New to the site

Hi, I've recently started c25k. I signed up to a running club's c25k scheme to try and get fitter, and to meet new people. However I find the worst part is doing the " homework" ( the other two runs ) on my own, as I find getting myself out of the front door extremely difficult. Any advise, apart from using rockets would be great.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

What works for me is that I put on my running wear first thing and other clothes on top. I really don't much like wearing my big firm control knickers (except that it holds the wobble so it isn't uncomfortable when I run) so it is good to get the run done so I can take 'em off.

Dumping the notion of 'homework' might be a worth trying - it doesn't sound terribly appealing. Doing the NHS C25K programme we just have R1, 2 and 3.

[Hidden in reply to GoogleMe]

The running club call it homework, but it is the other two runs in reality which I have to do back home as the clubs c25k is just one of the sessions per week. I might just go and put my gear on now for later though. Thanks GoogleMe.

[Dhiny]

I would not think of the runs as "homework" as that makes it sound a chore and as running is psychological as well as physical, it is off putting. I just think of it as Run 1, Run 2, etc. of which ever week I am in. I also set my running kit out the night before so that it's ready when I get up / get home - this makes it easier as I am not time wasting looking for my kit before I go out. Think about how you will feel when you complete your run and look forward to your next run. If I am running after work, then I psych myself up during the day, planning for it, imaging myself completing it and how I will feel. If I am running before work, then I just get myself up, into my kit and through the door - that's the hardest part, getting through the door; once you're out, you're good to go. Don't look ahead at the weeks, just take it one run at a time and most of all, enjoy the run

[Hidden in reply to Dhiny]

Thanks Dhiny. You are right in the feeling of euphoria after completing a run, so will use that as one of my motivations.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

The C25K is a great programme with three runs per week..... homework sounds like a chore not a pleasure... ( always was for me anyway, at school

Set your stuff out ready before your run, know where you are going and vary the route maybe.. and take it slow and steady. The idea is, it should be fun...

Plus.. you have posted now, so we will be waiting for your next run post

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss, and as I'm due to go out later. I will post if I'm in any fit state

[McFitty Graduate]

Getting out of the front door is always the hardest part! I would often make every excuse I could to put off going out. So now I remove all obstacles the day before. I make sure my running kit is ready to just step into (I've done the "oh it'll take too long to get my kit together" routine), make sure my gamin is charged, make sure my phone is charged, keys are where I can find them. Make sure I don't go to bed too late, etc etc. Every little helps!

After that it's really just down to discipline and reminding yourself why you're doing it. The programme is just awesome. Do you have a friend you could get to run with you? If not, we can all run virtually with you and cheer you home on each run. I do hope you stick with it, you'll never regret it. Getting yourself out the door will be so worth it. Good luck😊

[Hidden in reply to McFitty]

Thanks for that McFitty. Unfortunately there isn't anybody to run with when I'm not at the club, but I am due to go out later, so fingers crossed I'll be ok and will take you up on the virtual run option

[ryse]

It's a pity the club calls it homework 😕 it's not homework, it's a present to yourself 😋 my work happens entirely in my head, at a desk, so I find the physicality of running really enjoyable, even when it's tough. I also find planning new routes fun, maybe you could do that? It's exciting to see your body slowly adapting to longer routes! Hope you achieve the mental back-flip that takes it from chore to reward!

[RainbowC Graduate]

I agree with the others. Leave the idea of homework behind. Running is a great way of escaping from the rest of the world - it's a reward, or bonus time, or whatever else, but POSITIVE! (Seriously, I ran yesterday, and have spent much of today wishing I hadn't purely so that I could go for a run today!)

Other than that, keep reading the forum here, and keep posting. You'll find all the encouragement, motivation and support you could ever need on here

[Irish-John Graduate]

I read the inspirational and supportive posts here.

I also look at the ground and see more of my feet as time goes by - that gives me a boost too

I also never tell myself I 'have to' go a set distance - I want to enjoy myself after all usually though - when I do get started the old feeling of 'WOW!!! - I'm a RUNNER!! ' sets in and I do more than I would have thought

The first few feet - going out the door - are the worst, but when you say that out loud it does not seem to be a valid reason not to Run

Hope you find some reason to continue and very best wishes

[poppypug Graduate]

Welcome aboard !

I just say to myself that I'm going, no arguments , that's after I have nearly talked myself out of it a hundred times . I also say to myself " How would I feel if I didn't go ? " and the answer is always " Terrible ! "

The hardest part is getting out of the door, once I'm out , I feel ok and ready to go .

Keep posting so that we can cheer you along your way ! xxx

[Worldsend Graduate]

Put the headphones in and it's not like running on your own

Laura just speaks to you (although I think sometimes her timings a bit out) she keeps saying you are halfway through when I think she means 60 seconds left

Everyone here is very supportive