So after the excitement and training for the Ealing Half on 29 Sept, my running has taken a HUGE backseat because of stress at work in a new job / with family / various events.
Yesterday I went to the gym for a 3k, and trying to motivate myself to go for a 7-10k pootle today but I have NO motivation.
I definitely don’t want to go for full marathon distance so I’m not really sure how to get my mojo back.
Maybe try getting out in the countryside, tech free and just use the views, run & fresh air be your stress reliever? Treat it like a mojo treasure hunt! 🕵️♂️
Run just for fun rather than just to get the distance done?
Do you need a target again? It doesn’t have to be further, you could aim at a 5k/10k event and go shorter.
Would like to give advice but hey I am a newbie runner graduated March 2019 and going half marathon March 2020 so would want advice from you. Surely any run of any distance would be good, fresh air and music 🎶 get rid of the worries and cares. During my C25k I had my last four runs including the graduation run with my mum in hospital and then hospice passing away on my graduation day after I told her I was a runner. You can do this Becky1606 get out there.
Oh, I think that this is quite common, so don't worry, Becky. Try something new/fun! I love the Nike Run Club app – it's free, and has lots of interesting coach-guided runs of various lengths, plus some "Headspace" runs with Andy Puddicom (cannot spell his name, but he is the founder of the Headspace meditation app.) Maybe if you are finding life in general a bit stressful right now, these guided Headspace runs might help with that, too! (I love them). You can play your own music on these guided runs, plus you get a bit of fun chit chat and motivation from the coach you choose. I love Coach Bennett. Sigh.
Also, have you tried Parkrun yet? Running with others is incredibly motivating, and Parkrun is lovely. I am a new convert, but mostly volunteering right now as I am rehabbing an injury.
Just a couple of ideas. 
Sadie-runs x
First of all get out off road and explore. Stop and take photos. Relax and run to be one with the universe. Leaving headphones behind can help with this. Maybe look at some shorter races to plan towards. I’ve just entered the London Winter Run, 9th February, 10k round the City of London landmarks, gorgeous medal. I’ve already downloaded a training plan to get my pace up and will start it at the beginning of December. Then there’s Marcothon, Facebook based run every day in December. Huge fun and a very supportive community. I went down a size in jeans doing it last year: 30 minutes or 3miles a day, whichever comes first, if you miss a day you’re out. If you have some sort of plan, you’re more likely to run (can’t believe I just said that 😳) xxx
I agree that the next goal (if you even set one!) does not have to be further. It might be good to look at a local 10k - do you run off-road? Trails are beautiful at this time of year. Maybe, as Flick says, just run for 'the love' - no pressure runs are often the best and remind us what it is all about, especially after the discipline require for a HM training plan. Whatever you choose - good luck!🙂
I'm sure its really common. My plan post HM was parkrun tourism (I drew a short straw and ended up on the IC instead); my logic was that I wanted to reduce distance but have some fun and variety and maybe work on speed. There's a chrome extension for parkrun with all sorts of light hearted challenges. Would take away all the pressure of improving and achieving and a rigid plan. You need to find the fun again. Good luck. I'm sure you will
Oh boo. once you reach a goal and achieve it, it's hard to get the motivation again. I have that with work as I work project based. The best is give yourself an off period, to rest relax and it sounds like what you need is a goal. Maybe you could join a running group? or tell yourself I do park run each week? Try trail running? different routes?
Run outside. I’ve recently bought a treadmill but find it well and truly boring. After you’ve dragged yourself outside and feel the adrenaline after your run I’m sure you’ll feel much better. Good luck! 👍
Flat Langley-Loper!
Flat Katnap - Big 10k
Finally feeling better! 😀
