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Running - inspiration needed please

32 replies

flumperoo · 16/11/2014 15:03

This time last year I was really into running, runing 25 miles a week and feeling fit and fantastic. Then I had an injury and have hardly done any running since. I now feel ready to get into it again, but I'm finding it really hard to get motivated. I've obvioulsy lost lots of my fitness, so it feels like I'm stating right back at square one, plus it's really cold outside and every time I decide I'll go for a run later, or tomorrow or whatever, when it gets to it, I really can't face it. Also, I've moved from nearby a great country running area, to a built up estate with nothing but streets of houses and I don't like running where lots of people will see me (wuss!).

I know I really just need to get out there and get one with it, but I don't seem to be able to make myself. Any tips please?

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SarahCraine · 01/12/2014 05:52

I advise you to list down your goals, why you want to run again, and the things you will have to do to reach it (including schedule to start running and how long will it take). You can read books about work out and exercise or watch motivational videos that will encourage you to reach your health goal. It is also very important to pair this with a healthy diet.

BlueChampagne · 29/11/2014 23:40

Good stuff - mojo is half the battle.

Suzannewithaplan · 29/11/2014 23:09

well done flump that's brilliant:o
you'll soon be back to your previous level of fitness!

flumperoo · 29/11/2014 15:04

I've done a couple more 3.5mile/5.5k jogs during the week and today I did a 5mile/8k jog. Had to slow to a walk a few times and it took 55 mins, so not as fit as I was, but definitely getting my mojo back!

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BlueChampagne · 22/11/2014 23:28

Hi flump take it easy and try again when you're ready. Seriously, don't overdo it. Hope you get back on track soon.

I've had an easy week as I gave blood.

flumperoo · 22/11/2014 18:47

Actually, last sun is when a meagre 2 miles nearly killed me off. Did day one week 5 of c25k on mon and it felt really easy, tue I started the next day of the app but it didn't work properly so I ended up running further. The same thing happened with the app today so I ended up running for the whole 5k. I'm nowhere near where I was a year ago but my difficulties last weekend were obviously in my head!

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flumperoo · 22/11/2014 18:40

Hi, thanks for asking after me!
I did week 5 of the NHS C25k on 3 consecutive days (which you're not supposed to do) on sun, mon, tue which felt easy but I experienced some pain where I was previously injured (my own fault entirely). So I had a rest for a few days and I have just now been for a 5k run with no problems. So, I'm in a much better position and feeling a lot more confident about running than just one week ago Smile

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Mitchy1nge · 21/11/2014 17:13

how's it going flump?

Pleaseputyourshoeson · 18/11/2014 19:05

Never increase your mileage by more than 10 per cent in a week as your injury risk goes right up. Skeletal frame - bone and muscles need recovery and time to adapt.

foxinorangesocks · 18/11/2014 19:00

What is the ten per cent rule?

BlueChampagne · 18/11/2014 13:09

Well done flump! Just don't forget the 10% rule and set yourself back all over again.

Lottapianos · 18/11/2014 07:45

Well done flump! Bet that gave your confidence a real boost. Keep at it x

foxinorangesocks · 18/11/2014 07:16

Flump well done! You have put me to shame Smile run for me this morning, I'm keeping gently gently with the January 5k in my sights..

flumperoo · 17/11/2014 22:45

I got out and went for another run this evening. I did the nhs c25k, started at week 5 and it was easy so I ran for an extra mile and felt fine. So, now I think I will get back into it, it will just take time (I'm impatient) and I need to not push myself too fast before I'm ready (again, I'm just too impatient).

I hadn't thought about a hash, will have a look.

Thanks for all the enouragement!

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BlueChampagne · 17/11/2014 13:36

Hi Flump - I had several months off due to injury and it's jolly hard work getting back into it when your head says you can do x distance and your body says no way. I fear the only way is to stick at it, but we will be your virtual buddies!

On C25K, try the week that looks about right for you - if it's too much, go back, if not, go forward.

How about a local hash meet?

foxinorangesocks · 17/11/2014 06:48

Flump it is easy, I'm being a wuss and putting off actual running! It has made me feel pleased with myself though Smile

NeverFreezeLobsters · 16/11/2014 22:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

flumperoo · 16/11/2014 22:45

Thanks guys, I'm feeling a bit more motivated to at least give it a try. I think c25k might be the way to go. I've downloaded and app but think the first few weeks look too easy. Do you think it would be ok to start on, say, week 5 which is intervals of 5 mins jogging and 3 mins walking, which I reckon I can manage fine?

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foxinorangesocks · 16/11/2014 22:01

Flump I'll do cheering on with you. I'm on c25k week three with one run left to go so not too far into it. I'm aiming for a park run at some point in January as something to aim for and also I thought if I could crack this during the coldest and darkest months I'd feel really proud. Do you feel motivated?! My next run will be Tuesday. I've banned myself from using the weather as an excuse. I've always been a fair weather runner and want to change that.

StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 16/11/2014 21:09

I stopped running when I was pregnant with DD2 and when I started running again i felt really unfit. On my first run I managed about 2km and thought I was going to throw up. After a week I ran 5km and 10km by the end of the month.
I used runkeeper to track my progress and set goals.
I've been running again for just over a year and done two half marathons. The last one I did in 1h35m, which was the fastest I've ever run.
It will get easier. Keep running!

gemini1987 · 16/11/2014 21:05

Oh and I did complete my half marathon in 2hrs 21mins.

gemini1987 · 16/11/2014 21:04

I had about a year off from running whilst I had my third baby. She was born in march and I started training for a September half marathon in May. Those first six weeks were so so hard. I remember saying to a friend when I was struggling to run 4k after six weeks that I didn't think I was going to be able to do it.

Anyway, I kept plugging away and suddenly I realised that I didn't feel like I was going to die the whole run and it clicked! Just stick with it, it will get easier. You have to just be determined to succeed!! I found a new sense if determination this summer when my husband who is a farmer was working all hours and I was trying to train for the half with three under 5s. It wouldn't be unusual for me to be on my treadmill at 5am or 10pm to get the miles in, or running pushing a double buggy and towing a 4 year old behind me on a bike. If I can do it anyone can!! I am not a natural runner!!

5madthings · 16/11/2014 21:01

I used the zenlabs couch to 5km then bridge to 10km apps. They were free and you can still play your own music as you use it.

flumperoo · 16/11/2014 20:23

Thanks for the encouragement - it makes me feel better to know others have been in this position. I've really enjoyed being in a running group before, and there's a good one not too far from me but I doubt I'd get there in time after work. Couch to 5k is a good idea. There seem to be few different apps for it. Can anyone recommend one in particular or are they pretty samey?

I feel very far off making a commitment to do a parkrun or race of any sort just yet (don't think I could cope with the embarassment of being so rubbish in public Grin. I will definitely make a determined effort to try a few short runs this week to try and get my mojo back though (although, that's easy to say whilst I'm sat here in my pjs on the sofa!)

A virtual running buddie might also be good for me - it could be motivating and give me a bit of a kick up the bum Smile

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foxinorangesocks · 16/11/2014 18:53

I was running 10k in an hour in 2012, had major surgery and didn't go running again. I don't know why, it took me a long time to recover and then I was demotivated. I've also done two unsuccessful ivf cycles since and there has always been a reason not to go. However I have used a fitbit since new year to try and keep some baseline of fitness and do a lot of yoga. Three weeks ago I decided to get off my bum and get back into it. I decided to do the couch to 5k plan as something to follow and get back to 5k for the new year when I'm going to start park runs. It's actually been a bit easy so far but having someone tell me exactly what to do with my music in the background has worked for me and also reminded me that I can run! Like a souped up fitbit run? Week four next week and I've gone out whatever the weather. Might podcasts help?