W9R3 I've graduated but still don't like running - Couch to 5K

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W9R3 I've graduated but still don't like running

The_Real_BFG profile image
The_Real_BFGGraduate
14 Replies

I finished W9R3 last night and I'm now officially a graduate however my calves were yet again killing me by the end and at only 6.5km/h I'm a fair way off 5K but that's the next goal. I only get the chance to run 1 or 2 times a week and had 2 breaks of a month each so this has taken me over 6 months but I've done it.

However I still don't love or even like running unlike most on here, which I'm worried will create problems going forward. I have done all my running on a treadmill so maybe getting outside might change my feelings but of course it's really the wrong time of year to start that.

Are there others out there that have graduated but still don't like running and if so how do you motivate yourselves to keep doing it ?

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The_Real_BFG profile image
The_Real_BFG
Graduate
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14 Replies
Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate

Well done a great achievement. Running outside is fantastic especially if you can get to a park or countryside - make that your next goal. You forget about the actual effort and enjoy the scenery. Ignore timings / distances for a while and try for happy runs

Upamanyu profile image
UpamanyuGraduate

I once heard that everybody loves running, after the run. Jokes apart, congrats for sticking with the program. Thats a great accomplishment

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

It's not easy, there are times when motivation is really low. I think the biggest motivator is knowing that I always feel better after a run, even if the run was not that great.

Yes, getting outside, or changing things up, new music, new surroundings. Having recently bought a treadmill for home use I cannot believe how awfully dull it is so applaud all of you that manage to complete c25k on one! Also, it makes me run incredibly slow, I'm much quicker (and happier) outdoors.

Yes, we're moving into worse weather... but there are still beautiful days! Try to pick one of those and just try, don't worry if it's not 30 mins just remember what it was like as a child running about in fields/ streets/ wherever and recapture the fun that movement can give you!

I've also just joined a weekly "dancercise" class, kinda zumba, kinda cardio. No it's not running but it's high energy, it's fun, it's reasonably priced (£5/week, 5th week free)

It really shouldn't be a chore or something that you "have" to do, it should be something to look forward to, something to enjoy (ok sometimes less than others) it should almost be a medication for the daily stresses not adding more...

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Congratulations on graduating! Don't forget to post on the Oct graduate thread to get your badge. It doesn't matter how long it took. You got there! 👍🏻😉

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

I think it's time to run outside I maybe wrong but you may be a bit bored. Outside running is great it's interesting and you can find new routes all the time. It's a bit colder in the mornings but once you're out and running you warm up nicely.

Congratulations on completing c25k you must be so pleased well done 😊😊👏👏

HeavyFoot profile image
HeavyFootGraduate

I think running only on a treadmill would bore me senseless.

Although I always enjoyed the sense of achievement after a run, it took me 6 months to actually enjoy whilst running.

So, get outside if it’s safe and see if that engages you more 😋☀️

The_Real_BFG profile image
The_Real_BFGGraduate in reply toHeavyFoot

The beauty of the treadmill is that you know exactly what speed you are running at and keep a constant pace, outside I'm not sure how you do that and I'm worried that I would go too fast and tire myself out or too slow and be disappointed.

Oh there is also the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna in the gym after the run.

IAmCharliemouse profile image
IAmCharliemouseGraduate in reply toThe_Real_BFG

I have only ever run outside. Never touched a treadmill. I just found my own natural rhythm. Sure, I get it wrong sometimes and start too fast, but my body quickly tells me to slow down!

I also have a running watch, which tells me what my pace is if I care to look.

I love running outside, just for the fresh air and back-to-nature aspect. I run alone in the weeks, and do parkrun most Saturdays.

That said, I do plan to join a gym soon as we head into winter, just so I can run in all weathers and after dark.

bananahead profile image
bananaheadGraduate

Firstly congratulations on persevering and graduating. Remember this programme teaches you to run 30 mins, not necessarily 5k.

Do friends or family know you have been doing all this amazing running, and are they supportive? Could you do some exercise with anyone else?

I can run for 30 mins but struggle to run 5k. Have started running round the rugby pitch with a couple of other mums when my teenageson is training (embarrassing mum alert!!! whoop whoop). Training with others is positive, even if they are fitter than me.

Good luck, with whatever you decide, and remember how far you have come in 6 months.

islandrunner profile image
islandrunnerGraduate

What motivates me in the sense of achievement after a run. I think I maybe now like running a little bit, well sometimes anyway, but I sure love that sense of achievement at the end of the run, any run.

Why are you running ? Whatever that reason is, at the end of every run, congratulate yourself for achieving it. Think to yourself, there are millions of people who won't do what you just did. Running for 30 mins, whatever the speed is a big deal !

I've run on a treadmill, and yeah it can be a real drudge. I've got TV set-up so I can at least look at something while I run on it.

Skeg profile image
SkegGraduate

Well done on graduating. My running has been outside. I'm only just starting to enjoy the running part but most certainly enjoy the health benefits from it, which kept me going. As I progressed different types of running came into play which also helped me to carry on. Being outside might help you as it helps to distract from the running. Carry on and hopefully the enjoyment will come.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Congratulations on completing run 3 of week 9 and graduating from C25K

Perhaps the reason you don't like running is that you have ran too fast, not hydrated enough, perhaps going for a run not long after a meal.

To get your graduation 🎓 badge and the word GRADUATE 🎓 next to your username leave a message on the October graduate post in the pinned posts on the right side of the healthunlocked C25K home page and tell the administrators that you have ran W9R3 of C25K and graduated from C25K 🎓 🏃 😊

Oranges2 profile image
Oranges2

I reckon I could only do it running outside - the fresh air is one of the main reasons I run. I'm not sure I like running - but I love the achievement of having run, and that I must be fitter! I also like to look at all the dogs when I run, I give them a cheery smile and wave! their owners might think its weird, but I measure my time by the dogs a I pass along the way, and the different coats they wear! - crazy eh?!

Frizzbomb67 profile image
Frizzbomb67Graduate

Congratulations on graduating 🥳👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻I felt like that at the beginning. I enjoyed talking and reading about running but didn’t actually enjoy running 😂. Now 7 months on running is more comfortable and not so very hard. Now I can go out for a run and enjoy it without feeling like I’m dying and aching for days afterwards. It does get easier- honest. I run on the treadmill when it’s dark or the weather is bad but I find it boring. Running outside (somewhere nice) is so much better especially in perfect running weather. Hope you find your enjoyment of running in 2021.

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