Week 2 just started

[Boltonbelle]

Hi all

New to this running but I'm really impressed with the app as it's just like you have a gym buddy there by the side of you - just done my first week 2 so a long way to go - quick question how does everyone 'focus' - I have Spotify blaring in my headphones but still have thoughts a couple of times of 'am I nearly there' like a toddler - how do I get in the 'zone' and switch off - any help much appreciated ❤️

[Martin_Rose Graduate]

Hi, welcome to running, I just like to listen to the world around me while I run. Good luck with the programme and keep posting as you progress. 😁

[Boltonbelle in reply to Martin_Rose]

Thanks Martin - yes I'll def keep posting - hoping I too can get into that zone of concentration - I've never failed at anything but just wish I could enjoy this running lark lol

[Martin_Rose Graduate in reply to Boltonbelle]

You will begin to enjoy it soon, trouble is, you then get addicted. 😁

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

I try and focus on my breathing and landing correctly on my feet and relaxing so lm not running tensed. All these things focus me as well as having a great playlist. I then don’t have time to worry about other things and lm amazed how quick the half time Bell sounds. Running is my time out and l try and leave all my baggage at home so that keeps me focussed. 😀

[Boltonbelle in reply to Wantorun2013]

Thanks for this advise xx Good to hear others have been where I'm currently at - I hear so many people saying they LOVE running ......I'm not there yet! Watch this space ....

[Hidden]

I think it's a tough call early on to 'zone out' because naturally you're interested in how you're doing. Tricks of the trade include focussing on the countryside Oldfloss is one of our site mentors and ace at doing this. Making up alternative song lyrics - take a bow Razouski

I think it was Mummycav who makes up alternative number plate meanings. Loads of us use milestones and nicknames - I do and so does GingerBohemian . Difficult to give you a definite idea as we all are so diverse in what makes us tick. But one thing I can say is that the clock watching can be quite soul destroying as it is so easy to beat yourself up when you don't do as well as you had done previously. If you can, try focussing solely on how you feel and how the run is making you feel rather than omg it's only 3 minutes in. Oh also I find singing along helps not sure the people who have to listen to me would agree though! Good luck and happy running whichever switching off method you choose.👍

[Boltonbelle in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Jan - I'm realising most of you are running outside whilst I am like a hamster on a wheel - running (trying) on the machine in my hallway - which is hot stuffy and boring .... or even maybe the runner at the gym to giv me a change 👍

[Hidden in reply to Boltonbelle]

In which case Shivani05 is our treadmill queen. Check out her posts under her profile and you'll probably find some gold in there...

[LookNannyruns Graduate]

I’m not sure I zone as out I’m so early on the programme. I do have a lot of mind games however much like others I’ve seen on here. I’ve got Spotify too and at first had a lot of 50s 60s stuff as the tracks are quite short and I could play the I’ll run till the track ends game and hope it chimed with the minutes . Then there’s my own waymarker trees, bridges, bush with the lovely smell. Comedy is my latest as the runs were a wee bit longer , seems the funniest parts joyfully come just when my mind has wandered to feet legs and breathing . Then there are the possible rewards I can have and strangely they are not food related, the last one was Bluetooth headphones . Can I make everyone I meet/ pass look me in the eye and smile? Good luck with your running and your mind games

[Boltonbelle in reply to LookNannyruns]

Thanks Laurel xx every single comment and thought from this lovely group I'm welcoming and taking on board - when I venture outside I'll let you all know - love the idea of giving myself rewards - where is good to listen to comedy? I'm thinking this may help too xx

[LookNannyruns Graduate in reply to Boltonbelle]

I get it on Spotify, just searched favourite people

[Razouski]

I'm just wondering, are you running outside or indoors on a treadmill. I found it hard not to get fixated on time when I started the programme in the gym, with the seconds blinking slowly at you from the console of the machine. Running outside I found easier as there are more things to look at.

At week 2 I think many of us we're fixated on "am I nearly there yet?" as it's all so new and takes a lot of puff. I'm sure as you progress you will start to think less about it, but it took me until the longer runs of Week 5 and beyond to get settled into a run and to zone out. I think it 's probably due to the toxic ten. It's still often only once I get passed that first ten minutes of running that I'm settled into my pace and can stop consciously thinking about it so much.

Good luck with the programme. Stick with it and soon you'll be loving your runs, and wondering how you ever got so addicted .

Happy running.

[Boltonbelle in reply to Razouski]

Thank you so much for this Razouski - I've only been using the running machine in my home - I'm thinking trying outside may def help - I'm embarrassed to be seen at the moment tho as my running is such short bursts but I'm thinking I'll gear myself up to come out of hiding and at least try x

[Razouski in reply to Boltonbelle]

You shouldn't be embarrassed about running outside. Most people won't even notice you. Those who do will probably be thinking, "Well done you for getting out and doing some exercise." No one will know how far you have run already or how far you have got left to go, and if you're walking then there's no shame in that either, as it's exercise too. If I pass someone who is walking then running I just give a big smile and encourage them as I think they must be on the C25K journey like I was.

I remember about a year ago restarting the programme after breast surgery and having to run holding my chest to try and minimise any movement (despite wearing two sports bras it was essential at first). The people on the golf course may have thought I was strange, but I just needed to start the running again, so carried on regardless.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Go of it, you may be pleasantly surprised.