How do you pick yourself up when you need to?
I sing my heart out. I get on the beach with the idiot dogs. I have also been known to sing my heart out on the beach with my idiot dogs ❤️
7th Mar 2024
I think of the friends and relatives who are as old as me and whose health is already very limited or who have already died because they didn't exercise enough.
20th Jan 2024
Remember the good times and successful outings. Also recall legendary Cumbrian fellrunner Billy Bland’s comment that however bad you feel it will pass
17th Jan 2024
its usually injury that gets me down but im pretty resilient most of the time
11th Jan 2024
I do a deep dive into the thing that brought me down, examine it, cry if need be, give myself some grace, and then get going again. It always works.
3rd Jan 2024
Keep life in perspective and remind myself what I have rather than the things I don’t.
2nd Jan 2024
If I am struggling with motivation I get dressed in my kit and eventually go out. Always feel better after.
15th Dec 2023
To be honest, I very rarely need to, having an optimistic outlook. But generally focus on things that I can do something about. If I can't influence something, then why worry about it?
Or just go out for a run, or to find and watch local deer.
17th Sep 2023
Currently: making time to draw squirrels.
Previously: sit outside and wait for Hummie the Rub-Throated Hummingbird to come to the feeder. She's a small flying miracle! (I no longer live in the US, still love Hummie)
31st Jul 2023
Focus on breathing. Emotions are created by me so I can shape them after allowing myself to first experience and explore them in a safe environment. Or just say fuck it have a cake and do something else for a while.
31st May 2023
I am working very hard on positivity and gratitude. But when days are low I put my kit on & get out for a walk, if the beat takes me I up the pace I let my thoughts wander to positives. Normally by the time I come back I feel a lot better for it.
30th May 2023
Accept that you can't be riding high all the time. It's natural to have some lows too. Make your decision to run independent of your motivation on the day.
10th May 2023
Suffering is not caused by our experiences, but by our reaction to them. My life is blessed, and I'm grateful.
14th Mar 2023
I go for a run/ride/walk. Spending time outside works most of the time. If not, listening to my favourite music and a cup of coffee will do the trick.
24th Feb 2023
A walk or run over the fields and along the river does wonders, sometime accompanied by a funny podcast or some good music. Chocolate helps too.
18th Feb 2023
Get outside whatever the weather, regardless of time of day or night, all year round. Nights can be magical ... I live 4 minutes walk from a huge beach ... I am the midnight rambler
16th Feb 2023
I concentrate on sleep hygeine, good well-being and rest until I get the internal nod that it's ok to start training again.
19th Jan 2023
I lift some weights, go for a run, eat chocolate. Not all at the same time obviously because that would be potentially dangerous
5th Dec 2022
If I've lost something, I try to appreciate something I have. If I've failed to achieve something, I try to find a new goal right away. Keep a sense of humour where possible. Make tea.
20th Nov 2022
Murakami wrote in 'What I talk about when I talk about running' that Somerset Maughan had said that 'in every shave is a philosophy', and wrote the same applies to running. Running does allow you to think things through and refreshes your mind.
13th Oct 2022
I remind myself that no matter how bad things may seem to be tight now, someone somewhere is in a much worse situation.
24th Sep 2022
To go to club training nights even when you may not feel like it, i always feel better afterwards
24th Aug 2022
Need to focus on keeping on keeping on, and knowing that I can only control me and my thoughts. Everything else, I need to find a way to deal with it.
21st Aug 2022
Quality time with my boys to gain a proper sense of perspective and / or a good run in good company orlistening to my favourite music.
11th Aug 2022
I think of all the positive things I have in life. I’m fortunate to have a home and a lovely family and have the freedom to choose. There are people out there who are experiencing such awful things.
13th Jul 2022
I am a fairly cheerful person so I don't really ever need to.
16th Jun 2022
I run every day so it’s just get out and get it done some days. Some runs are awful but they’re better done. I break the hard runs up into 5 or 10 minute chunks in my head . Decent tunes help too
24th May 2022
I look around and see plenty of over weight or sedantry people of my age who never do any exercise so even a short 3 mile run is better than nothing.
21st May 2022
Having races to look forward to helps. Just going for a run and forgetting about times or form can be beneficial, especially if running with friends.
2nd May 2022
By the scruff of the neck, followed by a swift kick to the posterior. Bear in mind that I'm likely to do the same to you if you come over all mardy in my airspace. Carrots and sticks also feature heavily.
26th Apr 2022
take the pressure off and get out there without thinking too much about how far or how fast
19th Apr 2022
Variety, not too be too structured or planned you can't do something different or spontaneous.
3rd Apr 2022
It's like that cartoon, where you see one arm pick another other arm up and attach it to the body, then that second arm picks the first one up and attaches it, revealing that it was impossible all along. A bit like that
4th Feb 2022
Slowly and with determination to brush down and get on with it…. Whatever it is.
20th Jan 2022
FOOD! Doesn't everyone exercise so that they can eat?! I certainly hope that it isn't just me...
14th Jan 2022
I usually roll over onto my front and then push up with my arms. I have been known to stand from the cross legged sitting position. Standing from the cross legged sitting postion (without use of hands/arms) neutalizes all blushes/gravel rash pain.
6th Jan 2022
A training plan keeps me focussed and honest On the days, I’d rather lie in bed, I know I’ll always feel better after a run.
27th Dec 2021
I roll onto my back, bend a knee and then sort of roll up to a sitting position. From there to upright it's a little less dignified.
9th Dec 2021
Exercise has always worked, used to be a run but a wattbke session seems to work just as well now
3rd Dec 2021
Dark chocolate and red wine help. If today is s**t, tomorrow is a new day. Get out of the door even if it's bucketing down, and smile.
22nd Sep 2021
Difficult one; sometimes set a target such as a race, sometimes I tell people what I want to do so there's no backing out of it. Other times I think about the consequences for my family if I don't pick myself up.
22nd Sep 2021
Family support, mostly. sometimes i just hide in my own head for a few months and then try to emerge again.
7th Aug 2021
Get that kit on and get out there! Running is great thinking time. I run somewhere nice, share a photo online, might brighten someone’s day. Try to be happy by making others happy.
3rd Aug 2021
Random excursions on the bike.
Get a train to somewhere new and cycle back, check out a café, investigate architecture, fuss cats, take photos.
31st Jul 2021
Get really miserable, feel sorry for self for a few days, then bounce off of that through the front door.
27th Jul 2021
That's why I've come! Eat too much, drink too much, have a word with myself, slap myself and go again.
17th Jul 2021
I really hard for me to answer this question properly, but I always try to myself that if you want to achieve something then you must keep moving forward.
2nd Jul 2021
Reach out to friends, go for a run anyway even if solo and get off the roads.
21st Jun 2021
I wallow in self pity for a while, eat a whole load of chocolate and then try to remember that tomorrow is another day, a blank slate to start again.
6th Jun 2021
I go to my "happy place" and I remind myself how far I have come from the "dark days", and just how fcuking awesome I am 😎
28th May 2021
I'd say going for a run helps. But sometimes getting out the door is the challenge.
26th May 2021
Going for a run on a favourite trail, with a favourite podcast to listen to in m,y ears. For reference- big fan of 'With Me Now' and 'Running is BS'
11th May 2021
I have a great family and friends and a true running friend.
These past months my running buddy has been so supportive even when we couldn't go out.
5th May 2021
Being a streak runner helps, I know I'll run everyday and I know a run picks me up
28th Apr 2021
thankfully these days are very very rare, fitness brings confidence, healthy lifestyle etc..
11th Apr 2021
I am always motivated - I sign-up for things I can't do so I have to train.
5th Apr 2021
Got a missis who is also my coach/are kicker/groupy and really understands when iam down and need motivating
28th Mar 2021
I go back to my first Parkrun , Falls Belfast, and run it remembering how it felt. I also start every training block the same way.
27th Mar 2021
I go for a run or a long walk you have to give yourself head space some times
if you cant change it do your best and move on
27th Mar 2021
Tea, lots of tea. Chocolate for dementor attacks. And for stress relieving runs there are 2 optimal speeds. Easy bimble, or nutso flat-out.
22nd Mar 2021
I try to remember - it will be alright in the end; and if it’s not alright, that’s because it’s not the end.
20th Mar 2021
By getting dressed as soon as I awake and getting out for a walk or run...... I’ve never had a rubbish run, as I’ve always found a positive, it’s the first step out the door that is the hardest
13th Mar 2021
Do some yoga, cry if I feel like it, get outside for a walk (with Bint if possible).
7th Mar 2021
If I need a pick up I go for a walk somewhere quiet, high up and preferably windy with the dog.
6th Feb 2021
Having visited Aucshwitz a few years ago I see life differently now. Small things don't matter. I often think of what I saw there. We should be grateful for what we have.
5th Feb 2021
Remember to be grateful that I am able to run even though I may not be very fast, I still have that ability and I'm so lucky!
29th Jan 2021
Try and talk to others, don't bottle it up and put the mask on, take it off, I had to in 2020 and accept my PPMS....... (A good bottle of Red helps along with some time with Jesus
10th Jan 2021
Just get out the door - once I am through the first mile the world always seems nicer
3rd Jan 2021
I'd love to say by going for a run but life is rarely that simple. Sometimes I loose motivation but it usually comes back.
7th Nov 2020
I walk out the door. I tell myself only 10 minutes then I can stop. After 10 minutes I don’t want to stop. Works every time.
29th Jul 2020
I struggle with this, for too many years I've struggled with physical, mental and relationship issues that have caused me to stay within myself. So for me, its small targets and build slowly. No silver bullet from me.
3rd Jul 2020
Depends what has knocked me down, but finding a focus or distraction helps.
16th Jun 2020
Nothing wrong with a bit of a wallow sometimes. After a suitable period, go and do something which requires full concentration and leaves no space for rumination.
4th Jun 2020
I give myself a good talking to and remind myself how bad things were and how good they are now.
22nd May 2020
My faith is very important but I am prone to lapses as I am in everything I do 😢
21st May 2020
Remember that I am in a better position than a large proportion of the population on this little blue ball, no matter how bad things seem.
8th May 2020
Read a good book, look at what it growing in the garden and watch the local birds and occasional wildlife.
5th May 2020
A good hot bath, a cold glass of white wine, and a book, is always a win.
Failing that, just going to sleep, its the closest humans get to a hard reboot.
28th Apr 2020
I either read or listen to music. But I want to get back into my running as that will pick me up and give me a sense of euphoria and achievement. It's me regaining my life.
24th Feb 2020
Slowly. (I'm quite good at falling over!)
And normally - a run, pray, relax and breathe...
5th Feb 2020
I’m generally pretty upbeat, but time with the kids is always sure to simultaneously pick me up and ground me!
27th Dec 2019
I would either 1) go for a run or bike ride or 2) have a bath wash my hair then get on the sofa with my dog and a book
20th Dec 2019
I am usually very harsh and critical to myself. Hot bath or shower, some food and drink, and generally then all is well again.
1st Dec 2019
Big cuddles from the turtle. Or if she's at school, long run then big cuddles. And there's always wine 😉
9th Oct 2019
I struggle with this. Strangely find running in the heat worse than in the winter so summer has not been good for me. Roll on winter.
31st Aug 2019
Go for a run - work through what I need to - park what I can't change- get on with the day.
8th Aug 2019
I have a word with myself. Or run. The trick is to remember that running makes me feel better when I am in fact feeling a bit meurgh. I don't always remember this.
1st May 2019
Never been that good at it to be honest but a run will normally get the "black dog" off my back.
25th Apr 2019
I remind myself of all the people who are injured or paralysed and can’t do what I can do, then I train for them.
1st Mar 2019
I don't as it goes. After the latest blip I have some friends and loved ones that spot the signs and will have a word. This then jolts me back it line.
6th Dec 2018
Go for a run?
Plus think of one thing I've achieved today, or one way I've helped someone rather all the other things I tell myself I should have also done.
29th Sep 2018
I do it because I love it. I don't have to do it; it's a hobby and if it makes me unhappy I can walk away.
7th Aug 2018
I go for a run :) I check in with the 700ers - they can always cheer me up.
16th Jul 2018
Long term, I just look at my belly and tell myself, "dont be a fat bast8rd".
Short term, I put out my running kit the night before so its all ready and waiting in the morning.
4th Jul 2018
Remind myself that nothing lasts forever, good or bad. If it's good enjoy it; if it's bad, it will pass.
15th Jun 2018
Use other runners who have similar issues as my inspiration or my late brother.
15th Jun 2018
I go and see my husband, and if he's not around I pretend I'm a hairy welshman and that usually works.
15th Jun 2018
I know it doesn't work for everyone, but I do react to a self talking, "Come on, JFDI"
14th Jun 2018
Read someone's blog from an epic ultra race
Or look at my training from when I first started
Or gin and chocolate ;)
14th Jun 2018
Listening to good music and remembering that things always seem better the following day. And chocolate...
14th Jun 2018
Cake. Chocolate! *cayke* and *chocolate* Seriously, just try and remember how lucky I am, loving family and friends, general health and well being. Others with far greater obstacles, battling daily, still smiling. I never lose mojo for running. :-)
14th Jun 2018
I remind myself that I am very lucky to be able to walk (I had spina bifida myelomeningocele at birth). I've had a lifetime of opportunity because of that. I also have a job that doesn't make Monday a bad day, and a family that love me.
14th Jun 2018