I was feeling really motivated a couple of weeks ago and my training seemed to be going well, I'd managed to get 13k under my belt. Then I discovered my planned HM in May had been cancelled, I developed a nasty cold which didn't stop the shorter runs but took the joy out of them, life has been a bit of a struggle lately too.
So I've taken a week or so off as I want to enjoy my runs rather than do them because 'I have to'.
But I'm finding it difficult to get my mojo back. I work well with goals in mind but I'm struggling to even get the drive to look for other races (there aren't any other nearby HMs that I've found that aren't trail either).
Any advice?
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KDoll72
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Totally with misswobble on this one, it's a great season to get your mojo back! All those beautiful flowers poking their faces out of the ground, tiny birds shouting spring flirtations at each other, prickly air and cloudless skies. No pressure though, just grab a lovely day, think of a nice route --doesn't matter what length--and go for a run simply because you can
Aaaaalso why not trails? Trails are brilliant! I much prefer them to road races. They're trickier in some respects, but easier in others, and give you so much to look at as you go. Trail runners are a friendly bunch too. If you like to have a goal why not sign up for a 10k trail and see how it feels?
I don't know whether you think this is wide of the mark, or not... Perhaps you are struggling to find the drive for a new race, because somehow training for the May race became a bit of a chore, with the weekly long run and speed and strength training. Or you were putting pressure on yourself to perform - even at a 'gentle' level? And now you've been ill, there is a fear of failure to run at your previous level because of the layoff? Maybe take the pressure off, forget about booking a race right now. Forget about stats and distances. Perhaps pick a nice break in the weather to get out onto a familiar route you enjoy. Plug into music or a fun zombie run or Headspace - and just appreciate the ability to do what you can. Maybe also decide beforehand to stop before you know you need to - make that a positive decision and leave your run feeling like you could do more. When you get your confidence back you'll start looking for races again.
I've decided that just to get me into my running gear and back outside I'm going to do just as you suggest.....stick on a fun podcast and run whether it it be 20/40/60 minutes or somewhere in between, I'm just going to run for as long as I feel the need
I love having a planned run too. Without it I find I can be a bit lost. Even if its a park run, it gives me the motivation to train for it.
The cancellation of the race you had been working hard for and the cold have knocked you out of your rhythm. Either one of those would have been enough, but both, well...
Take a week, take a break, and collect your thoughts.
Whilst you've got your feet up look up another run - HM or otherwise. Doesn't matter if its not local (of a HM), make it a weekend away if it too far to travel in a day.
I've started looking but I'm not going to stress too much about it. I'm starting to feel a bit better about running mentally so now it's time to get my legs moving again and I know I'll find a goal (maybe a couple of 10k races??).
I know how you feel. Had three Parkruns cancelled in a row, been running on an indoor track for weeks and just when we were getting the thickest sheet ice to melt off the paths here in Helsinki - BOOM! 10cm of fresh snow and minus 15 degrees this morning! If you can get out then go for it! Run a super slow joggy one just for fun! Sign-up for a new race to give your training plan some structure etc?
Sounds to me like you’re quite normal, we don’t love it all the time, I’ve had a real rough time with my training this winter, don’t know why, it was just meh! A chore, and someone posted about an article they read asking ‘are you fed up with training’ - at about 4 weeks out from an event.......yes!
Plus, I like trails and have some lovely events and routes near me, however, there are points, especially some particular hills, that when I get to them I feel like chucking myself on the floor and crying 😂
However, after my HM on Sunday, which didn’t go quite as well as I’d hoped (time wise) I gave myself a bit of a talking to, reminding myself how far I’ve come, and the level of fitness I’ve achieved....(e.g I went out for a ‘recovery’ 5k yesterday, something I’d never have done before so soon after a HM and it went well) ....I may be slow, but I think I’m in pretty good shape for someone my age
So give yourself a break, take the pressure off, as others have said, try a new route or experience.....there’s always something new to look at..
I am with equigeek on this. I guess we all get different things out of running. I was annoyed when I had to abandon my first go at 10k because of illness, and was looking at having to spend weeks getting back to the same place. I asked the fundamental question....why am I doing this (running)? Answer, because I just enjoy being out there bobbing along at my own pace taking in the countryside and enjoying the company of other people I meet. Hitting milestones....New distance, PB's whatever is great, but only a bi-product. So I have become a bit more stoical about the set backs (not completely though). I think your just get out there and run plan is bang on.😊
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