Like really nervous? I am only on week 5, but the nerves and anxiety I feel before a run is crazy. I have no idea why. The run is in my hands. If I need to stop or don’t succeed it’s not the end of the world. I’m not doing the C25K with anyone else, so it’s not as if I’d be letting anyone else down.
So I’ve no idea why! Does anyone else feel like this?
The night before a run I’m nervous, the morning of a run I’m nervous, as I step on to the treadmill I’m nervous. Everything has to be perfect.. my shoe laces need to be tightened the right amount, I need to have my bladder completely empty, the right amount of water in my bottle, the right music downloaded, the right food in my belly. If anything isn’t right I get even more nervous.
I’m not like this is any other walk of life, so really not sure why this is. It’s like I’m terrified of having an excuse to fail? I don’t know. Am I the only one?
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No, you're not alone. I'm not always like that, and wasn't during every run in C25K but sometimes its OTT and yes, it's an internal fight to make sure there's no reason to not do it, or for it not to go well. It's just one more battle with those pesky gremlins. Just keep showing them who's boss! 👍🏻💪🏻😁
We all get nervous before a run, to most people they get nervous before run 3 of week 5, run 3 of week 9, their first parkrun, first event 10k, half marathon and especially their first full 26 mile marathon, so don't worry about that, once you have begun all those runs, all those niggles are forgotten. 😊 🏃🏾
Yes, me too, BUT once the man started the first timers briefing I was no longer nervous and got on with the run, I was hoping to get a sub 40 minute 5K at that first parkrun, I actually got a sub 35 minute time of 34.16, so it proves that all nervous went before the run started. 😊 🏃🏾
Yep me too. I think with me it’s because I really want to do it and am scared if I don’t complete what I started I’ll give up and it’s important to me to keep on - equally as GoGo-JoJo says there are always gremlins trying to put us off. Sounds like you are doing the right thing keeping on keeping going. Good luck with the rest of the runs.
I don’t get nervous before normal runs. However I do get a little nervous at big events like 5K or 10K road races. As you continue to run it will just become a very normal part of your life.
😔I wonder if you are scared of failing for some reason even if it’s a subconscious fear? Maybe scared of setting off your Asthma?? Maybe because you didn’t complete the program last time & you so wanted to?
I don’t feel nervous about running but have experienced it in the past in other situations. It’s very unpleasant & I can imagine that tension will spill over into your run making it more difficult to sustain the run!
I can only encourage you by saying that this program works in that you can’t ever fail!! If you have a difficult run that you can’t complete you take your rest day & do it again...sometimes even again! Each time you are gaining fitness & stamina getting you ready for the next one. If you get ill and can’t run, you rest & get better & go again.
There is nothing to fear. Running very slowly & hydration on both run & rest days helps the heavy leg feeling. The gradual increase in running time structured by this program will certainly benefit your lungs.
We are all here on good runs to cheer you on & after tough runs to help & support you. We ALL have both. Many of us have repeated runs. Many are doing the program again because Life happened and they didn’t complete it first time round!
Giving you a big 🤗 hug & hoping that maybe, just maybe because you have verbalised your problem, you will be able to take a deep breath & step back & say I can do this, one run at a time! Nothing to fear.
Aww such a lovely reply honestly. And thanks for taking the time to write it. Even the fact you knew I was asthmatic and failed previous runs shows how you pay attention on here? Anyway you’ve very likely hit the nail on the head about many things. I probably am afraid of the asthma end of things. Also as I was writing my post it crossed my mind that I’m likely fearing failure, and where that will lead me.
I will take all your advice on board. Thanks again x
I’m sorry you’re finding this, it must be taking some of the joy out of it. Just a couple of thoughts. Might you be able to run outside? I think being out in nature is really calming. Which leads me on to my other thought: it sounds like you’re looking ahead all the time. It’s hard to say this without sounding really cheesy 🙈 but could you be more present in the moment, focus on what you are doing at the time, not later in the run or later in the week? Maybe being outside could help with this? I hope you find a way to let go a bit, trust the programme and enjoy it!
Yes, 2 good points. Unfortunately I can’t run outside, especially at this time of year, as the fresh air is a trigger for my asthma. I wish I could as I think it would make it easier. I will try and live more in the moment, as you put it I think that is good advice!
Have been thinking a bit since writing this, and I’ve just realised I don’t quite enjoy the running yet! Don’t get me wrong, I love that I’m doing the programme and I love how I feel after I’ve finished a run, but DURING the run I don’t like it. It’s uncomfortable. My legs don’t like it. My lungs don’t like it. My pelvic floor doesn’t like it. My mind.. sometimes likes it, but sometimes doesn’t. Maybe that’s why I feel nervous? Because I know I’m about to put myself through all that. I’ve never been a runner and find it really hard. I really hope I get to the point where I enjoy running.. I’m hoping that’ll begin once (if) I get the 20min run over me this week
Don't worry about not enjoying it at the moment. You are putting your body through a lot of change and stresses. The enjoyment will come and it's different for everyone so don't put a timetable on it. 🙂
I do worry that if you feel that uncomfortable you are probably going too fast. You should be able to hold a conversation whilst running. It doesn't matter if your running pace is slower than your walking speed. At the moment you are building endurance. Speed if you want it, comes later.
Embrace your inner snail 🐌, slow it down and see if that makes the session less uncomfortable.
I too am like that - can get myself into quite a state! No idea what it is about, though for me maybe linked to getting out of breath? It goes once I’m running though - the huge hurdle is just getting out the door!
I used to get irrational fears as well. Such as hope no one laughs at me, have I had enough water, hope I can finish each run so I don’t look a fool when I tell everyone on here etc. But as the time and my effort to achieve each run went on. It all disappeared as I found my own way and let my anxiety go. I truly hope you find your way and start to enjoy what you’re doing. All the best x
Hi, you sound so normal! As others have said, it’s common to feel nervous. I share your ‘OCD’ bits regarding laces, food, water being just right, and that’s after completing more than 2000 runs over the last 15 years! I think of it as preparing properly for a run, rather than as anything to worry about.
You have to remember that running is quite a hard thing to do, but you’re amongst the minority of people who can get themselves properly ready, which is important, and then achieve 😀
I agree with others that enjoying your runs takes time. I’m not the youngest (64) and when recovering from injury, it took me nearly a year to feel that my body was properly adapted and that I could relax and enjoy.
Keep it going and I think you can get there! All the best 😀🏃♀️
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I think that is good advice!
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