It IS all in the mind...

[frogplate]

Today it was time to try W4R1. By the beginning of the last 5 minute run I was beginning to feel very tired. Half way through the run and Laura popped up and said "You have just two and a half minutes to go..." and I wondered whether I really could keep going that long.

But then my mind wandered to an email I'd received from an old friend just before heading out. I began sketching out in my head how I would reply and suddenly Laura had popped up again and said "Well done! Slow down to a walk now..." Wait! What? I'd been miles away and those last two and half minutes had flown past.

I've seen various comments here that after week 4 all the limitations are in your head. I didn't believe it, but I now I'm convinced. Mind you, I'm now expecting Friday's run to be a real struggle as my subconscious tries to prove me wrong.

[DDJ2019 Graduate]

Well done!

I'm impressed that you can think and plan while running - I can barely keep my feet in the proper alignment when I'm running!

[frogplate in reply to DDJ2019]

It came as a complete surprise to me. Usually I'm just concentrating on not stopping before the next lamp post, and then the next one.

[Adam1234567890]

I just did W4R2 tonight - i was really worried about W4 but have slowed right down and actually enjoyed it - last 2.5 mins were a bit tiring though. There’s definitely psychology in it.

[frogplate in reply to Adam1234567890]

Yes, I was worried about week 4, it seemed such a big step up, but just managing to complete the first five minute run without stopping was an enormous confidence boost.

[Goforitmama Graduate]

Well done. Another run done. Each run gets us ready for the next one. You are right, self belief does go a long way. I used to get kinda giddy when I was doing c25k after each run, amazement that I had actually done it.

Good luck for your next run.

[frogplate in reply to Goforitmama]

I know the feeling! It still feels a bit like a dream, and I'm amazed by the progress in just a few weeks.

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Well done 👍😁

[Allbarron Graduate]

Excellent job! I'll try that myself on Friday when I do w4R1. Can't say I'm looking forward to it but based on the feedback on here I'm feeling a little better. Good luck next time

[DrEdFullyunfit]

Don’t listen to your subconscious!! You can easily do it!! I didn’t enjoy W4 very much at all, but a similar situation to yours pulled me through and showed me it really is all in the mind!!

R1 was a bad day, my head was all over the place and I was feeling very down, then I ended up with a ‘practice run’. I had really struggled to run even half of the 5 min stretch. I was pretty fed up about it, but after much thought decided to go on to R2 anyway.

Towards the end of R2 I was struggling and really didn’t think I’d make it again - I was still feeling a bit rubbish, especially about R1. Then, just as I was about to start the last 5 min run, I realised I had put the wrong playlist on. I must have spent some time fiddling about getting the correct playlist up and choosing an inspiring song because by the time I had got to the chorus it was time to walk again! I hadn’t even noticed the run.

R3 was a breeze because I decided to tell myself I could do it easily.

I’m now on W5 and so far I’ve found it much easier that W4. My next run is W5R3 and my ever-generous children have decided to share their cold germs with me (yet again). My head is already making a dialogue of how I won’t be able to run R3 with a cold 🙄.....

[14646KevinS]

Yes, ive also found how mind plays tricks with the time - the first 5 minutes can seem much longer and definitely for me the toughest to get through

[Alast]

Well done for combatting the 'all in the mind' gremlins and completing the run. I know that for me the biggest part of the battler with C25K is mental and not physical. I stopped at the start of W4 last December and re-started from scratch again last month. I managed to get all the way to W4 R1 before having my first (and so far only ) practice run and by yesterday morning had completed up to the end of W4 R2. I listen to comedy podcasts as my distraction tactic as when listening to music I couldn't help trying to run to the beat which was generally too fast so I'd run out of steam too early. To try and regulate my pace I also have a metronome app clicking away at me which I find really helpful too. Tomorrows run should be a piece of cake for you now, you know you've already smashed it once so keep telling the gremlins that when they start trying to give you more nagging doubts! Good luck with it and please let us know how you get on.

[Incho Graduate]

Totally agree. If your mind is only focused on the time remaining and just getting through the run, then it will be a long grind. I have started distracting my mind with various things....making lists, and even trying to remember places I’ve been on hols, favourite gigs, etc. The time seems to move so much quicker. Let your body do the run, but you can take your mind anywhere!

[frogplate in reply to Incho]

That's sounds like an excellent idea. I'll try and make my mind wander on tomorrow's run - that usually isn't a problem!

[LeeU Graduate]

Your body has no idea on time, it's only your head and you've just proven that to yourself, congratulations!

Some of the longest runs I've done have been where my mind has wandered while managing not to fall over or into a canal, etc 😁