Wk1 run 2

[JustLisa]

Ok so I'm trying to get motivated! Whoever said getting your trainers on was the hardest part...... Help!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Ask yourself why you are considering doing C25k in the first place. If, like most of us, you are trying to improve your stamina and fitness, then C25k delivers both of those in an attainable and satisfying way. You will see significant progress within a couple of weeks. Running is also addictive and once you get the first few runs under your belt you will love the way you feel and probably be impatient to get out there again. It can be tough, but thousands of us ordinary mortals have completed C25k and would swear that it is one of the best things we have ever done in our lives. You will have so many physical and psychological benefits. At the age of 57 I had not run since I was at school, but within five months of starting C25k I ran ten miles without stopping and I am fitter and happier now than at any time in my adult life. You have got this close to becoming a runner, you owe it to yourself to carry on and change your life for the better. This site is always here to offer advice and encouragement. We have all been there.

Good luck. You can do it.

[JustLisa Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much! Real words of encouragement ..... I WILL persevere!!!

[misswobble Graduate]

It is that easy. You just put those trainers on and off you go. If you follow the C25k podcasts you don't even have to think as Laura will do that for you, quite literally you just put one foot in front of the other and she guides you through the seconds. It is only seconds to start with so no worries at all. I was 56 when I started. We have folks here who started C25k well into 60's and 70's, and beyond I shouldn't wonder.

[JustLisa Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thank you xxx I'd love to be running in my 60's & 70's ... I've always admired those who do! Xx

[Gingerbreadman Graduate]

I really didn't want to go out last night - it was cold, windy & I felt tired. But I forced myself into my kit and set off. Within a few minutes I was grinning like a Cheshire Cat as it felt so good to be out! I'm only out for 30 mins but it's making such a difference physically & mentally. I don't know about you but those 30 mins are about my only 'me' time. Once the first few steps are taken the rest is easy....

[JustLisa Graduate in reply to Gingerbreadman]

I did it! Like you say, once the first steps were taken I was glad I did! Thank you xx

[Gingerbreadman Graduate in reply to JustLisa]

Brilliant, well done. You'll be able to feels smug all day now!

[annasee Graduate]

Go for it Lisa. I often think back to things I've read on here when I'm out running. I never believed the plan would work for me, but it has, completely as scheduled. Except that I'm still slow, but that doesn't matter. Happy to be able to run distances in my 50's that I never did in my life before, and to feel fine when I've finished. Just get out there and do it, you will wonder how you ever doubted yourself in a few months.

[JustLisa Graduate in reply to annasee]

I did it!! I forced myself but am glad I did. I know if I miss just one I will lose the motivation. I will keep reading the comments... They really do help xx

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I can't remember if it was here I read about it, and in a way it may not work for running because of the 'non-running' days but I heard about the 'calendar' strategy where the mere fact of not wanting to be able to mark off 'done' on a calendar when you've built up a string of successes is motivating. I rummaged out a nice calendar and I am using it for a few other things I want to achieve.

Another strategy I have found very effective, in combination with the just getting the kit on without thinking about it and getting out there and *then* deciding whether to go for it - and it may not work for everyone - is to tell myself I don't have to do this... or I'll probably give up in 5 minutes.... I probably won't do the 5K today....

[jujubean]

I have 3 distinct strategies to get me running...

I put all my runs into my planner -from week one to the end, giving myself a cushion of an extra run for each podcast week, and if I don't do it it means that I will take that much longer to get to 5k. I really, really, really want to be able to say I can run 5K.

Reflecting on what I have done and knowing that there has been improvement. I am just going into w4, but am absolutely amazed at the difference in my ability between what I could do at the end of w2 and the the end of w3. me. running for 3 whole minutes? I did it not once, not twice, but 6 times!!!! I ran 27 minutes this week! 4 weeks ago, I could barely run for 1 minute.

Another kick in the pants is to put on the kit first thing in the morning on my run days. I cannot shower until I have run, and since I don't want to be seen wearing spandex, bad hair and no make-up at the kids school at pick-up, I am motivated to get it done.

[JustLisa Graduate in reply to jujubean]

OMG I LOVE YOUR KICK IN THE PANTS IDEA!!!!! I will put on my kit on my run days..... As just like you.... I couldn't bare no makeup & bad hair.... Brilliant! Thank you x

[Nilzed in reply to jujubean]

That's pretty much what i do. Spouse has agreed to take the boy to school 3 mornings a week, so i could get out there first thing. I often dont get out there until i have done 3 or 4 other things, but i know if i had dressed for the school run and gotten out of the house, i would probably think of an errand 'since i am out' and before you know it, it would be too late to go home, change, run, change again, hopefully after a shower, and get anything else done. Plus when i started, i thought i would be cold walking that far in the fewer layers i need for running.

But i feel bad, cause i actually inspired another mum(!) and she comes to school and begins her run from there. But she lives closer, and is an experienced runner, just slightly out of the habit, and looks the part much more than i do, yet.

[JustLisa Graduate in reply to Nilzed]

What a lovely spouse!!!! I think it's all about getting into a routine in the early days... I'm really want to stick with it, I know it'll be hard but the support on here really is amazing xxx enjoy xxx

[JustLisa Graduate]

Giggle!!!! Perfect!!! Rest day today but will read this again tomorrow xxx

[Hidden]

If you are able to set aside specific times to run three times a week you would create a routine for getting out there. I tend to go for Mon/Wed/Fri mornings. These three days give me a bit of leeway. There are plenty of good suggestions here though so you should be able to find a way that works for you. Good luck and best wishes.