Posts: 1,992
8/26/12 9:57 A

I registered for a 5k that takes places September 9th. That should help me to get started. I won't be where i was a few months ago but it's a start.

current weight: 157.2

159.4 152.55 145.7 138.85

132

SparkPoints: (68,361)
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8/25/12 6:33 P

That seems to help me. That, or to have a group or running buddy to be accountable to, but they are not always reliable.

current weight: 1.2  over

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

Posts: 1,992
8/25/12 8:06 A

I have been struggling all summer. Last fall I registered for a Spring HM with the intention that I would keep myself motivated all winter and maybe actually lose some weight. Well it worked. I kept motivated and lost a few pounds. The problem is after I completed the HM I lost my motivation and havn't done much all summer. I can't believe how out of shape I have become. Just like a few others have posted that when I run my legs feel real heavy and I am up in weight so that makes me feel even worse. I think sometimes you need a break after intensive training but it seems the key, at least for me, is to keep on target by registering for races.
Amy

Edited by: RUNNIN4THEPRZ at: 8/25/2012 (08:06)

current weight: 157.2

159.4 152.55 145.7 138.85

132

SparkPoints: (68,361)
Fitness Minutes: (25,233)
Posts: 3,835
8/23/12 11:19 A

WOW, TYKXBOY, I could have written your post. I am working on getting to bed earlier myself and starting a no snooze streak so that I can get up earlier and get in some/ANY fitness at 4:30-5AM before I get everything else done that I need to before work @ 7AM. If there is any energy left after that, I will try to fit in some gym time then or on my days off, but I need to get back to some consistent movement.

current weight: 1.2  over

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

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Posts: 832
8/23/12 2:10 A

I'm going through a slump right now. I got hurt and then took some time off. Then I got busy. And I got tired. And I got unmotivated. And it got too easy to not run. And I enjoyed staying up later and sleeping in later. And it's a vicious cycle that builds on itself and I had to figure out a way to break it.

I'm trying to get to bed earlier (not doing so well with that, tonight) and to get more sleep which helps with a lot of it. Being tired and listless makes running that much more difficult. Being rested and energetic helps a lot.

So, right now, besides the sleep, I'm pushing myself to just go run. I'm not trying to make myself run big long runs. I just need to get up and run 2 or 3 miles - whichever I feel like that morning. It doesn't feel good. I'm out of shape. My legs feel like concrete. But, I know that if I can keep running it will feel better at some point. If it doesn't after a month or so, then it will be time to see if I can change things up.

Posts: 11,256
8/22/12 5:16 P

One of my "slump helpers" is closing my eyes and imagining myslef crossing the finish line of my next race. How awesome it will feel to finish strong and pain free.This usually helps me get through the individual runs, which over a week, gets me motivated again.

Posts: 1,702
8/22/12 6:21 A

The answer might depend a bit on the nature of your slump. If you're just feeling physically burned out, a week or ten days off from running (with a bit of light exercise of another type thrown in) might actually help you perform better. My sister, an experienced marathoner and triathlete, has a "cutback" week about every 5-6 weeks, where she does easy, fun exercise (e.g., a fun bike ride into town, going for hike instead of a run, going ice skating in winter etc) instead of training. She says she always comes roaring back the next week feeling stronger and faster (and more motivated).

If it's more of a mental thing, then a break from running still might be a good idea - you can do other cardio activities to maintain your fitness for a week or two or even three. Some other ideas to get you back in the mood:

- Volunteer to work at a race
- Find a "Girls on the Run" or similar volunteer activity focusing on running in your community, and get involved
- Not my thing, but I've heard that the Zombie running app is a lot of fun
- Read a motivational book about running (could be about someone's experience in running, could be a training book, etc) or find some good running blogs
- If your budget permits it, invest in a running coach or something similar. Try Chi Running or something similar that focuses on running technique. If you're not currently enjoying logging lots of miles, maybe now is the time to do a few "quality" miles focusing on technique.
- Bribe yourself with toys and clothes: buy yourself clothes or new gear after you log a certain number of miles (or run a certain number of days)

Posts: 56
8/21/12 5:55 A

I took off too much time at the end of the season last year. It gets cold out and I don't want to run. but I do have a treadmill. I just wasn't feelin it. So I was very hit and miss in the fitness department. It took me a very long time to get motivated in the spring. I had a hard time just running 2 miles. I ended up getting new shoes, because part of it was that my shoes were old and my legs were hurting. another thing that always makes me feel good is some new gear (-: Then it was just doing it. Do you want to run again? If you do, sign up for a race.. even if just a 5K give yourself a goal. that's what i love about the 1/2 marathon. I have to get up... I have to train. I can't just wake up that morning and say okay here I come 13.1 miles! LOL I have to have a goal or I'm not going to do it. I hope that helps.

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8/20/12 11:03 P

As of yet I haven't had an extended slump, so I don't know that I can offer a lot.

Are there any running clubs near you? It might help break out of the routine, running with others. And they may know some additional routes near you.

When you run, do you "train", do you watch the clock? If so, maybe go out without the watch, the tunes, anything, and just run.

Posts: 23
8/20/12 9:00 P

Just logged back in after some time away and this was the perfect topic to have come up. I'm so lost in getting myself back in the game and running again. Everything says go but gearing up and getting out the door. I'm back on track eating wise, weight training two days a week but logging the miles is just not happening and feeling so guilty. Time to beat it and good to know others go through these times and get back on track. Keeping positivie.

current weight: 145.2

149 143.75 138.5 133.25

128

Posts: 186
8/20/12 8:17 P

Thanks for the advice! I have decided to take the week off and see how I feel next week. I am dusting off my old cardio dvds that I haven't used in a long time! Time to mix it up a little bit.

Posts: 3,489
8/17/12 10:04 P

I have! Thank goodness I have a bike. And the pool at the YMCA is in easy walking distance.

73 Days until:  Rock ''''n'''' Roll Dublin Half Marathon

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Posts: 534
8/17/12 12:33 P

I think that is some great advice and one I need to take myself. I'm finally moving out of my slump and yes I hate to admit it was a slump too. Just came at some critical points for my own training of the HM. I have already paid so backing out would just be costly. I'll finish but probably not put in a great time. Since it is my first, that will be my lesson learned though (exposure to the HM environment).

I wish you luck on getting out of your slump.

current weight: 150.2

152 146.5 141 135.5

130

Posts: 6,194
8/17/12 12:04 P

I definitely have gone through this. In fact, I have been in a running slump a few times. To get myself out of it, I stop running and submerge myself in a new exercise. Have you already paid for your half marathon? If not, I would recommend taking up biking, lifting, pretty much anything but running. Within time, when I do that, I find I miss running and go back to it.

current weight: 169.0

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Posts: 186
8/17/12 12:00 P

I am in a running slump. It has taken me weeks to admit this to myself. I blamed the hot hot weather, stress from work, weather again but the simple truth of it is: Right now, I don't really like running.

I had a rough Fall/Winter in 2011 with two injuries (knee injury and broken elbow) that caused me to have to take weeks off of running but I came back from those really well; wanting to run again. I had a great 10K in April that I smoked with a personal best time. Now I am gearing up for my 4th HM in Oct and. . . .I hate it.

I pretty much never want to go running. I don't like it when I am running. No amount of positive talk, good tunes or podcasts, just push through it mentality has worked. I am bored with my trails but new ones are at least a 20 min drive away and those trails still involve.. . .running. I am just not feeling it.

Has anyone else encountered a running slump like this? Did you have a slump buster or did you just have to wait it out? How did you get your mojo back? I need it back so my Oct HM isn't a painful experience!!

Thanks!