Why do I run?

[Couchpotato2]

You run your first minute

You run your first 5 minutes

you run your first 10 minutes

you run your first 15 minutes

you run your first 20 minutes

you run your first 30 minutes

you run your first 5K

you run your first 10K

you run your first 10 miles

you run your first half marathon

you run your first marathon

you run your first ultra marathon

you run your first 50K

you run your first 50 miles

you run your first 100km

you run your first 100 miles

you run your first 200km

you run your first 200 miles

This is what running can look like. You can replace all these distances with goal times. Either / both are things we tend to push ourselves towards. But are we getting it wrong?

What about running for joy, happiness, wellbeing, healthiness, being social, having space for oneself, meditation, discovering new places, getting outside, challenging ourselves and making ourselves better people. We don’t often measure those or we might forget why we start running and focus on other attractive goals and medals (shiny things).

This is about me and not about me. I have not run all those distances, but I have lost my running mojo and joy. I started running on 1st Jan 2019 to be able to be able to share a park run with a friend and now I am sat with a painful foot trying to train for two back-to-back marathons and I’m asking why? Why am I putting myself through this. More is not always better. So, as I contemplate deferring one possibly two of them, I am trying to think again about why I wanted to run in the first place and what running brings me. I want running in my life for the long term so I need to protect my body. I don’t have to be good at running to impress people. I just want to run in nature and enjoy being alive.

Before you set off for faster and further, just take a minute to remind yourself why you want to run.

With running love ❤️

[StartedOnARainyDay]

sorry to hear you have an injury. Very wise post, especially for a new runner like myself. I am only on my second day of Couch to 5K. Personally I joined up because after feeling poorly at the beginning of the year and losing weight from not eating (which is something I wanted to do for a long time, although that was obviously not the recommended way to do it) what I was eating at the time was really healthy and it just changed. My mindset really felt more determined to be healthier. Slimmer fitter happier might help me feel less anxious and stressed , as well as increasing all my other exercises I already enjoyed. I thought I’ll give this a guy , I hated it when I tried it years ago, but now I’m really enjoying it .

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to StartedOnARainyDay]

Thanks StartedOnARainyDay I enjoyed reading your message and I can really feel how much happier you are now. Keep on to this feeling and enjoy the run!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

and also well done for starting! It's an amazing programme. My mum now 77 started it a few years back and enjoys running every other day.

[John_W Graduate]

... and on that note:

youtu.be/VC1zxGKTf3o?si=tVD...(Not working as expected?)

[Sax64 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Thanks for posting the video, it's a good watch and has given me something to think about regarding my running journey.

[John_W Graduate]

Back-to-back marathons sounds tough enough, but 2 of them? 😉 🙃

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to John_W]

I'm about to defer one... I will try and do the other and I'm going to try and just enjoy the few weeks I have left before (eek)

[Sax64 Graduate]

This is a great thought provoking post. You're right, it's so easy to get caught in the trap of the next goal. I wanted to be able to run✔️. I wanted to do 5k ✔️. I wanted to do 60 minutes and then 10k✔️✔️. Do I carry on training or am I happy? I'm not expecting you to answer by the way, but this is my quest, if you like, to come up with an answer. I think I know deep down what it is.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Sax64]

Thanks for the message. The answer might vary from week to week but I think it's important to check in with oneself from time to time and think about it. More is not always better and someone will always be faster or have run further than you. Stay happy

[TailChaser Graduate]

That is a question that definitely has to be asked. What, why and who are you doing it for? I think it’s a very important question to ask. There is a Running Channel video just come up on Youtube, it may help - someone training for their first 100 miler. He’s doing it so he’s got stories to tell his kids when they’re older. Good luck CP2, I hope you heal quickly and that you find your answer x

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks TC. I watched James' video yesterday I saw the physio and nothing broken, just pain management as I train for the marathon. Going to defer the second one (2 weeks after) and start run walking. I am going to focus on enjoying all the runs I do, the rest will follow. Just so easy to get caught up in more / faster etc.

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Did we see on YouTube "thismessyhappy" ?HM training?

After C25K we enjoy the challenge of seeing what our bodies can do.

How many pairs of running shoes do you have in 'rotation'?

Wishing you well!

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Katnap]

I'm actually in the first class of marathon training with Ben and Mary (this messy happy). I don't have too many shoes... from my perspective that is... I have my 2 road shoes for rotation and well I bought the one I thought I would do the marathon in as new for the day (and a few km before). Trail... I have road to trail, trail and I had mud shoes but those are now too small. I have got used to running in widder shoes... I have running shoes as every day shoes... no not too many 😂

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

It really is. You’ve done the right thing to step back and reflect. Maybe the injury was a blessing in disguise. So glad it’s not as bad as you thought. It’s a lovely video isn’t it? He’s done so well.

[Yesletsgo Administrator]

When I did C25K it was all about ticking those boxes, but only up to 10k. It's very easy to quantify these goals, to see improvement, to motivate yourself to go further and maybe faster.For me, the next step would be HM. Then I did a reality check and realised this would be 3-4 hours of running and I just don't want to run for that long. Likewise things like running 5k in 30 minutes. I suppose it might be possible but would involve so much training it wouldn't be worth the tick box.

So now I take each run for the triumph it is. If it's a short slow difficult one or longer easy one or vice versa I just give thanks that I can run at all, let alone this far. It's NOT a given, as I know from painful experience on the IC.

So if your running mojo is hiding why not take a step back and concentrate on the bits you actually enjoy? It's all very well to push yourself to the limits, some people thrive on it, but not all of us.

If what you like is running in nature just do that bit. The joy in being alive will follow. Don't let the ' you could be doing more/working harder ' voices in your head ruin your experience. It might just be a km or 2 at a slower pace but your wellbeing and long term health will benefit.

As to the back to back marathons, it sounds like you know you're physically capable given training. If the prospect is causing anxiety just tell yourself you have nothing to prove to anyone except yourself and have the mental strength to put the idea aside until such time as you find it exciting again.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thanks for your lovely message. I've decided to skip one of the marathons and just try and enjoy the other (slightly worried about the 6h cut off but going to try and prepare mentally for that). I enjoyed reading that you have done a reality check and enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy.

[Yesletsgo Administrator in reply to Couchpotato2]

Good luck with the marathon, the thought of running 6 hours does my head in. I have the hugest admiration for people like you who are prepared to take on the challenge. Hope you really enjoy it

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

yes it's quite a difference from those that run in 2h something... it's a different tough!

[CredenceRainyDay Graduate]

I love this reflection. I've come away from posting on this platform for a wee while as much as I love it, because I was getting sucked into "keeping up with Jones'" Even needed a break from running because I was over doing it. The this Monday I rushed in from work because I couldn't wait to run. I ran for 20 minutes. I hope to feel that way again about more of my runs. Happy running 🏃🏼‍♀️ ☺️

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to CredenceRainyDay]

lovely! Yes comparaison is the thief of joy. It really is true. You do you and if you want to do a little better than yesterday you fine, if not, whatever. Running for joy I think is the best thing

[Gwenllian1 Graduate]

I'm glad to read this. I started exactly when you did and I am still running. The furthest I've got is 10k ( only done five of those in five years!) and I've never got anywhere near running 5k in 30 minutes. Just don't have the speed in my legs. But I am still running about three times a week. I've run in Florence and Spain and loved it. I've decided I run for me, for my heart health, for solitude, for time outside, for the sense of being alive. I would still undoubtedly be at the back of the pack if I ran any kind of race but for me that's not the point. The point is to make me feel good. Hope you soon get your mojo back!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Gwenllian1]

Lovely! Running abroad feels really bad ass doesnt it! I did that in Germany and Poland during work trips and felt like a superstar. I'm so pleased to read that you are still running. That's all that matters at the end of the day. Running and enjoying it. I actually came last in a race last year and it was great, I even got a crate of artisan beer and everyone cheered me in. So it helped the fear of coming last. In the end I'd run 21miles which is an achievement. Thanks for your lovely message

[Yesletsgo Administrator in reply to Couchpotato2]

Another fan of running abroad here! I've run in Germany, Poland, Russia, Greece and France (as well as the UK!)

When I did my 10k I think about 3 or 4 people finished after me. If I'd had the encouragement of a crate of artisan beer I think I would have run even slower!!

[Madwife60 Graduate]

this is so true not that I can ever contemplate running a marathon or even 10k. I started my journey 3 years ago and about a year ago realised 5k was fine - I’m 66 not 26. Time doesn’t matter - some days are faster than others but what I really enjoy is the outdoors, running playlist and just my own thoughts- the bonus is being slightly fitter and a whole lot fitter than if I sat on the couch with a playlist and bar of chocolate and sometimes a smug sense of achievement.

Good luck with your marathons and 🤞your injuries don’t stop you

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Madwife60]

Thanks! I'm not 66 or 26 but I am 46 Actually doing C25k, I inspired my mum to start running when she was 73 and she's still running now 3 years later. She does 30' every other day and enjoys it. I'm glad I've stopped now to think about why I am doing it all because I easily do things that are more punishing than encouraging. I'm going to postpone one of the marathons and do my best to enjoy the other!

[Herbpie Graduate]

OMG I can totally relate to this.I've only been running 10 months and have fallen in love with it in a big way.

However, recently I have questioned why every run has to be a new record!

Why I struggle to just run for enjoyment at my own pace.

Your message has really resonated with me, I need to explore this further.

Hope we can both run in a more mindful way. X

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Herbpie]

I'm so glad this has resonated! I think it's really important to take stock from time to time so we can focus on what we enjoy the most. Pushing yourself can be fun but for me at this current time it had become a bit excessive and I lost the joy. I am so pleased to read you've fallen in love with it. That's what happened when I started too and joined this lovely forum. x

[Annieapple Graduate]

🍏👏👏👏 I love this post!!! Trust you will make the right decision for you! Let us know!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thanks Annie! I'm working on the right decision