Newbie

Wanted to introduce myself. I am a HeadTeacher and was keen to get fit so started sometime ago doing C25K. I have amazed myself having never run before and a few weeks ago hit the 20 min run. However, after 3 attempts failed and it shook my confidence! So have gone back to week 4. I am struggling doing 12 hour days and then getting home to run. Anyone else out there with a high pressured job and managing it? Looking forward to finishing for summer so I can really concentrate on doing my first park run!

[Fishypieface Graduate]

I'm only on week 6 and not sure I am 'qualified' to give you any pearls of wisdom other than I find it really hard to run in hot weather.... The end of the day would finish me off. I have to get up early AM and do it when it is cool... I don't think I would have got through week 5 if I did it after work in this recent heat. Running when it is cool makes such a massive difference - to me anyway. Try it if you can and see. Good luck.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I think a lot of people in your sort of situation find that running first thing is the most reliable strategy, at least during the week.

As to finding the 20 minute run elusive, the standard strategies are: a different time of day (see above), different route, slow it down. Something always works eventually if you keep the faith. I'm sure the school holidays will help but a strategy to make sure running can stay part of your life seems needed.

[Pauline17 Graduate]

I work long days too and find it is better to get up early to run. If you start the day off with a run you'll feel energised for the whole day. It's a definite no to running after such a long day. Try morning runs even on your working days.

[Babsicles Graduate]

Hi by the time I get home from a long day at work starting at 730am I am too tired to run so I do mine early in the morning I run Tuesday Thursday and Sunday so I only do 2 weekday runs and have swopped Saturday for Sunday if things going on

I have my running gear and work clothes laid out ready the night before and find this works for me

[Hidden]

I find I can't get a run in before work. It would just mean getting up too early which is a shame because I prefer to run early. But if I feel tired after work I have discovered a run is really good. I guess it depends if your work is very physical or like mine lots of meetings.

[Jewel84 Graduate]

I have a 12 hour day door to door and am on my feet all day. I've managed a couple of runs in the evenings but it's hard going. I'm now setting the alarm half an hour earlier and running in the mornings. It's definitely a better time

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

The secret of the 20 min run is to start it VERY slowly. Just break into a gentle light jog and ease into it. Think of it in five minute segments as you know you can manage those. By starting slowly you are not working too hard while your body takes on the oxygen you need and later on in the run you will have more energy. You know you have run for 16 mins in Wk5 R2 so this is not beyond you.

Can you wait til about 7pm when there is a bit more shade around, before your evening meal.

This is intended to be a gentle prod😆, I think you may be making it harder for yourself..and you have used the *f* word.

Why not try the 2 x 8 again next run then tackle R3 with a positive attitude.

Good luck and you can do it.😊

[RuthMargaret Graduate]

Sorry I have no advice except do what you feel comfortable with.

What a wonderful example you are to all your pupils - you are trying to work around life's obstacles to achieve a better level of fitness. It goes to show, a lot of the time (for most of us), the biggest obstacle is what's going on inside your own head.

You'll get there!

[Slinkymalinki Graduate]

Hi there, I'm a teacher & know exactly how you feel! Well done for persevering, I'm sure you can already feel a surge in energy as well as fitness. As many have already said, an early morning run might be the answer. Obviously weekends are ok, could you squeeze in a run late pm/early eve one day & an early run during the week? What about changing before leaving work & stopping off at a park or similar for a run on the way home? Hope you can find a routine. Keep going - your health is more important than meetings!!