Reflections on C25K (second time around) 1. Ditch the fear

[linda9389]

Having taken over 4 months off my running due to a stress fracture in my foot, I finally got the all clear to run again this month. Back to square one. C25K W1 R1 👍

Only I wasn’t back to square one really – I had a whole heap of hindsight to take with me this second time around (and what a difference it makes) so I thought I’d share a bit of that hindsight in case it helps anyone else 🙂

Thinking back, I used to dread every run! The first run of a new week was particularly daunting. But this time around I’m looking forward to my run from the moment I wake up (no, I lie … I’m looking forward to it from the moment I finish the previous run – honestly😀). There’s still no guarantee I'll be able to complete the run as my foot needs to be built up gradually, but you know what - I delighted at the chance to simply try – the opportunity to see if I can go a bit further.

So why did I dread the runs so much first time around? Clearly it was lack of confidence. I’d never run before; in truth I’d not willingly engaged in any activity causing shortening of breath or even a hint of a red faced, and voluntarily induced sweating was an absolute no-no in my book 😂. Why ever would I imagine I could complete any of the runs?

🤷‍♀️

Fair enough. But actually, what did it matter if I couldn’t complete a run? I was trying! That’s an immediate win! Every time I tried, I achieved something as soon as I stepped out the door.

I should’ve felt happy and excited at having the chance to try. That’s how I feel now! I still can’t take a run for granted after all these months of injury and inactivity; but I'm happy at simply being able to try. A whole different perspective, all in the mind, a total change of mindset.

So, don’t fear what you haven’t tried yet. Don’t be put off by seemingly impossible jumps. They aren’t impossible. THIS PLAN WORKS. It’s tried and tested by thousands and thousands of people. Not everyone completes every run first time, some of us run/walk at times and that’s absolutely OK. We all have off days where a run feels tough – it doesn’t mean the next one will be tough too (in fact, chances are it won’t be). It’s OK. We tried. So we won!

👏👏👏

So, don’t be afraid. Work on switching your outlook and relish the chance to try your next run. Aim to enjoy it – go more slowly, look around, distract yourself from negative thoughts, smile (it works for Eliud Kipchoge) but above all remember you're doing this to make yourself feel better, so what’s to be afraid of, what’s to be lost? Nothing. Rejoice in the fact that you can try 😀. Change your attitude and the rewards are huge. You won’t regret it. I am SO glad I stepped outside my comfort zone.

Still not convinced? I’m not the first person to reflect on ditching the fear, take a read of this post from IannodaTruffe - if I haven’t managed to convince you, surely he can: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...!

Happy running and be sure to tell us all about it 🙂

[Granspeed Graduate]

This is lovely, Linda9389, and I wish all new runners could read it. 👏🏼 And any old runner (that’s experienced, not aged 🤣) who’s subject to gremlin attacks should read it too. Happy Comeback to you. 👍🎉

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

I don't know if I would have believed it if I'd read it when I started out, but I thought it was worth a try at sharing Maybe someone will read it and have a go out with a smile and a sense of opportunity at the start of their next run

My attitude has changed so much, in so many ways - why did I spend so much time worrying? why did I hide? why did I think I was going too slow? .... 🤔😀

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to linda9389]

I guess we all waste time on unnecessary angst. So good to be reminded to ditch that and smile! Cures a lot of ills. 👍😄

[Biddy62 Graduate]

What a brilliant post. So so valuable. Hope those who are new-ush here read it but also see your profile and read some of your inspiring and uplifting posts of how you’ve dealt with such a long break.

I am currently on the IC with a strained ligament in my foot - I hope - terrified it’s a stress fracture - X-ray says not (but was told only an MRI could confirm for sure😬🙄) and tho I am itching to run and mighty jealous of all the runners - all the runners!!!!!! How many are there????? 🤣- that I keep on seeing - I am determined to rest up patiently as you have done to give myself the best chance of coming back. Planning on some swimming and strength meanwhile. Thank you Linda for your inspiration. 👍🏻👍🏻

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Biddy62]

Oh no Biddy! I feel your pain and frustration 😥. I'm afraid an xray of my foot was clear, and I had to push pretty hard for an mri. The physio I saw who referred me for an MRI examined my foot thoroughly. He found pain when he pressed along my bones - two noticeably tender spots. When he twisted my foot or rotated it, nothing hurt. He said this was indicative of bone not tendon. Not sure if you can self prod and twist and come to any conclusions. Have you been to your GP for a referral?

[Biddy62 Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Thank you Linda. I have seen a physio 3 times - back again on Wednesday and he is sure it is muscular/ligament/tendon. He has pressed it - oooouuch!!!! 🤣 and done lots of ultrasound and some sort of electrical or radio wave therapy which dies ease it. It is not there all the time and the discomfort moves around which is weird. I think I need to rest it more. I had an X-ray which showed nothing and I have an appointment with GP on 14th - it’s impossible to get one in less than about 4-5 weeks 🙄 and I will ask for an MRI referral then to be sure. As you know these things take time so I am trying to be good and try to rest it meanwhile. I think if I hadn’t read your posts and had such a good example to follow I would be very very grumpy now. Instead I am trying to be philosophical 😬🤣

Thanks again x

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Biddy62]

Ahh, well done you - it's not easy being philosophical with our NHS waiting times! Wishing you the speediest recovery, and in the meantime check out Caroline Jordan's chair cardio routines on you tube 😍

[Biddy62 Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Ooooh! I will. Sounds good - sitting down cardio 👍🏻

Thanks again Linda 😊

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Biddy62]

Good luck with a speedy recovery

[Biddy62 Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thank you Grannytobe 😊

[Buddy34 Graduate]

This is a really great post to read and your excitement about starting again really shows.

Reading on here really helps people get through c25k . Good luck 😊😊

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

I agree - this forum was a chance find for me but it has been a great source of info and support.

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to linda9389]

It sounds strange when people say they came across or eventually found this form. As when I downloaded the c25k app on my Samsung the runs and forum are all in one place 😊

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Oh really? Maybe on mine too and I just didn't spot it. The C25K app has changed a bit since I first downloaded it, but I didn't notice it this time either! Far too busy trying to get my trainers on 😍😍😍

[LiziJ]

Yes what a great post. I can’t even get started for the first time even yet and maybe looking at a similar kind of delay due to knee problems but, yes, I am looking forward to when I can already. When I am out walking and see runners go past me I have a yearning. A good sign I think.

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to LiziJ]

This is actually my third attempt at C25K - the first ended in W2 when I got horrible knee pain! The silver lining was that that was the reason I found this forum! 😍 Perversely I think it also made me want it more. I know that feeling of runner envy too well though 😥. Keep doing your exercises to strengthen everything and you'll be back out there stronger and more determined than ever. Good luck and speedy recovery 🙂

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Well said. I've changed my mental attitude now.

Each new week is a challenge not a fear. And you know what, if I struggle and cant make it to the end, I'll just put it down to experience, regroup and go again.

There is nothing to fear, only challenges to be conquered.

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Brilliant. That's it exactly. Good luck 🙂

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Brilliant post, should be pinned and linked 😀 I too look forward and plan every run, sat down with calendar last night working out milestone runs coming up in next few weeks. This running bug is amazing

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

That's fabulous and how it should be 🙂. I do like a plan! My next one will be to repeat Ju-Ju's magic 10k plan - for the third time 😍

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Just finishing week 2 - distance version, but opted to slow speed down so pounding the streets for many hours. Amazing how long these distances are when planning new routes, I dont like loops 2 is ok but 3 and 4 repeats of same track drives me to distraction. Happy running

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

After a while I stopped planning routes for local road runs. I got a feel for the distance back. I quite like the freedom of winging it sometimes. Needless to say I never get it quite right 😍

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Yep, runs develop as I'm out there its the starting point I plan, I always drive to start as I stay at the top of a steep hill and I dont do hills, yet. But I love running in different areas, see all sorts of things you wouldn't normally notice. Great fun

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

Ahh, brilliant. How lovely. Good luck with the 60 minutes ... and hills will come in time 🙂

[Alast]

What a great & inspiring post linda9389, thank you. This forum is a great place to visit for this type of thing and as a relative newbie (Week 3 completed) it's great to hear the thoughts of those who are way further on in the programme. Although I do find it difficult, I am enjoying all of the (little) achievements I reach, plus, as an early morning runner the rest of the day always feels better than a non-running day. Even the slight aches are good because they remind me what I've done & what I've accomplished. Thanks again and all the best for your recovery, I look forward to reading more about it.

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Alast]

You're doing great make no mistake though, they're BIG achievements. You're challenging yourself with every single run you try at this stage. But it's well designed, each challenge is just about right. Good luck 🙂

[JaoJao]

This is a lovely written piece Linda. It really speaks to me, it is only now I realise what an asset running is to my wellbeing, months and months after c25k and I don’t want that to be taken away from me. I can see how injury may deflate and setback your momentum, that’s got to be tough!

All these new runners have so much to look forward to! How we grow through running it is remarkable, so remarkable.

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to JaoJao]

Injury has also been a great time for reflection though. Added another insight into my enjoyment of running 😍

[Dowat Graduate]

Lovely encouraging read Linda so beautifully written. Thank you! I’m like you and repeating c25k after 4 months off re shin splints. Taking each run as it comes but no fear this time as I know it works. Just hoping legs are up to it. I’ve so loved my running.

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Dowat]

Ugh. It's tough being sidelined isn't it - but on the other hand it's brilliant when you get out there 😍. Enjoy every run 🙂

[Sook2 Graduate]

Brilliant! Thank you for posting!