Well, 2 years since I said I was gonna start this, I only just did, competing W2R3 this evening. Having to really push myself though, mentally and physically. Hope I can keep the self motivation going eh fellow C25Kers?
What drives you, when you're cream crackered from work, back late and are so close to saying, not tonight, too often, which is what happened to me 2 years ago, and fear I may again.
Welcome to the forum and well done on
getting started.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Enjoy your journey.
Maybe run at a different time... early morning before walk...lunch break... ?
Otherwise, think.. why do you want to do it ... you tried it once, so the reason, If you have had a reason..is the same? What was it ?
If you're finding it tough when you're running, then slow down! You're likely going too fast.
If you're struggling to get out there, then you need to focus on your reason for starting this. If you dont get out there, what will change?
Remember why you’re doing this and how good you feel afterwards. This forum also is a great motivator, and source of advice and support. Keep going and you will get the bug pretty soon 👍😁
In terms of willpower to keep going I’ve got to the point where I don’t consider it a leisure activity or something that I fit into my spare time. I am trying to think of it as a fundamental part of my daily routine.
The way I look at it is if I want to keep fit and healthy as I get older then it’s not an option and other things (like sitting in front of the telly) have to make way for it.
Sorry if this sounds a bit harsh but it reflects where I am and where I’ve come from. I’m prone to being a workaholic and I’ve found every excuse (usually based around I’ve too much work to do or I’m too tired because of all the work) to not exercise. I’ve realised that this has to change.
I’m not sure there is an easy answer but I suppose it’s like any habit - the more we do it the more we condition our mind not to think about it (in terms of actively choosing whether or not to do it). And the great joy is that feeling when you’ve done it.
Posting on here after each run can help - I have it in my head that people will be waiting to hear from me so it keeps me accountable in a supportive way rather than a judgemental one.
Keep at it and keep posting so we can cheer you on 😊
That's exactly right; it's all in the mind. You have to believe it's not a chore you're bolting onto your life, but a part of who you are. Willpower alone is not enough - and that doesn't make you weak, it's the same for all of us.
Write down why you're doing this and how you want to feel at the end.
Set yourself an achievable goal - not necessarily the whole programme, maybe just next week's run. Then set another one.
Make it as easy as possible to get out of the house. Schedule your run and get your kit ready the night before. Put your running shoes by the door.
Review your progress and give yourself rewards.
Find other likeminded people for support (here and in the 'real world').
Good luck.
Great advice and encouragement Speedy60, thank you!
Thanks very much for the advice Redvic97... What a super forum/community this is!
Well done for getting started BW, it doesn't matter how long it's taken you to get there, it's getting there that matters. About 25 years ago I decided that I ought to get myself a bit fitter by cycling instead of driving to work (it was only about 3½ miles). This seemed to work quite well until the weather deteriorated. I went from going in the car because it was raining, through going in the car because it's going to rain in the evening to just going in the car in case it did rain! I then pushed myself back into it, making sure that I always had waterproofs at home and at work so if it rained, it didn't matter, I always cycled to work. I am slowly trying to habitualise myself about running, trying to make it automatic that I get up early and go out for a run every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday morning. (I have to go in the morning otherwise I'd spend all day thinking of excuses why I shouldn't go tonight!) I started C25K last September, had a few hiccups along the way and stopped at the beginning of December. Hopefully I've got my motivation back now, having re-started from scratch and have just got home from W2 R1. (I must say that I feel great at the moment, what a great way to start the day!). Keep at it mate, and keep posting on here telling us how it's all going, you'll get nothing but full support...
Thanks Alast, most encouraging
Better late than never 
First blog - better late than never!
Better a little late than never
W6 R1 better late than never!
Graduation announcement - better late than never?! 
