How do I keep the momentum of the earlier weeks of c25k?

[forrestg]

I'm at w7r2 and I have to say, I'm struggling.Any tips from all you hardened graduates?

[Latte_Lady Graduate]

Hi forrestg - you don't say what in particular you're struggling with. Is it finding the motivation to get out there or is it the runs themselves that are proving difficult? I overcame the former by telling myself that if I give up now, all the hard work I've put in so far will be for nothing as will be the money I've spent on running gear! If it's the runs themselves, are you keeping to a steady pace so you've got enough in the tank to finish the whole run? I also found this forum a huge source of support - I think most of us struggle with some aspect of C25K at some point in time and it was helpful to see how others had dealt with the same issues I was having. Anyway, I hope you stick with it - the benefits to physical and mental health are fantasic! and let us know how you get on.

[Tomas Graduate]

I'm also at w7r2, and I have done two things to keep up the spirit

1) at the end of week 1 I signed up for a 5k run which will take place in two weeks' time. That gives me something to aim for.

2) I'm trying each run to do just a little bit more than Laura asks. When it was intervals, I would add an extra iteration, and now when it's solid runs I'm continuing just a little longer than she says. It keeps me feeling that each run is something better than the last one, and there's an opportunity to prove to myself I have improved every time I go out (I appreciate that many others will say just follow the plan, it works)

Best of luck!

[forrestg Graduate in reply to Tomas]

Good luck Tomas, I managed r2 of week7 last night. Just reading all the support messages got me out there, but I almost didn't go. R3 w7 tomorrow early (ish)

[danzargo Graduate]

This is normal and it will pass. I'm a WELL HARD(ened) graduate and had a similar experience, but NOT during the program - many months after for me. The fact is you have to keep going and pass the 12 week mark because once you've reached 12 weeks of running, the habit is formed in your brain that THIS IS NOW PART OF YOUR LIFE! So keep doing the 9 weeks, graduate, then run three times per week, setting yourself goals if you like - faster times, longer distances - whatever turns you on. But stick to the program. It's hard, but then running IS hard - but look at the good it's doing you. Your internal organs are going "thank you!", your blood is flowing freely through your veins, your muscles are stronger, your well being SHOULD be improving.

Plus you've bought trainers, so you can't stop now! Hahaha!

Keep going!

[Hidden]

I echo Latte Lady - you don't say what it is that you are struggling with. The longer runs you are doing now are getting tougher. It's not easy sometimes to be motivated when the run is tough - if you see my post "Week 7 Run 2 - ticked the box" you will note that I had a less than easy run yesterday. It would have been so easy to give up and just walk home halfway through but I'd invested too much time and effort to want to do that so I pushed on. I'm signed up for a 5K race in June and so I now see myself as an 'athlete in training' which helps to motivate me. I take a philosophical view now as well and just try to enjoy the runs without feeling under pressure. Also, it's only 7 more runs to graduation. Not to mention the improvement in health and general well-being. So.............lots of benefits to stick with it. Good luck and best wishes.

[Hennith Graduate]

You need to keep things fresh. In the early weeks of the programme each week is different. For these last 10 runs nothing changes apart from the length of the runs. So, try a different route, different time of day, try running with a buddy if you can, run with your own music instead of the podcast, run with a spoken word podcast instead of music - whatever you can think of to bring back the fun element. Good luck!

[forrestg Graduate]

Hey folks, thanks for all support and advice, or truly is appreciated!

Yes, for me it is the runs themselves that are becoming a struggle, I find myself just waiting for a voice saying " start your cool down"- I'm running with the 'run for pink' c25k which I started before I found this forum.

I think I will change my route, that is becoming boring.I have had the offer of some people from work who run after work, to run with me, I'm just not that confident with my running yet so....may just leave it till I'm more able/ confident / whatever.

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to forrestg]

Ah, doing it without the magic of Laura and the love-hate music. I I wonder if at this stage the run length is effectively the same so you could mix it up by listening to one of 'our' podcasts (and yes, another place/route to run) Sometimes circular routes work better, but for other people out and back suits.

[forrestg Graduate]

I agree, GM, I think I can mix or swap to Laura's podcasts, just to keep things interesting.

Anyway, I made the w7r2 tonight....