Remind me when this becomes enjoyable!

[Suse70]

W6R3 scheduled for Friday. W6R2 whilst not a complete struggle was not exactly fun either, not least because it was my first in torrential rain. I'm in Scotland so better get used to that & be grateful the weather has been so good thus far. However, 25 minutes, yikes. I know it's only 5 more than 20 but that seems like ages ago now! I guess it will be fine if I go slow as per previous advice but when does the actual running become enjoyable not just the post run smugness! Does it or have I been lied to?!😂😂😂

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well, part of it is the addiction and you enjoy the rush after, then you enjoy the anticipation of the rush after, and further you get to the point where you need the rush so you go run. Timings for each vary by person... so I can’t tell you when it will happen, but you weren’t lied to!

Great job getting to week 7!

[Suse70 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Ha ha, thank you! I think I'm getting there because I do miss it a bit on rest days, I guess I just need patience as well (not my forte) to allow my fitness level to improve. But thanks for the reassurance, it's very welcome!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Suse70]

Last weekend I saw a woman towards the end of the parkrun actually smiling... dunno if they took her to the funny farm straight after, if she’s there again this week she was actually enjoying it!

[Suse70 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Definitely something to aim for! When running in the pouring rain I thought to myself, I've become one of those people I used to look at & think 'they must be mad!' Thanks for the encouragement.

[Berksrover Graduate]

We are all different, originally I saw running as a means to an end, get fitter, lose weight etc so wasn't bothered about not enjoying the actual running, but since I graduated I enjoy running more, especially the longer runs, sounds weird but it's true!

[Suse70 Graduate in reply to Berksrover]

Yes, indeed it does! I believe you, thousands wouldn't!😂 Definitely hoping for that to happen eventually. Feel if I've got this far will see to the end....& beyond. Hopefully.🤞

[Catster Graduate]

I graduated in July and still find some runs better than others. I’m in rainy Scotland this week and had my first run in heavy rain this morning, I enjoyed it 🏃‍♀️🏊🏻‍♀️. I think change in route and scenery helps to make the runs more enjoyable. Good luck with the rest of C25K 😀

[Suse70 Graduate in reply to Catster]

Yes, I guess it was definitely different! Varying the route is very sound advice. I think I also just need to be a bit patient, it has only been 6 weeks & I've come further than I ever thought. Thanks for your comments & all the best to you & your future running.

[Jude1963 Graduate]

No, the actual running I find is really tough. But coming on here afterwards makes me feel dead proud.

It’s not easy. Most of us on here are saying so. I spend most of my run asking myself why I’m doing it and yet every other hour telling people about how far I got and how chuffed I am.

Don’t give up. It is tough. Most definitely. But that’s why the rewards are great.

[Bandit14 Graduate]

I'm a convert - there I said it I love it - even the tough bits lol.

I can see Scotland across the water when I run - will be thinking of you hopefully not getting too soaked - mind you if it's raining for you chances are I'm getting a bit soggy aswell😂

You'll smash the 25 😊

[Suse70 Graduate in reply to Bandit14]

😂 I am hoping for a road to Damascus moment at some point so that is inspirational! Will give you a wave on Friday. It is just so nice knowing you can come on here & get a bit of advice/encouragement etc. Don't want to bore friends & family too much! Thank you.👍

[Suse70 Graduate]

Thanks Jude. Yes, I know you are right, and the sense of satisfaction is amazing. As is the wisdom, support & encouragement on here. It really makes such a difference. Nothing worthwhile ever came easy!

[Ozzdog]

I found r3 on week 6 the hardest run so far, I even (shame) had to walk a bit! But r1 on week 7 was a breeze. Don’t know why but I’m hoping now it’s just running it will be easier to get in the zone!!

[Suse70 Graduate]

You give me hope! Looking forward to W6R3 tomorrow with some trepidation but it is reassuring to know that if I end up walking a bit it is not the end of the world! Every increase seems like it will be impossible but massively encouraged by those who have gone before & their words of wisdom.

[Jundal Graduate]

When you reach the point where you pop on your headphones, switch on the music and switch off your mind, you may not enjoy it, but you'll certainly enjoy the silence inside your head. That's why I do it to be honest. I run because I run away from my worries, my problems and even my thoughts. They catch up with me later, but for a while, I'm care free.

[Suse70 Graduate in reply to Jundal]

I had heard that this is why a lot of people run and it is one of the many reasons I decided to give it a go. Really hoping I can get to that stage. Keep telling myself if I've got this far I can do it! Really loving the support on here so thank you for your reply.

[Jundal Graduate in reply to Suse70]

You will in time, but it will probably happen when you can run for longer. 👍

[ArthurJG Graduate]

Runs 1 and 2 of week 6 are good ones to get behind you. You’ll prefer the uninterrupted runs more, especially as you get better at them. I’m beginning to enjoy the actual running now but I graduated last month. However I’ve always enjoyed the benefit of the run afterwards and I mean immediately afterwards, during the recovery walk when you know you’ve successfully risen to the challenge again (not to mention endorphins kicking in) is a great feeling.

[Suse70 Graduate in reply to ArthurJG]

Thanks Arthur. I hope you are right! I think once I am doing the uninterrupted runs I will hopefully get into a zone and begin to enjoy it more. There has definitely been the odd phase in the longer sections I have quite enjoyed. You are right though about the post run buzz, it is definitely a great feeling & sense of achievement. Can't beat it.