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Thanks everyone. Lots of things to try. Beautiful runs, faster runs, run-walks. I almost always feel better after a run, and am glad I did it, so I will continue to try.

Treadmill isn't an option. Cos I'm skint. I have just done my last day of temping today, and start a full time job in September, so money will be tight until October. I have 2 weeks now before kids are off on school holidays to revitalise myself and try out some new types of run.

My lack of motivation seems to manifest itself in dreading runs, and finding the longer runs physically tough, and wanting them to just be over. I very very rarely actually miss a run, but I am not getting that buzz from running that I used to, and I miss it. I think you are right that at times taking the pressure off, and not demanding too much of yourself physically or emotionally is actually what I need. For 2 years I worked very hard to achieve an ultra running goal, running 100 mile weeks, 7-8 runs every week, and I reckon I've just had enough. You're right when you pinpoint that I need to rediscover running, and I think a way of doing that is to take out the pressure that I've had and just experiment.

I think you've kind of missed the point Stevie. Working hard on runs is tough! It's all I can do at the moment just to get out of the door. Speed work, hill sessions, long runs, they none of them appeal. Glad to hear you're running is going well. Just wish mine was too.

I haven't run today, and I've just been called into work tomorrow, so it is unlikely I will run tomorrow. I have a course all day Saturday, and the kids all day Friday due to INSET, squeezing in a run is hard sometimes, having the heart to work hard at it, impossible.

I have been where you are now Elli. I entered 2 ultras, 1 I trained for and then got flu on race weekend, the other, I decided not even to train for. So 2 entries wasted. Mind you I like to think I learnt a lot by not doing them! It certainly made me realise I don't want to race at the moment. I started doing ultras because I wasn't getting any faster at the shorter distances, so I've no desire to go back to shorter distances either.

I do have a bit of spare time over the next few weeks though, so Tricky Dicky I will be taking your advice and trying out some new and hopefully scenic routes, that has always worked in the past.

I have found recently that I love walking. There's less pressure, it's much easier physically, and I get to think better when I walk. I don't want to give up running altogether because it does keep me fit, but if I can just find a weekly mileage that keeps me ticking over but doesn't feel a chore.

I have realised this afternoon though, that I have had a low level virus for the last couple of weeks. I ran 6 miles yesterday and felt fine, got up in a real daze this morning and felt awful. Hopefully with a bit of rest today and tomorrow I will finally kick it into touch.

Thanks for the ideas Stevie, I have actually tried out a couple of running clubs in the last few weeks. One was so badly run it was dangerous (and I didn't join a running club to do circuits), the other was great the first night, but second time round very unfriendly and I ended up running on my own (I don't need a club for that). So, tbh I have been trying lots of ways to solve the motivation issue.

I managed 6 miles yesterday, but it was tough, have woken up this morning feeling really rough, I was obviously coming down with something yesterday.

I'm sure I will come through this and out the other side. 

One of my issues is that, as I have done a fair number of races, and races that were pretty tough and well outside my comfort zone, I have absolutely no desire to race at the moment. The lack of a goal is a problem. I am a very goal driven runner, and have always been working towards something. That's why I am now fixated on weekly mileage, which isn't always healthy. Any ideas as to another goal I can chase, that is manageable on 25 miles a week, and doesn't involve racing??

Thanks for your thoughts. You're right camillia I don't really want to give up running. Life has been very stressful recently, and my husband's health problems have just resurfaced, just when everything was going so well. I know he is really bothered by it, and as a result so am I. I find running does help with the stress. I am finding it physically hard, but am willing to drop miles or sessions if I don't feel up to it.

I guess you are both right, I need to give myself a break, and just wait until things are better.