Unfounded Week 4 Anxiety

[SteveR62]

So the moment I downloaded the App I looked ahead at all the runs to see what I was letting myself in for. Perhaps not a good idea but that my nature. The result... week 4 always seemed like a real step change to me. Every run in week 3 I found myself thinking “this is hard enough, how on earth am I going to cope with week 4?” To the point that I was really apprehensive about wk 4 run 1 this morning (although looking forward to it at the same time - is this some sort of motivation creeping in?) So... it’s done! Yes it was harder physically, but to my great surprise I actually found running for longer stretches easier than the stop start of earlier weeks. I found myself getting into a kind of rhythm and could almost imagine myself running for longer itstead if willing Laura to tell me I could stop. Finally ‘trust the programme” that I see so often in this forum makes sense. I’m starting to think maybe, just maybe I can get through this. I shall now just enjoy the runs I’m on and future runs will take care of themselves.

[Bunnyrunner Graduate]

I just completed the program and still can’t believe I did it. Think it’s black magic at play !

[SteveR62 Graduate in reply to Bunnyrunner]

Well done for graduating. Still seems like a long way off for me, but starting to believe it’s possible. There’s definitely some magic in this programme. But for me it’s been this forum that really elevates it into something special. The support of people who are further in in their journey is invaluable.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

If you need reassurance about Week 5 ( you shouldn't, you have got the message) this breakdown may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[SteveR62 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Brilliant, thank you. Will start my gurning practise immidiately.

[Dazman68]

I know what you mean if you remember back to week 1 run 1 and your thinking run 5k are you mad 🏃🤔

[SteveR62 Graduate in reply to Dazman68]

After 10 years of virtually no exercise due to a bad back, I still have to pinch myself when I find myself running, to make sure it’s really happening.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

It really is trust the programme - it is a minor miracle because it works! As the durations increase you can always slow down. I run using the Japanese slow jogging technique (there’s a short film on youtube), this really helped me as the runs got longer. Sounds like you’re getting the bug!

[SteveR62 Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thanks for the advise DiscoRunner. I do have to keep an eye on my pace and I can see that it will be even more important on future runs. I think you might be right about getting the bug. The sheer amazement I was running carried me through the first two weeks, but that faded last week and I had a bit of a lull. But now another sort of motivation seems to be taking over. Looking forward to seeing where it takes me.

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to SteveR62]

Pace can really be an issue and make some people they can’t do this. I know I had a tendency at the start to try and run faster than my brisk walk, and that caused me lots of issues with getting out of breath really quickly. Once I’d learned to slow down, not only could I do it, but enjoy it more. You can always work on your pace after graduation if you want, the first step is learning to run for 30 minutes - and if we have to do that slowly it’s ok - it still counts! Good luck - I struggle to describe how good this can make you feel - so stick at it & you’ll get there!

[Julia187 Graduate]

It’s worked for so many people it must work! I also found I preferred the longer distances than the intervals, I felt better able to cope mentally with them. Keep up the good work, you’ll be at week 9 before you know it 😊

[SteveR62 Graduate in reply to Julia187]

Thanks Julia. I think it’s brilliant that graduates continue to contribute to this forum to encourage other people through it. It’s a real help. I have a feeling the longer distances are going to suit me better too. Now there’s a sentence I couldn’t have imagine myself writing a couple of weeks ago!

[Debston Graduate]

Well done! Week 4 is a bit of a turning point but the work done in previous weeks means that you're physically ready for it. The mind just needs to catch up and get with the programme!

[SteveR62 Graduate in reply to Debston]

Debston, you’re so right. Sometimes it feels like when I’m running my mind is still stubbornly sitting on the couch sulking. Other times it’s just looking on in amazement that I’m out there running. I’m sure it will catch up with me eventually.