Having a wobble

[24927396]

Still in Malta until Saturday, have been keeping up the programme - on week 4 - and have really struggled. Managed W4R2 but really struggled in the 28c heat. Developed a blister so had to drop back to W3 to minimise the discomfort but still try to keep moving and doing something til it's healed. Joint pain and stiffness is getting worse to add to the annoyance, could barely walk around yesterday, hobbling like an old man. This has all compounded to trigger a real dip in mood - my mental health is my worst enemy and know this will just give it the ammunition it needs to kick my backside and try and defeat me before I even attempt my next run. Wanted to try and get through W4R3 today but at the moment feel absolutely beaten physically and mentally. Don't want to put it off as that will be the first time and lead to bad practice. Scared to attempt it and fail and do untold damage to my confidence and motivation. Just a wobble but can't see any positive outcome. May try a W3 run again just to try and minimise the lack of progress until my mood and joints and blister heal. Any advice or kicks up the backside welcome. X

[Kmcm66]

I had trouble with my ankles and repeated week 1 and 2 to give them time to strengthen. It was what I needed to do to succeed, not weakness. Same for you. Try to do what your body needs. The critical voice in your head is wrong ! You are doing great. Repeat what you need to and go very slow. Every run no matter how slow is a success. The positive outcome is not allowing these thoughts to take over. Keep going at your own pace.

[24927396 in reply to Kmcm66]

Thank you x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Okay.. you clearly know the problems.. so forewarned is forearmed.

Now, Is there a slightly cooler time you are able to run?

If so, slow, slower, and slower still.. take it very, very gently... no pressure, just quite literally a step at a time.

The mind Gremlins are, so devious, they try every trick in their horrid grubby little book; finding any chink of weakness whatever that weakness is. Either ignore them or squish them with every, slow step. Okay, that would be my advice.

Now, my gentle shove... just take a huge breath,get out there and do that run. You can do this, you are capable, however slow you are. Make sure your muscles are warm, set yourself short target points and run.

Favourite quote for you..

"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just don't give up!"

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

What great advise I love the quote!!! The gremlins are more of a pain than the aches!!!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Pc59]

They are and they really, really loathe being ignored...

[Pc59 Graduate]

Hi there the positive side is my goodness you are out there doing this programme WELL DONE!😊 our minds are the worst at trying to keep putting us off! Stay with it this is not a competition go at your own pace & speed maybe you are running too fast to start with slow & slower still is our mantra on here & it works!! I am 59 never ran always wanted too & have had good days( which feel great & a good day means I managed to stay the length of the run not a fast run ha ha! ) bad days where so slow I think I could brisk walk faster ha ha! Felt so like giving up & then got on this forum & the people are great here😊😊 I'm on week9 run1 next & so chuffed with myself & still find it hard but I'm still trying!! No where near running 5k mark but I am running ok slowly for 30mins! Far better then sitting on the couch ha ha!! Don't be so hard on yourself. I bought good running socks 1000ml socks I think they are called they are double lined to prevent blisters. They are amazing!!! ( several years ago I walked the moonwalk marathon & no blisters in that 26.3 Mls!! ) also try stretching after your runs and I always have a lovely long soak in the bath😊😊 I've had the aches & pains too it's our bodies getting used to running but they do ease. Please keep going the sense of achievement will sort these thoughts in your head!!! Sunshine in Malta also a big plus. ENJOY & well done for keeping to the programme . Repeat weeks till your body adjusts & you will get to the end!!! Good luck you can do this!!😊😊Phyllis x

[24927396 in reply to Pc59]

Thank you Phyllis x

[mfamilias Graduate]

Running in 28°C is awful - I'm not surprised you are struggling. My Gremlin is called Gary, and he's an evil little S*D. He knows just which button to press to make me bow out of a planned run, so here's the plan: Listen to the little old lady knitting on a chair in your solar plexus. She has rollers, wears horn-rimmed specs, knows you inside out and back to front and whispers the truth audibly enough for it to get through on a different frequency to the gremlin's whining. She will tell you in no uncertain terms if you really aren't up to it physically at the moment, or whether you are listening to your gremlins too much. If she tells you that you are in pain, listen to her and when it's better, tape up the gremlin's gob, put your trainers on and step out of the door. That's the most difficult bit. From then on, it's plain sailing - as long as you stop doubting your capacity to get things done. "Everything you want is on the other side of fear" - and as my dad taught me as a child, "if you don't try, you'll never know". Keep us posted!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

Gary is almost completed... he is pretty horrid..

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

woot woot can't wait to see him on my screen