Running Friends!

I just started running in December and definately have weeks like this. What helps me is to keep track of my runs and reflect on the progress I've made. I use an app on my iphone that is helping me prepare for a 5k. What keeps me working hard is knowing that the next run will be harder than this one and the better I do now, the easier that run will be. :-)

Also, try to switch it up. If you're running inside, try running outside. If you are just running do run/walk intervals and try to increase your speed.

And my final word of advice, run first thing in the morning. Don't give your brain a chance to talk you out of it!

Keep up the great work!

A time I wanted to quit was when I had a 10 mile race (in Sept 2011) that I didn't take seriously enough. I figured since I had ran an entire half marathon 4 months before that, I would be fine. I was not even 10 minutes into the 10-miler and I had to walk. I had to alternate between running and walking the entire time - it was awful for me. I felt like I had completely lost it and fallen apart and I just wanted to quit. After I finished it took a few weeks to really mentally recover from it - I had been in a funk a few weeks prior, and that had only made it worse.

Luckily I realized that just because I may have run X miles before, doesn't mean I'll be able to run that again unless I keep up my fitness. It was a good lesson learned in the end. Everyone has times where they just want to quit. I honestly wanted to quit during that race, even though I had PROVEN to myself that I had done so much better before - not a great feeling!

I know what you mean about the "feeling" of just struggling through it. I have times where I take a week off for vacation sometimes. Sometimes what you need is to just hit the reset button. Try to take some of the pressure off yourself. That worked for me

I think we all get this from time to time. I greatly prefer out and back runs to several loops. Loops make it too easy to quit early.
You know that little voice, "Wow, you've done enough for today. Remember you have to do this and that and blahblahblah"
If I'm 3 miles away from home on a 6 mile run, shortest way back is the only way back

yep. the first mile i always want to quit. sometimes i run faster to get it over with, sometimes i just worry about one foot in front of the other. it happens. it's not always pleasant but always beneficial (for me).

Those are some of my best (most accomplished feeling) runs... the days I just really want to stop but I somehow manage to push through. It happens... that's part of the nature of the sport. Pushing through those (barring moments of certain intense pain when you simply have no other choice) is what enables you to do more... and increase your distance and speed.

I started running sometime last spring. I had never been a runner before. Most days I hate the idea of running, but I know I will feel better after I've done it. While I'm running, I hear a little voice say "it's ok to walk for a while" and "you've gone far enough, just go home". However, another voice says "just 2 more songs", "stick to the plan", "you don't need to walk", etc. Fortunately, most times the second voice wins! I'm not sure I'd run if I didn't sign up for races. I just don't love it that much! You're not alone!

I have a love-hate on-off relationship with running. Today I love it. Sometimes its hell, but sometimes the running fairy comes and sits on your shoulder for the whole run. I never really enjoy the feeling of running but I love 'being a runner' and, like you, I love the feeling afterwards.
Lindsay

the first mile is the worst! Once I get into a groove its great, but I am usually ready to give up in the first 5 minutes lol. Also, I hurt myself pretty bad training for a half marathon last year, and quitting definitely crossed my mind, but in the end, the feeling of pride and accomplishment I got from finishing the race meant more than the pain! GOOD LUCK!

I started running on August 2, 2010. It's also the same day that I decided to take control of my fitness and health. I also signed up for my first half marathon that same day.

Running is all mental - it's easy to give up at any moment as your knees and ankles are screaming, the sun is beating down on you (or the cold is ripping into your lungs), and your shins are on fire. It takes mental endurance to listen to your body, acknowledge the pain, make it your friend and keep on going.

I keep running for a variety of reasons:
- it's my time to think and meditate and sometimes while I'm running I forget that I'm running (I know that sounds weird)
- I love knowing the miles that have passed beneath my feet
- I remind myself that the runner's high hits me 30-40 minutes in, so just keep going, the best part of the run is still to come!
- I'm HAPPIER when I run
- I tell myself it's a gift to myself - feeling good and looking good!
- I'm out there in the community, seeing people and experiencing the outdoors
- It lets me eat what I want (within reason)
- I'm a part of the running community
- I've inspired other friends to make healthy choices for themselves and to take up running
- I do it to see if I can, each and everyday

And on days when I just REALLY don't want to, I remind myself that I have NEVER regretted going for a run, but have ALWAYS regretted NOT going.

Keep at it!

Running is about 50% mental.
I've been able to run 7 miles before, and still some days in the first mile, my mind says, you can't go that far, stop now and go home.

Wow...did I ever need to read this thread. I have been a runner for the last 10 years, I rarely have motivation issues but lately seem to be in super duper funk!! Great ideas and inspiration.l

bump

When I began running a few years ago I couldn't run for more than a few minutes and it was weeks, possibly months before I didn't want to vomit after a run (nice eh?). :sick: I'm no pro runner, but I have run lots of 10k races and a half marathon, and have just signed up to two half marathons this year. It not only gets easier, it actually becomes really enjoyable! I promise. Stick at it and you will be amazed what you can achieve. I'm not a natural runner, but I love to run.

I advise anyone getting into running to get decent shoes and if female invest in several good sports bras (I think the shock absorber "run" bras are the best, especialy if you are over a b cup). I's also recommend cross training ie not just running and no other exercise, doing strength taining, yoga/stretching, swimming etc, and mixing up the type of runs you do to prevent boredom. Ie, short runs, long runs, interval training, hill training etc. I also run with different friends which is a great way to catch up on gossip and get some exercise in at the same time!

Good luck! :flowerforyou: x