Wk7🏃‍♀️ Struggling 😩

[123-wjt]

I’m feeling like my enthusiasm is waning! I just can’t seem to run.. I want to do it. But I’m struggling - feel like I’ve hit a bit of a wall. Help!!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just run steadily and slowly run up to that wall and steadily and slowly just run through it...

Pick up the shoes... the motivation and the gremlins hide under there... remember we all run with you and we are ready to go... so...when are we going ?

[123-wjt in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss. I don’t think I could go any slower...I’m going to be on wk 7 a while at this rate 🙁.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to 123-wjt]

Believe me... please.. there is always slower... there is...just relax.. think of other things... and imagine us lot behind you..me whispering in your ear.. x

[123-wjt in reply to Oldfloss]

Ok. I’ll try. Thanks 👍🏼

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to 123-wjt]

That's our girl!!!! x

[Hidden]

I find running to be like that sometimes. If you are dreading going for a run, leave it an extra day then see how you feel. I find once I’m actually out running all the negative feelings go away and my wellbeing gets a massive boost. Have you tried running with someone else? Sometimes a running might help?

[123-wjt in reply to Hidden]

Thing is I have been looking forward to it but not so much now. I usually leave 2 days between. But have not tried a running buddy - I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks

[Hidden in reply to 123-wjt]

Maybe change up your routes too? Explore new places? Keep it fresh!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Slow down a little 123-wjt, you have got to week 7, you are now OFFICIALLY a RUNNER, surely you don't want to give up running, have a few more days off running and start week 7 by drinking plenty of water the day before you run and do the run a little slower than you ran run 3 of week 6. 😊 🏃

[123-wjt in reply to AlMorr]

No you’re right. I certainly don’t.. I just need to find a way through this physical/mental barrier. Thanks for your tips 👍🏼

[Hidden]

I just had a look at your previous posts and replies to others. You seem to tell other people that they are being too hard on themselves and then you are really hard on yourself!

Be kind and gentle;- you have come such a long way. Maybe remind yourself why you started this programme and what you want to achieve. At this point, it's not so much about enthusiasm or motivation and more about discipline.

You say that you 'cant seem to run'- what does this mean? You can't complete the runs? Slow down. Or you can't make yourself go out the door? Just do it.

I am sure that you are perfectly capable; you just need to work on your mental attitude right now. Good luck

[123-wjt in reply to Hidden]

Aww thanks you’re right. I’ve been quite positive until recently. I do look forward to getting out so that’s not the problem. I’m not even sure if it’s a mind thing but my legs also feel like they won’t do it. I’m not even that puffed out. But I feel the need to keep stopping. Just for a few seconds - then pick up again but that’s what’s frustrating me I think. Thats a good point about discipline. Thank you for your feedback 👍🏼

[Blueberrydog Graduate]

I’m on wk 7 run 2 and I’m struggling doing the longer runs, I’m leaving at least 2 days between runs and keeping them nice and slow and constantly reminding myself to drink more water 💦 I’ve mixed things up with outside and treadmill runs and listening to some podcasts to take my mind off the time . We’ve come so far and can see that graduation goal we’ve just got to keep 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ just know your not on your own we have the support of fellow C25Ks

[123-wjt in reply to Blueberrydog]

Thanks Blueberrydog 👍🏼

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Go see how much you can still have in the tank at the finish line... go slowly, keep it slow, let your mind wonder off somewhere and when it’s done you’ll feel great. You got this, there’s nothing to prove, so go have fun with it.

[123-wjt in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you UnfitNoMore - I’ll give that a try. Feels like I’m thinking every step! I’ll keep at it - and try and get the ‘enjoyment’ back 👍🏼

[Medicinelady Graduate]

I found that changing my route really helped with my motivation in week 7. Before, I always ran in my local park, doing continuous loops along the same enclosed paths but when I started going for longer runs I decided to take to the 'outside world' and leave the park behind. It was a bit daunting at first as I'm not the most confident runner and liked to hide in the park, but I enjoyed planning a route and it really helped to shake things up a bit, giving me a fresh perspective and different surroundings to focus on. It might be worth trying that if you've not done so already - good luck, you'll get there!

[123-wjt in reply to Medicinelady]

Thanks Medicinelady that’s very helpful. 👍🏼

[itshelsbels Graduate in reply to Medicinelady]

@123-wjt if you use an app like Map my Run, alongside C25K you can have all sorts of fun planning new routes (as @Medicinelady says) ahead of your runs or checking out routes near you that other people have logged. Good luck and keep going!

[123-wjt in reply to itshelsbels]

Thankyou for that ❤️ I will keep at it 🏃‍♀️

[Tippyrunn Graduate]

Changing route always works for me. I try and change it a bit each week. Walked half my week 7 route tonight as I'm quite wheezy. Did the opposite direction, even that add variety. I also vary the time of day and this changes what you notice. You CAN do it. 🏃

[123-wjt in reply to Tippyrunn]

THANKS. Yeah I will do that - I guess just thinking how far I’ve come in this process. And try to stay positive 😃.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Lots of sympathy- W7 was my biggest struggle- I just found it such a psychological shock to have to keep going ...

Brain: I want to stop!

Legs: Not yet!

Brain: It must be time to stop!

Legs: Sshh! Look at that flower/ car / bird .. etc etc😂

By W8 it felt quite a lot better, by W10, ( start of consolidation) I learned to slow down a bit more, ( I was already very slow) & suddenly everything was much better.

Keep persevering and you will reach a better phase. Also drink plenty of water on all days, not just run days- heavy legs feeling can be a sign of dehydration. Good luck! 😃

[123-wjt in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you Elfe5. A bit of sympathy goes a long way 😂. I do tend to drink water during the day but I don’t think I’ve eaten much at lunch this week, so that’s POSs not helped. I might just go back to wk6/2 2x10 min - just to get a bit of confidence back. And as suggested mix up my route. Then see how it goes. 🏃‍♀️

[Peggy254 Graduate]

Definitely a route change helps! Those longer runs meant having to extend my route and that did make a difference.

You’re on W7 - that’s amazing in itself ..... 🙂

[Hidden]

Hi.The fact that you're struggling with enthusiasm but you're still getting out there...shows your commitment to the programme and yourself. It's a balance of pushing yourself past comfortable to achieve greater stamina and performance, and feeling like you're within your capabilities so you don't lose hope.

I have spent 3 decades saying to myself "tomorrow" but this past few months/year I've realised it's about "today". So I started C25K on my own, no running buddy, just me and my critical self. I'm week 8 running (fast walking) 28 minutes. I can't believe it but I'm doing it.

I've gone from staring at the stones on the path literally in front of my feet and ticking each one off as I reach it, to being able to look up around at the beautiful countryside. It doesn't matter how long it takes me to progress through the programme as I know I will finish it.

The "wall" is where I stretch my capabilities and stamina for the next run. Slowly but determinedly I'll get there.

Well done ✅ you're doing it. 💝