What motivates people to get out?

[ASuzy]

I'm onto week 5 (it's taken me 12 weeks to get there 😆) and my first two runs have been fine. I'm definitely finding it easier when I go running with another person though. I should be going out this evening on my own but am struggling working up the motivation, any tips?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

You are into week 5, well done, you are now about half way through the program, just take all the runs slowly, hydrate well by drinking plenty of water, do some other exercises on your non running days, relax and enjoy your runs 🏃 😊 👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

My biggest motivation is a rare thing... photos of the old me. 90% of them are me seated, a few with me looking terrible, many with alcohol in shot and virtually all holding a cigarette. I look at them when I don’t want to run... the old me isn’t coming back, so when I see them I go get ready to run.

You can either run or not run today... maybe you’ll find it easier with a run buddy, maybe you don’t think you can do that run alone... but what’s the worst that could happen? Worst case is you don’t complete it, but almost certainly run the longest continuous run you have done so far. The run you do will make the next one easier... and you fitter and stronger than you are right now. Of course, you’ll probably amaze yourself and complete it... it’s just a case of keeping the pace down (especially in the first half) and digging deep in the last bit. You can do it... but there is no option that’s a lose.

[ASuzy in reply to UnfitNoMore]

That's such a good point. If I go for a run it's a win no matter how I do. I know it makes me feel better eve on the runs I struggle with.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to ASuzy]

It’s a good moment to take a look back at your journey... 60 seconds was tough 12 weeks ago, right? Just look at you now... the difference is amazing and you can run any run you set your mind to, with a good plan and a little hard work.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Running by yourself means no compromise on pace........you decide, which can maximize your development. Nobody will let you down. You will be able to run on your own and not just in company.

Why did you start in the first place? Do those reasons still exist?

If yes, then go run!

Enjoy your journey.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Won’t you sit there cursing yourself all night if you don’t?

[ASuzy in reply to Tasha99]

😆 possibly!

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to ASuzy]

That’s my motivation

[BuffyLaL Graduate]

Great work getting this far 😁. Everyone's different. What works for me is having a schedule, setting out my running stuff the night before and going out first thing. No time to talk myself out of it. Once I've left the house I feel great and excited.

I run Tues, Thurs and Saturday. I have my alarm set for 5.30 and get up straight away (no snoozing!), have a glass of water and head out 5.45. Short walk up a hill and I start my MapMyRun, C25k NHS app and a podcast of some kind just before 6. Home by 6.30/6.45 at the latest and getting ready for work.

I find if I don't do it first thing, I'll talk myself out of it.

But everyone's schedules are different. Good luck!

[Jazzyrunner Graduate]

I love to run by myself. I feel strong and powerful and it’s great! I decide where to go and how fast, and I don’t have to fit in with anyone else. Where I run, I also pass other runners (in the opposite direction, not by going faster than them 😆), and I feel like I’m part of that community. Might that be something? Enjoy the progression too, isn’t it astonishing?!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I think it's great to run on your own I always have . You have done so well getting to wk5 and should be so proud of yourself. Imagine how great it will feel later on when you've completed your run. Good luck 😊😊

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Today I did my first run on holiday - my husband has been running on all summer holidays for 30+ years, although he did longer and faster I still was doing same activity, great motivation joining in.

[Hidden]

My motivation is that, for me, running is my escape from the normal humdrum of life. When I’m running, I can’t do anything other than keep upright, move and breathe 👌🏻🏃🏽‍♀️

Nothing else matters whilst I’m running.

[tiggs1 Graduate]

I run on my own and most days it’s at the end of a long day at work as I leave home for work at 0600hrs. When I get home around 1730hrs I come straight in, say hello to the cat and the other half and get straight into my running gear and out of the door.

I don’t have time to get distracted by dinner, tv or anything else and then after I get back I find time after dinner and showering to post on here about my run. The feedback on here motivates me to put the effort in to get back out there a few days later

You are doing great to get to W5 (I’m only on W6) and although the time you are out on your run you have nobody with you think of this forum as the people you run with as we are all in your journey with you if you post on here

[ASuzy]

I ran! I repeated run 2 of week 5 and did it at a faster pace than a couple of days ago 😊. I'll finish week 5 with my sister on Tuesday.

Thanks all for your encouragement, I'm feeling good for getting out running when I didn't really want to leave the couch 😆.

[Dalmorangie Graduate]

Just do it!! I know what you mean but have found that just getting the 🏃‍♂️ kit on and going out seems to kickstart everything. Plus as said by Al, wow you’ve got to W5 so what an achievement! Don’t let it go to waste ‘cos you’re doing really well and over halfway to graduation 👍👍👍