Groundhog days running 🥴

[sparky66]

Hiya everyone 🏃🏃‍♀️👋

Not been posting as much lately...

As all my runs since New Year have all been very repetitive... 10K three times per week.. My usual trail route.. and at a plodding 1.13 time.. really beginning to feel like groundhog day 🥴

Beating the gremlins just to get out, my runs are feeling tougher than normal..and feeling like I'm just getting them done 🥴

I'm putting it down to the holiday period and just covid recovered 🥴

I'm missing the joy 😏I really try to take in my surroundings,nature, wildlife..to lift my spirit, lol and hopefully my pace 😂

I've decided I need to be more active on the forum as it has always in the past kept my motivation up 🙏

So onwards in February 🏃‍♀️ knowing the tougher days... getting them done will lead to better ones 🙏

I'm sure lots of you have a slump in winter months..

Feeling better already knowing ive posted, as boring a post as it may be 🥴

So Happy Running all 🙌🏃‍♀️🏃

[Mormor1 Half Marathon]

All those 10k's Sparky, very impressed tho understand it's getting repetitive if you're not varying the route or playing with the distance. How can you jazz it up?? Fartleks? Skipping?? Waving your arms like a banshee?? There must be something out there to give you a bit of zest in your runs?

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to Mormor1]

🙂 yes Mormor1 that's exactly what I need...shake myself about..lol..I think I need a change..

Fartleks sound good..

I think I had been too focused on keeping up a 10K distance every time.. and annoyed that I've not got a longer distance in since before the holidays..😏

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

💖 it will get better 👍🏻

[Instructor57]

Why don't you vary the distances a bit ?Running 10k 3 times a week is bound to be a bit of a slog after a while !

Why not throw in the occasional shorter quicker run or a Fartlek or something just to break the routine ?

[Frenc Half Marathon]

Not a boring post Sparky! I feel like this fairly regularly and then pooffff it goes away again. I try and take a photo most runs now then set it as my screensaver so every time I pick my phone up I can see where I’ve been. Are you due any new gear? Like shoes 🤣. Also don’t forget you had covid and you’re banging out the 10ks regardless, so that’s pretty impressive! 😊😊😊

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to Frenc]

Oooh new shoes ⭐⭐⭐Now that's an insentive 😁😁😁

I think that's a brilliant idea..

The brooks I have are still good, although a little tired and very muddy looking,

But if I bought some new ones, I could use them for dry day super power running 👍💪

Your a genius 😝

[Frenc Half Marathon in reply to sparky66]

Yes new shoes, you know it makes sense …. Oh dear, I’m talking myself into some as well! 🤣

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Hi sparky, I know how you feel. I had a major slump before Christmas, knowing that winter running was ahead. Where I run it’s very exposed, and whereas it hasn’t turned into a proper quagmire yet, the wind is horrendous.

But when I started my latest HM plan and got into a proper routine again, it helped hugely. 4 runs per week, including PR, mixing them up with speed/hill runs. My event has been postponed as it turns out, but I’m sticking with the plan to maintain my good habits! 😅 😇

Variety is key for me, so as others have said, why not mix your runs up too? Worth a go. Enjoy! 😀

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Awe Cheeky you're very right 😊I definitely think I need to change my goals..find running 3 times a week is all I can manage..I strength train on alternate days which are just as important for me..

I'm reminding myself how far I've came..

And going to support some new members.. give something back 🙏🏃‍♀️🏃🎉

[Cmoi Marathon]

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling like this sparky66 .

While varying your runs would doubtless help, are you sure you're not trying to do too much too soon? Instructor57 posted this article on post-Covid running: runnersworld.com/news/a3862...

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Thanks Cmoi😊I reread this post from instructor 57...

And it resonates..

I had researched returning to running after Covid..

I only had mild symptoms 🙏

But it definitely left me feeling washed out..

Im going to take a different approach.. try the fartleks ..as suggested..👍😁🥰

[RunWillie Metric Marathon in reply to sparky66]

I had my booster this week and it totally wiped me out. There is no way I would be able to do a fartlek run at the moment. Maybe, just vary your distance and keep it easy until you’re fully recovered. 😍

[Hidden]

Serious slump here! Had not run since mid December due to a combination of too much mental pressure and the 50 shades of grey weather. Aven though I did my first 10 miler end November, I have now started with a Start to Run plan on my treadmill. Yes, starting from scratch, just for the heck of it. Actually no, there is a purpose. I want to get used to my treadmill and to my new running shoes, so I hope that doing a Start to Run program will get me used to them and get me back into the running business.

Good luck with getting out of the slump, you will get there!

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thanks black Scorpion 😊Yeah I definitely put too much pressure on myself..

Sounds like you've had a tough time of it, but great you've got a plan to suit yourself.. and new shoes... nice 🤩

[Hidden in reply to sparky66]

Well, they are not new-new as I got them for my birthday early November. But I haven't run much in them yet, not having gotten used to them so far. So I hope to run them in properly on the treadmill now.

[Sparkey5000]

Not boring….love hearing from you. Sending you some joy to make the next run more enjoyable x

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to Sparkey5000]

Thanks for the joy ❣️

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Aaah sparky,I'm exactly the same. Only popped on here now and then lately . You're doing great with 3x 10k a week,much better than me! Onwards into February and spring coming I'm sure your motivation will return. I have a race Sunday(very unprepared,last year was my lowest milage by far!)so will try and post a report and get back in the swing of things here too! Take care xxx

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

It's tough isn't it, but main thing is we didn't give up altogether!!! Ooh a race on Sunday 💪 just take it slow and you'll be great 🏅

Look forward to reading your race report..

Pom poms at the ready 🎉🎉

Good luck 😃

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to sparky66]

Thankyou Sparky!! 😁🏃‍♀️💪xxx

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Yes Jan and Feb are tough months. Where I am it is bitterly cold and running outdoors is not the most fun. But we are pushing through it one day at a time. Some days it’s the habit alone that gets you out the door. Last week I joined some friends for a change and we saw some coyotes and a deer bounded right across our path and over the fence. That makes it worthwhile for me. Just the potential for moments in nature like that. Keep it up you are doing great!

[Peter44 10 Miles]

Ummmmm 🤔Well, all i can say is i did 7 different runs during dec/jan, also had covid, but feel like i've let it lapse somewhat ☹ so what your doing is great, but like others have said, maybe mix it up a bit. 😀

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to Peter44]

Hi Peter, great to see you're still getting out 🏃👏Glad to hear you're over covid aswell 🙄

Yeah need to find a new route..I don't drive so I'm quite limited for trails..

Road running too often is hard on my knees 😜

But on the bright side, was a very Spring like day today...🌼🌼🌼

The worst is nearly over 😅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Repetition is a killer for me. Mix things up as much as you can. That way there is far less comparison between runs, and far more to enjoy. I would recommend NRC every time to help build in some variety and interest. You're sticking with it which means you can achieve whatever you want.

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Linda, thanks, I had a beautiful run round my favourite route yesterday, it's very repetitive 7 laps for a 10K , I've only a couple of trail runs available to be coz I don't drive..

But blessed they are lovely,

I don't use my phone, Tec is alian to me.😜

I've an MP3 player, my Garmin, that's my lot..

I really should upgrade 😜

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to sparky66]

Ahh right! Then maybe try making it up yourself? Vary the laps - a fast one, a slow one ... a sprint finish ... less laps for a shorter distance but higher pace ... silly fartleks ... anything that mixes it up a little; then check the Garmin and see what you achieved 😊

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Another great idea 😄 Thanks Linda 🤗