What to think about...

[bumblephant]

So I do my couch to 5k at the gym as I’m too self conscious and nervous about managing my speed etc to out on the road. I watch the tv with subtitles in the running machine as a source of distraction hoping my current 5 minute episodes of running will go faster. What do you do to distract yourself or what do you think about to keep your mind occupied whilst trying to keep going and breathe?

[JennyH10 Graduate]

I listen to loud rock music, it’s the only thing that distracts me from my huffing and puffing!

Just as an aside, if you do feel like getting outdoors you really should go for it, the weather is beautiful now and honestly nobody is looking at you, they’re all wrapped up in their own lives to care what you look like and speed management comes naturally if you remember to stay slow and steady. Enjoy the journey, this program works!

[SgtCandy]

I listen to Absolute Radio and just enjoy the feeling of the sun on my face and the lovely scenery. It helps when you have the beach and the woods close to you.

Get outside, especially in this weather. Nobody else cares about you or notices you as you pass them.

Keep going and good luck..

[Hidden]

I'm doing all mine on the treadmill. I prefer the gym. If your treadmill has a screen you may be able to choose to run through scenery. The one I use at the gym does. I think it's the "courses" button & you can choose different scenery. Takes your mind off running a bit. Also music though - I have to have my music. Anything that motivates you and/or means something to you personally. Good luck & keep us posted.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Er..............go outside.........there is so much to enjoy.

Have you read the guide to the plan ? healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which has advice about confidence.

You know you want to........

[BecksC25K]

Rain, wind, thrushes pulling worms out of soggy soil, gorse that smells superb but only on sunny days, butterflies, squirrel, baby bunnies, buzzards. I'm never bored

[Irish-John Graduate]

I record BBC radio shows. Dramas, documentaries, comedians, chat shows etc.

Either they turn out to be so Interesting I don't notice the time passing - or they are so boring they induce a trance and time passes

Mind you - being outside you see so many real life dramas, incidents and funny events, it's the greatest soap opera ever

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

PS - for a long time I ran to a collection of music that I like but more importantly had a beat that matched the pace I wanted to run at. I found it a great way to control my speed - starting my run to Hall and Oates "Maneater" ensured I never started too fast