W7 R3 done. Speed up but still not enjoying

[Ravenjax]

I definitely felt faster today, once I got into the rhythm, but I still find going for run a chore. I’m chuffed I can actually run for 25 minutes! Though not sure I’ll make it to 5km in 30 mins considering I only managed 3.3km in 25 minutes. Just feeling a bit deflated about it all I guess

[HillsEverywhere Graduate]

Hey, well done !

Don't worry about the distance. The programme would be more accurately called "couch to 30 minutes"... Most people don't run 5k in 30 minutes by the time they graduate. I just barely made it to 3k on graduation day 😂 so there's no need to feel deflated, you're doing brilliant!

What helped me to enjoy running was to change the way I look to it - training myself to spot beautiful things along the way, to notice the little details (a sunbeam, a rustle of the wind, a particularly lovely light in the leaves...) and to talk to myself in an encouraging and positive way. It really does make a difference, as does realising that if I'm not happy to go for a run, then I'll be happy to be actually running once I'm there, and if I'm not happy to be running (bad runs happen) then I'll be happy to have gone and done it once I'm back. I can't think of a single time when this hasn't been true.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you are not enjoying your running, try slowing down.

There is no need to hit 5k in 30 minutes at graduation............only about 10% manage that at graduation.

You have already done your heart and lungs a great deal of good and the benefits accrue with time, but you won't persist if you don't enjoy it. So forget about unrealistic targets, slow down and experience your environment as you run, appreciating just how amazing your body is..........look how far you have come in just a few weeks.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Lollipop69]

Hi

I’m at W7 R2 tomorrow and would reiterate that it’s really not about the distance you run it’s about running for a time. I’m happy to just keep running for 25 mins and the distance doesn’t matter at this point. To get to this point in 6-7 weeks is just amazing, we’ll done!!

[Ravenjax Graduate]

Thanks everyone. I do know the distance isn’t important, I think I just expected to be enjoying it more by now. But you’re right, I need to change my attitude and remember why I started in the first place. Thank you for the gentle metaphorical slap, I needed it. I shall endeavour to focus on the results, my surroundings and how proud I feel post run rather than focusing on the dread

[Oldjigger in reply to Ravenjax]

I too didn't enjoy the running, though I was pleased with myself that I was doing it (I never challenged myself with anything before). Generally it was relief at finishing, followed by a quiet sense of righteous satisfaction. But after graduating, knowing I could run for 30 minutes and feeling confident, I did my first Parkrun, kept going for the whole 5K (NOT in 30 minutes) and THEN I felt the buzz! Doing a Parkrun was my aim all along. Now I plan to keep it up. So hang in there, I'm sure you'll find the buzz eventually.

[misswobble Graduate]

Oh do keep going as it’s such a great programme. Learning to run is life-changing. I can’t imagine life without it now 😃👍

[Wildswimmer]

Iannodas's statistic that only 10% make 5 k on graduation is so helpful. Who knew! I'm hoping the couch to 5 k will translate into a run 3 x a week for 30 mins ( and I ran 10 k in May ) repeating course from beginning to try bringing knees up more and running in more upright position. Gosh I can relax more as I'll feel less of a failure re the " magic" 5 k! 👍

[Boofle999 Graduate]

I'm only running 2.5K in the 25 mins slots so you're doing better than me! I look at it as a means to an end, what I'm doing is 100% more than I've been doing in the last 10 years and if it means my fitness and health are improving then it's a positive thing for me, I won't be worrying about speeding up until I can run for 30 mins easily, then I will set myself some other targets to aim for. I understand about not enjoying it though, I read somewhere that a lot of runners don't necessarily LIKE to run, but they like the benefits it brings, yes it's much easier to stay home and do nothing, but there is nothing like the feeling I get when I complete another run and my body feels good and my mind alert - the benefits of making myself do it by far outweigh the tiredness and sore legs I get. I guess that most exercise is a bit of a chore, unless it's something we love to do (I love to play tennis but sadly have a frozen shoulder now so I can't do it any more ), and yes it is about being positive and ignoring negative self talk as you run - there is nothing nicer than getting out on a fresh autumn morning and just being in nature and soaking it all up - it's a great start to my day and I always find that by the end of the run I'm really glad I pushed myself to get out of bed!

[Maisymoo3]

I think yre doing brilliantly. It's not a race just think that yre getting fitter every week. Well done you x

[LauraCunniffe85 Graduate]

I’m the same at the min but be happy rhat you are running for a full 25 mins.

I think the main thing with the programme is to build the stamina to run for a certain time then build your speed up slowly. You’ll get there.