing your route is a good one. However, why put yourself under pressure by going for 10k when you can maintain fitness by just doing your 30 minutes three times a week. You have nothing to prove.

[BradC Graduate in reply to Wakeygas]

My point exactly👍

[Barbydos Graduate]

Well done on graduating! I know what you mean building up to week 9 is the challenge and then there's nothing to aim for. Have you thought about doing a few runs for charity, if you can get a few sponsors maybe that will give you the oomph you need as you won't want to let them down,? Don't let all your hard work go to waste.