Annoyed with myself

[Cpritch]

Been running on the app for 4 weeks now on my lunches and done well so far. Just gone today and ended up giving up half way through!! Need some tips on how to keep going even when struggling.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

What run are you on? At what point did you stop?

Your body takes time to get going in a run. Voices/gremlins will try and tell you, you can’t do it and that you’d be better off doing nothing. You have to ignore them. They can’t run as fast as you.

Other thing is go slower, then you can often go longer.

May I ask why you decided to join?

You maybe didn’t manage this run but I’m sure you will next time

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

One thing that helped me is finding out that the mind will give up when the body has only used 40% of the energy available.

So no matter what your head is saying... you've got more to give.

Make sure you're not pushing too hard though. 👍😁

[Kertesz in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

This is SO useful to know!!

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Slow right down! This is about duration not speed. And even if you start slow, you can still slow down some more later in the run (like I had to today)! You can work on your pace later, for now, go slow! 🐌

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

4 weeks in... be proud of that, don’t be annoyed at yourself, you’ve done great and just had a day where it didn’t go 100% your way. Slow right down... make sure you can speak in full sentences and stay at that pace... breathing will be easier, running will be easier and you’ll be just fine. Sometimes we have to dig deep, but if the pace is right you can be confident to grit your teeth and get to the end knowing you have the fuel in the tank.

[SpanishShuffle Graduate]

🎶 Let it go, let it go!!

Don't beat yourself up Chuck. Gremlins do come along and tell us we are 💩 and to give up, amongst other things. Mine came along at about 8 mins and again at about 18 mins this morning.

As well as listening to Sarah, I have music on that I know makes meel feel like moving. (A Pete Tong mix at the moment.) I also count every time my right foot hits the floor, to 100 and then start again. It all tends to keep my mind occupied.

But when the little 👹b...ers start nagging at me I stop counting at whatever number I have got to, count down from 10, sing the Grand Old Duke of York and and start counting to 100 again.

It seems to cancel them out and me going.

Not sure if I actually sing out loud because I have my headphones on 😂😂

You CAN do this programme.

It does not matter what speed you go at. It does not matter how far you "run".

What does matter is that you keep going because at the end of all this you are going to feel soooo bloooomin BRILLIANT and if you squish them under your feet as you run, the Gremlins will be no more 😉

💪👣🌞🐢🏃

[becks7089 in reply to SpanishShuffle]

I think I will be stealing your techniques! Definitely agree that a preoccupied mind is key.

[Jell6 Graduate]

Sometimes it happens for no apparent reason.

You still went out and ran.😊

When it's happened to me I go home, (annoyed with myself), put it firmly behind me, have my rest day and do the next run, which is usually better.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Pacing is the key and a slow pace at which you can speak clear ungasping sentences as you run is recommended.

Enjoy your journey.