Need to give my head a wobble....

[KHamps88]

Hi all,

I've just completed W4R3, due to do run 1 of week 5 on Saturday and I feel... Well, a bit flat about the whole thing if I'm honest. I found the 5 minute runs really difficult, I fell out with Laura big time, and my unhelpful brain was telling me all sorts during both of the longer runs (you're too slow, you're too fast, you need a wee, is that a twinge, etc etc!!) which put me off. I completed all the runs though, and the thought of running 5 minutes a few weeks ago would have been laughable so I've definitely improved, I just feel like I'm losing some motivation.

Is this normal? Has anyone got any experiences? Any tips to get my mojo back?

[wez70 Graduate]

Yep! And I think every week (before I even attempted the next one) I was doubting myself and wondering how it was possible. But then I looked back and saw how far I'd come each time I went out and that in itself was an achievement. You can do it, you will do it, but if you feel you have to repeat a week here or there so what ... all I can say is that if you don't try you don't find out ... if you're struggling, maybe slow down rather than try to keep going at a speed that maybe doesn't suit you right now as if you can build up the stamina to just keep moving then the rest will come over time. Keep us posted but it's a familiar experience

[MrsSparkle Graduate]

Oh yes, it's all perfectly normal, sadly. Don't let it get you down. These 'gremlins' are always there trying to get you back on the couch. Don't listen to them. You know you can do it, and you are doing it. 😀👍

[KHamps88]

Thanks guys, the thing that keeps me going is that I feel as if I can take in the world when I've finished. I'm going to start making a note of my times & distances but only do what feels good (bearable!) and then I can easily look back and see I've improved for motivation! I love this group for support, feeling a lot more positive as I've just seen that W5R1 is the same as the week 4 runs anyway. I shall keep pounding the pavements!

[Karen214 in reply to KHamps88]

I think we all know that feeling! Great idea to log your runs... I do that too and always write up my log as soon as I get in....

I'm now running for over 30 mins, but the first five minutes, those pesky gremlins are always out to get me!! I think 5 mins is the hardest barrier, but it does get easier after that first five minutes....

Think about what you've already achieved!! You're doing brilliantly!!

Do you have a "brag" partner - after a run, the feeling of achievement is awesome and I always text my husband and my parents - they always tell me they are proud of me and I fin that motivates me too!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

I know how you feel. If that five min run is giving you problems it's fine to repeat a run until you feel confident that you have cracked it. I know I only moved on when I felt sure I could manage a run.

So don't despair just do what feels right,

there is no pressure to do it in 9 weeks.

Enjoy the running experience and good luck next run.

[Hidden]

Hi, I'm due to start week 5 but like you, that extra 2 minute is a step too far. I'll carry on with week 4 until it gets a bit more comfortable for me. As everyone says it's an achievement and I'm 56 and now feel so energised with so much more energy, I'll definitely carry on - good luck, just remember your not alone!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yep...as you see from the replies.. lots of us have been where you are now. It really is those gremlins... seriously! They nip into your head and whisper all kinds of little fibs.

Best way to get rid, is to ignore them and...slow down and take it very steady.

Listen to Laura, but. also, sing in your head, think of a poem, think how brilliant you are... because you are.. look what you have achieved!

Look around you a bit, people watch, anything to trick those little pests!

Mainly, keep posting.. people on here will support you every step if the way!

[Hidden]

I'm glad I read this (and the replies from the fab forum folk), I've just done week one and not sure if I'm ready for week two... You've come this far, what's to lose? And, as I found out on my second run, having a "wild wee" is better than trying to jog with a full bladder (disclaimer: This may not work in urban areas

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You post made me laugh Pam 😁

Give Week 2 a go, (**spoiler alert*** there are less runs...) you will be able to do it as long as you go slowly, and run on the flat if possible. Trust Laura she will get you through this.

Tip. We always stretch our legs and shoulders afterwards too.

[Hidden]

I think all us 'non-runners' who start t his program go through all the emotions and thoughts that you have. I know i did and have had lots of encouragement from fellow C25K members. I just completed week 5 about an hour ago and feel great about it. I JUST DID A 20 MINUTE NON STOP RUN (JOG) I would never have believed that a few weeks ago and that's exactly where you are. But you will get there next week. The program does work...I don't know how...but it does. Keep positive and try to get on with Laura she seems to know what she's talking about even though at the time you might not always agree, Good luck for tomorrow and the rest of W5

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

It is ok to give Laura a bit of sullen backchat if that helps, she's heard it all before. I run for about 40 mins now, slowly but with complete ease, however it is the first 10 min which are hard. Why is that? I don't really know but maybe all your body parts have to find their rhythm and fall into place, then you're on auto pilot. You'll see next week. At the moment your runs are in that getting settled into it phase so they feel like a struggle. To get through that sometimes you need to have something concrete to think

out as you run. It just keeps your mind occupied and blocks the gremlins