Needing Motivation

[Elmlea06]

Ive just completed w2r1. I'm so proud that I've managed to get this far, but today's run killed me. I ran yesterday so hope it's just my body not recovering quickly enough.

I'm already starting to dread w2r2. Did anyone else feel this way?

[Indigogirl Graduate]

Well done on getting going with the programme, but you definitely need to take your rest days and not run on consecutive days. Do some stretching or maybe swimming on the in between days, to give your running legs time to recover. And don't worry about moving forward, the programme will take you there, just take it easy and follow the advice on the podcast and this forum. I assure you that the majority of us here felt like you in the early days - I certainly really struggled to do the 1 minute runs in W1, but now I'm just home from running W7R2 - 25 minutes!

You can do it!

[pkjemmott89 Graduate]

A crap run is still a run, it is awesome that you got onto week 2, it means you're really giving this a go. Well done.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to pkjemmott89]

Not if we are missing rest days I am afraid...it is far too soon to be pushing hard in any way at all... The programme is so carefully structured, in the hope we may all reach week 9 having had fun and remaining injury free

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You must, must , must take rest days.

At this stage your running muscles, your stamina and your strength are just beginning to build up...as the programme progresses, the rest days are equally important.. never miss one

The dread will disappear when you start to follow this programme, slowly and steadily ...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Running on consecutive days is not recommended until you have been running regularly for at least a year. When you run you create micro tears in your muscles which repair and strengthen on your rest days, not while running. No rest, no repair, no strengthening and so increased injury risk.

You say the runs are hard. An experienced runner would not run two hard runs on consecutive days. Give yourself a break, before some part of you breaks. Please, for your own sake, follow the clear instructions in the plan or you are destined to become a non runner on the injury couch.

Of course you will dread runs if you make it hard for yourself. What is the hurry? Slow down and enjoy the journey and you stand far more chance of reaching graduation injury free............then you can do what the hell you like.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[LouIselsqy Graduate]

I know how you feel I think?!

You enjoyed the run, yesterday so ran again today? I too felt that urge early on but resisted the desire, waited and stayed true to the programme- having failed at I interval programmes before due to over enthusiasm/bad planning and generally running too fast too soon and so wrongly thought I could not run. I can! 😁

Stick to the plan and you'll be amazed how well you get on - I am! 😃.

Well done 👍