Help! Lost all my motivation!

[Redcello41]

Hi everyone, I need some help/advice/encouraging - I seem to have lost all my motivation to run and cycle. I went on holiday for 2 weeks and only ran twice and cycled once. I've been back home for a week now but still haven't gone on a run. I usually get up super early to get my training done but each morning I really don't want to so I just got back to sleep and have a lie in. Which I have been enjoying but what's happening with all that training and great momentum I was keeping up with???

I've been getting into more creative arts and crafts hobbies at the moment too which I have time in the evening for which means I'm getting to bed later than I want to so I can get up and do my training early the next morning.

And this unexpected break is more than halfway through my training block I haven't run or cycled regularly for 3 weeks! I only have 2 weeks until I run my virtual HM and I haven't even hit 10 miles yet. Okay I'm up to 9 miles but that was the worst run ever! I honestly don't know what's going on with me, even the thought of running 5K seems really far! I don't really don't know what to do because I'm seeing all my hardwork, momentum and fitness slipping away before my eyes but I have no motivation to do anything about it!

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

If I said to you that with the attitude you have just now, if you stay in the mode you are in you will not be running that virtual HM in two weeks time but have to go back to week 1 of C25K, no I am sure you don't want to do that.

Have a good rest tonight and start training tomorrow morning for that HM, surely you don't want to go back to week 1 of C25K.

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

True, don't want to be going back to c25k w1

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Aah no, it was going so well too! Maybe too well? Maybe sub cinsciously you've broken it so it didn't have chance to break you! Make us a promise RC. Will you run tomorrow? Or maybe today? Tell us now, so we can all be there cheering you out of the door, we will come with you and whisper encouragement along the way and we'll be so proud of you when you get back. Just a short run - so, today or tomorrow???

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I shall run tomorrow and will post back about it to keep accountable

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Redcello41]

You superstar! Remember, we're with you 😊

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you!

[Decker Ultramarathon]

The trick for me anyway, is to do something on your plan no matter what. Automatic habits. Even if you are just getting your shoes on and running around the block. The habit is most important. Your body should take it from there. If you have to miss a run, try not to miss more than one in a row. Otherwise your effort to rebuild the habit is that much higher. Keep your expectations lower for the first few days back and just get into the groove again.

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks! Yes building the habit is the hardest things but once you are there you are fine.

[SlowLoris]

What to do eh?

Mmm... go for a run?

Start by getting out of bed. Next tricky bit is getting out the front door. After that it's easy.

Your previous enthusiasm was a joy to read but perhaps, as Linda suggests, you need to find a middle ground.

Not much aerobic benefit from arts and crafts. How about a quick running break in the evening whilst you wait for the glue to dry.

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to SlowLoris]

Yes very true! Why is the getting out the front door bit so difficult?

[SlowLoris in reply to Redcello41]

I’m not very good at the first bit.

[Buddy34 Half Marathon]

What about a brand new run route and music playlist. Don't pick a planned distance just go out and run.

Come on you can do it and we are here to get you going 🤗🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to Buddy34]

That's probably what I will do tomorrow l. Just run and explore. That should get me out of this rut I find myself in

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

RC, I want to see you at the Bath HM next March (covid willing). You’ve been doing so well and your happy smiley posts have been a joy to read. How about a short relaxed paced bimble - enough to get you out and wanting more, but not enough to tire you out. You want to feel good about your running before heading back into full training.

You know you have it in you. You want to run your virtual HM don’t you? Ease back in, you’ll do it. 🥰

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I've signed up for the Bath Half! Did it a few weeks ago so hopefully we will see each other there! Yes I think just a short run tomorrow will do the trick! Thanks for believing in me 😀

[limberlou Half Marathon]

This reads like me!! I stay up crocheting and watching AmazonPrime/Netflix and then am too tired to run in the morning and hate running in the evening. I found a new playlist did it for me. And surprisingly I’m faster too ( 160 bpm music rather than C25k/B210k playlists which I think are around. 150bpm). Try it!! And I will be out there tomorrow morning with you 🤞😁🏃‍♀️

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to limberlou]

Glad I'm not the only one! 😀

[misswobble Marathon]

It might be helpful to have a plan on paper. Something tangible 😃💪👍

A few missed runs won’t hurt. Maybe you’re tired and needed a break, and some sleep 💤

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Completely agree with cheekychipmunks - I love your posts and smiley selfies! You will soon find your mojo - I think a gentle run ‘just for the love’ and you will soon find that motivation again! Good luck!🙂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I hope you’re up RC and raring to go. I mean, what else is there to do on a Saturday morning....🏃‍♀️🙂

[Redcello41 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Yep just about to leave! 😀

[Sarararara]

Spend your time doing what makes you happy, be that running or craft work. There’s no obligation to do either but pleasure to be had from both. Squash any feelings of guilt.

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

How did your run go Redcello41 ? I hope you found some of your mojo. 😎👍🤞