Hi all I really need some advice about changing my mindset! I have just completed run 3 of week 6 ( 25 mins) and I was okay until I got to 20 mins and then I was just consumed by fear and really struggle after that. This happens every time I have to run a new distance and I am already anxious about 28 mins on Monday. Has anyone else had this and what how did you overcome it? Any help really appreciated
End of week 6 🙈: Hi all I really need some... - Couch to 5K
End of week 6 🙈
The mindset is natural... you ran the time you are used to and struggled in the new bit... but you beat it
So you were anxious about 5 minutes of running after 20... now you’re only anxious about 3 minutes after 25. It’s a lot less!
Maybe try some meditation? There’s a couple of decent apps out there. Headspace is very popular.
Try looking back instead of forwards for a minute. Celebrate the achievement, look at where you struggled to complete a run, and where you are now. Did week one run one you think you could run 20 minutes?
Take the version of you before this plan started... 20 minutes running was impossible right? Well, you now run 25. So don’t listen to that person, and let the new you speak, that one can achieve anything.
What are you afraid of? If you're struggling just slow down the pace. Nothing terrible is going to happen to you! The program is designed to build strength (physical and mental) so relax and trust it and take comfort from the thousands who have got through it all to graduate.
Week 7 will give you some respite as it's 3 x 25 minute runs and you already know you can do that. I did w7r1 this morning and found it (mentally) a lot easier than w6r3 because I knew I could do the distance.
Well done, I’ve just done W7R2 and know exactly what you mean, it is a big jump I just slowed my pace a little and broke it down into 1 min segments instead of looking at the whole 5 mins. I may do a couple of more days at 25 to get slightly more comfortable with it before moving onto the 28 mins. Don’t think this heat is helping people’s mind set either. Hopefully we’ll get a break in the weather soon. X
I’ve completed week6 run3 too. Found it really hard in the heat. Already thinking how can I possibly run another 3 lots of 25 minutes for my next 3 runs! Legs aching and even my lungs!
Just trying to keep going. Trusting in the programme. I should be able to do it, even though I really don’t think I’ll be able to! The programme has not failed me yet! Think the heat is one of my biggest worries.
Just try focusing on the next run and not to jump too far ahead.
I always thought there is no way I can do this run at the start. But then I always did! Trust in the programme and try not to worry too much. Just keep going. As slowly as you need to.
Thinking about it is far worse than doing it. I was the same but now run for a whole hour. You can achieve it. A positive attitude will help you. You can do this, trust me, if I did it so can you, come on Gardengate, go for it.
I don't look ahead at what run comes next and I find it takes the anxiety away for me I'm not worrying about what is coming up and on the day I put my trainers on and say to myself let's do this trust the programme knows your capable and if I can't complete it I repeat it hope thst helps x good luck x
Thanks for all the supportive comments, I’ve just completed a 25 minute run non stop!! 🤗
Well done, we knew you could do it and you did fab 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻