W8 R1

[Happytorun]

Just finished my first run of week 8. I must admit I did struggle and I found it hard. I managed to complete it, but am I alone in my thinking that I find my runs a chore still, not a pleasure?

When will I get to the point where Iam actually ENJOYING my run, and not desperately thinking"surely I haven't got much further to go" every time I'm out for a run. I actually really miss the break up walks that were last in week 6, maybe it's the thought of just one long run, but any advice will be helpful. I sooo want to enjoy my runs. 🏃‍♀️

[tortoisegirl Graduate]

The last few weeks can feel a bit relentless, but once you have graduated, which is so close now, you can mix things up a bit! I don't know about anyone else; I still find running quite hard, (a month after graduation), but 30 minutes is definitely becoming more comfortable. I no longer feel like I might expire at the end!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just slow down.. even if you are going slow... as long as you don't stop Look around, pick points to run to, make up silly songs, count your footsteps

It could be that the running isn't for you, but at this point. it is really worth finishing... you have come so far... Maybe change your route if possible...or just reverse it.. sometimes it is enough... When you have graduated you can choose the type of run you would like to carry on with... Lots of walk/run programmes out there.. and you can design your own programme too...

Stick with it... slow and steady.. go on... you can.. and who knows, suddenly, enjoyment ? x

[orchards Graduate]

Would it help to do some of the earlier runs in between the W8 and W9 runs? Do you use the podcast? If not, it's worth giving it a try - I did find it helped me keep going. If you don't then you could listen to music or an interesting podcast while running. Have you managed to find interesting routes, with plenty to see and hear, and changes to notice? If you like to analyse what you've done, do you use strava or similar. It's quite nice to be able to see you've been quicker than usual up a hill for example.

I guess an important question is do you feel good after a run? I have been very pleasantly surprised by just how good I do feel when I've finished - much better able to cope with any problems, even if it's not been one of my best runs.

You're nearly there with finishing the programme but even when you get there, as tortoisegirl said, it can feel quite hard - the aim is to be able to do 30 minutes but it doesn't say it will be a piece of cake at this stage! 3 weeks on from graduating I find it easier than I did but have a loooong way to go!

[Hidden]

I agree with what others have said. I think most feel happy after their run , I know I do . Also think back to your original motivation. I will repeat what I've said to others (sorry if you've already heard it) that I get a great sense of achievement and fitness and wellbeing which helps with all the other stuff that happens in life.

I now regularly run 6K+ and for first time today ran for 41 minutes. I don't aim to do much more than that except that my speed will probably gradually increase. It has helped with my weight loss (now only 1 or 2 pounds off normal BMI) and potentially stopped me from facing a future on medication. It is now a good habit as natural as food and drink to me and would miss my regular runs. I would like to run 3 times but regularly do 2 runs per week. I also cycle to work 4K there and 4K back.

It could be that running is not for you but it has practical benefits. Sometimes if I have a puncture I run to work (even in Birmingham difficult getting bus at 6 to where you want). It also is often a basis for training for other sports. It has definitely increased my cycling speed.

Even if not for you it is well worth doing some sport or exercise for your health. I like cycling but I would like to play in a football team but cannot commit to regular attendance so running gives me flexibility.

Let us all know how you get on.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Right now you are focused on 'finishing' the programme. Like it's a deadline or something. When you graduate you will find yourself maybe a bit 'lost' without the structure for a while, then you will figure out what makes you happiest about running and it will all come together.

You might still - as I do - feel at times like your lungs are about to erupt through you nose, but you will be having fun becuase now you will REALLY be doing it for yourself

I split the week into a 'short and fast' 5K, a 'LongRun' day where I am gradually building up to 5 miles and don't worry about time and a 'Hill' day where I run up and down the steep hills that surround me for 40 minutes.

That way I keep it all interesting and even on the 'dreaded hill day' I feel like I am getting maximum benefit fitness wise

Plus it is a huge motivator to see the times, distances, hilltops improve