Finding the motivation during lockdown has proven to be difficult.

Now we’re settled in though, I’m starting to make some non-race plans.

This month is all about the mileage…

Miles for Mind

Every year Runr ask participants to set a mileage target for May. All profits and donations going to the charity Mind. You even get a snazzy medal at the end of it.

I completed it last year with a target of 75. So, of course, I had to up it this year with a mileage of 100. You can run and or walk your miles, which means I’ve hit my target already. However, I do plan to run 100 miles so my walking miles will be donated to those who are unable to reach their target.

I’m completing the challenge as part of a team called #TwittaRunrs, a group of crazy folk cheering each other on. It’s been a great boost and motivator when I struggle to get out of the door.

June’s Challenge

With June not long away now, I’ve decided to cut back from the mileage – well, not obsess over it as much.

I’ve probably bored you all to death in every post about how my 5k is slower now than it was pre-lockdown. I just can’t replicate that race day adrenaline (my imagination isn’t that vivid!) but I can do more interval and tempo runs. I have been doing one interval session a week and I’ve really enjoyed it.

I have an audio coaching app called Aaptiv that has a 6 week program called ‘Run your best 5k’. I will be signing up to this and I’m hoping it will help me follow the plan e.g when to ease off and when to start sprinting! It’s nice to have a bit of verbal encouragement, it’s a big thing I’m missing that I got when running with clubs and friends.

Virtual Race

In June I will also be running a 10k virtual race for the Roy Castle Lung Foundation. This is a 90s themed run so I will be running to all the fun hit classics!

I’m going to do it one Sunday morning and act as though it’s a real race. From pre-run breakfast, proper warm up and I’m thinking of even using a race number. Of course, I will have to deal with crossing roads and people but I will try my best to race on like there’s someone I’m trying to beat. I’ve already planned my route, which will avoid narrow paths. Roads are unavoidable for me, but hopefully early on a Sunday it won’t be too bad.

LBradz solo parkrun

Having a weekly timed 5k is a good focus for the week.

Will I be quicker than last week or am I just going to take it steady? The social aspect of Parkrun isn’t there, as well as the competitive streak we all secretly have (I know it’s not a race but shh!!) but trying to beat last week’s me is a good alternative.

I still fantasise about tackling the uphill bits a bit differently, but by the 3rd lap I’m just too tired and want it done. Why is pacing a 5k so tough?!

One – to – one runs

Here in England, with the current guidelines, we are allowed to run with one friend as long as we maintain social distancing.

This has been a great boost for me. These runs are usually a lot slower, but this is what conversation pace is all about. Chatting to your friends whilst making the most of being out and running.

In addition to this, a lot of running groups and clubs have been doing treasure hunts for a while now, which is good to keep everyone connected and to make us a bit more aware of our local area!

And beyond?

Those are just some of the things I’m doing to keep myself motivated and strong during lockdown.

I’ve seen online that some people are combining their runs with full body workouts halfway through! I’d be wobbling home haha!

What things are you doing to keep yourself motivated?