Getting motivated

[Pepper2019_]

Hi all im a newbie, i really not a fan of running so i just need tips on how to keep me going, i suffer with depression and anxiety so sometimes find it hard x

[Roxdog Graduate]

Welcome and well done for getting started! You will find the forum full of friendly people to support you through it!

[Allbarron Graduate]

Hi I'm a newbie too. I find this helps my anxiety as it's a time in which I can quiet my mind and switch off. Listening to music as I run helps but as I haven't worked out how to run 2 apps consecutively I sing in my head which leave very little room for anything else 🤪. Everyone will tell you to take it slow. It's the best advice but I have found the hardest to do. My advice to you would be just to get out there and run in whatever way you can. Don't question it, don't analyse or critique it . Just run🏃🏃and enjoy. Good luck on your journey 👍👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Allbarron]

If you have music on your phone start that off first then start the running app and they should run together the music fading out when the coach speaks on the app, nothings perfect though so there might be times everything stops but good luck

[Allbarron Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks I'll give it a go!👍

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The best way to keep running is to keep posting here.

Enjoy your journey.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Post your progress and read that of others that will motivate you, we all started at the beginning and remember when you go out it’s half an hour when depression and anxiety have to take a back seat because you need to concentrate on running so it’s a lovely half hour even if it may be hard at times

Wishing you all the best and let us k ow how you get on

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Welcome Pepper. I'd say the first thing is not to say, 'I'm not a fan of running. Write down the reasons you want to run and the things you want to achieve from it. Then say to yourself, 'I'm going to become a runner. '

I'm not saying it's easy, and I'm sure there are others here with experience of anxiety who can give you more advice and support, but I'm convinced that running is as much a mind game as a physical one.

Good luck 👍

[SJA2295]

Hey i just started today and also suffer with anxiety, i found the best thing for me to do was put my music on and concentrate on my breathing! Keeps my mind from wandering and thinking silly things! Good luck!

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Welcome and well done for starting. You will find you learn so much about yourself while learning to love running. Take it slow, real slow, post regularly, celebrate each run and ask us for advice whenever you need it. This is an extremely supportive forum. Happy running

[DrEdFullyunfit]

Hi Pepper

I’m sure this program is going to help you with your depression and anxiety. I’m also not a fan of running - it’s my least favourite form of exercise, but it was the most convenient for me to do so I started. I’m just about to start week 4 and it’s going well, I feel ‘different’, ‘better’.

I’m running mostly to suppress another relapse of depression. It helps. Running is a form of meditation because you concentrate on your breathing and your body. It’s a natural antidote to mental illness.

My tips to you are thus

1 - Make a great uplifting running playlist which you use just for running.

2 - Plan your run routine. Decide that run time is non negotiable, push yourself to go even when you really don’t want to - you’ll be glad you did.

3 - Read this forum regularly, it has helped me loads. I’m not a sociable person or a fan of forums, but this one is great. I currently dip in each day to remind myself of the commitment I have made to myself.

3 - Just keep going, at some point, something will click and you’ll realise you are far more than you thought you were.

[Pooh_Bear]

Hi Pepper! I've never posted before, but I wanted to let you know that I'm proud of you making the decision to do C25k. 👏 I started to improve my mental health too, and it has really helped. There are times I haven't wanted to go, but I definitely feel better when I do! On the other hand, it is ok if you have a bad day....just go out the next day instead. Don't make it another thing to beat yourself up about... people on here will motivate you if needed😁. I also discovered that lots of people I knew had started running this way or were trying it out and it was a great conversation starter! Good luck! 😀

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Well done on getting started. I was not into running either - thought it would be the last thing I would ever do. But now I love it, and part of that comes from how good it makes you feel. I’m sure you’ll benefit from it and soon get the bug 😁

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Hello Pepper2019. Your not a fan of running , 'yet'.

Just go slow and slower again if needed and remember to drink lots of water 7 days a week and not just on run days.

C25k is an amazing plan and really does work, you'll get lots of encouragement and support on here.

You'll be amazed how running can really lift your mood. Good luck 😊😊

[Tigertailor Graduate]

Aww congratulations!! You've taken the first step! Everyone here will root you along every step of the way through the good and bad!!

I think you will be surprised the effect this will have on your mental health!

Running is just one foot in front of the other, some days it will be quicker than others that's all!!

Keep going!

You Can Do This!! ❤️

[Huwj]

Will done. During last year i was in a bad place mentally, lots of anxiety! My son suggested i do something that would give me a sense of achievement. I also needed to do something about my health and fitness. So slowly i started the couch25k. And it has worked. I may never get to week 9 (I've been at it since July) but i fuel good at the moment. What more can i ask for