Any tips for motivation? : Hi! I'm new here and... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Any tips for motivation?

Dhautumn profile image
Dhautumn
โ€ข7 Replies

Hi! I'm new here and I am up to week 4 run 2 (i completed w4r1 today).

My husband is a keen runner and has been doing it with me every week to help me out and give me support but due to shifts next week I have to do them on my own. I struggle with confidence and worry about not being able to complete the run. Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep myself motivated on my own? I worry that if the going gets tough I'll give up with him to push me.

Thanks in advance!

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Dhautumn profile image
Dhautumn
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7 Replies
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AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

The motto mantra slogan here on C25K is 'slow and steady', well done on completing weeks 1 to 3 and run 1 of week 4, I am sure if you keep running slow and steady, even without your husband being with you because of work shifts you will be able to run the second run of week 2 with no problems whatsoever, just keep it slow and steady. ๐Ÿ˜Š

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

The first thing that springs to mind is how proud your husband will be that you are into week 5 next time he runs with you. Relax before you go out there... start slow and refuse to quit... amaze yourself and come and tell us all about it every run. Youโ€™re not alone... half of us will be running the same day... lots will be running the same run. When I run I think about everybody here and how some are smashing it and others struggling to get to that finish line... my pride of being around you guys gets me through the tough runs and makes me smile when itโ€™s easy. You can do it.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate

Firstly, well done on getting to week 4! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

When I did C25K, I ran alone the whole time. If a run got a little tough, I would slow down some, and chant a little mantra to myself (in my head, not out loud!) โ€œI can do this, I AM doing this!โ€) Worked a treat for me. ๐Ÿ˜ Slowing down so you can complete a run is crucial. Speed really does not matter one bit on C25K. Fitness is built super slowly, and going slow ensures you can finish comfortably and safely.

Listening to music or podcasts now keeps me going on my longer runs.

Good luck!

Sadie-runs x

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and I recommend the link to the post about mental approach.

You can do this, so enjoy your journey.

Dhautumn profile image
Dhautumn

Thanks so much for your replies. I think I'll be fine once I'm out there its just the idea of doing it alone. I'll definitely check out the links and try your tips.

Its nice to find others in a similar position. I'll definitely keep you updated once I've completed it x

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Try and remember how good it feels when you complete a run and store that feeling that will get you through ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š

Islesrunner profile image
IslesrunnerGraduate

My running playlist helps me. I have a lot of motivational lyrics in the tracks and canโ€™t listen to anything negative. Week 4 was the week I started to switch to enjoying the runs themselves and not just the feeling of having achieved them.

Iโ€™ve always run alone. My husband sometimes comes with me but he is a week behind me so he runs to a different schedule. Focus on your breathing, keeping minimum bounce, how your foot gently hits the ground, and go as slowly as you need to :-)

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