Total loss of motivation

ioyomoime

Hi, I guess I'm posting on here out of desperation because I've found myself in the same rut I've been in so many times before. A few months ago I was so fed up with being super unfit and scared of exercise that I bit the bullet and started C25K. It was great, I got a huge confidence boost from seeing my progress and managed to complete it a week behind schedule. And then my motivation disappeared. I tried to keep running but found that I was sick to death of the same old route I took, found my legs heavy, counted the seconds til it was over and then started to end my runs early making up ridiculous excuses and promising myself I would do it another day. I now haven't run for 3 weeks and have already put back on the weight I lost. This is the pattern I fall in to every time I start exercising. I get fit, feel great, then completely lose motivation and stop. It's enfuriating because each time I have to start again (it can take years) I can see how far I've slipped backwards. I guess I just can't picture myself having a regular exercise regime and when I see all my friends managing it without problem, I really beat myself up about it. I want to love it! I just seem to be my own worst enemy!

So, has anyone else experienced this? What do I do?

Thanks xx

TavistockToad

first off, i wouldnt suggest you use exercise as the sole way of having a calorie deficit - as you have proved, the second you stop, you stop losing.

second, find something you enjoy, mix it up, dont just run, run a couple of times a week (if you enjoy it - i run about once every 6 months because i dotn enjoy it) and do something else the rest of the time... dont make yourself do it if you dont enjoy it.

melaniecheeks

Welcome to the world of the runner. Every time you run, the only person you have to beat is that negative voice in your head telling you that you can't do it. Exercise your brain, and tell that voice where to go!

Vary your route, run with music or pod casts, sign up for a different race, a colour run, run for charity, do sprints, find a local parkrun, run with a dog, run with a friend, use the challenges set my MapMyRun or similar running apps, enjoy the runners high you get afterwards......

I'm injured at teh minute and can't run - you wouldn't believe how grumpy my mood is.

MeanderingMammal

Set yourself new objectives, vary your routes. I have 4 routes for 5K from my house, and several more leading from the house as I increase my distance. Equally I'll drive out to the forests nearby for a longer run.

That said, I enjoy running, so I'll run. I don't need objectives, except insamuch as I'll do them on the fly; hit a speed objective, go to that lamp-post etc.

As you can now run for 30 minutes, increase your time to 35, 45, up to 60 minutes in time.

hermann341

Find some other runners in your area. Check with your local running shoe store (NOT the big box stores, the mom & pop type), as they often have running groups.

Zombies Run app is another possibility.

Sign up for 5k events. Having an event (and time goals) to work towards helps keep me motivated.

sarainiowa

Find your "WHY". Why is weight loss important to you and your life?

Everyone will have a different answer. That "WHY" will get you through the tough times and be your motivation, if you truly believe it.

Find your "WHY" and then get going!! YOU are so worth this!! YOU can do this!!

MelStren

You need to find a routine that you can work into your daily schedule. If you don't like to run, then don't. You can swim or join a zumba class. Or walk. I don't zumba or run but if I had access to a pool on a regular basis, I'd swim! Take a belly dancing class! That sounds like fun! Lift weights, which I do and Love! Pick something that can easily become a habit.

Learn to eat within your "no exercise" calorie needs to lose weight and add calories on the days you do workout.

ioyomoime

Thanks everyone! All really helpful suggestions. Fitness is my main goal rather than weight loss, so you're right, I need to mix it up and stop thinking I have to be a runner! Thanks again.

Prettypedalpower

I know about losing motivation I'm lucky I'm so close to goal but the last few weeks I lost all motivation to continue. Just didn't see the point. But as the scales crept up just a bit I thought I didn't want to waste the last 11 months effort. I walked to begin with that was all I could do I was so fat. Then progressed to running. Admittedly it burns great calories but I hated it. I'd find excuses like you and frequency got less and less. However I got a bike.. I cycle 20-50 miles a day now and I love it!! I can't imagine not going out on my bike now. Find something that fills your heart with joy. Mines cycling because I can't drive. Self sabotage is common I do it I know lots of people that do.. If you believe your worth it and deserve to be happy your chances of success multiply ten fold. My best advice is get food right first. 80% of weight loss is in the kitchen. Then when that's working for you include exercise. Good luck ????

TavistockToad

Thanks everyone! All really helpful suggestions. Fitness is my main goal rather than weight loss, so you're right, I need to mix it up and stop thinking I have to be a runner! Thanks again.

if you want fitness, try Insanity, its mental!

Samson20011

Hi,
About three years ago I retired just after finding out I had very high blood pressure. I decided I didn't want to go along the route of taking medications for ever and so I set out to lose weight and get fit. I did this by walking for 15 minutes and then returning and gradually increased the length of time. Now I can walk for two hours across difficult moorland terrain and also enjoy it because there are some lovely views across Dartmoor. I enjoy the flora and fauna so my mind is occupied too. I can now say I am fitter than I have ever been and feel so much better for it. A very sore toe stopped me from walking several months ago and I am going backwards so I have made a new resolve to get back on track. I did manage to get off blood pressure tablets but am now back on them so this is really important to me. It isn't easy to keep up with a regime so it is important that you do something that is enjoyable, maybe running isn't for you, perhaps you could try walking instead?