Anything you can do..... a message for newbies - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Anything you can do..... a message for newbies

LoungeLizaard profile image
LoungeLizaardGraduate
9 Replies

Now rearrange those words - You can do anything!

We're 10 days in to the new year and I hope there are many newbies who are on their own 5k journeys. Did you know the 19th is recognised as "quitters" day? All those new resolutions start to fall away, and excuses start to creep in.... Come on, we've all done it!

I'm too heavy

I'm not fast enough

This hurts, I'm still aching from last time

I can't do it

I'll just go tomorrow

I don't have time

I'm to slow

and so on...….

My only advice is ignore the voices. Ignore the self doubt. You can't ignore the aches & pains, but it does get better. Everyone on this forum is with you. Everyone on this forum has been where you are right now..... and every single one of them are glad they continued with it and didn't give up.

Some have gone on to run further and / or faster, there are many that have stayed at 30 minutes or 5k. But there is an even greater number of those that have given up, and wish they hadn't.

Life does get in the way, and the journey sometimes isn't easy. But it is definitely worth it. Please read some of the older posts from me and my virtual running buddies that will reply to this thread. You will see your struggle, but your journey is yours alone and it will be whatever you make it.

My only ask is that you don't give up, and just believe. Believe that you can, believe that you will, and believe in the training.

You will make it.

Happy New Year to all the newbies, oldies, those on the IC (and the lurkers) ❤

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LoungeLizaard profile image
LoungeLizaard
Graduate
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9 Replies
Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

Brilliant words Loungelizaard. There is no doubt that the journey is well worth taking. I started at age 60 in 2018 and have no regrets. So all the best to you lovely newbies and post your runs on here so you can help each other keep going.

LoungeLizaard profile image
LoungeLizaardGraduate in reply to Dexy5

Thanks Dexy! Not forgetting the lovely locations that you & UTS are now running in together!!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard

Yes, we’ve discovered places on our doorstep we’ve never found before!

agirlinwinter profile image
agirlinwinterGraduate

I'm a newbie. I started on 1 January. I'm doing week 2 run 3 tomorrow. Thanks for your advice!

LoungeLizaard profile image
LoungeLizaardGraduate in reply to agirlinwinter

Good luck. I meant every word, there will be moments when you will want to give up, but keep at it 💪

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Hello LoungeLizard. You're right it's not easy but anything so worthwhile never is. That's why it feels so great to complete a run or a week. Have a great weekend 😊😊

LoungeLizaard profile image
LoungeLizaardGraduate in reply to Buddy34

"If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done"

I found that quote a while ago, by Thomas Jefferson. Still think its spot on for C25Ker's!

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard

Very true 😊

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate

What a fabulous post! I 110% agree with you. One of the most unlikely things I've ever done, but one of the best things I've ever done. It's been a bumpy old ride, but over two and a half years since first starting (crikey, that's a long time 😍) it's more amazing than ever and such an important part of my life and coping strategies. Hang on in there newbies, post on this forum, devour the information available and soak up the support and inspiration as you head towards your own amazing achievements 🙂. We look forward to reading about your journey.

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