Help

[pa259]

I still seem to be struggling. I worry the day before about running the next day. I’m relieved when it’s not a run day. Sometimes I wish I’d never started the programme as I’d feel terrible if I gave up, such a failure and I know I would never do it again. I feel jealous when I see the graduation posts that are so happy (sorry). Stupid thing is although I don’t really enjoy the run I feel better afterwards. I have done 3 consolidation runs and am doing a parkrun next week (which I am nervous about although my husband will be with me). Anybody else struggling? I want to be the one to write happy posts. (I am on meds for depression and anxiety to add some context).

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done for doing this.. really well done! Do not for one second, think that you are a failure. You most certainly are not... you are a runner!

My advice... forget Park Run for a while... feeling as you do. ( enjoyable as it is for many), maybe it is not the right time.

You are still a fairly new Graduate... so.. start to just run for you.... you have done some consolidation runs...do a few more.

30 minutes yes, but shorter runs too...new routes, routes you enjoy .... run and take everything in; look around. sights, sounds, senses... try not to focus too much on the run... just embrace the whole thing.

My runs, after almost four years( next week) are still too short... I never have time to take all I am seeing in... and when I get back write about it Maybe keep a diary of your runs too and then you will see how far you have come

You are doing brilliantly... relax now and give yourself a chance to find out mor about your runs and you .

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Although you're not feeling great you are still getting out to run which shows you are really trying to help yourself feel better.

Can you find some new routes to run and maybe change your music playlist often.

Also is it possible to visit your gp and discuss how you are feeling as it sounds like your medication is needing adjusted or changed.

Good luck and keep us posted 🤗🤗🤗

[Hidden]

Hey pa259, it could just be that running isn't for you.. maybe you'd enjoy swimming more, or yoga, or walking, or zumba, or well you get the idea! 😀

It doesn't make you a failure to try something and discover you don't enjoy it!

Honestly once you find "your thing" you'll be happy to do it. You really don't need to torture yourself. Best of luck with whatever you decide is best for you 💞

[1Cat Graduate]

Thanks for posting this and you're not alone. I'm loving c25k and plan to continue, but find myself worrying about the longer runs too just about to start week 8).

The whole thing feels a bit more serious with the longer runs, and there's isnt the constant positive feedback from doing more each week...

I've decided not to question it, just to set the alarm shoes on and out.

Like you, I know I'll feel better after the run, and during it.

And I try to think be mindful about posture during the run, looking ahead not at the ground and running strong. A positive soundtrack really helps and just letting yourself enjoy the day, the feel of the sun (!), the breeze, sounds, the rhythm of just running and the view ... mindfulness I guess

I like OldFloss' suggestions of trying out different locations - I plan to do that too. I haven't tried a park run, and will probably wait a month or two, but I might head to that location when there isn't a run just to feel more comfortable and confident.

Most of all, I think back to before c25k, when 60 second was a challenge, and celebrate how far we've come. As we run more, well have good days and not so good days but running, even a short run, will always make it better. x

[Jell6 Graduate]

You know your runs are exactly that. YOURS.

We read these posts and think " I don't feel like that ".

I have said (many times) I rarely enjoy the actual run, but I invariably enjoy the after run.

I spend the day before making sure I drink enough, sounds daft, but I really struggle with that.

This morning I was so tired, I wasn't going to go, but then I looked at tomorrow's weather forecast, read one or two posts and thought, sod it...

What helps me, is having a shorter time target, and anything else is a bonus

I set my timer for 25 minutes, and this takes a lot of the pressure off( so much is mental with this running lark 😊)

Since I started doing this, and slowed down I find it much better, and almost always get 28_35 minutes done.

Do what works for you, not what others are doing.

Remember "Comparison is the thief of joy " Theodore Roosevelt.

He wasn't wrong!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

To anybody who is struggling there is always the very simple answer of SLOW DOWN.

This makes it easier, more enjoyable, less physically stressful and is the recommended way for all runners to approach 75-80% of their running.

You should be able to speak clear ungasping sentences as you run......if you can't you are going too fast for your current fitness level.

You are a perfect example of a new graduate for whom we created the Consolidation Cub healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which is there to offer advice specifically for new graduates. Please come and talk to us there.

Also, have you read the guide to post C25k running healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which advises finding targets that you can attain on a regular, preferably weekly, basis.

Have you tried running somewhere new that is beautiful and inspirational in its own right, forgetting about speed, distance and duration, just running for fun. Expectation of your own performance can create pressures to perform, which is not always advisable. Relax, just run, enjoy your environment and take pleasure in your ability to do this amazing health giving thing.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

You're not alone. I didn't feel much sense of achievement on graduating. I did on W5R3 however. I could have climbed Nelson's Column and shouted it from there, but W9R3 was very "meh" for me.

I'm back on anxiety pills, mainly because right now I can't really rub due to a foot problem created by my work shoes. Without that regular injection of endorphins... I'm coming apart at the seams. This time of year is extra hard. The external pressures of Christmas, happy families and so much more.

Please try not to compare, it doesn't help. What does is finding what works for you. Study after study proves exercise helps, as does nature. Given the choice I am so much happier up on the hills breathing fresh air and drinking in the views, greens, blues and all the hues. This is my real medication and I am really struggling without it.

You're never alone no matter how much it sometimes seems so. 👍🏻🤗

[Smelliepoo Graduate]

As everyone is saying, slowing down can make a real positive difference. Take a look at Japanese slow running, better for the joints, better for your breathing and apparently better for your overall health. I was forced to use this on a day when I had shoulder pain and it really changed my perspective on running fast/slow. Now when I run faster or longer it is because I want to, not because I feel 8 have to to keep up!

Consider what part of running do you not enjoy? Is it the getting out? warm up? Cool down? Or all if it? Think about the parts you do enjoy and make more of them. You can change your runs to suit you, apart from certain elements that you need to have (warm up, cool down and stretching) you can make of your runs what you like. They are YOUR runs and do not compare to other people's stuff. Let them do them and you do you.

Good luck, the fact that you have got this far while battling the black dog is fantastic and a real achievement for anyone to be proud of. So keep reminding yourself of that.