OMG... My pre-run anxiety is real.
I start Week 2 Run 1 tomorrow & I was fine until the thought came to me just now. My usual symptons are butterflies, tummy knots, toilet visits, loss of appetite, lack of sleep.
Is this normal? Does anyone else feel nervous beforehand?
It is normal to feel nervous. Especially starting a new week. I know that some people on here don't look ahead to what the run entails to avoid feeling too nervous. I however prefer to look and tell myself I can do it. Try and focus on how good you felt last week, which run was your favourite? Which one did you feel the most elated with? Try and get that feeling back and remind yourself why you are going out. You're not punishing yourself, you are rewarding yourself and you can look forward to that and the feeling you know you will get after. 
Good luck
Great words of advice, MrsT - will try some of those ideas. I had the serious colly wobbles this morning; also starting a new week, so it’s definitely not just you Donna!
I'm doing week 9 this week and I definitely get that feeling. It's worse if I know I'm not going out until 7pm as I think about it all day.
We’re in the same place - can’t believe the new week still gets me - no matter how much I tell myself I can do it. Replaying those high moments is a great idea - I’ll be taking little snapshots of the memories with me in my head for the down moments next run out! Maybe you could ‘replay’ them to yourself through the day?
I just tried to keep it matter of fact and focus on getting the run done today, but wish I’d read your post before heading out.
All the very best with yours - look forward to hearing how you went, maybe 🙂
That's exactly what I do, when it starts to get to me I do focus on the good feeling you get. And when I struggled with my headache during yesterday's run I just focussed on how I knew I would feel at the end.
I'm having a 2 day rest now after yesterday. So run 2 will be Thursday. Good luck with the rest of your week too!!
Brill! And thank you
Hi Donna,
Please don't worry, I think your reaction is entirely normal, and no matter how much you try and do the whole mind-over-matter thing, well, you do sometimes mind and it does matter!!
All I can say is that in my experience, having only completed week 2 myself last week, is that both week 2 and week 3 were easier than I expected, because, you know what? The program does seem to work. You've trained for this, you've (hopefully!) had your rest days and your body has had chance to repair itself from any minor issues. I know you can do it!
The other thing to say though, is there's no such thing as failure here, only different rates of progress, and honestly, it's not worth making yourself ill over. Everyone is different, so if you feel you need to repeat a couple more week 1 runs, not that I think you will, don't stress. It's not a race, it's not about doing it in the shortest time or running the fastest, it's about making you healthier, because you know what? You deserve it!
Please do keep sharing on here, and we're here in spirit cheering you on
You take care! Neil
The programme definitely works...no way i would be on wk 9 otherwise....and loving it on the whole....wk 7 was my worst one!!
Thank you Neil. I'll be ok. Mind over matter I guess and yep, I will most definitely keep posting my updates.
Yes, a natural reaction about what's going to happen and gets us ready, it's not easy not to think about it, just try not to overthink it..😊
Hi Donna I did my first wk2 run yesterday..... I was anxious especially when I realised it was a 90 sending run. But it wasn't as bad as I expected. I have Sarah Millican talking me through it and yesterday I got breathing tips too which I hadn't realised I round get. Good luck for your run later, you can do it 😊 🤞🏻xx
Stop now... no need at all for any of the nervous worry.
This is a programme designed to take you steadily and safely and slowly to the 30 minute runs...Each week and each run builds on the one before..nor run is any more difficult.. you will reach each one and complete it
Take it slowly... relax and enjoy the journey... If you have a moment to spare.. just read the last two paragraphs of my last post...
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
We had so many worried and anxious posts.. I needed, as a mentor to try to alleviate those worries...
You runs will get you there... be excited... but not apprehensive... travel slowly, as slow as you like..
This is your journey... and whilst we run it with you, it is you running...and as you move further on, you will be able to look and see how far you have come and you will be amazed!
You can do this...just believe you can and you are halfway there
You are amazing. Your words are always perfect and your post, which I just read was like a extract from a famous book. You having great writing skills.
All of these brilliant comments definitely have been taken on board. I was and still am excited to run. Can't believe I actually am running now. Albeit for a short duration. A few weeks back I never thought I would actually be able to run at all. Not even a bus I wouldn't run for. And now.... let's put it this way.... I think it's going to be a great hobbies of mine.
Thank you once again.
That is a fantastic response to this post and the last paragraph on the linked post actually made me emotional - you sum up feeling so well - this forum is lucky to have so many wonderful people to support everyone .
Hey Donna, nerves are often a bit of a thing especially early on in the plan, but Oldfloss and MrsT82 have some great advice for you.
Please remember we are with you on this journey. I still get nervous especially when I am thinking about upping my distance or adding in a new road or having a go at sprints. It is all so new, a few nerves are to be expected.
But you're doing the right thing, you're asking and sharing, so hopefully we can help you through them. Enjoy your Week 2 Run and just think you've already done 3 amazing runs...
You are always there for everyone too
Jancanrun - great advise with every post
I too get anxious at times and just moving into wk 8 - each wk I think can I do this followed by yes I can !!!!!
I actually get colly wobbles sometimes and have to speak to myself for being silly - other times I just feel excited to get on with the next run -- our heads are funny things 🤗
IT IS A RUN ON THE TRAINING PLAN YOU CHOSE TO DO.........IT IS NOT A FORM OF TORTURE!!!!!
Sorry for shouting but you need to get it into perspective. You can't fail this plan. You just repeat any run you don't complete.
Try reading this healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Brilliant post and so true. I am looking forward to later on today when I attempt my next run. I will try my best and if it doesn't happen, I will try again. Deep down I feel that I can do it though.
You guys will be the 1st to know as always.x
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