I keep doing it!

[BirdyRose]

I was well nervous about running this morning. To the point that I actually had a little tummy ache. I don't know why this is happening NOW but I'm speculating that this is my brains way of fighting the good thing I'm doing for myself, rejecting the good thing so that I can go back to laying in bed feeling sorry for myself and eating crisps all day. I guess I've got a more stubborn self destructive streak in me than I thought 😂

Today's run was made 10, 000 times easier by a bit of lovely sunshine that actually appeared as soon as I started running.

I also managed to self sabotage by accidentally timing my runs so that all of my 3 minute runs were uphill 😂 😂 😂

I stuck to the plan though, I breathed long and easy and I paced myself even if it meant snails were overtaking me 🐌 🏃

On the second 3 minute run I felt my heart skip a beat (this happens sometimes because errr I think its normal?) anyway that for me, is a major anxiety trigger. I started to feel myself panic so I counted my breaths up to 10 five times until I felt calmer then carried on listening and focusing on the music. The 3 minutes was over quicker than I thought.

I've put more focus onto the music this time as I'm trying not to totally rely on counting while I'm running because it makes the run feel longer in my opinion, Counting is something I do during a run if I'm panicking, then I do a body scan technique I learned from meditation. Other than that the only other time I'm counting breaths is for the first part of my walk.

I feel like this couch to 5 k thing isn't just a fitness programme it is also a massive psychological journey.

I'm recovering a lot quicker and getting back to normal breaths quicker than last week.

The 3 minute runs only feel 1% easier today than the other day but I'm still impressed that I'm managing it even if I feel like stopping from exhaustion at the time.

Overall these running sessions are feeling shorter.

I'm glad I done it today. Looking forwards to the next one.

[Nita49 Graduate]

Well done, can't beat abit of sunshine 🙌

Your learning what works for you and that's great. Have you tried any of the Nike Headspace Apps yet? There might be something on that that helps as well?

I always zone in on my music and try and push anything else away, not always easy I know.

Enjoy your next run 👍 🏃‍♀️

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great work. I second a recommendation for headspace guided runs on the Nike app, but they start at 25 minutes so are only really compatible with the later runs... but as you are competent in the body scan technique, then you should love them!

Keep on keeping on and enjoying it.

[Tigger54 Graduate]

Huge well done you - not only for the run but for managing the anxiety. No mean feat in either case!

[Vigneronne Graduate]

Well done - you seem to be doing so well on so many levels - listening to podcasts can be very helpful and makes the the run pass very quickly. Particularly ones that tell you how brilliant running and exercise is for you!

[CateBlack]

Awesome. Great to hear how well you are doing as imma bit behind you and trying hard to keep the anxiety in check too.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Great work BirdyRose ⭐️ The heart skip is also a trick of the anxiety - I get them too and you’re right, even when you know what they are they still feel alarming. My GP called them palpitations, which made me feel totally mid-Victorian 😄 If you can control your breathing it helps. They’re related to a build up of adrenalin in the body. Anxiety builds adrenalin and exercise removes it, so getting out for a run is the best thing you can do. Happy running x

[Wannadoit]

Keep going hats off to you! It's not easy, I am like you also it's not just the jogging you have to deal with. Feeling anxious can be a bit of a demon too. Keep it up!

[Katnap Graduate]

How are your gremlins today?

🎅 Xmas Katnap 🎅