When do I get the addicted feeling

[JellyJac]

Hello all, I completed 5:2 yesterday and will be completing the infamous 5:3 tomorrow.. Just wanted to ask everyone's opinion on when this running lark became enjoyable or addictive for you as I am still finding each run tough and the thought of running for 20 min's is seems daunting - although I will do it - she says banishing the gremlins..

[MutleyShuffle Graduate]

Hello JellyJac, hang in there, your just rewards are just around the corner! 😁 Personally I had one or two enjoyable runs doing C25K but have been enjoying it much more since graduating and consolidating. The runs do eventually become easier and when you get that "hey, I feel strong!" feeling it's the bee's knees! 🐝

[Tonkabella]

It differs with every person😊. I’m back jogging, but there are times I find it really hard work and I don’t want to do it, another day I love ever single step of every jog. Some people .... many moons ago I was one of them.... can’t get thru 48hrs without a run/jog, it’s their life and they love it. It will get easier the more you do it but it can and often does take many runs till you feel comfortable. Try not to think anything negative... easier said than done .....relax and believe in yourself and the plan. You may never fall in love with running, I have a friend who has been running for 20 yrs and she tolerates it for the health aspect but that’s as far as it goes, no way does she love it 😂😂. But you never know one day it might all just click and you will find yourself loving every step of every run. Good luck and keep pushing the Gremlins back in the box 😊🏃🏼‍♀️

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

At some point in W7 - I thought - ooh I like this! But that was also after finding the Japanese slow jogging movement video on youtube and learning a great technique that really worked for me.

At the moment you are still building lots of muscle (and all sorts of other processes are going on) that will help support your running. It took me 6 weeks after graduation to find the 30 minutes comfortable (at my very slow speed). So my advice would be slow down - your brisk walk can be faster than your run - and soon you’ll get more pleasure than pain!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

To be honest apart from completing c25k the feeling of achievement doing wk5r3 really made me feel great , it was like I can really do this and you'll get this. You can do it 😊

[molly1973 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

I agree: 5:3 was a real achievement and turning point for me. That and doing my first parkrun (I couldn’t run it all but just getting round was really emotional). I also realised recently that when I haven’t been able to run for four or five days due to other (life, work) commitments I get cranky!

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Hi JJ I find running enjoyable when I'm out in the countryside on a sunny day. I always feel great once ive got to the top of downs (walking up not running 🤣) and jog along the top. Ru ning down is always guaranteed to put a smile on my face.

Pounding pavements is a necessity which whilst not unpleasant is not enjoyable for me.

Don't get me wrong, I don't find any of it easy.

So I think one day you will find a place you enjoy running in rather than the act of running. Hope that makes sense.

Stick with it. The 20min block is not as bad as our heads like to make out.

Happy running x

[sofiaO Graduate]

Wasn't until week 9 for me and the sense of achievement running for 30 minutes and then graduating. I never enjoyed the earlier weeks too much with the stop start nature of the runs.

[JellyJac Graduate]

Thanks for the fab responses... think there is only my determination to improve my health keeping me going haha

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many people only discover the joy of running when they eventually follow the never ending advice to slow down. Most people do not enjoy pushing their body to the limits, but when they slow down to a pace at which they can speak aloud, clear ungasping sentences as they run (as described in the guide to the plan) then magically.......it becomes fun.

Then again, some people never get the buzz.

[Ang33333 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

So true. I just don't like running fast!

[RunRunRun13 Graduate]

Hello JellyJac, you’ve done really well so far and positive thinking as the 20 min run is not as daunting as you may think. I dont “love” running and can think of a better word but the feeling of being outside, achieving and believing you can do this has made me like running so far. Seeing your body change and feeling healthier is what I “love”. Good luck for your next run 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️