lost my mojo 😕: Haven’t run much in the last... - Couch to 5K

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lost my mojo 😕

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate
34 Replies

Haven’t run much in the last few weeks mostly due to the heat . Just tried a run and I’m definitely too ‘in my head’! I need to find a way to get my usual positivity back, any ideas??

I think I may have convinced myself I’ve missed too many runs and I can’t do it, 🤔 which I know deep down is nonsense.

I’m sure you wonderful runners will have some tips and tricks up your sleeve. 😂

Thank you in advance.

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Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04
Graduate
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34 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

You are correct in not running in the heat Kjb04 (your username looks like some sort of computer code), once the heatwave is over go out for a few short runs, perhaps week 2 or 3 of C25K, then gradually increase your pace and distance with later weeks of C25K. 😊 🏃🏾

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to AlMorr

Good advice thank you. A bit of structure from the plan would be good, I miss that.

MrsLydiaWickham profile image
MrsLydiaWickhamGraduate

Just want to say well done for getting out there despite the missing mojo. One of IannodaTruffe 's sayings which made me laugh, was that missing mojo could usually be found inside your trainers 😁. However you have actually got up and gone out for a run. Please be proud of that and perhaps schedule a run for the delicious cooling refreshing rain we are promised. It might just reenergise you. 🙂

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to MrsLydiaWickham

Love that and it’s true! Yes, I’m hoping to be more successful tomorrow, like running in the rain. Thank you for your kind words. 🙏

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

I did the Nike guided “don’t want to run run” pretty soon after graduation, which helped a lot. Now if I feel the mojo is going away I change something… maybe I go and find a new route, maybe I actually get up and run in the morning (very rare for me to do this) maybe I run to a pub or a chippy (completely randomly many of my runs end at these places, which was a pain in lockdown 🤣). One that’s good for the feelgood factor I find is to find a small but pretty even gradient. Near me we have trails on disused railway lines, so I can do 5k all uphill, or indeed all downhill. I could walk to the top and take on my PB pace with a downhill, but usually I will run up it so I get to walk down taking in the scenery with a huge grin on my face!

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore

I definitely need to change my route and not be afraid to do a few hills. Good idea to walk down hill. I’m way to hard on myself sometimes and somehow think I need to keep it hard so it feels like a success. 🙄 thank you

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate in reply to Kjb04

This was just like me after I graduated. It had to be at least 5k or 30minutes but I found that I walked a lot even then! Soon realised - that was ok 😊. Mix it up and just get out there. Good luck

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to Sybilw

Thank you 🙏

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

You don't have to run, so ask yourself what makes you want to do it.

Whatever your reason, you need to enjoy it, or you won't persist.

Run somewhere natural and inspiring, appreciate your environment, look at the trees the birds and the sky, which can be found in almost all running venues........... although obviously indoor running cannot provide those stimuli.

There is a whole wonderful world out there to explore and running is just one way to see it.

Have fun, keep running, keep smiling.

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Lovely reply thank you. That will really help. I’m going out tomorrow with a different mindset!

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

If you can't cope with the heat, it's fine to do something other than running until you feel more comfortable.

Start back with something you know you can do (eg. an early week of C25K) to build back your confidence.

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to nowster

Another big thank you, you are all wonderful with lots of good, positive advice. Feeling lots better now.

Week7 profile image
Week7Graduate

When I have had a bit of a "pause" in my running and need to remotivate I find just deciding to go for a very slow short run helps. I use it to explore rather than concentrating on the running, taking a public footpath which I haven't been on before or just running down a street which I may have driven down but never run. A comedy podcast also works for me although laughing aloud as I run gets me a few odd looks.!

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to Week7

That’s a good idea, I’ve listened to a serious podcast but it was difficult to concentrate on! I’ll look out a comedy one, thanks!

Brixcos profile image
BrixcosGraduate

I did the NRC 25m Easy Run with Coach Bennett this morning which was good for getting the head in the right place. A bit cheesy but did the trick!!

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to Brixcos

Yes he is a bit cheesy but somehow it does help! Thanks. 😊

Maz1103 profile image
Maz1103Graduate

Same here. Broke my shoulder in 2 places 2 months ago so obviously no running. Got the all clear to run again just as the hot weather started. I feel like I'll never get going again. I intend to build up on the treadmill because I'm a bit scared of falling, but the newly acquired puppy wants to climb on with me !! Mojo is completely gone !!!!!

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to Maz1103

It’s hard isn’t it to always be on top of it, we shouldn’t beat ourselves up over it though.

DeeDee04 profile image
DeeDee04Graduate

If your finding it hard to get out there why not have the mind set of going for a walk instead, then once you feel comfortable do short bursts of running appreciate your surrounds, listen to the music you love, run in memory of someone or for someone’s health. I recently purchased trainer tags for my grandchildren just for fun but I also got some for myself one says “when you feel like quitting” the other one says “ remember why you started” a reminder to me ever time I put on my trainers. Don’t give it to that mojo sitting on your shoulders embrace the day.

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to DeeDee04

I will, thank you.😊

MrsLydiaWickham profile image
MrsLydiaWickhamGraduate in reply to DeeDee04

Those trainer tags sound great! "Remember why you started"....WOW! May I ask where you bought them from?

DeeDee04 profile image
DeeDee04Graduate in reply to MrsLydiaWickham

Sent you email

Wawacito profile image
WawacitoGraduate

I know exactly how you feel.

The heat is definitely a reason that has kept me from running. Once you are detached from the flow, other "reasons" will join such as the birthday party on Saturday afternoon, where you could run but you have to attend the party (why not run before?), chores to do etc. etc.

You could try to change routes, as others have already suggested. Or make a plan and print it out so that you can cross out each finished run. It helped me, for example, to stick to JuJu's Magic Plan.

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to Wawacito

Thank you. Good advice, I love a list.

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

This is actually quite simple. First you need to answer to yourself whether and why you want to run. If you’ve got the answers and you want to run the rest is down to perseverance and discipline.

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to mrrun

I think the ‘why’ has definitely got lost somewhere but good reminder and I do remember 🙂 thanks

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Mojo , along with gremlins hides under your running shoes...You can do it, and you will do it, no doubt about it, and we will be there... running beside you !

" Believe you can, and you are halfway there".

Hope it went well? x

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

Didn’t run today not due to mojo though just life got in the way! I’ll be on it next weekend.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Kjb04

The runs wait...and are all the sweeter x

clarys profile image
clarysGraduate

Glad I'm not the only one - Covid a month ago then the hot weather and now I'm worrying about how unfit I am and keep putting it off, only one good running route round where I live and they've put the cattle on it and the cost of electricity is putting me off using the treadmill..... all the excuses in the world and waiting for a 'positive' day to just get going again!

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to clarys

Sounds exactly like my thoughts! I totally get the cattle issue though as got chased down by a herd once a few years ago, terrifying!

clarys profile image
clarysGraduate in reply to Kjb04

I actually forced myself onto the treadmill last night and managed 25 minutes, felt so much better after even though I probably burnt £20 of leccy. So go for it, give the negative inner voices a slap and you will feel so much better afterwards!

Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

Hi Kjb04 …I hear ya!! My mojo is probably lurking in the shadows with yours!! Sometimes it graces me with its presence…and when it does..i just choose a run from c25k, not a long one, just one that gets me out there…& I always find that I feel so much better for it. I try not to go back to the same place, i sometimes go back to where my running journey began because I can still feel the enjoyment and remember how I felt when I completed the programme and punched the air with delight!!! Going back to basics is where your mojo is…go find it…and lead it gently back to where it should be…

Kjb04 profile image
Kjb04Graduate in reply to Mummycav

Thank you Mummycav that’s awesome! Lovely words feel quite excited now.

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