Staying motivated when going back to work

[Eleanora55]

I've just done my second run of my first week of the couch to 5k programme and am pretty impressed with myself, because I was afraid of even starting it for various reasons.

The problem is, that on Monday I go back to work after two weeks annual leave over Christmas. I work ten hour shifts over four days, and travel for three hours a day. How am I going to stay motivated to continue with the couch to 5k whilst doing all this too, and what will people at work think of me when the see me in my leggings and trainers? Most of my colleagues are slim, pretty and fit

[Bluecat9]

Well done for starting and making it to the 2nd run of week one. I am at the same point, and find I struggle with what people will think of me. We need to remember we are doing this for us, not for other people. I have told a few people I trust not to push their opinions on me to tell, and they have agreed to encourage me. I feel accountable to them, and that helps me.

Going back to work is a little nerve wracking to try and fit the runs in, I’m in a similar position. But we can do it. We’ve started which is more than a lot do.

With you all the way eleanora55.

Good luck

[agirlinwinter Graduate]

Well done on starting and I’m in roughly the same position as you. I’m going for my second run this afternoon. I’m also on leave and I’m worried about finding the motivation when I go back to work. I’m not slim, pretty or fit. We can do this!

[Joanney69 Graduate]

Well done for getting started 😊

Are your work days 4 in a row or do you get a day off in between? If you have a day off, that would be the ideal time but I'm guessing you are still going to need to run on a work day?

Are you taking running 🏃 gear to work so you can run in your break? And if so, really good for you - don't forget you're doing this for you, not for the 'slim, pretty & fit' work colleagues 😊 just because someone is slim, doesn't make them fit, and even if they are, so what? It's not about them, it's about YOU, about dedication to improve your fitness, making you the best version of you that you can be & to hell with what anyone else thinks!! Anyone should be impressed that you have decided to do c25k and admire you for your commitment 😊

[Hidden]

Well done on starting and your first few runs! I am a fairly slim size 12 but desperately unfit and did my first run today. I too am a little worried about keeping it up when I go back to work but I know if I don’t go straight after work then I won’t go at all so that’s my plan. And I’ll fit in runs on days off and weekends when I know I’ll have more time. Also please don’t worry about what people will think of you in your leggings. I for one always have huge respect for people that are trying to get healthier and I think people will be really pleased and impressed that your being so dedicated and giving it a go! Good luck! x

[Eleanora55 in reply to Hidden]

I get a day off each week, and it changes from week to week. One day a week I finish half an hour early. As for running in my break, that is a good idea in theory but in reality I only get half an hour off for lunch so I would either have to get up stupidly early or do it straight after work

[BlacksmithsGal Graduate]

Well done for getting this far I'm in a similar situation - back to work tomorrow, leaving home early, getting home after dark and spending two hours driving each day + young teens to look after at both ends of the day. I'm going to try and run during my lunch break but failing that will look at whether I can run in the town on my way home, as at least there is street lighting there, or perhaps the local sports centre. This is my time; this is your time - C25K is for us - we can do it, one way or another!

[Ferrygirl Graduate]

Doesn’t matter if the run weeks take a bit longer than a week I don’t think. Best to try and enjoy it when you can fit it in rather than see it as a chore. Sounds like you’re doing great