Need to kick the “chore”

[Chewy73]

I’m finding I’m having to be dragged to do this and I’m finding no enjoyment! Don’t get me wrong I do want to do it but it’s feeling like a chore! I’m not running every other day like it stated, it’s more like once every 3/4 days! From when I start to about the middle I hate it! But when I do finish a running feel much better and pleased with myself! I’d like to change the ‘hate it’ to ‘love it’

[Diamondshoes Graduate]

I feel exactly the same! I struggle with myself every run day trying to find an excuse. This morning as I sit here I'm wondering if it's too windy!

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Diamondshoes]

Same here! Too hot! Too cold! Windy, rain.... any excuse! I would’ve completed week 9 if I stuck to the plan! 😒

[Meetelvis]

I'm finishing I still have a negative approach ( just started week 4) but am noticing the difference.. do the third run fine as I know I'll have the weekend off! I think by week, 8 I'll be in the happy to jog section. Hope you will too

[AmenBreak]

I don't think there's an easy answer to this one! I think most people have the feeling - personally, I found remembering that buzz after you finished as just enough to get me out the door. Then once you're there and out, you do it. So try and remember that feeling when you're wondering whether you can skip this session.

Also, if you feel you can, try and run three times a week. It makes the programme go much quicker and when you start hitting big milestones and the end is in sight, you may find you get a buzz - and a "I can do this" feeling.

You will love it when you do finished.

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to AmenBreak]

I do get a buzz when Iv finished and really pleased with myself! It’s just the start of the run! Feel like a moody teenager getting out the door!

[AmenBreak in reply to Chewy73]

Haha - I know the feeling!

Helenwheels has a good response below - try and do it more regularly and at set times (3 times a week as the app suggests). It's the structure and the fitness - it will make it easier. There's a good reason (mentally as well as physically) they've done it that way.

Just think, it's only 3 hours (including all the prep and walking) out of your week, that's worth it for the reason you started this right?

[Big_maz in reply to Chewy73]

I feel the same I’m on wk8 and really want to finish but the people on here are great and I want to finish but afterwards no Laura to bounce me on 😊

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Big_maz]

Week 8! Well done 👍 I’m on week 3! It’s taking forever! Iv got Laura! Think I might change her!

[Diamondshoes Graduate in reply to Chewy73]

I just changed to No & also discovered how to play my music while running! It made a real difference.

[Diamondshoes Graduate in reply to Diamondshoes]

Oops I meant Jo!

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Diamondshoes]

Haha! Iv changed to jo now so will see how I get on, I always use Spotify for music (only cos Iv no idea how the music works on this) lol

[ChubbyJawa Graduate in reply to Diamondshoes]

I'm liking Jo too. Never been too fussed about her radio show, but she's making a good run buddy.

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to ChubbyJawa]

Your making excited about running now haha!! Gonna try running with her tomorrow! 👍

[Hidden]

I had a quick look at your posts and it does seem to be a bit stop start. I would say that with running, the more you do, the better it gets.

Also at this point, its all about discipline (imho). Put the runs in the diary and go out and do it. No excuses.

Also, why did you start this? Maybe remind yourself of what you hope to achieve.

You will soon find that you have developed a habit and those can be hard to break!

[Roxdog Graduate]

Well done for carrying on! Maybe a 3/4 day break between runs could be reduced to 2 day breaks. That way the running becomes more of a habit. Also, I wonder if doing some warm up exercises before leaving the house might help? Or vary your route. As someone with a very low boredom threshold, I have to vary my routes to enjoy my runs. Could you do that, or listen to some music, anything to re-sent your mental approach to running. Try something new and it might get you over this hump.

[Greensky1888 Graduate]

Hi I used to have this feeling but I think the thing to do is train your brain. By that I mean get your brain in to a position where it looks forward to the feeling after both physically and mentally. That buzz that you are not sitting about and you are actually doing something is hard to beat. Also get into the way of thinking that the times you don’t want to train then these are the times you will get the biggest benefit as in you will feel better about yourself more because you have made yourself do it. At the start it will be all push against you’re mindset but keep doing it and your brain will change as well.

This is a helpful article:

physiofirst.ch/a-guide-to-k...

[Dexy5 Graduate]

In addition to what Helenwheels says about getting out regularly, I used Jo Whiley as my mentor and she says to keep saying to yourself “I love running”. Even if you don’t think you do, it really works.

Also, a lot of runners talk about the toxic 10, the first 10 minutes when your body is adjusting to this running thing. This is quite normal.

I can’t say I enjoyed every run at the time of doing c25k, but loved the feeling of having achieved each one. But having done c25k , my life has been changed . Running has improved my physical and mental health, I have made friends through parkrun and this forum, and I extended through 5k, 10k to 10 miles. Not bad for someone who started at 60.

Do stick with it, it’s definitely worth it.

[Big_maz in reply to Dexy5]

Well done you have inspired me to finish thank you 😊

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Big_maz]

That’s kind. We Graduates must remember to return to this forum more often with our success stories. We all know what it felt like doing c25k and it’s not easy. This forum is really helpful.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Are you running/jogging at a pace at which you can speak clear, ungasping sentences as you run? If not, you are going too fast.

Slowing down is an epiphany for many, making it more achievable and enjoyable.

Not many people enjoy extended periods of hard physical effort........

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I’m going at a slow pace, the walks in between help to catch my breath but I’m doing what Laura tells me to

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Chewy73]

A slow pace is good, but is it slow enough for you to speak clear, ungasping sentences as you run? If not, you are going too fast.

You should not be out of breath.

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

But any slower I might as well be walking, I must be so unfit! Think I might have to concentrate on my breathing and control it more

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Chewy73]

If you read the guide to the plan you will find the advice that it is fine to jog slower than you walk.

There is also advice on breathing, but don't get hung up on it......doing what comes naturally works best for most people.

[ChubbyJawa Graduate]

I'd only do 1,max 2 days off between runs.

I used to go regularly to gym before covid 19 and found that leaving breaks too long between sessions, my brain would start trying to find excuses not to go. Then it can becomes too easy to skip a day, then another.

I find getting some of my fave songs together gives me something to look forward to for the run also.

Very 80's my running soundtrack. 😊

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to ChubbyJawa]

I can’t run in hot weather as it drains me anyway, so I tend to go in the morning so it don’t make me ill but I’m not waking up in time and making an excuse lol

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate]

I feel exactly the same. Am hating it and really having to push myself out of the door. However, I feel brilliant the minute it is finished and for the rest of the day, and the next. So that is what is motivating me, as well as the feeling of accomplishment.

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Bloomsbury22]

That’s exactly how I’m feeling! It feels like going to work on Monday mornings when you really don’t feel like it! Lol

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to Chewy73]

Indeed! 🤣 Another thing I’ve noticed, like other people have mentioned, is not to leave it too long between runs. I feel I can keep it up better if go every other day.

[Chewy73 Graduate in reply to Bloomsbury22]

Agreed! Gonna have to keep up with it 💪

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate]

Further to my previous comment, one thing I have found, which a few other people have mentioned, is trying to divert my brain from the actual running. So I play really revved up music, alter my route running around the streets/houses, concentrating on my breathing, all these things divert from my brain just endlessly questioning if I am almost finished.