how to keep going

[baker67]

Not only does my running bug seem to be lost, my endorphins are refusing to work, i have completed week 9 and am now jogging 30 mins every other day come rain or shine (not sure how much longer my knees will last) i desperately want to continue but i want to WANT to go and jog is there still time for my bug to arrive or am i destined to never like jogging?

[Greg_M Graduate]

Did you ever like it?

If so when did it change?

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to Greg_M]

I enjoyed it almost all of the time but I still felt a little bit lost a couple of weeks after graduating. Part of that was just "other stuff" getting in the way and struggling to juggle things. Joining a club helped and adding a bit of variety to my runs helped, I'm on holiday now so I'm going to try and do a couple of fun runs then get back into a routine after I get home. I think it's important to inject a bit of fun into it - it shouldn't "just" be good for you (like bad-tasting medicine), it should make you happy.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I got bitten by the bug early on so I'm not sure how you can like something that you don't like. It must be a bit like eating food that you don't like, but you do that to please others usually. You could try saying to yourself "This is good for body and soul" Also try different routes, try mixing up your runs, 1 minute fast, 1 minute slow and repeat etc. Or try a totally different surface to run on. Also shorter runs like I've been doing, I call it my mad dash - 2.65Km as fast as I can go, just about kills me but I'm watching my time being reduced and that gives me a huge buz. Change your music too, listen to loads of your favourite upbeat songs that really get you moving.

If all that fails I'm afraid I would get on my bike and go for a cycle ride.

[bonnie68 Graduate]

Think of why you started this? Do you now need a new challenge? I did my 1st park run last week and to run with others, all with big grins and being cheered in at the end was such a high! Maybe you just need a few days off and a change of route, run it backwards with new music! or try some tempo/fartlek/longer runs? good luck!

[baker67]

im 44yrs young and have tried many times to jog over the years iv never liked it but thought i was maybe doing something wrong, c25k iv found the easiest to complete and surprised myself on getting to end so i really want to continue my reasons for it are very good coming from a poor gene pool and boosting my weight loss thanks for all the comments and ideas will give them a try

[baker67]

im 44yrs young and have tried many times to jog over the years iv never liked it but thought i was maybe doing something wrong, c25k iv found the easiest to complete and surprised myself on getting to end so i really want to continue my reasons for it are very good coming from a poor gene pool and boosting my weight loss thanks for all the comments and ideas will give them a try

[cupcakesandstilettos Graduate]

Ive bought myself a little notebook to record all my 'PB's in. I have decided every run will contain a PB. Today's was 'first run with the dog'. (poor dog, she looked very surprised-fat labrador). I intend to have things like 'best run in the rain' and 'best run on a Wednesday' and things like that. EVERY run will be the best. Because I also find running challenging and not always fun. But I have to say I did enjoy beating the dog (not BEATING, I mean-going faster than the dog). And because the dog is old and fat, it was only 6 minutes as it was a rest day, but the key here is that it went in the notebook.

[baker67 in reply to cupcakesandstilettos]

i dont always take my dogs ones too old and spend too long waiting for her the other repeatedly trips me up but i do keep a mental record of my pbs

[Hidden in reply to cupcakesandstilettos]

Wish there was a 'this made me grin' button - thanks for fab idea and brilliant demonstration of how to create a positive mindset.

[hollyO Graduate in reply to cupcakesandstilettos]

I love the idea of the PB Book. Might do that myself! Iam also finding it challenging. Thankyou!

[BTX4 Graduate]

Try a 'free' run...just go out with or without your music and go where you want at whatever speed you want for as long as you want. Just because you can...

Try running, walking, jogging, skipping, dancing....whatever.

I think knowing that you are able to run for 30 minutes gives you the confidence to do it.

You don't have to just slog away - I agree it is no fun at all but maybe try one 30 min jog, one interval run and one free run a week? That is what I am going to do. The park run will be my 'slog' run during which I will get encouragement from others then I can do the others on my own.

Good luck!

[BTX4 Graduate in reply to BTX4]

PS should be a bit easier on your knees too...

[baker67 in reply to BTX4]

thanks

[Annienz Graduate in reply to BTX4]

I agree BTX4! If my brain knows it's got to do 30 mins running it rebels and talks me out of it. But, if I say I'm just going for a brisk walk, interval or whatever I find I can run quite happily.