Lost My Mojo…

[284ever]

I graduated back in May & had been doing 2-3 runs every week of 5-6k. The last 3 weeks I have totally lost all motivation. Im lucky if I’ve done 2 runs a week & cant even get through the toxic ten without stopping for a walk. I’ve tried mixing up my runs, my route, my pace & nothings clicking.

i have been watching what Im eating the last few weeks so dunno if thats maybe affecting my energy. I cant even blame the heat cos im in Scotland so we havent had a hot summer like Englandshire has.

when Im running my heart rate is higher than normal & my legs are heavy. I drink loads so definitely not dehydrated. I am a morning runner though & run on empty. Always have but dunno if Im maybe hungry cos Im not eating as much as I previously did.

Any ideas on how to get the running bug back please 😢

[Annieapple Graduate]

🍏Well done for writing in. Shows there is a spark of enthusiasm to get those trainers on again! Have you tried any NRC runs? They have fab short & long guided runs with excellent motivational coaches.. title like I don’t wanna run, run 😊 Have a little look. You could try a bit of yoghurt before you run .. may help you.. will also post a link about chi running which may inspire you to run slower and enjoy it more!

m.youtube.com/watch?v=rYNZU...(Not working as expected?)

Do come back and let us know! Get the kit out and have a go tomorrow., you won’t be sorry! 🏃‍♀️🎶

[284ever Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you. I do have the NRC app which I’ve only used once cos I didnt like the instructor I chose 😊 I’ll have a look & give it another bash. Thank you 😘

[284ever Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

A wee update… I took your advice & just got my kit on & went out tonight. Managed a 30min 4k & absolutely loved it. I went a lot slower than usual & just took in the scenery & enjoyed it. Even had some left in the tank to sprint my last 200m. Think it must be running on empty thats been affecting me. Its good to be back 🏃🏻‍♀️

[RunBrianRun Graduate in reply to 284ever]

Well done 😃👍

[Annieapple Graduate in reply to 284ever]

🍏That’s the best news ever! Well done!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

It happens... and for so many reasons... but if you still have the wish to run...the motivation is already there..

Do pop into the NRC runs again...there are so many instructors to choose from,... I chose one that did not suit me but having found one I did, there was lots to keep me going...

Take it really slow and steady, absorb every little thing and make your runs about more than the run maybe... I run, and then I ramble about my runs... ( having just started to repeat C25K again after six weeks out they are about to begin again) !

Pop in to catch Up Corner... always a welcome there and a great place to share what is going on with us and our running.... This weeks is going up soon!

Last weeks..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Zev1963 Graduate]

Great news that your motivation has returned. Another shout for NRC here! I think that your decision to take it a little easier may also be a factor in the return of your mojo. The NRC coaches often point out that many runners try too hard, especially at the beggining of a run. NRC often tells you to forget about speed, and the numbers on your running watch. They speak of the 0 to 10 effort scale. 10 being the fastest you could possibly run, and zero being doing nothing at all. They explain that 80 percent of your weekly running should be at an effory of around 5 on that scale, and you should begin your runs at an effort around 3. I listen to NRC coaches in French, so I don't know if the coaching is exactly the same in English, but the coaches often stress that your running should feel relaxed and pleasurable, if it isn't, then you are trying too hard. Don't make your runs punishing, because we so rarely want to repeat an experience that is unpleasant.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Zev1963]

I listen to NRC coaches in French, so I don't know if the coaching is exactly the same in English

The French version has plural coaches now?! When I last downloaded it there was only Coach Lucien. I suspect that the scripts have been translated from English. However I've never listened to the English version and deleted the French one as I found it patronising and infuriating. "Moi j'aime les challenges, et toi aussi tu dois sûrement les aimer, sinon t'aurais pas choisi ce run blablabla ...." Enough already.

[Zev1963 Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Yes, there are some different groups of guided runs with different coaches. The only ones I've tried other than Lucien are the headspace runs, which have 2 female coaches that are somewhat less chirpy than Lucien. It's true, Lucien is a little cheesy until you get used to him (he is still cheesy, but I learned to live with that ) however I found his advice really helpful, and now enjoy my running much more as a result of following his advice. He tends to impart his words of wisdom at the beggining of the run, thne at intervals during the run. There are quite long periods when he is quiet! It was during these periods of quiet that I learned that I prefer running without music and just hearing my surroundings. I think another advantage of the quiet is that rather than running to a beat in my ears, I am running to a percieved effort level, which I think is much better. But yes, I can see why you might be put off by Lucien , I was at first :D, but I have come to accept him.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Zev1963]

Thanks Zev1963 , that's very helpful. I've never got on with audio-guided runs as I react badly to out-of-context or inappropriate audio instruction. I don't even use satnav in the car unless I'm desperate, I'd much rather go by traditional maps and road-signs.

Definitely agree re perceived effort. I mostly run hills and trails so pacing by my watch is pretty irrelevant, and I loathe running to a beat. I'm not a metronome! I used to listen to music and podcasts a lot, but my cheapy headphones died and the cheapy earbuds I bought to replace them have such a horrible, tinny tone that they're unlistenable. Fortunately I'm running somewhere where I mostly get to hear birdsong, interspersed with tractors and the occasional car or logging machine.

Happy running!

[Hidden]

I can hear your disappointment - poor you. I'm no kind of psychological expert but perhaps your body (or your mind) just wants a bit of a rest from all this heavy-duty achieving???? You could try viewing a period of non-running as a re-set or an R&R reward for all your hard work. Something is definitely trying to tell you something. ..so instead of beating yourself up, maybe try to figure out what it is? On a practical note, I too am an early morning runner - I currently do 3 x 35 mins per week and I nearly always go out on an empty tum, with no ill effects. However, this week I've had a bit of spare delicious fruit (peaches!) that needed eating up, so I ate one about ten minutes before each run...and found the going a lot easier. Why not take a week off and spend the time imagining your muscles, your lungs, your heart (and your soul) getting stronger for the turning off of the pressure tap! Good luck.

[mrrun Graduate]

If you can simply answer why you decided to run in the first place, what compelled you to do it, what (if any) long term goals you had and how you thought it would affect you in a positive way….you’ll continue to run. That’s your motivation. Otherwise, you may not but that’s not a bad thing for as long as you keep yourself active and engage your cardio either through cycling, swimming or anything else that will push you and keep you fit and active. That way you’ll be equally fine.

[RollingPea Graduate]

Well done for getting out and enjoying a lovely 4 km. If that felt good, then your mojo is back. Once you are back to a fairly regular running routine, give some thought to what might have caused you to feel heavy legs and unmotivated? I noticed you said "not eating as much as I previously did". Dietary changes can have a very big impact on mood and energy levels. If you have made a drastic change, your gut microbes will be shocked and they'll take a while to adjust. This may cause constipation (contributing to heavy feeling and lethargy) or diarrhoea (leaving you dehydrated, even when you are drinking lots, and lethargic). So-called "crash diets" can lead to short term weight loss, but most people regain the weight, plus more, in the long term. Starting as a runner often awakens an interest in food and discovering more healthy ways to eat. There is loads to learn. I am finding out new stuff all the time. Like being sensible and regular about running (and not over doing it), there are sensible, regular ways to eat, with lots of variety so you get all the micronutrients you need. The basic requirements are loads of fresh veg, plenty of protein, sufficient fibre and don't overdo the carbs. Wishing you the very best health on your running journey.

[284ever Graduate]

hi thanks for your reply & the insight. Im not crash dieting by any means, I have specific dietary requirements due to a previous surgery, which I had been letting lapse. I was relying too heavily on carbs & not hitting my protein intake levels advised. I have rectified this over the last 4 weeks to my suggested levels. Lowering my carbs has very probably had an effect on my energy levels initially but after a week I feel so much better & I would’ve thought this reflected on my performance. I really think its been running in the mornings on empty is too much. Im now going out later in the day when I’ve eaten & feel so much better.

[RollingPea Graduate]

Fabulous to hear that you have sorted things out and you're feeling much better. Happy running 4ever 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️