w4r2

[sunshinefish]

Hi, first time poster here. Have been doing the c25k over the summer when there's been no work or school. Managing it ok so far, did w4r2 yesterday and due to do w4r3 tomorrow. Not looking forward to returning to work on Tuesday and trying to fit in runs, figure I will be able to do 2 a week at best. Looking for some motivation of people who fit it all in!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You’ve done so well, you should be proud. 2 runs a week will get you through this, just a little slower, but it’s not a race. If you can sneak another one in here and there, that’s great.

[sunshinefish Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you! I am planning on doing one on a weekend and trying to sneak in another during the week, this is the one which is likely to be lost! Or maybe do two at the weekend, but that maybe more taxing as the running times increase

[Pixie_Runs]

I'm in the same position - used the summer holidays as a no excuses time to start the program, and now working out how it'll all fit it in with my work schedule from Monday.

I'm going to try getting up at my usual work time on Friday (my next run) and see if I can do it and still be ready for when I'd need to leave the house as a test run. I think I can find too many excuses to not run if I decide to do it after work, so trying to make mornings work still. At the moment, I'm running Monday/Wednesday/Friday, but I've worked out I could move it to Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday if I need to....

Fingers crossed we don't lose all energy and motivation!

[sunshinefish Graduate in reply to Pixie_Runs]

Fingers crossed indeed! I can't really do mornings before work and also think I will be like you and find excuses after work.... with one thing and another there's only really one week night that is really suitable. Look at me, making excuses already!

Anyway, we will see. Hopefully it will work. So inspiring to see all the messages of support!

[DebJogsOn Graduate]

Don't let the great work you've done over the summer go to waste.

I'm a primary HT and started C25k last summer (think I was at about Wk3 when I started back to school) - I really worried about fitting runs in (especially as there was no way - without getting up at 5am that I could run in the mornings) but I sort of prioritised them - I put them in my diary at the beginning of every week and kept them like appointments I couldn't change (though I inevitably had to change some); I found some nice routes near to school and along the jpurney home so I could change into my running gear before I left work and then run or drive part way home and run (for some reason this made me less likely to miss a run than if I left it until I got home); and if I had to run after getting home then I made sure my kit was all really handy and I could change and go out immediately before getting distracted by anything else; and I planned really lovely running routes for the weekend so those runs were a real pleasure (even if it meant driving a bit further afield first).

Most of all I changed my way of thinking - completing C25K meant finding 1.5 hours a week (say up to 3 to add in changing/showering time etc) - surely I was entitled to that tiny amount of time for myself?

I have to say it was really worth the effort and has really made me much more positive about everything (including work). I also felt that the time spent running after work really helped to relieve the stresses of the day and put things back into perspective. I think it's also important not to beat yourself up if you do miss a run here and there- just make sure you keep going.

You can do this and by half term (even if you miss a few runs) you'll have completed the programme!

Let us know how you're getting on.

Happy running - and hope the return to work isn't too awful 😊.

[sunshinefish Graduate in reply to DebJogsOn]

Thank you! That is very inspiring, finishing work and running seems to really work for you.

I do need to keep in mind that a lot of work is already done, and that there will be half term relatively soon.

[sunshinefish Graduate in reply to sunshinefish]

And I will be organised and have my stuff ready for when I get in! And three hours a week tops isn't really that much...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

Don't try to fit in two runs at the weekend........ you need a rest day between runs.

It is remarkable how, once you are hooked, that you manage to fit in your runs..........you will do it.

[sunshinefish Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you! I think two runs at the weekend would be too much too. Good to hear it confirmed though. As the running time is getting longer I can really see the need for a rest day!

[HillsEverywhere Graduate]

I'm at the same stage (w4r2 yesterday, w4r3 tomorrow) ! I can't believe how far we've come when I think back to week 1

I began c25k after I was back from holidays, and what helped me so far was trying to establish a routine. I decided early mornings were the most reliable time slot for running and until now I've (unbelievably) been sticking to it.

I have a job where things can get emotionally taxing and I find running is a good way of relieving that - a good motivation for me !

[sunshinefish Graduate in reply to HillsEverywhere]

Thank you! Nice to see someone on the same stage as me. I think the routine of running in the morning works for me too, but it won't happen with the return to work, just too much going on pre work.

It is amazing how far we have come. I can't believe I can run for 5 minutes - and twice in one session!

[sunshinefish Graduate]

Thank you for all the replies! It's really nice and inspiring to read them all. I feel quite upbeat now

I think I should put dates in my diary, one at the weekend and one during the week and try my hardest to stick to them.

I was going to try and have a couple of options during the week but this may not work, it could be seen as a chance to put it off!

Hopefully only twice a week will suffice.