So after 12 hard weeks of repeating weeks and forcing myself out every run, I’ve finally completed 2 runs of week 9. However, I’m massively struggling again. Both runs were awful, I genuinely hated every minute, and had to stop half way way through. I’m going to have to start again tomorrow which I’m already dreading.
This is a pattern whenever I change a week and gradually run more. I fight it constantly!!! Guess I’m not a born runner. I just really expected to get to this stage and be loving running. Instead I can’t wait to get it over with so I can stop!!!
Is there a way I can trick my brain into wanting to run again?
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Bexstone17
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None of us are born runners! We came off the couch same as practically everyone else here Dont talk yourself down!
This is do-able but you just have to chill out a bit and it will come. Set out to enjoy yourself, put a smile across your face before opening the door. Pick a scenic route, go slowly and give yourself time to enjoy the session
I was you got to wk9 R2 but never felt the buzz. I am now back to starting wk3 after not running and I'm struggling wondering how I ever ran for 30 mins. You are streets ahead of me now so don't give up and remember if you stop you just go backwards. Don't waste those 12 weeks you are now running ,(even if you hate it) for 30 mins.
I’ve gone back to previous weeks a fair few times throughout the whole process and was really enjoying going at my own pace. Everyone has been so supportive though, I’ll defo keep going. I’m going to start w9 again I think and nail it good and proper! Good luck with your journey. We’ll both get there in the end!
Your determination makes your achievement even bigger! In the last 2 weeks of the programme I decided,
I’m just going to enjoy it. It sounds silly but everytime a negative thought came by, I shooed it away and said, no, I’m enjoying it. Positive conditioning works (we know the - one does!).
Take it as slow as you can, chose a nice place to go and think of us willing you on.
It’s a daily battle, I’m running most of the time at work or just after I finish which I suppose isn’t ideal as it’s the very last thing I can be bothered to do after a full day, but with 4 children time is pretty much non existent!
Luckily I work in a primary school and the we have started a running club on Friday lunchtimes so they keep me going when I really don’t want to go out!
Putting on my running stuff at work as they’re all leaving means I have to go out as they’ve all seen me get ready and are probably going to wave at me as I plod round the estate! Without them I’d probably have given up a long time ago!
Can I just check - did you or didn't you maintain a running motion for 30 minutes on both those runs? If so you are all set for a triumphant graduation run... after which you need never run another step if you don't want to (but of course we all hope you will) You'll still have the satisfaction of having done what you set out to do. Even if you've got more than one run to go, you are very close... honestly, if you can do 28 minutes you can do 30, of course you can. (Most of us though it has to be said have at least one run we hate in the last few weeks... it's part of showing us how to pick ourselves up and accept that just happens sometimes, and enables us to keep running in our lives)
This looks to be the first time you've posted - and participating in this forum is really helpful (I can't think of anyone except total arses for whom it isn't and few arses need or can be bothered with C25K anyway)
Have you checked out the guide to the programme in the pinned posts? You might find there are some tweaks you can make as a result of that - it could be that you are pushing the pace when all you need to do is sustain a running motion. You could find somewhere to run that gives you joy just being there - water, woods, views all help.
My mantra was (and is) "You don't have to do this if you don't want"
Thanks for this, the response has spurred me on to go out and have another go tomorrow, weather permitting. I’ll be checking out the guide tonight to get some tips. Thank you for the support and encouragement, this forum is amazing!
Defo! I should really be amazed that I’m even getting out three times a week to be honest! I’m feeling extremely encouraged by everyone’s responses. Let’s see what tomorrow brings. X
Everyone has been amazing. Just the encouragement I need and brilliant tips to think about too. Thank you for helping a fellow runner out in my hour of need! X
Search on youtube for the Japanese slow jogging movement video. It’s a low impact style of running that changed everything for me. First I concentrated on the foot placement and my breathing took care of itself. Slowly I got better and instead of just being pleased it was over, now love the running while I’m doing it. Have a try and see if it helps. And well done for working so hard at this you deserve huge props for getting this far.
Will have a sneaky look at work tomorrow as I plan to go out for W9R1 again after I finish. Thanks so much for the tip. Determined to crack this now. X
Only been at the beginning of this journey I admire people like you that have made it so far! “Week 9 fail”? What about all the other 8 weeks you have achieved? Think back to week 1 did you ever think you would come so far? Keep going. Your stronger than you think. And so what if it takes a few more tries. You got out there and you made the effort. You’ve changed your life for the better. You should feel proud of what you have accomplished. Fortunately I would say I have been bitten by the bug (which may not last as it gets harder lol) but running isn’t for everyone. Is there something else you enjoy doing that will keep you active after you compelte this challenge so your efforts to become a healthier version of you isn’t wasted? I have a list of reasons why I started this and what I hope to achieve (as well as a list of all the excuses I might make and how I plan to overcome them and do it anyway) Maybe you could go back to your list or create 1 for that final push if you need to? Please don’t give up. People like me need amazing people like you to aspire to (no pressure lol)
Seriously tho - dont be so hard on yourself. You’ve come so far and you can do this. let us know how you get on. Good luck
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