Lost the bug - General running

Moe Neesam

07/01/2012 at 21:03

I have enjoyed running for the last 4 to 5 years now, but, for the last 6 months I have gradually got myself into a rut. I really am struggling with getting out there...... I had started a running programme for a half marathon (23 January 2012) but, due to a nasty cold, my training went down the pan along with hopes of doing the race..... Since I shifted the cold, I have not had the courage to get out there..... I have just had a week off work and could have got out but didn't... I feel fat, and un-enthusiastic......

the chicken farm

07/01/2012 at 22:01

Hmmm, what to do?

Where I am, it started snowing again today. Didn't fancy it much but managed my first hour long run and felt great AFTER! Ok, I've got kids and going for runs keeps me sane and gives me peace and quite for a while. Got any of those? If not... don't know. Good podcast to listen to? Find a running mate?

Sorry. No help, just nattering on.

Elli of the North

07/01/2012 at 22:10

I think we've all been there.
You can't always be in a mood.

I think the bottom line is, ask yourself honestly, do you WANT to run?
If the answer is yes, then you just get out and do it. Stop coming up with excuses.
It isnt easy. If it was, bet everyone would do it.
Sometimes the hardest part is actually to get out the door.

If the answer is no, then stop beating yourself up for it. Do something else you might enjoy instead.

Been running for over 5 years and I still go through times where have motivation problems.
Just been coming out of a major depression and I've made myself a promise to stop feeling sorry for myself, if I want to do something then I will. And I am. 16.3 miles today. In the horrid wind. I am so tired but proud of myself. Feel much better than if I had decided to stay in and feel sorry for myself.

Just Run

08/01/2012 at 14:31

Join one of the many friendly threads on here? I joined the 'my last run' thread and it gave me the motivation reading about other peoples running as well as telling peeps about mine when i started back running. Or start your own thread, i did just that last year and now have half a dozen forum friends who post on there every day. Enter a race? Join a club?

DeadBox

08/01/2012 at 15:09

Maybe try cycling or swimming for a bit? Will keep you fit and give you a bit of a break from running.

Runnin man

08/01/2012 at 15:44

For 23 january it's not too late to do a half, you probably will be slower than you expected but what does that matter, you can still do it, you'll be amazed at how a difficult run (that you don't fancy) can be a massive turning point in your motivation, incidentally which one were you considering?

oii

08/01/2012 at 16:53

My new motivations at times of zero motivation are

*Searching out new running routes
*New tunes on my iPod
*Treat myself to a bit of new running kit
*Enter into a race, so I have something to focus on

If lack of mojo is chronic, I take 7 days out and do other things!

I agree that you still have time to get your half done.

And totally agree with, do you really really want to run?

Tom1759

08/01/2012 at 17:03

For me at least, it's as simple as entering a race.

Other than that (and I admit this sounds more than a little sad) I can always motivate myself by writing and rewriting training plans, and then making sure I get out to do todays run to tick it off.

New route is always good, sometimes I find it's necessary to jump in the car and drive a few miles away somewhere new to run

Moe Neesam

08/01/2012 at 18:20

Thank you everybody for your replies..... After reading them I did go out today, only did 2.5 miles and I took my son's dog with me and my ipod...... The dog is a real pain in the butt to run with but I think she helped me because I had to concentrate so much on her!

I'll see how I go over the next two weeks as far as the half marathon goes BUT I have entered a 10 miler at the end of March so that is my goal now!

Thank you again!!

compo 1

08/01/2012 at 19:21

I have had the same feelings and on those days just do short runs

Runnin man

09/01/2012 at 03:11

Moe - do your run! if it takes you 3 hours, do it, and then concentrate on getting it better next time, we all feel s**t at times and there's plenty here who'll cheer you on and encourage you.

SarahB1984

11/01/2012 at 13:59

Have you thought of joining a running club? I really struggled getting out last week after Christmas and decided it was cause I was going on my own. I emailed my local club then went along on the thursday and really enjoyed it. Just talking to people who enjoy running was great but they are showing me different routes which will mix my running up abit (plus the social side seems good too!). I am going again tomorrow and cause I don't want to be the last one its given me that push to keep getting out in between and keep going.

Like the others said I think you should do your run, if you don't you might be even more gutted! Hope you get your bug back soon

Debsel

11/01/2012 at 14:55

If I sit and think about it for too long I "talk" myself out of running.....the weather don't look good, too much to do, etc.

I found the only way was to either....get up and put my kit on straight away, or get home from work and get changed into my kit before sitting down. Then I may as well go out for 20 - 30 mins. Usually as soon as I got out the door and started thinking about which route to take I'd be adding bits on.

hareandtortoise

11/01/2012 at 21:00

Club for me. I'd have given it up almost as soon as I'd started without it but I've been a member for 6 years now. We're small and everyone gets on really well together. We enter races and encourage each other. I've still had times where I've had no motivation, but as a minimum I've forced myself to still turn up on our main training night and it's kept me going whilst things picked up.

We'd love you to add a comment! Please login or take half a minute to register as a free member