I now have Week 2 in the bag but still feel anxious

[katherinewestrop]

Have totally surprised myself and managed to complete the second week. I am always very reluctant to run as I don't enjoy it, never have. But I am feeling a tremendous sense of staying power once the run has been accomplished. I have been really supported by my close friend Flick who has now been running for over a year and has a tremendous enthusiasm for the benefits running will bring...so why do I feel I will never be able to run properly?

[blackcatgib Graduate]

You will

Allow yourself to be a beginner for as long as it takes

Even if you only did the 5 minutes intervals 3 times a week for the next year it would be amazing for your health !

But you will progress - wait and see xx

[katherinewestrop in reply to blackcatgib]

Thanks for your wise words. I am doing my first run of week 3 tomorrow and I do feel I reasonably positive that I will be able to run for three minutes now. Its funny how last week the thought of doing just that would have seemed impossible. x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Just relax and enjoy it.

This guide to the plan will help in many ways healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

C25k is designed for you to be in control........you run at your own pace and progress as you see fit. There is a link in the guide to the mental approach to all this.......I recommend you read it.

Don't compare yourself to anyone else, this is your journey, so enjoy it, it may take you to wondrous places.

[katherinewestrop in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I will take on board your points and read your recommendation. For me, I am feeling more positive today about starting week 3 tomorrow. I think it is so important mentally as well as physically to have a day without running in the early stages of couch to 5K

[Hidden]

Kate you are doing so well! You are determined and motivated. The benefits will make themselves felt as you get further into the programme and the runs get longer. Xx

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Not sure what running properly is. You’ll get to 30 minutes with your staying power, then 30 minutes will get easier and maybe you’ll start to enjoy it. Great job so far.

[katherinewestrop in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Well that's the thing I suppose. What is a good run? The very fact that I am running is a massive achievement for me... and that is what I have to keep in sight.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to katherinewestrop]

Sounds like that’s a good run! A good run is one you really enjoy. Nothing else matters.

[Knitruntalk Graduate]

Just be kind to yourself, whatever stage you are at you are helping to improve your health and fitness. I am only able to run once a week so making slow progress. I found something Laura said on the run today helpful. "it's when you are feeling exhausted and still carry on that builds your fitness".

[katherinewestrop in reply to Knitruntalk]

that is so true about building on your fitness. I was pretty tired after my last run on Sunday and yet on Monday morning seemed to be more refreshed than usual and more energised.