Help!

[Mummy_p]

So I’m wanting to get fit and healthy, I run on and off but I’m really struggling! Struggling with pace, speed, music playlist, getting annoyed and feeling rubbish! I had a knee operation 8 years ago and was told I would never run again, 2016 I was in my prime with running I was doing great lost over 3 stone, last year I started to flag and this year I’m struggling badly!

I’ve tried a running club and hated it. I just want to enjoy it. Any tips and advice would be appreciated please. Im only 28 and feel I should be so much better than I am.

Thanks 😊

[mfamilias Graduate]

It sounds like you're putting too much pressure on yourself - ordering yourself to enjoy something makes the enjoyment more elusive than ever. I'd stop comparing yourself to 'who you were before', take one day at a time, and maybe take up the C25K programme from scratch, because ticking the boxes gives structure and motivation (maybe you have- I haven't read your previous posts - if you have, ignore me). I'm with you on the running clubs - tried once, never again. Take music you like, if you like, don't worry about pace, and cut yourself some slack.

[Mummy_p in reply to mfamilias]

Thanks! I see people running and think why can’t I be like them lol! I enjoy it so much but I’m so hard on myself.

Running club wasn’t for me I lasted 3 weeks lol.

Il get downloading the disco songs and just start again, I’ve downloaded the C25K so maybe need to start it tomorrow. X

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to Mummy_p]

I did one running club session and it scared me to death - people who TALK and RUN.... at the same time 😱 Running is the only time I shut up, come to think of it... I thought I was going to keel over with all these friendly people asking me questions as they bombed along the 5K route. They were lovely, but running is definitely something I do alone.

Ooh, disco. Yes please! Get yourself "daddy cool" on there. And Boogie Wonderland (cue sneaky boogie around my office...) As for seeing other people running and wishing you were like them... That's probably how people feel when you run past, but you don't realise because you're too busy telling yourself you're rubbish

Hit the C25K and report back, Kiddo.

[Mummy_p in reply to mfamilias]

Oh my god I’m so glad someone else agrees with me!! They would stop talking and I wouldn’t answer I was like I don’t talk and run, wasn’t allowed headphones so all I kept hearing was what can only be described as a dinosaur breathing ha ha!

Why do people run and talk to me this isn’t right haha. Me and my husband have our headphones singing away having a lip sync battle whilst we warm up then off we go haha! X

[OfficerElkins]

I try running early morning. When no one is up and I have the park to myself. I find when people are around I push myself too much.

[Mummy_p in reply to OfficerElkins]

I tried that haha and got chased my dogs I soon ran them haha! I have a little girl of 4 so limited when I can go but think I need to be 100% dedicated and forget what others think so what if I can only run a little and walk a little I’m trying x

[OfficerElkins in reply to Mummy_p]

I got taken out by a dog and done a spectacular fall! 😂. You’ll find what works for you. Xx

[Hidden]

Start with brisk walking...dont go faster than your knee allows

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Feeling that you should be doing better than you are is not necessarily very helpful. We all have to accept that we are where we are in respect of our running and devise strategies to move forward.

C25K is a structured training plan that will develop the habit as well as your body, safely until you can comfortably run for thirty minutes. Details are in this guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

[Mummy_p in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks! I shall try again tomorrow using the C25K app 😊

[Hidden]

Why so hard on yourself? Is this how you are in other areas of your life too? Some great advice already but I agree. Give yourself a break. Focus on what is going well (I'm off the couch and exercising) rather than letting your critical inner voice run riot.

The programme may help. You will have a series of successes which will reinforce your running habit and (shock horror) you might rediscover the joy!

Good luck

[Mummy_p in reply to Hidden]

I’m so hard on myself as I used to be such a fitness freak! I had a major knee injury, surgery went wrong, got a blood clot in leg and lung and am very lucky to be alive! Was told I’d never run again, be able to kneel be limited with my knee and as I’m so much better and this was 8 years ago I still think I can do when I can’t lol. In my head I can haha I’m sure we all think we are younger than we are lol.

I’m not hard on myself in anything else I think it’s because I don’t want people to feel sorry for me! And I don’t wanna feel sorry for myself if that makes sense!

I shall try again tomorrow! Tomorrow is a new day 😊 x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Mummy_p]

As I said before, you have to accept that you are where you are and then move forward, accepting that you are older and less fit than previously. It happens to all of us.

[Mummy_p in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Wise words!! I shall listen and try again tomorrow

[Hidden in reply to Mummy_p]

OK, I can see that- but time to change your mental approach to adapt to your changed world. I mean WOW you can run!