Stuck in a rut

[MrsT-Pot]

Hi all, ive been doing C25K for 8 or 9 weeks now. I’ve finally completed W8R3, but I’m stuck. I find I used to come back from a run buzzing and I love how it made me feel (although I’ve never loved running) but now I get to 14mins and I just want to give up!!!! (I don’t) I am struggling to get the positive thoughts that I can do it...has anyone else found this? I was really hoping by now I’d love it and be raring to go and crack on...help please! The idea of 30 mins is filling me with dread! 😔

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you for sticking with it. This can happen... and focusing on the 30 minutes has perhaps got into your head.

If possible, try a new route... shake things up a bit... somewhere you like..or a route you enjoy.. even reversing routes can make a difference.

Thinking why you began this, and if those reasons still stand...? Head out and relax... think about other things, take in what you see..log it when you get home.

I have a log of nearly every single one of my runs since I began in 2015... it makes for great reading on dark days... Make up names for folk you meet.. give the trees names and bushes, I know at least one of the runners here had an Oldfloss shrub! ( it used to yell, slow and steady at her

make up rhymes, devise lists in your head..put daft running related words to songs... I have a whole load, mainly to ABBA, made up a great one about my knees!!!! and especially Christmas Carol ones

Just head out... try to relax and run... just because you can... we will be right there beside you! You can do this!

PS

I shall watch for your run post

[Oldlady57]

Sending positive thoughts your way Mrs T-Pot “you CAN do this” Think back to when you first started your C25K journey & the reason why you chose to do it in the first place.

You’ve come so far from W1. Head gremlins are pesky little blighters. I hope you find your inner mojo & kick those negative gremlins into touch. You can do this!!!👍🏻

[MVBrown Graduate]

I think you need to change where you run. Also try listening to music as this takes your mind off how long you have to run.Have you tried a virtual running buddy or run with a pet or friend? I know you can get pass this. Why not try some of the suggestions from Oldfloss.

Do let us know how you get on. Wishing you the very best. MVBrown

[MrsT-Pot Graduate in reply to MVBrown]

What is a virtual running buddy? That sounds slightly weird but cool 😁

[MVBrown Graduate in reply to MrsT-Pot]

Someone whose in the same week as you. It’s not weird as you may think. There’s an option to follow someone where you can read their progress and how they feel about their runs.

[misswobble Graduate]

If it’s a rut you’re in then change things. 🤷‍♀️ Variety being the spice of life Maybe you need a Holiday from your usual running routes Take an away day to pastures new 💪👍😃🏃‍♀️

[MrsT-Pot Graduate]

Thanks all for your helpful and positive support! I managed it today and felt it went so much better than any of the W8 runs! I live in such a hilly area (and at the top of one!) that they were putting me off. However I found a route that wasn’t so hilly and changed my music to something different...

I have to say that road running around built up areas is not nearly as beautiful as running by the coast when we were on holiday 🤣🤣🤣

So...W9R1 complete!!! Yay! And thanks again for your support! Xx

[Summersprint Graduate]

Hey mrs T you are nearly there. Don’t give up you have worked sooo very hard to get to this point.

Would trying different routes and listening to different kinds of music help you?

Focus on a treat you deserve to have. You can do this I know you can.

Think sometimes we need to give ourselves a stern talking too. Cmon let’s do this.