Returning to running

gorple76 · June 2017

Last year I trained for and completed a marathon. I hoped I would lose weight and I didn't really, but looked and felt leaner, and was definitely stronger and fitter than I've ever been. Since November I've had mild health problems, lus an overseas trip and slowly the running has stopped and the weight is creeping upwards. I'm trying to find my motivation again but can't push myself to run more than a couple of miles twice a week if I'm lucky. Any tips to get my mojo back?!

TavistockToad · June 2017

sign up for a race so you have something to train for?

BrianSharpe · June 2017

Sign up for another race?

If you've already trained for and completed a marathon you know that you're capable of doing it. (Yeah, not losing weight while training is not uncommon, I could eat a horse after my long Sunday runs..... gotta fuel those distances) Just try to remember how good it felt accomplishing such a significant goal.

Good luck!

apullum · June 2017

TavistockToad wrote: »

sign up for a race so you have something to train for?

This. Races can be great motivation, especially if having paid money for it motivates you to do it!

If you're motivated by doing something consistently and not breaking the pattern, you might try a runstreak--just commit to running a little bit every day. You can use an app like chains.cc to track how many days you've run. https://chains.cc/

Having a training plan might also help. There are lots of them available depending on your goals. I just use the ones in Runkeeper.

Maybe find a running partner or join a running group if it helps you to be accountable to someone else.

gorple76 · June 2017

Thanks all - you're right. I need a goal race. I think I've been put off a little by the commitment of a marathon and subconsciously thinking if I do another race I need to better that in some way - but I'm enjoying my late lie-ins too much! I should just sign up for a shorter race and not put too much pressure on myself. Would 3 runs a week be sufficient for 10k training do you think?

SimonCypher · June 2017

I agree with all of the above suggestions in signing up for a race. This is what keeps me focused and motivated. This year has all been working towards running my first marathon which is in September and I'm nervous but excited for it. I'm yet to run any distance over 16miles yet, but I'm confident that I'll manage.

I am part of a running group on Facebook called Running Ninjas and have found so much support and confidence has been gained from interacting with them. Having like minded friends around you will definitely help, even if you don't have them IRL it's always great to have them supporting you through social media etc.

I've sent you a FR gorple and would love to try and help you get your mojo back by giving support and helping you out where I can

MobyCarp · June 2017

gorple76 wrote: »

Thanks all - you're right. I need a goal race. I think I've been put off a little by the commitment of a marathon and subconsciously thinking if I do another race I need to better that in some way - but I'm enjoying my late lie-ins too much! I should just sign up for a shorter race and not put too much pressure on myself. Would 3 runs a week be sufficient for 10k training do you think?

3 runs a week is fine for 10K training. 4 might be better, but actually doing 3 runs a week is better than *thinking* about 4 runs and only doing 2. A lot depends on whether you just want to run the 10K, or whether you want to race it with a time goal. There are advantages and disadvantages to either approach; it boils down to which you prefer.

I like the idea of doing a shorter race for motivation and weight loss. It's hard to lose weight while marathon training, but the lower mileage needed to train for a 10K (or even a half marathon) makes it easier to maintain a small deficit and let the weight creep downward.

Returning to running

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