[graeme]

I stopped smoking and took up running at the end of January, with no particular aims other than to get a bit fitter.
I managed to injure my knee when out running a couple of weeks ago and now that it's better I seem to have lost my motivation to go out running

I looked through a running magazine in the newsagents today and thought about signing up for the Bananaman Chase 10k in July and possibly doing the Wimbledon Common 5k time trial in a few weeks time so that I've got something to work towards. Does anyone think this is the wrong way to try and motivate myself? I'm not really sure if it's the right thing to do or not.

Before I stopped I'd managed to go from being at deaths door after 3/4 mile in 20 minutes to only being out of breath after 2.9 miles in 26 minutes (all measured by my ipod Nike thingy!) So I was making a visible improvement. Would trying to do the 10k in a few months be a bit much, or should it be manageable?

I'm also thinking about going out and picking up some proper running shoes tomorrow, as if I've spent the money on them I'm more likely to use them!

What methods do others use to help keep themselves motivated?

 

[Steady Edwina]

Having a race to aim for is definately the way to go and it would be useful if you had a trainin plan to follow as well - you definately need proper running shoes especially as you have had a knee injury.

Joining a local running club can also help as well. Don't worry ifyou don't think you are good enouigh yet as a good running club will cater for all abilities.

Good luck and well done.

 

[Granty]

I found running with a partner the biggest boost to actually keeping the motivation up. On those evenings when its raining / cold and I know if I was running on my own then I would stay in, with a partner ifs a different story. Maybe look to join a club for some company as well.

Aiming for a race is most definately a good policy.

Good luck.

 

[hot foot]

I would agree with steady Edwina and Granty.A running club or partner will give you a massive boost and keep your enthusiasm up.You have nothing to lose by trying either.Also,the correct footwear is essential,and could have played a large part in your recent knee problems.Don't expect to much of yourself to soon but just look at what you had achived in the time when you were running,take the positives from this and remember how pleased you were with your improvements.Get back out there and you'll soon feel great again.

 

[twinkle toes]

Graeme, you are doing all the right things setting yourself goals, once you are following a schedule, you will find it harder to drop a run rather than not go out as you won't want to see your overall weekly mileage drop.

I used to smoke and found that it actually got in the way of my improvement of running better.

There is something great about getting a new pair of running shoes you just want to put them on and go, your most valued investment, make sure you get the right ones go to a specialist sport shop and you will leave with the right shoes.

Good luck and hope your motivation picks up soon :d

 

[firsttimer]

I would definately sign up for a race, it gives you something to aim for.
i'm sure you'll get back into it soon ,and the better weather should be round the corner!!

 

[graeme]

Thanks for the replies.
I went out this morning and got fitted up with a new pair of proper running shoes, which will without a doubt be more comfortable and better for me than my old trainers. The guy in the shop suggested that my knee injury may have been down to the old trainers I was wearing, so fingers crossed he was right!

It was still a bit of a struggle to get my a*se into gear and go out with the bad weather but obviously I was itching to try out the new trainers and see if they felt any better, so off I went for a plod round my usual route and I'm pleased to say that when I got back home I felt like a different person It may have only been 2.2 miles according to my Nike iPod thing but I couldn't believe how good I felt after it :d

My next mission is to sign up for the Bananaman Chase, which I'll do tonight, then get back to the schedule I was on to get up to the 10K mark.
I would like to join a club, but the problem at the moment is that with the shift work in my new job it will be a struggle to get to and club meetings. It's definitely something I'll look into when my shift pattern changes though:d

 

[Steady Edwina]

Don't know what your shift patterns are like but some clubs do Sunday runs as well as mid week runs.

 

[hot foot]

Thats good news graeme.Regarding a club,I was going to say exactly the same as steady Edwina.I don't know how far west you are in London but perhaps a large club such as the serpentine may well offer the flexibility that you need.

 

[twinkle toes]

That is great to hear graeme, hope your training goes well now :d

 

[Steve]

Thats good news graeme.Regarding a club,I was going to say exactly the same as steady Edwina.I don't know how far west you are in London but perhaps a large club such as the serpentine may well offer the flexibility that you need.

Not that you know anything about large clubs HF!:d

 

[runnerman1971]

It's good to aim for something, no matter what standard youare at. I struggle a lot for motivation, but I find music when you are training works quite well. It is also good to wind down after work too.

 

[hot foot]

Not that you know anything about large clubs HF!:d

Fair comment.I'm not going to react to such provocation.Unless we win tonight that is.:d

This forum seems to be full of Irons. You,Dave......Gazelle?
I'm clearly out numbered.

 

[Dave]

This forum seems to be full of Irons. You,Dave......Gazelle?
.

Thats good HF. Made me laugh.

But I hope you you follow the Arse out of europe tonight.

 

[Steve]

Thats good HF. Made me laugh.

But I hope you you follow the Arse out of europe tonight.

3 away goals...drat!

 

[hot foot]

They might have 3 away goals but this is Spurs we're talking about!
I don't think we'll be following Ars....,sorry I don't like swearing.What I'm trying to say is that we're still in europe unlike our South or is it North London neighbours.

Anyway I won't hijack this thread anymore as i don't want a reprimand from SE.

 

[Granty]

Forget the Premiership, the real fun is at the top of the 1st !! (proper football)

 

[twinkle toes]

Going by West Ham's form you will have something in common with Steve and Dave soon in the tinpot division, oh sorry meant 1st division, being a girl I get these things mixed up sometimes