At long last managed to get out for a run! ๐it was hard going !!! Legs really felt like lead & really had to fight these pesky gremlins!! Got to my 3.5km in 30mins which has been my distance & times for last few weeks! Last long run was about 2weeks ago & really struggling to motivate myself this week. Tonight was first run since Friday just had so much on at weekend & really frosty last couple of nights! Maybe my expectations too high was trying to keep to 3 runs a week & only got 2 last week! Really thought I'd be at stage of saying I love this running but struggling! Think as not seeing it getting any easier or making progress! However will try & get my positive hat back on & keep trying๐๐
Does anyone else struggle at this time of year... - Couch to 5K
Does anyone else struggle at this time of year.....
It's tough getting out can't wait for the days to stretch a little bit , hoping to go tomorrow after work ... I did get out Tuesday and completed parkrun on Saturday ... But the week before with kids sick I found it difficult, I still find the legs heavy etc wonder when it gets easier ?? I do 5 k now on most of my runs and nip away at my times so while I'm finding it hard every run is helping I guess
Good for you & great you getting to 5k every run!! Well done you! I'm sure it's a case of perseverance!!๐keep up the good work!
Well I have my barcode but haven't plucked up the courage to go!! So self concious & times slow but have said I'd go on 24th!! Who would have thought at 59 this would be so difficult to just go regardless of what folk think!! O I'm a silly woman๐๐x
I do think this time of year can be difficult and I am more likely to have heavy legs and/or breathing not well controlled when it's cold. had been wondering how well I would manage 3 runs a week with winter weather but I've just been to running club this evening (they have a run/walk group) - otherwise I think I would have found it much harder to motivate myself to leave the nice warm house. I haven't run when the temperature is below zero before, either, and being with other people gave me more confidence that i could do it. Having done that i will go out by myself if it's frosty, and I felt really good after the run. Is there any similar group you could try out?
I used to go to jog scotland years ago but I must look into it as that just might help my confidence too thanks๐
You keep that positive hat on, running buddy. How about doing a 30 minute run once a week and a shorter run of 20 minutes once or twice a week? I think with the shorter days, it's difficult to stay motivated and find the time to fit in our runs, especially with Christmas plans and work getting in the way. You'll be just fine, Phyllis, stay warm and listen to your body. I've got the mince pies to make, will be dangling them from my Santa ๐ ๐ป hat for you on Christmas Eve at our parkrun! ๐๐๐ผโโ๏ธ๐๐ป๐๐ผโโ๏ธ๐๐ป๐ ๐ป๐ ๐ป๐
Ah Flossie 22 you are an angel you know that's a great idea as just got it in my head I won't progress unless I do a minimum of 30 mins each run but I must admit I will try that to see if I could get 3 runs in each week! Think I might need two mince pies ๐๐๐๐ you know these park runs so daunting I had a guy in that I was selling his house & we got chatting & it came to light he does the parkruns & he does them in something silly like 20mins obviously super fit๐!! I Can't get my head round why I feel so daft if I'm last!!! I think I need counselling to overcome fear of parkruns๐๐๐x
I am just the same! I've had a cold which although not bad in itself really messed up my breathing when running. I really am struggling to get out at the moment and keep motivated. I was so full of good intentions but I feel it's slipping away.. ๐ฑ
Hi, just keep at it, it really does get easier, I found once I had mastered 3.5 miles then no more struggling I'm now at 4 miles and not realising I'm actually running, it's just a great feeling, and don't be put off by the frost that actually makes lovely running conditions as long as no ice. Good luck
Thanks I really want to keep up running so will keep plodding on & il think about what you've said & make that my goal as love to get to "I love running stage" ๐๐x
Parkrun is fab ! everyone runs their own race be they slow or fast and no-one there will judge you. there will be folks there walking, plodding, walking with Nordic poles, the walking wounded ๐ It's a nurturing environment for runners of all ages, shapes and sizes and capabilities. Get yourself there and jump in with both feet โบ You could volunteer first if you like, to get the feel of it
Regarding your comment about whether or not to do parkrun yet - I suggest you go to your local parkrun website which you'll find a link to from the main parkrun website. Go to the results table and look at the times of the last few runners for the last few weeks. If your likely time is much slower than the current last place people AND if you think that it would be depressing/ discouraging/ demotivatIng to come in "very last" then leave it a few more weeks. It's quite possible though that when you look at these results tables you'll find quite a few other people are at the same level as you. That's certainly what I found. I was 146th out of 180 on Saturday, but that was my seventeenth parkrun! The only time I see those speedy people like the man you spoke to is when I'm on marshalling duty...
You're not on your own there Phyllis. I am also *really* struggling to get out and run at the moment. In fact, I haven't had another run since my graduation run on Saturday and even then I wasn't exactly full of enthusiasm to get out there. I just wanted it completed. You might be the same as me inasmuch as when you finish a run you feel good, but it's just that motivation to get out there and start one! I know it can be difficult to sometimes get the time to run when you have so many other things going on in life (especially working!) but I guess if we were really that in love with it we would always make the time wouldn't we? I must be honest and say at this moment in time I can't say I'm in love with it.
I somehow got through C25K but the last few weeks were very tough indeed. I don't just mean physically, I mean mentally it was tough as well! I actually started the plan when I was 'between jobs' and therefore found it very easy to get up and go out every other day as I had nothing else I actually needed to do. But now I am back at work, I am so knackered (mentally, not just physically) that I really couldn't be ar$ed, even if it is possible for me to find enough time for it. Not only that, it's so damn cold out there at the moment that I simply cannot stand the thought of venturing outside unless it's absolutely necessary.
I was hoping that purchasing a treadmill would be my answer...and it might be, when the bloody thing finally gets delivered!! I was supposed to take delivery of it on Tuesday Nov 29th but late on that day I received an email from the company saying the container had only just arrived at Southampton and once it gets dropped off at their warehouse in Norwich they will then ship it out to me. So, I'm now having to wait for another week before I take delivery. Unfortunately, I will be away in London on a family get together during this time, so knowing my luck they will try to deliver, fail and send the damn thing back to the warehouse!
I was quite eager to give this treadmill a good try out on Tuesday, especially as I was due a run that day anyway, but as it didn't turn up I didn't get to run. I think that once I have my treadmill it won't be as difficult to do a run as I know I don't have to brave the bad weather outside. All I will need to do is make sure I can find around 45 minutes to complete one.
I know it might sound like I'm just making excuses (and maybe I am?) but to be honest I'm really chuffed that I did complete the C25K plan and I definitely do not want that to go to waste. I really do want to have that great feeling you get after a good run everytime I think about running, like some people on here. They love running and can't seem to get enough of it...I want to be like that, I really do. I'm sure we will get to stage one day my friend! x
Lee thank you so much for that post it was like I wrote it just how I feel right now! Funny I had a treAdmill & sold it in Jan as I never used it!!! Wish I had it back now! Or then again maybe like before I wouldn't use it! I do like beInglis outside if weather was better & not dark when I get to go out due to working full time! We just have to keep ourselves going Lee and nice to know we are not alone!! You and I can have another celebration when we get to the I love running stage!! Like you so proud to at least have completed c25k ๐ hope your treadmill arrives soon & let us know how it goes! X
Yes Phyllis we can indeed have our own extra celebration when we finally get to that 'I love running' stage, which will eventually come if we keep at it.
Ok on getting rid of your treadmill. Well there's no guarantee that I am going to like using one and it may also sit there gathering dust at the end if the day. However I need to try it out as I'm really struggling to find the time (and effort) to get outside in the dark, wet weather at the moment. I just about stumbled across the C25K finish line but since then I haven't done a single run!
Keep on running! x
It's below freezing point out there, and dark.......the prospect of going out the front door to run this am is like contemplating a walk down Freddy Krueger Memorial Alley at Halloween.....
The only thing that gets me out on a morning when the temperature is only 7 degrees (which is what it was yesterday) is the thought of the temperature differential when I'm running... like, for example, I read that you add somewhere between 8-12 degrees (depending on your weight) if you are running. So if it's 7 outside, I add 12 degrees, and it's like I'm running in temperatures of 19 degrees instead - not cold at all!!
Yep - I play mind games something fierce with myself - my car clock is 9 minutes ahead so I'm never late for work (I can't do math in the morning).
I totally understand. It's cold out there! There's also probably the added factor of having graduated a month ago so being without the structure of the programme. Two runs a week is better than one and one is better than none! Could you maybe buy yourself something new for running so that you want to put it on/use it? Do you have a running watch? If not perhaps something like that could go on your Christmas list?
Great idea I have a Fitbit but bought my son a running watch as he was training for a half marathon so it was an early birthday& christmas pressie๐ maybe time to treat myself too๐๐ aChristmas pressie to myself๐ thanks๐x
I think this must be hardest time of year for motivation; X mas plans, bugs, short days, weather.... every run is even more of a success in December so I I think we can take something more from it every every time we manage to get out. Not sure how motivation is going to be after I finish c25k in a few weeks..... but spring time is coming (although a few months off!!! )
Very true & can't wait for spring & just lighter nights!! ๐
Totally sympathise; I need to get out there this morning as haven't run since Tuesday (and that was incline intervals on a treadmill) or been outside (running) since Sunday. It's just so damn cold (and I'm in the south, so goodness knows what it's like for you Northerners - but it was -4.5% at 06.45 on Tues brrrrr). Clothes are on the radiator as I speak...
Think Flossie22 has a good plan - shorter runs will keep your spirits up (seem so much more achievable in my book) - quicker to get home to that glass of wine and will also get you fitter. I looked at my local Parkrun times and if I had run last Saturday I would have been last by over 2 minutes (and that's not including the tail). So we can be last together on the 24th, chasing after Flossie's mince pies!
Anyway, chin up Running Buddy; it will get warmer!
O so true Carol it is cold here though nit as bad last time i was on on wed! Ive a night out tonight working tomorrow & babysitting all weekend so not sure when il get out but i am taking kids a long walk to get my 10000 steps! Working on the mind gremlins! ๐๐it doesnt matter if last ! Will be running!! Or trying๐๐x
My legs are really feeling heavy too, I don't know if it's the time of year or what. But even when cycling it feels worse and I have to go down to baby gear to get up the hills.