Lost enthusiasm

[Oldwoman65]

Has anyone else lost the enthusiasm to keep going out after graduation. I don't get the same buzz anymore. I graduated last July and have been going out for a shuffle 2 to 3 times a week, even when it was really cold but it's a chore more then a joy now. I'm 66 and don't seem to be improving with distance or speed and to cap it all, I tripped on a tree root and took a tumble last week. I didn't really hurt myself, just bruised hands. I know I shouldn't stop because it's good for me but, oh, where has the exhilaration gone ☹️ Now I've discovered that I'll no longer be able to listen to the lovely Michael Johnson's dulcet tones 😢

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

I know that feeling. After C25k I kept going until I got to 5k, at a slow pace, and wondered “what next?”. I was 66 at the time. My OH bought me a running watch, not an expensive one, but one which allowed me to see my progress over time and see how fast I was running as I jogged along. I decided that, given my age, increasing distance was a more realistic target than increasing pace. So I flipped over to Bridge to 10k and followed Ju-Ju’s plan and surprised myself by running 10 about 4 months after completing C25k. I think that helped to build up strength and stamina, and this transferred into pace. My 35 minute 5ks, over time, became sub 30 minutes (park runs helped) and I extended on to HM. 5k after 5k is deadly boring, but you have the potential to do anything you like. Just go for it.🙂

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks beachcomber66. I'd like to try and improve the distance. I need to get my head into it again

[Beachcomber66 Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

Same as C25k, just keep it slow to start with and follow the plan which has a mix of short quicker (if you like) runs, 5k and one longer run each week. 10 k is a really nice distance. 🙂

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

👍

[nowster Graduate]

Mixing up the types of runs, their distances, routes and pacing is the way to keep things fresh. If you're doing the same thing week after week it will get boring.

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thank you nowster for your thoughts.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The monthly Consolidation Club exists for new, or slightly older, graduates who are struggling for one reason or another. healthunlocked.com/couchto5... pop in and see what others are doing.

Have you read the guide to post C25K running? healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Creating some short ( weekly), medium and long term targets can keep you achieving and progressing.

[Newby_1 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

This is a brilliant write; so informative and I have now saved down. I’m in my last week of c25k and never in my wildest dreams did I think I could get this far. I am worried about the motivation side also to keep me going and this helps with lots of different things to read and look into for next challenge. I’m keen to still have someone talking to me and have something which is prescriptive/ guides me to keep going. I haven’t quite made the 5k but not too far away. I have found This group is great with lots good tips. I did lose my mojo when I got to week 6 but kept going and glad I have. I always seem to have one bad run a week where I find it tough or feel sluggish for some bizarre reason but I do still push through to the end. Thank you for this forum im hoping I will be back at the end of the week celebrating the next milestone 😁

Oh and by the way running at 66 is brilliant you are amazing and should be proud of your achievements - I hope I can do that at 66 also! You are making a massive diff to your overall health and well-being!

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Newby_1]

Well done, not many more runs to go before the big day

[sparky66 Graduate]

I think you are bloody amazing at 66 to be running a regular three times a week.. boring or otherwise..what a difference it must make to your well being,Image not doing it 😒 how it might impact on all other aspects of your life..

Have you got some of your favourite music to listen to ?

or I know some like a podcast or even a novel while on your run ?

Hope you're fall doesn't put you off 😲

Keep positive.. xxx

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to sparky66]

Thank you for your encouragement

[sparky66 Graduate]

You've been running since July 🙌💃 that's amazing, what difference can you see since then?

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to sparky66]

I'm not breathless after a run anymore, my legs are stronger. I think I'm just a bit bored and need to get my head back into it

[sparky66 Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

Get your head around how amazing you are 🤗 focus on your achievements, not many woman your age can even contemplate Running..If I can run in ten years time ..Wow,

[mrrun Graduate]

Why do you run? Some start with an aim to complete the program and once that's done they quit. You will know better than anyone. Get yourself a new target. Go 10k and further. Will all those runs be enjoyable. No, they won't be. Hard? Yeah, pretty much. Some of them will be. Fulfilling and satisfying? Good for your health? You bet.

I mean, what's the alternative? Going back to sofa life and sedentary lifestyle? I don't think so. Do you?

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to mrrun]

No 😂

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Parkrun will help. Join races. Such fun. Join a club. Listen to music, the radio, podcasts 😍

[PlasticUnitedFan Graduate]

I agree wholeheartedly with Sparky. It is amazing and if I had known a work colleague or friend who had achieved what you had I would be in awe. Your achievements are inspirational. I think you would miss it terribly if you stopped. Hopefully you try some of the ideas others have posted. I haven’t graduated yet but like the idea of different routes and mixing up short runs or longer ones when it feels right. An audiobook is a great idea. I will also miss Mr Johnson but to be honest he doesn’t phone anymore, doesn’t write or even text anymore I think I upset him.

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to PlasticUnitedFan]

👍😂

[CBDB Graduate]

Oh nooo 🙁 such a shame to read you lost your enthusiasm!

Reading your post made me wonder why I still feel like I’m running on a continuous runner‘s high, one that only stopped once in my 1 year journey during a short stint on the injury couch.

So here is what I did after C25k and some of it might give you ideas how to get that running spark back:

1. Consolidation Period and introducing Strength and Flex: I did the NHS 12-week S&F programme, which gave me 9 solid weeks of running just at the same level and then moving on to 3 weeks Stepping Stone and C25k+ Podcasts (speed and interval work). For some I’ve heard that the runs get boring, but during that latter end of that period I also slowly increased the duration of my runs to hit 60min. But during that time much more exciting for me was the introduction of all things Strength and Flex.

Link to program is here healthunlocked.com/strength...

And my exploits, from just a year ago, are here healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

2. After finishing that 12 week program, I had not only embedded running into my weekly routine, but also regular workouts. So in the next period I played around with exploring different ways of running (different audio guided runs, diff’t apps, etc) and different workouts (Pilates, yoga, belly dancing).

Here was my sneak preview explaining my „design criteria) for the 5week plan: healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

And here is the whole plan in one post: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

—-

So obviously one can see I love planning, but it hopefully might also demonstrate how runners might be able to „shake it up“ and plan in some new experiences that keep our running exciting and fresh.

Im still running my 3 times per week, have graduated from the Bridge to 10k and am still in constant search of new running related experiences.

So hope you find similar ways of keeping your running mojo up!

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Thank you for all the info. It's great to think people are keen to help

[CBDB Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

👍🏽💪🏃🏽‍♀️👏👏👏

[GoogleMe Graduate]

A few things might be your friends just now: as others have said, new routes - OS Explorer maps are so helpful here (you can get a subscription app if you don't want to use paper) Even a grotty route can make you appreciate the tried and trusted better. Think about what you might like to see, what you might feel curious about. Some running tourism might be just what you need - 'boredom' may be about the constraints we've been living under.You could also look into running medals - I've found them useful when my enthusiasm has dipped. You sign up and then submit evidence you've completed the challenge.

Are you ready for some new running gear from shoes, to a buff? That can put a spring in your step.

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Thanks for the advice

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

Suggestions!

[Tgostswimmer]

Hello! I would totally recommend running with someone once a week or so, not as competition, bit to provide a bit of motivation.

I use a Garmin watch, which gives me suggested runs to complete. I don't always do the run, but I know that when I follow its guidance my fitness improves. It is really, really motivational watching the stats it generates. Can even "race a previous event" and run alongside your previous self on the same route and try to get a better time!

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Tgostswimmer]

Oh my, that sounds complicated. I can just about get music, Michael and track my shuffles. I'm hoping to do my first park run at some point. I'm told they're fun

[la_fouinard Graduate]

This is probably going to sound a little odd but I don’t always expect to enjoy it. Pre-lockdown I was regularly swimming 1600m which could get pretty dull, especially in a 12m pool.

I treat each run/swim as an achievement for just having done it. In my heart of hearts I want to sit on the sofa with delicious fattening food and pig myself watching something instead. In fact, quite honestly, that’s the main reason I exercise so I can get away with doing it in moderation for as long as possible.

So for me every time I run my usual 5.5k instead of deciding not to bother is a success. I regard it as an achievement every time that I didn’t give into my laziness. Most times I now enjoy the run as well and I think that mental attitude is part of it.

Variation definitely helps and I love running to music but at the core is one simple motivation: not turning into a lazy slob shaped like a bean bag staring a screen 24/7.

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to la_fouinard]

Well done for having the will power. I love cake, that's one of the reasons I feel I should go out and shuffle

[la_fouinard Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

I’d hang on to that one on bad stretches. Unfortunately if you’re overweight, like I currently am, running isn’t enough to actually lose weight really. However pre-lockdown weight doing regular exercise was enough to allow me to scoff something unhealthy a few times a week without any issues.

Run for cake

[Yodamesiski]

Hi - great to read of an older woman running successfully- i recently started, I’m 58, and it can be disheartening to see so many runners out - but all the older ones almost invariably blokes. So thanks for putting yourself in here publicly - and know every time you go out you might be encouraging another older woman 😊

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Yodamesiski]

Aw, thank you. Keep on running. It does make you feel good. I'm sure I'll get my mojo back

[Knitruntalk Graduate]

I am 65 and completed C25K 2 years ago, and am still running 2 to 3 times a week. My motivation has been to try and maintain my fitness level to be able enjoy activities with my grandchildren (when that is possible again). I have some days when just getting out the door for a run is a struggle but I normally run on field paths or pavements in my village and am always encouraged by passers by who say hello and are surprised to see a woman in her 60s running. I have recommended C25K to them all.Like others who have replied, I try to find new routes and occasionally plan to run a slightly longer route to mix things up a bit. I have also tried introducing some shirt bursts of faster running into my runs, but that resulted in a calf twinge last week, so I won't be trying that again for a while.

I have also varied the time of day that I run, but prefer early morning as the paths are quieter and I just love hearing the birds sing while I run, as it takes my mind off any aches or niggles.

Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you.

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Knitruntalk]

👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I’m 65 and motivation comes and goes, I’m going to try Nike Run Club and see if those guided runs help, how about giving that a go too? let us know how you get on

[lexiemcd Graduate]

I like this positivity quote - If I quit now I'll soon be back to where I started - and when I started I so desperately wanted to be where I am now !! (ps I'm 71 and still jogging along 3 times a week)

[Ruthwuth]

Hi, I’m in exactly the same situation although slightly younger at 63 so it’s been good to read all the suggestions here. I’m going back to Week 5 to try and up my stamina which has just disappeared through lack of enthusiasm. I may also do the exercise plan to increase strength.

Keep going! It’s so good for our ageing bodies and our future mobility. And second to none for heart health.

May you make progress...

[pinkglen Graduate]

I’m 64 and was worried about the same thing as you. However, I am doing the 5K+ podcast with the wonderful Laura. She changed the way I run by running to the beat of the music. Works a treat. Try it out.

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to pinkglen]

👍

[BirdersMum Graduate]

I'm 70 and in the same situation as you. Graduated last August and try to run 3 x a week but don't love the experience. Not interested in increasing distance or time so I listen to a lot of podcasts - can recommend Fortunately with Fi and Jane. I also take my blood pressure regularly and as it's remaining OK it reminds me of why I run.

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to BirdersMum]

Well done you. I'll try and find the podcast 👍

[Paul25k Graduate]

Well done for managing to keep it up this far. I graduated this week and am concerned about keeping up enthusiasm too. I will try running somewhere different to keep it interesting and put together different playlists to listen to along the way. Is it worth trying to find somebody to run with?

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Paul25k]

My daughter is lives 10 minutes drive away. We went out a couple of times together and have a very similar running style. Unfortunately she had an ACL operation January last year, injury due to playing rugby, she has stopped running for now. She got to week 7 and decided it was too painful for now. I don't mind going to out on my own, I live in a very pretty area. I think I'd feel embarrassed trying to shuffle with someone else, as I'm very slow. I would like a go at a park run at some point though

[alpacagirl Graduate]

I’m 63 and have completed C25K 4 or 5 times over the past 6 years because I always stopped for one reason or another. This time I am still running 3 times a week - I got a fitness watch for Christmas and it has really helped with motivation. I also plan in 3 different runs to keep up my interest. One is shorter with some intervals, one a different route and 1 longer run 40 minutes (my 5k time) and aiming for 60 minutes. I find I run better with music too (distracts from my painfully slow running😂) I have made some playlists to run to. Keep going and find your own motivators!

[Flaggingrunner Graduate]

I can completely relate to this, I lost my way after graduating but there is no law that stops you from repeating runs on the C25k app. I regularly go back to meet up with Sarah for a 30 minute run if I want some focus 🥰

[Pogs-mum Graduate]

I know exactly how you feel. I got a bit lost for a while. I then asked myself what I wanted to get out of it. Given when I started I couldn't run for 5 minutes. I now run 3 times a week , every week, and I stick to that . Depending on how I feel and the weather I choose my routes some a bit longer some a bit shorter and I run for around 30 minutes. I listen to a really good book and then just enjoy the run . This time last year I wouldn't have been able to do it. Now I can. Gradually I have increased speed and distance . I am happy that I have achieved something I never thought I would do . It was a slog and now its a happy half hour with me and a good book.👍

[AndrewH13 Graduate]

My wife and I are in our 60s and on completion of C25k 2 years ago we moved to Parkrun which took our enthusiasm up another level. So friendly. It should be back first week of June, if you have a local one, do give it a try.

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to AndrewH13]

I'm hoping to. I was hoping my daughter would join me for the first time but looks like I'm going to go on my own. I'm quite shy so will find it quite hard, but I'll go. Thanks for your encouragement