Just made this to get abit of motivation going for people that’s are just beginning to run or people that have just lost all motivation, it’s not nice to see but it happens! So help each other and let’s see how this pans out.
I recently done a 21k run for charity and I finished it in 1hr 43 is that a good time for a 21km? I’ve only ever done two and the one before that I finished in 1hr 49 so it was an improvement
Replies
Also, there's no bad time for running any distance. Never judge a run or race by how fast you did it. Runners will support you no matter your pace. Be proud that you can run 21k. Many (most?) people cannot.
Good luck.
In terms of motivation I find thinking about going out in the murk is worse than doing it. Here in the UK the cold, fog, rain, dark is not inviting, but it's all good once you get going. The lesson is to just get on with it and get out the door!
I agree with that. Commit to running with somebody who doesn't live with you - I find if you live together, it can be easier to talk each other out of going. I've managed to run 3x a week since the start of November with ladies from my village, whereas if I was going with my husband, we'd have probably skipped more times than we'd run.
Having the right gear really helps. For me (another UK-er) that means running-appropriate waterproofs and warmer clothing, stuff you can layer, and lightweight clothing to keep you cool if it's mild. My preference is for waterproof shoes too - I detest getting wet feet.
I also have to do my workouts first thing. I am just too lazy at the end of the day.
I noticed with running when I started that I found it hard to get past the 3km mark, which is crazy when you think back on it, I always said to myself how are people running 10km that’s crazy I’ll never be able to do it, but running is all in your head and your breathing trust me just focus on your breathing and tell yourself I can do this, set goals aim for the 10km now and you’ll do it trust me pace yourself and breathe correctly and you’ll make it.
Motivation can be a challenge in the cold, dark months-especially after such a lengthy spell with minimal events to train for/look forward to. But sometimes after an event, a little rest and recovery is what is needed to get our groove back.
---Get the right gear. You may stand outside and think it's too cold to run but you may just need to add some layers and get out there. Once your body warms up --- you'll find you may peel back a layer and feel great for your run. I used to avoid running in the cold but once I got used to wearing a hat/gloves and some layers --- I actually love it and can have quit nice runs in 30-40 degree weather. The wind is actually one of the only things that turns me off (or rain if it's cold too). Also, when preparing for a cold run - keep circulation in mind. Make sure your gloves/clothes and SHOE LACES aren't too tight to hinder circulation. your feet with get cold/numb super quick if your shoes are tied too tight. Loosen them and then see how you feel.
Feeling discouraged because of your pace, distance, __________(fill in the blank):
---Don't!! Consistency and getting the miles in is the only thing that matters. I hear a lot of runners say they feel bad about running because they know other people are gonna pass them and judge them for how fast they are going or whatever.... That's all in your head! I love passing other runners. I feel like we're part of the same club. And I never ever think anything negative about how fast they are going or anything. I'm just happy to see other people running --- My thoughts are more likely to be, "If they're doing it, so can I" if I'm feeling lazy!
Keep yourself healthy:
---I'm going through a piriformis/IT Band issue right now so I'm hoping taking a couple weeks off and focusing on strengthening exercises are gonna help me --- but keep in mind that no matter how slow your progress....the most important thing is consistency. Do the run, no matter how slow/short. It will all get better naturally in time. If you're doing C25K --- if you need to repeat a week, repeat the week...don't push yourself too much and end up with a nagging injury that makes you give up on running all together.
Depending on how many miles/week you're running - invest in good shoes. Remember to fuel your body properly (don't starve yourself --- your runs will be bad and miserable). Listen to your body. Cross train/strengthen. Tip from me to you --- strengthen and engage your glutes. Do leg lifts, clams, lunges, squats, donkey kicks, bridges, etc.....to avoid getting issues that can be common to runners. It's actually hard to use your glutes actively while running...but if they're weak it will eventually lead to problems.
Enjoy your runs!
DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XD
The hardest part of any run is getting up and doing it, but once you get out and get running you feel fantastic, it’s just a great feeling, then when you finish the run you feel on top of the world!, everyone has their bad days and lazy days but just push yourself to do it and you’ll feel great!
Well done! A lot of people would have given up but you decided to keep going! You should be very proud of yourself and I hope you keep it up it will be physically and mentally challenging but you’ll get through it, I’ve had problems with my Achilles recently and it’s not a good feeling but just continue at it and take care of your Injury and work around it and you’ll be fine!
Started C25K in June 2019, ran my first ever half marathon in November that year. Drifted badly in 2020 especially the last few months and looking to get back and get to marathon distance. Really pleased I managed to do 13.1 miles again last weekend though I suffered for it. Here goes, giving it my all for 2021!!!
I’m signed up for a marathon in March but will ha e to downgrade to a half I’m sure...if it’s even live. I’m done with non-live races. I miss crowds and and time chips and bananas and bagels at the end of races. The adrenaline rush is out of this world. God I can’t wait.
Congrats on your first first half!!! So exciting!!
I returned to running through C25K in April last year so this is my first winter running for quite a while, and in a colder climate than last time. I decided to focus my target on frequency (runs/week) and as a secondary metric mileage (per month) but leave off any value judgment on speed etc until spring. I did sign up for a 5 week “winter camp” running group that starts next week in the hope of mixing up my workouts and maybe finding some local running buddies.
Shoes with traction are key if you live in icy conditions. I have a pair of Icebugs with studs and they make a world of difference. Apart from that i recently bought thin wool liners to layer under my gloves and I’ve never been so comfy. The right gear makes a difference this time of year!
You might enjoy the monthly running thread over in Challenges for ongoing motivation, it’s very active.