Lost my mojo

[pontiouspilates]

Just that really. I've been a runner for several years but have not so much as tied my laces in about a month. Might be the heat - but I feel even that's just ab excuse, as I am used to running when on holiday in hot countries and would usually just set my alarm a little earlier to get out whilst it's still cool. Tips and advice greatly received!

What sort of a runner are you? Do you chase PB's or try to clock up the miles?

If you chase PB's, then do a deliberately slow pace without considering the time - just aim to finish rather than go fast.

If you chase distance, set a short-distance target. Pledge three 5k runs in the week, say, instead of trying for longer runs.

I'm fairly new to running myself, so these may be completely useless. But this is the kind of thing I do the day after a bad run to make it easier for me to re-find my mojo the next day.

Go for a run tomorrow. No over-thinking, no analysis. Just put on your trainers and go.

are you training for anything just now? I find it helps me to have a goal, and these days I try to pick events that I find exciting, perhaps because of their location or the type of route, rather than choosing them because they are fast or popular. Also sometimes I take a break from races and just enjoy going out in the woods or up hills, doing it for the pleasure of being out and not bothering about distance or pace.
Other thoughts would be to maybe join a club, or do something else for a bit, like swimming or cycling.

Thanks everyone timshort, I took your advice yesterday, laced up and did a lovely but slow run through the woods. I've had low mood recently and this , I think, is why I wasn't running. Silly really as it really is what clears my head and makes me happy!

Just about to post this very question!

I'm really struggling to get going after an event in May. It was a tough event so I knew I'd need some recovery time after but almost 2 months on and I have still not got my mojo back.

It's actually been making me question my whole sense of self (which I know sounds a bit melodramatic!) because I run, that's what I do, a huge part of myself, and now I've been questioning if I'll ever do it again.

So tomorrow I'm just going to go for a run. Not far, not fast, just getting out there.

I tell myself just put on your running stuff and go for a walk with my music on. 99% of the time lll start running within 5mins but yes slowing down the pace or going off road makes a lovely change. Or just doing something different like swimming or roller skating helps me.

Edith, did you get out for a run yet? I've yet to
get back into a
full running routine and fear I have got out of the
habit. May try an early one tomorrow morning

I've been exactly the same - I barely ran in March and April because of the rain and I couldn't be bothered with the mud. Then I didn't want to run because it was so hot. Then I didn't want to run because I'd put on some weight as a result of not running and eating crap because I was feeling so lumpy and frumpy... so my running bra didn't fit any more and I couldn't face having to buy a bigger one... really stupid, self-imposed vicious circle. Ended up having to buy summer clothes in a bigger size because my old ones don't fit. Which made me feel even lumpier and frumpier.

Finally took myself in hand last weekend and bought a HUGE running bra which then sat on my chest of drawers looking huge and threatening until I forced myself to put it on and go out for a run. Thought I'd start at week 4 of the c25k just to ease myself in but actually it was fine and I've been out twice since then, including today for a 4 mile run with a bit of walking.

Looking back, I don't know why I was making such a meal of it. I should just have got out there and got muddy in the first place.

I'm 54; I should really know better by now.

Oh this is me...it’s been a year now since I did any exercise at all. Just had a bereavement last week and I know exercise will help. This thread has inspired me to do something no matter how big and sluggish and heavy hearted I feel....

Gah, I've managed two runs in about 6 weeks and no longer even feel like I am a runner! First time in 8 years of running this has happened to
me. I need to get over myself and get my trainers on!

I am sat here in my trainers and running gear, waiting for DH to get home from work so I can fit in a quick 5K before we have to start ferrying the kids to swimming tonight.

(Damn the school holidays meaning I can't do my usual morning run)

Why don't you get your trainers on now and join me? In a virtual sence of course

Do it, Pontious and MrsG! I felt just like you - couldn't imagine myself running. It was a revelation that I could still do it (ish) when I eventually got out there.

I really like SkiGirl's suggestion of going for a walk with your running clothes and music on. I must also remember to tell myself that I rarely regret running, but often regret not running.

Thank you Fate, I didn't see your post until much later, but you did prompt me to
contact a friend who has also not run for a while. We've arranged to meet for a gentle 'plod' tomorrow night!

How did your plod go?

(Ignore me, it's tomorrow not tonight. Doh)

I think sometimes, you just have to seize the moment and do it. Not tomorrow, not on Monday, but now. Even if you do a little bargain with yourself - I'll just go out for a walk, or I'll just run for 5 mins, or I'll just do 2k, the hardest part is getting out the door.

As said upthread, you'll never regret actually doing the exercise, but you'll likely regret not doing it.

I don't really run anymore - every so often I give it a go, and can quite comfortably jog 4-5k with my base fitness level (I don't run much, but I do circuits/weights/yoga), but it invariably leaves me injured (most recently a back injury that I needed to see an osteo for...), so I'm quite happy not running and doing the other stuff instead.

When you drag yourself out, try going without a watch. No time, no distance, no tracking. Run because you love it.

I'm seriously struggling to get out after having a baby (last year). I've been struggling with sciatica and running just hurts. I'm gonna aim to get out for a very short and slow waddle this week.

Finally - just back from a run! Not far or fast but it felt gooood!!

Well done pontious!

I’ve lost my mojo as well. Did a marathon at the end of May and since then can’t get back to it. Also various reasons (all excuses) DH picking his hobby back up - which I can’t complain about as he was so good when I was marathon training, general rundown-ness and tiredness, work, family and the heat. I joined the running thread in the hope that it would make me get back out there. But haven’t been so daren’t go back on until I have.
This thread has inspired me and I am going to get out there in the next few days - honest!!

Well done Pontius!

My mojo is almost back. Not at my most motivated best but I'm fairly often. Just on holiday last week and I jogged 5 times. It was very hot so just short and slow but reminded me how nice it is! And such a nice way to see a bit of a new place too.

I entered a marathon for April. Figured something on the calendar will help. I've gained about 10 lbs since doing my event in May and lost quite a lot of fitness but I'm back on the wagon now. Been going to the gym. I think it'll be ok.

Good luck all