Is it me?

[Dominicano]

I graduated from C25k a couple weeks ago and I've been running 5k just for fun, trying to lower my time. I love it. I'm highly motivated.

I don't feel any pain or exhaust when running but my battle is... with boredom! I spend the whole day waiting for my running time and doesn't matter how fantastic the landscape or the weather is, after 2k my brain begins to bother me: "Uh! There's still a lot to run", "You're not really enjoying this", "Why don't you stop? You'll have more fun" Thankfully I've ended all my runs, but this feeling prevents me from enjoying the race as it is supposed to.

Is it me or is it normal? Is my brain deceiving me? How can I make peace with my thoughts? Any advice?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Those are what we here on C25K call gremlins, just ignore them and keep on running 🏃 😊.

[Dominicano Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Oh! I see.

Thanks AlMorr!

Is there any "gremlicide"?

[Sophia1712 Graduate in reply to Dominicano]

I get them too. The first one normally pipes up only 30 seconds in and says 'wouldn't you just prefer to go for a nice walk hmm??'

I think somewhere along the podcasts the advice is to force change your negative thoughts for positive ones that you have to consciously apply like 'I love running' 'I am doing great' 'wow, look at me go'.

I have to admit, when I am flagging and thinking sod this, I pretend someone I know has spotted me running and I concentrate on running really well and capably

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Dominicano]

Not really, Sophia1712 post is very good advice regarding them

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I would say that you need to slow down and enjoy your environment, not slog away trying to better your time on every run.

If you read this guide to post C25K running healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you will find the recommendation to run at an easy conversational pace for the majority of your running time, which is much more enjoyable and continues to build stamina.

[Dominicano Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Got it, IannodaTruffe!

[Deals1 Graduate]

Well done on your graduation!! 😀🏃👍🏅

Just try and take it easy and enjoy it...and not think if it as a run. ... Fight the gremlins until u win ....👍

[Dominicano Graduate in reply to Deals1]

Will do. Thanks Deals1!