Motivation!

[Ronnierae]

Just completed my 2nd run of week one for couch to 5k. I’ve attempted this so many times and always give up! Does any one have any motivation tips? What seems to be working so far for me is not putting big pressure on myself.

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Welcome aboard

I first started c25k last Aug but gave up when the clocks changed and the weather was manky.

This time around I've found it easier. I think I'm in a better place mentally but also recognise the naughty gremlins that try to put you off! 😈

We are all different but these are the things that worked for me.

1. Set run days and set time. For me that's after work.

2. Don't sit down. I literally walk in the door, change and back out.

3. Have a draw for my run gear. It's by the front door and contains trainers, run belt, headphones, hat and spare set of house keys. No worrying about where stuff is.

4. Don't laugh!! I have a sticker chart. I put c25k plan on a piece of a4 stuck on the kitchen wall. My stickers were sparkly hearts.

5. Change my routes a lot. Personally I don't like to know where I'll be after X minutes. Sometimes I head down roads with no idea where they will take me

6. Finding something to listen to. For me that's the radio or an audio book. I cannot run to music as I tune it out and this let's the gremlins in. If I have to actively listen, it takes my mind off the running.

7. Post on the forum. I don't belong to any other forum for any other area of my life. But just being able to share in here has made a huge difference. Non runners tend not to get what you are going through. Everyone here does.

Hopefully this gives you some ideas to help keep you motivated.

Run slowly and enjoy your journey 👍👍

Ps you are right about keeping the pressure off. This is for you and no one else x

[Patsy63 in reply to Jogunlikely]

I’ve just done first run week one and tips sound good will keep these in mind.

[crazycatlady1986 in reply to Jogunlikely]

I find having someone to run with helps, once a week I have some girlfriends and we go whilst kids are at football training, also we try to do parkrun on a saturday (little harder for me due to shift work), but same I've set dates in my calendar to get out 3 days a week at the moment hoping to up to 4 once I feel confident enough x

[backintime Graduate]

What Jogunlikely said..for me it is routine and making it easy to do. I do it on the same days every week and my running stuff is next to my bed so I put it on as soon as I get up (I run at stupid o'clock in the morning, but you obviously do what works for you).

And yes, the forum, reading about others' runs, shoe photos, running caps, a bit of fun, being sort of immersed in it does make it easier.