Oh mojo, oh mojo where for art thou mojo?

Let's start with a quote, a particularly inspiring one I think:

"It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste." - Henry Ford

Keeping this quote in mind when trying to get back into running isn't a bad idea.

It can strike at any time, when you least expect it or when something specific has had a negative running effect. You've lost your running mojo and you need to get it back - fast!

The Long Slow Road Ahead

For many people reneging on their regular commitment to run or simply no longer finding enjoyment in running happens at some point during their running lifetime. Whether due to an out of kilter work- life balance, a pregnancy perhaps, maybe the cold winter months drove you back indoors or perhaps you suffered an injury - whatever the reason it absolutely is possible to get back into the running saddle if you want to.

For me, two things occurred that made me fall slightly out of love with running:-

1) I achieved my ten year ambition of running a marathon, and

2) I underachieved in a race I loved

There certainly is an argument to say that people can lose their direction, in any situation in life, once a significant goal or milestone is achieved. 

"Where do I go from here?" 

   "I've spent years preparing for this and now I've gone and done it, well done me, now what?"

In this circumstance, the only sensible thing to do it to set yourself another goal - a realistic one. Many people find it hard to get back into running after the rigorous training regime that a marathon demands and all that the actual race takes out of you. After all, what else can match the euphoria felt when you cross that first ever marathon finishing line? I know I struggled to find another goal. But the key here is to think laterally and logically. Set yourself a different kind of goal - perhaps try more new sports, try shorter faster races or aim to improve on your time for your next marathon.

Suffering a set-back in a race is also another common reason for your mojo to go walkabout. No-one likes to do badly and in my case I hit a rather nasty wall in my favourite annual race that really dented my confidence. So much so that I convinced myself that I would almost certainly have to walk in the next race, despite before my setback never having walked in any race, not even the marathon.

Again, the best thing to do here is simply to get back on it. Start small - this way you will be able to achieve and build your confidence back up again.  Enter little races or just aim to run around the block twice before work for example. Set that alarm, step into your trainers and off you go - don't think about it, just do it.  This way as soon as you reach a goal, no matter how small, you will feel positive about yourself rather than negative. And that's all it takes.  Once you're back in the regular running routine and achieving goals, even little ones, your mojo, inspiration and drive will return. The negative feeling that comes with not running and not even trying far outweighs the feeling of perhaps falling a little short of a particular target, at least by taking part you've given it a go.

My top ten tips for getting back into running:-

1. Visualise success, your mojo is glass half full kind of thing
   
2. Do whatever it takes to motivate you, this might be buying some new running gear, getting new trainers, rewarding yourself with a treat (a healthy one of course) when you reach a goal
   
3. Set small achievable goals that will boost your confidence. e.g., run 2 miles before work
   
4. Erase any previous personal bests from your memory (and your running watch) - this is really important as you are now a different you and you may well supercede previous goals
   
5. Chuck out the rubbish food in your house - healthy eating makes you feel better, fact. You need to be nourished to run well, wrong fuel in your body is not going to inspire your mojo
   
6. Get a running partner or join a local club, this way your will be less likely to talk yourself out of a run
   
7. Post on your Facebook and Twitter pages that you are off for a run (bearing safety and security in mind of course), making a public commitment means you are more likely to stick to your plan
   
8. Choose a running location that inspires and motivates you - you're much less likely to go out and run if you don't like where you are running
   
9. Don't dwell on it - just know that you are going running and get out there
   
10. ENJOY IT!

Take a look at these other resources for getting back into running:-

Run Addicts - 5 Ways to Get Back Into Running

The Running Bug - Mind and Motivation

Running after injury - Matt Long's A Second Life by Charles Butler at Runner's World

Ironbridge Half Marathon 2011 Race Report

I survived!

It's probably not a surprise to you that I survived this race but believe me it is a surprise to me! 

Last year I ran a marathon. The marathon I ran was easier than this race. Honestly.

Still in one piece at the finish line

As a World Heritage Site, Ironbridge Gorge takes my breath away at the best of times with it's stunning beauty. Both times I have run this race I have been lucky enough to be bathed in sunshine which makes the valley all the more gorgeous to run through. However, in their wisdom, race organisers Telford Harriers, had reversed the course this year.

This change in direction made for a few surprised runners, despite the warning about the 'short, sharp hill at mile 8' delivered a few moments before the starting gun.  Naturally the race details were featured on the race website prior to the race - I wonder how many other others, like myself, didn't look at this because they thought they knew the course.

Starting from Town Park in Telford, with parents standing on the side lines ready to cheer me on and pick me up at the end, I was excited about the race. It had been by far my favourite race of the season in 2010 so I was looking forward to it very much. A 10:30am start is good for me - time for my porridge and honey to settle and for my brain to get in gear for the challenge ahead.  Not in gear enough it seemed.

I knew that the previous year I was 'marathon fit' so was expecting a bit more of a challenge as general training hadn't been as intense in the run up to this half marathon. However, I wasn't expecting to have to resort to WALKING in the race. WALKING! My worst fear - never had this been known previously in the Ashwell race repertoire. I have a few half marathons under my belt, a handful of 10Ks, even a 5K or two and a marathon. In none of these had I ever walked.

Disaster struck at mile 8 when faced with the 'short sharp hill', I may as well have been faced with a 50ft wall. I had to walk up it as my legs simply wouldn't run. Gutted. It was hard work even to walk up it as my legs were feeling quite tired by this stage. To make matters worse I wasn't sure if this was the hill that was referred to - as I hadn't seen a single mile marker. So there could be worse ahead!

There wasn't, luckily, however there were several smaller challenges ahead that seemed a lot harder than normal as the burn in my quads still hadn't dissipated from 'the hill'. I used to run the coastal path all the time and used to sprint up hills like a gazelle - more work required in this area evidently. Moreover, I was wearing newish trainers and the burn was starting to set in, there was no telling the state of my blisters. Eddie Izzard, Eddie Izzard became my mantra.

The rest of the course was tough but retrospectively enjoyable. At times I wanted to hide under one of the bushes in the park and cry. Not an option. The worst part for me was the shock of the hill and the mental disappointment of being forced to walk up it and then the not knowing how many miles were left to go. The only mile marker I saw was at mile 11 - which was a great relief I might add.

The last mini killer hill at 400 metres was a tester, but I pushed through this (it is on our regular running route with Wrekin Road Runners) knowing my family and friends were just around the corner and then we could go for a well deserved Sunday Roast. At this point I didn't even have the energy to look at my watch so the timing slip I received at the end advising me I was only 13 minutes slower than the previous year was somewhat of a surprise. All things considered.

Well done to everyone who finished and thanks to everyone who sponsored me for Hope House Children's Hospices.

Would I run it again? You betcha :-)

Do I still have blisters? Big ones :-(

Hope House Half Marathon March 13th 2011

It's been almost a year since I last donned my trainers for charity and this time I am raising money for Hope House Children's Hospices by running 13.1 miles in the Ironbridge Half Marathon.  I have read in the past in Runner's World magazine that the Ironbridge half is one of the UK's hardest halfs :-)  Having run it last year when I was 'marathon fit' was one thing, having drastically cut back on the training since then all I can say is that I am dreading all of those hills and that I am really quite scared!

Hope House is a wonderful charity, based near to my office, that cares for over 320 terminally children and also supports their families in preparing for and dealing with the loss of a child.  Something that many of us cannot even begin to comprehend.

As a company we are aiming to raise as much money as possible for the charity by doing things like the following:-

• we have a place in the Virgin London Marathon and novice runner Sue is bravely attempting her first ever marathon, you can read her blog Virgin Marathon Girl
• a group sky dive
• an amazing raffle with some excellent Virgin prizes
• my half marathon
• we've taken a hot air balloon basket into our local shopping centre to help promote the raffle
• a few mini fundraisers within the office and around the local area
• auctioned logo places on Sue's running vest

It costs £4 million per annum to run Hope House, almost all of which comes from donations, therefore if you are able to help in any way whatsoever this would be fantastic.

Please visit my sponsorship page if you are able to help.

Thank you

xx