So I havnt ran since last Saturday when I finished week 2... I've had so much going on this week.. (I'm taking two part time college courses, have 3 kids, a partner that works away all week, I've had an exam this week a nerve racking interview that I was worried about and work!) that plus the not very nice weather I haven't motivated myself enough to go out and run! I'm trying to lose weight and in 3 weeks have only lost 2lbs! Which I'm gutted about (I'd even cut out alcohol!!) I am enjoying the running and want to badly to start week 3, is it bad I've left it a week? Just feeling bad and disappointed in myself.
I do realise the running will probably make me feel better from a mental side as well as physical!
Any advice or words of wisdom from you lovely lot much appreciated.
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Beginnermum
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We all have lives to live and sometimes a break is unavoidable.
There is no point feeling disappointed in yourself.........that will not do away with a busy life.
Once you have the running habit well and truly built into your life you may well prioritise things differently............so many of us wondered how on earth we could fit it into our lives, but once fully bitten by the bug, it rises up your priority lists and a way is found.
As it states in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... ( I hope you have found time to read that!) you will lose next to no discernible condition in the first two weeks of non running.
Thank you for your brill advice and yes I did read that when I first started. Think I'm disappointed because it makes you feel so good when you've run and this week I feel all sluggish and tired!!
Don't beat yourself up. You started a plan and you will get back to it. Losing 2lb is great and slow reduction is much more likely to stay than a sudden drop. Deep breath and squeeze 10 mins for yourself for some stretching. It will help with your college work too. When your partner is around grab that 30 mins outdoors and come back with a smile. We are right there with you. 👍👣
Best words of wisdom... don’t beat yourself up about it. So you’ve had a busy week, and that has meant you haven’t been out for a run... but the fact you want to is a great sign.
Now, that weight loss thing... the slower it comes off, the easier it is to keep off. NHS recommendations are a loss of 1-2lbs a week, and running will (in the early days) slow the weightloss a little as you build some muscle. So, 2 lbs over 3 weeks is pretty much on the money as you’ve been starting to run... I’d go further and say that it’s actually perfect. Don’t just look at the numbers on the scale, that’s just one aspect... running will tone you up and while every week won’t be a victory on the scales, it will on many occasions be a victory on the tape measure... or with the mental health that you allude to.
Putting it all in perspective... I’d rather be slightly overweight and fit than good weight and unfit. Look at the bigger picture... go easy on yourself... run when you can... don’t worry about weekly weights. Keep on the healthy eating, with more exercise, and have a look at how far you’ve come by Christmas, you’ll be so proud. It’s not about what you did today, or next week, or in January, it’s about moving in the right direction over months and years. You’ll hit all your goals... so relax and take one step at a time on your journey to greatness.
Always post... someone here will have been where you’re at, always. I find that while this place is great at cheering successes of each run, it’s even better at putting running and life into perspective when things haven’t gone as well as we’d hope. Together we are so strong... and you posted about where others are and maybe don’t want to post it... but they read the conversation and get the support a different way... the more we talk, the more we can win.
You won’t have lost fitness after a week, i found when i had a busy week i went out telling myself i’d be back in half an hour, then went and did it but we did have weeks where we just couldn’t fit it in and yours has been super busy
Oh and get that tape measure out as others have said you will notice a difference, i didn’t start the programme because i was overweight and haven’t been on a reducing diet i’ve lost a couple of pounds but my waist is down 3 inches which is enough to make my clothes more comfortable and look better
Wow really... I did measure myself at the start of all this... my clothes definitely dont feel any different yet so I might wait a few weeks maybe week 5 or something then measure again and I'm going to get my other half to hide the scales for a month or two... lol!!
Wow... I mean, wow..... give yourself a break. I think you had more than enough on your plate this week. Dont worry about it.
As already said, a week shouldn't make too much difference. Just remember to take it nice and slow when you go again. Repeat the last run first if you dont feel confident about moving on, but I'd say give a go first.
And please, please, please.... throw those scales away!! Get your tape measure out and take some measurements now!! Then, in 6 weeks time, take the measurements again and if you feel you must, get on the scales again then. :-).
Once you get in the rhythm, you'll find time for regular running somehow. Just dont be so hard on yourself.
Thank you and yeh that maybe a good idea with the scales lol! Yes I did think about repeating week 2 but I did get on well with it so I will try week 3 first. Think I just feel bad for not getting out there this week, maybe I've got used to the fresh air as I feel I haven't had hardly any this week lol!
My goodness, you've had such a week! Please don't beat yourself up over not having time. We all have times that it just can't happen, but as long as you *want* to get back out there, you will find the time eventually. When they say "3 times a week", take it with a pinch of salt - some weeks are more like 21 days in my experience! My husband also works away, but I only have 2 children and a job. I still struggled sometimes to fit it in, and still do now that I've graduated! Do what you can, and enjoy the process, you're doing brilliantly.
Thank you I knew some of you lovely people on here would have some similar stories which was one reason why I posted, think I just needed some words from the wise lol and a little encouragement. Thank you
Finding time to keep up with the routine of running can be a proper challenge at any level, C25K or (god forbid) marathon training. Then, somehow, we all find time if we really want to find time. And out of those who find time and persist, all find benefits. Once you find benefits, time finds itself. Sounds simple and in a way it is. If you really want it, you'll make it. Miss a few runs, miss a week, that's all fine because the target will be waiting. Take your time, don't stop and you'll get to wherever you want to be. It's very, very doable. Easy? Often not, but still very doable.
You are a busy busy mum with a busy family life and are doing brilliantly. Keep hold of that ‘want to run’ feeling and you’ll find a way to get out there again really soon.
I sympathise completely. I have a family and my hubby works abroad for weeks at a time, so I know how you feel. As I work from home I can usually manage to fit my runs into my day, but it doesn’t always go to plan!
As for the weight loss. Put the scales away! I noticed my weight go up, rather than down and it really disheartened me. I posted about it on the forum and they were great, explaining I was building muscle which weighs heavier than fat. I immediately put the scales to the back of the airing cupboard! That was last year on my first C25k journey - I reached w9r1 before injury stopped me from graduating. I’m running again now and moving onto to week 4 tomorrow and really enjoying it. Guess where my scales are? Still in the airing cupboard!
Good luck with your next run. Keep posting. We will cheer you on 😊🏃♀️.
That's so nice to hear and well done to you, its lovely that everyone has so much support on here and everyone has different stories of their own to share that have made me feel so much better, my partner is home later today and his first job will be to hide the scales from me 😅
It's weird that not getting out made me feel so bad and so lethargic!! Maybe that's a good sign.
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