Advice and motivation required!

[BBBeginner]

I am on week 7 run 1. I have now ran for 25 minutes on two occasions. The voiceover on the app is telling me I should be enjoying myself and feeling good when I am running but to be quite frank I feel the total opposite. I am struggling and as much as I realise each week is meant to be getting harder I am at the point where I am finding it unbearable. I am starting to think is running just not for me? Any advice would be great.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Your on wk7 of course running is for you. Maybe try and slow down if you're finding it hard . When I was on wk7 and wk8 I found it hard and I was told to slow down and it really works😊😊

[BBBeginner in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you for the tip, I will slow it right down and see how I go. I’m also going to go for a change of scenery see if that helps to. Doesn’t help that I’ve got the most awful blisters even though I have got decent footwear. Hopefully I can complete week 7 like you did.

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to BBBeginner]

Yes try somewhere new to run and shame about the blisters I've never had any when running , maybe someone else will have advice on that 😊😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on the recommended easy conversational pace, which makes it all more achievable and enjoyable.

After graduation you can stop the week on week increase in demand on your body and just consolidate your new found ability.

Are you running somewhere beautiful and inspiring? It can make all the difference.

Enjoy your journey.

[SpanishShuffle Graduate]

Hi BBB Can't say I found it easy and some days I still don't.

I changed routes, music, times I run etc.

Made sure I was, rested, fuelled and hydrated.

Slowing down did/does help me some days and I have discovered audio books which I have used on my last 4/5 runs. They seem to take my mind off everything else, especially the gremlins who seemed to drag on my ankles shouting negatives at me. If the story and reader are good I actually forget I am running.

Instead of looking forward just take a look back to week 1 and see how far you have come. Remember nobody did it for you. You got out there and did it on your own!

It's not a race so you could repeat a run/week if you feel you body/mind would benefit.

It's just trial and error I have found.

I am still not sure I actually enjoy it but I get up every other day at silly o'clock put my kit on (which I get ready the night before) and go out for another one.

I did my first shuffle on Dec 17th (thought I was going to die) and now usually shuffle along for 30 mins but I can, and have, shuffled along for 50 mins.

My goal was to run 5k on my 60th birthday, and I did!

I never imagined I would be able to say that just 3 and a bit months after starting I would be able to run for almost an hour.

So don't despair just have a little chat with yourself. Try different things and see what works for you and what doesn't.

Hope this helps.

Trust the plan 👍

Follow the plan 👉

Keep the faith ✊

[BBBeginner in reply to SpanishShuffle]

Thank you very much for you positive comments. I think audiobooks might be the way forward. And yes I have thought about going back and repeating week 6 as I’m only doing it to get myself active - just pleased I’m getting my kit on and getting out there! I will continue to troop on - thank you, and hopefully it will get easier.

[SpanishShuffle Graduate in reply to BBBeginner]

Just seen mention of blisters. Might be worth checking shoes, laces and or socks as they all play a part.

Compeed plasters are a tried and tested product.

Used them for years 😉

But if you are diabetic you should get them checked out by a healthcare prof. ASAP 👍

[BBBeginner in reply to SpanishShuffle]

Got some decent trainers maybe I need to invest in some decent socks and see if that helps. Yes I’ve even used compeed as a preventative measure but still no help - reoccurring thing. Nope not a diabetic - maybe a weeks rest is in order.

[davelinks Graduate in reply to BBBeginner]

You have decent well fitting running shoes, then get some decent running socks with the double lined areas which prevent friction blisters, vaseline can also be used, don't scrimp on shoes n socks, running feet need to be looked after!

Yes, when you feel the going so tough you can always slow it down, you've come so far and need to see it through to the end, use more determination, a lot of that is needed for c25k.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

I feel much the same before and during, but it’s worth it for the endorphins, the improved fitness and better self esteem I get from carrying on. Your blisters worry me: if your feet hurt every time you’re out, no wonder you aren’t enjoying it. It’s not a problem I’ve had myself, but there’s a lot of good advice out there. Take it slow and steady - you can do it, and it’s a shame not to finish when you’ve come this far. But I’d take some extra rest and get your feet sorted first. All the best with it x

[BBBeginner in reply to ButtercupKid]

Yes true I don’t think the blisters are helping. I’ve bought some decent trainers but mustn’t be a good match. I’m torn between having a week off and letting my feet recover or just powering through - I feel if I miss a week I won’t be able to get back into it and will loose fitness. Thank you for your advise and all the best with your running too x

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to BBBeginner]

Thanks for that. I would give yourself a couple of days extra rest and find help for your feet - pharmacists are often good for free advice. You’ll take much longer to finish if those blisters get infected ! Look after yourself, and don’t forget we’re all on your side here 😄

[Bobbypizza Graduate]

Running has been boring on occasion. I don't particularly enjoy it but it's some "me time" I don't often get - I do enjoy that. maybe you can use running as a time to get lost in thoughts as opposed to just "running". It's a great for thinking about stuff or getting lost in music/audiobooks you dont get to listen to at home. just a thought.

[BBBeginner in reply to Bobbypizza]

Thank you - I am

Defiantly going to give audio books a try.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Don’t worry about enjoying it... that will come later as others have said. I didn’t enjoy a run until right near the end of the plan, and now I’m loving my running. That other joy of completing each run, loving it after it was over, was enough for me! You got this now.