Lost my mojo- can't seem to get faster.

[1981m]

Started running 2.5 years ago from not even owning a pair of trainers and have made good progress from then to now, at the beginning couldn't even run 10 mins, progressed to 30 and onwards etc. Started on the running machine and got to 5k and then gradually up to 10k. Got bored of that and began running outside about a year ago. Worked my way up to 10k and was doing about 9.5k 3 times a week. I then went to doing blaze interval training twice a week and running twice a week in the hope that this would boost my fitness but I haven't really seen blaze have any effect on my running times.

But I have a very love/hate relationship with it. I am very up and down and have periods of being very motivated running three/four times a week to periods where I don't run at all (normally in the holidays as I have to have kids whilst DH at work) it was back in December when I last did a 10k as I ve totally lost my motivation. Since Feb I have been trying to get back into it properly but I am finding it so hard as my times are so rubbish. I am not a natural runner, often I am tired almost as soon as I start and think I don't have the best technique.

I just don't seem to be getting faster or improving, I think because I am so up and down with it but don't seem to love it enough to constantly keep myself motivated. I am frustrated at my fitness levels. I average around 6 min 22 per K but want to get it to 6. I am still very up and down in my runs, I do 7.5k fairly easier one day but the next time can barely run 5k. It's not so much being out of breath, my legs aren't strong, they feel tired very easily.

Had a bit of a reality check which made me feel crap. People I know posting the 5k challenge times all much better than mine including one women who started way after me and is quite over weight. I see her at the gym on the cross trainer whilst using her phone, yet she seems fitter than me. I know comparison is the thief of joy but I can't help feeling rubbish.

What would you advise? How can I keep my fitness and get faster?

I'm a new 'runner' did couch to 5k so can just about run that but it's so difficult. I try to run every other day. I started having weekends off but my first run of the week was torture so thinking I need to stick to every other day so I don't seize up I have given up all vices, trying to be healthier and fitter but feel stuck in a rut. Hope you get some replies, would love to know the secrets of people who enjoy running and who do it so well.

Thanks for the reply. I know! I wish I just loved it and was motivated all the time like some friends.

Me too, I don't get it! I'm not really experienced enough to give you advice and like I said I hope you get more replies as I need to know too.
I would say to you that you know you can do it because you've already proven that you're more than capable. That it gets easier the more you keep at it, so no matter how hard it is keep lacing up your trainers and keep going. Don't worry about your times, they'll improve the more you keep at it. You're only in competition with yourself. Comparison is a thief of joy as they say..
I find my mind gives up before my legs and my lungs, so I have to play hardcore running music to keep me motivated.
You've got this

Not a particularly fast runner myself but to keep the motivation going I try and mix up my running depending on what I fancy doing - though sometimes I don't fancy anything and have to push myself to get out the door Often on those days I end up enjoying it and run a 10k.

So - go for a short fast run where you push yourself hard for just 20 mins or so.
Go out for an easy run where you go slower than usual but aim for a good distance.
Go and do an interval run where you push hard for 1 minute, then slow up for 2 - repeat as many times as you feel like.
Sometimes I find a hill and do hill sprints - I run up then walk back down to recover - repeat a few times.
I vary my route and just see where I fancy going - have found some lovely little lanes this way.
Sometimes I just run my usual route back to front

I’ve been running on and off for a few years, I’ve now run 2-3 times at least a week for over a year. My longest run is 14 miles, but I mostly do 5-10k runs.

I don’t think I’ll ever be as fast as some - a sub-30 minute 5k is still a struggle for me.

All my strava “friends” are way faster than me. I used to feel embarrassed. But you know what? I’m out there, doing my thing, keeping fit. That’s better than most people my age.

Some days I feel amazing, most days I feel ok, some days my legs just want to stop. That’s ok - it is normal for me. A really awful run is often followed by a great one.

I find if I go with a positive mindset it can make a real difference (not always). So I might go out and try to up the effort level to 7 out of 10, to see how it feels, and find I can maintain it for the whole run.

Try to change your pace on different days, so some are harder (effort based can be easier to monitor than speed) but don’t forget that slow paced runs are a key part of a training plan - you don’t have to go all out each time.