Do you doubt your ability?: I’m going to my... - Bridge to 10K

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Do you doubt your ability?

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate10
21 Replies

I’m going to my 4th parkrun in a row this morning but I still doubt that I can do every run even though that’s ridiculous.

Does anyone else surprise themselves every time they complete a run?

I’m 49 and this is the first time in my life I’ve ever been able to run, really is life changing.

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jlw34 profile image
jlw34
Graduate10
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21 Replies

Well done on your 4th parkrun in a row, that’s brilliant! I’m totally with you on this. The reason I’ve only ever done 2 parkrun is because I’m constantly doubting myself. The reason I set off with the intent of doing 3-5k and then do 11 or 12 is that I don’t believe I can do it at the start.

But you know what? We can do it. We’ve worked for it, logically we can do it. It’s just that thought sometimes fails to make it from head to heart :)

ChrisAllen1 profile image
ChrisAllen1Graduate10

Well done on your park runs.

I've been running over a year, I've done 2 organised 10Ks, the Great North Run, over 700k this year and gone under half an hour for 5k and STILL doubt myself before every run.

You are not alone 😂😂

Sqkr profile image
Sqkr

Absolutely. Like Chris, this year I managed a bunch of organised events (a 5k, two 10ks, a 13k half Kilomathon, two half marathons) but my mind and heart and still belong to the person in August last year who had never run anywhere at all and was frankly terrified of the thought of an actual race, but tentatively downloaded the C25k app on recommendation from friends. If you'd told me then I'd complete that list of races I'd never have believed it possible. But although deep down I know I can do it, I very much still suffer from imposter syndrome when it comes to running. At the start line for a parkrun or a race I feel like I'm simply acting the part of someone that runs, but then when I finally get going that role and reality sort of merge and by the end I've forgotten I ever doubted myself.

I keep a running scrapbook/diary thing, and that helps. My entire journey is in there, just for me to remember really, and it's brilliant to see the progress. If I do start to doubt myself I can just read the first few entries where running two minutes was tough, and even with all the insecurity I know how much more capable I am now and feel really proud. As should we all 😊

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate10 in reply toSqkr

An imposter is exactly how I feel 😂

Beccym profile image
BeccymGraduate10

This morning I was tempted to have a little walk on Park run this morning despite being my 61st, doing 2 10 miles in Oct and various cross country runs this month. Happens to us all

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate10 in reply toBeccym

61 Parkruns WOW. That’s amazing. I’ve got my eye on that 50 T-shirt (only 46 to go!!)😂

Equi-geek profile image
Equi-geekGraduate10

A little like yourself, I have just turned 50, only started C25k in May and NEVER thought I could run, after several previous failed attempts earlier in my life. I've only just started to feel confident I can make it around Parkrun, despite this being my 14th (I think) and running the Great South last month which was more than 3x as far. I pushed the pace this morning at Parkrun and again I wasn't sure if I'd make it without walking towards the end but finished strongly and sub-35min for the first time. Confidence is a huge deal isn't it?!

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate10 in reply toEqui-geek

Well done on you sub 35 👍🏼🎉

Tony_68 profile image
Tony_68

I am another self doubter, reassuring to see I am not alone

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10

I’m amazed at my achievement. I hadn’t run a step in June, then started C25K on June 11th and have literally run three times a week ever since. I graduated in August and next Thursday I’ll be running 10k for the first time. Absolutely unbelievable!

I’ve now done 7 parkruns, volunteered twice and I love every moment! It’s our parkrun’s 1st birthday in a couple of weeks. People are encouraged to run in onesies! 😅😅😅 Brilliant! 🏃🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🐕🐕

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

That will be fun cheekychipmunks, except I don’t own one. I’d have to go in my clown fancy dress outfit!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Ha, nor do I Dexy, so I’ll need to get one! I’m wondering how I’ll ever make it up our killer hill dressed in a onesie. I’ll be running on the spot! I almost do that in running gear anyway! 😅😅😅

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

I look forward to the photos

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate10 in reply tocheekychipmunks

Good luck on you’re first 10K. I’m sure you’ll smash it 👊🏼

tony_a profile image
tony_aGraduate10

Your post reminded me, for months after doing C25K I would worry I wouldn’t be able to finish a run as I headed out. I think it’s probably quite common to worry that this new found ability will suddenly desert you. It doesn’t though. 😀

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate10 in reply totony_a

I’m pleased to hear the fear disappears.....😁

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate10

Thank you all for your replies. It eases my mind to know it’s not just me 😊

I completed my 4th parkrun with a PB of 33:40 🏆🎉

My first parkrun 3 weeks ago was 36:55. Really pleased 😁

doggytail profile image
doggytailGraduate10 in reply tojlw34

I am definitely a self doubted I am on my 7th pr and sometimes more often than not have to walk and jog but I'm pleased. I am 71 and never ever thought I would be able to run

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate10

Yes jlw34! I still go out there and wonder if I can do it. I coach myself on the way 🗣 “relax, you’ve done it before, you can do it again”! Occasionally, I just know it’s going to be fine from the get go. But when it’s “let’s just try”, it’s the best feeling ever to complete a run!! 😉❤️

jlw34 profile image
jlw34Graduate10 in reply toFabulous450

It really is the best feeling, I agree :)

Ang33333 profile image
Ang33333

I doubt myself every time I run. I tell myself I've done it before but it doesn't help! 🤪🤪

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