Week 5 here goes...

[Hymertrails]

I always tend to spread my 3 weekly runs out, Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Saturday but with w5 looming after lasts weeks foray with my local friendly hill I was a little apprehensive. Monday came and went, not a good day in work, lethargy, overtired and generally not feeling it. Ok so Tuesday came, busier work day, still tired but w5 won’t do itself so home, quick restorative biscuit, water, running kit on and out of the door. Laura on the app heightening my apprehension for W5 but off I went, first 5 was rubbish, my head was all over the place, 20 minutes later this week, no chance, but I persevered, brisk walk, next 5 was better even going up ‘my hill’ slowed down, breath deep and carry on. Ok, final 5 mins and it’s slightly downhill feeling positive, looking over the hedge and enjoying the view, this is ok, half way through, almost done and 5 mins walk home, puffed, tired, aching but completed!!! I think I now realise w5 is my mental battle not physical, 2 runs to go then onwards to W6!

Roll on a Thursday and run2.

Unfortunately I’m working at home today because I’m smiling like a sunbeam, my dozing greyhounds think there’s something wrong with dad, I need work company to spread my joy, it’s mental, not physical I need to convey!! Guess a doggy walk and smiling at them will have to do!

Til Thursday...

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Awesome. Sounds like you really enjoyed that one!

Totally agree, so much of this running malarkey is about mental attitude.

I know the first 5 mins of a run is always hard, so I'm mentally prepared for that.

But sometimes, work and other stuff just gets in your head and its difficult to focus. That can be good if it's a good run and over before you know it. But on the tough runs, it just makes it tougher.

But you are doing absolutely great. You're going go nail this week and I bet you enjoy the 20 minute run!

Mig

[Hymertrails Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Cheers Mig, much appreciated!!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You're right a lot of it is a mental battle. But you won.

Dogs will love you whatever face you've got 🤣. Happy dog walking and well done😊😊🐕🐕

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I found that as the physical battle got easier, the mental battle got harder. The trick, if you can pull it off, is not to see running as a bolt on to your life, just a chore to make you fitter. You have to commit to becoming a runner and find the pleasure in it. That way you're not wasting your mental energy. Easy to say, I know ...

[Hymertrails Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

I think that is my biggest battle having always considered myself an avid hiker. I still don’t feel like a runner, even though I know I am. It still feels like a bolt on at the moment to fill the void in my lack of long walking. I guess everyone has different reasons for doing the c25k, mine isn’t necessarily health related and only somewhat fitness as I’m not that unfit but need something more than my recent gentle ambles. I am enjoying it though!!!

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Excellent, well done 😁

[ArthurJG Graduate]

Yes first three weeks the physical challenge is the main one: your body isn’t used to it. Middle three weeks the biggest challenge is mental: your body is adapting but your brain doesn’t realise that yet so tries to get you to stop based on its outdated info about your capability. Last three weeks is half in half, all about endurance as you can do the runs but repeating them three times a week takes bottle, both physical and mental. None of it is easy but all of it is possible: keep believing.

[Hymertrails Graduate in reply to ArthurJG]

Thanks Arthur, I’m getting there!!