Hi guys just finished my week 7 run 3 and I hated it. I do want to complete and will push myself to do it but have to admit I haven't found the running bug. Any advice?
I have tracked my running this week and can see small improvements each time but still not enjoying my runs
It's great that you've got this far and stuck with it. I do understand, in those later weeks I didn't much enjoy most of the runs. But does it make you feel good afterwards? Do you feel better than you did? You must be feeling benefits otherwise you probably wouldn't have carried on.
You may be getting bored with the structure and targets. When you finish the programme, you can run 'free' and experiment. You might find that you experience running differently then. For now, can I dare to suggest that you just run for the time of the session, but turn off the app and the voice. Maybe you will feel different. Of course you might, like most of us, need the coach's voice, but I did get a little tired of it in the last few weeks (sorry Jo!).
Good luck.
By the way, you sound pretty determined and are improving. So you're doing brilliantly!
Yes, I do like how I feel after, and that my fitness level has improved.
Yes also might be time to mix up my route. Many thanks and hope u keep ongoing x
It took me a while to get to the point of enjoying any of it - and I'm still not convinced I do enjoy it while I'm running but I love the feeling afterwards. You're already at week 8 - which is amazing - so stick with it and follow Roxdog's suggestions for variety. I started by listening to music, but found that podcasts worked better. Time of day might make a difference too, if you've got that choice.
Good luck!
I’m a little confused by that last bit... what small improvements are you seeing on your tracker?
To be honest, I can’t say I enjoyed any run on the plan... I was often happy that a run was done, and very proud of myself, but enjoyment would be too big a word for what I was feeling then. When I did start to enjoy running was just after graduation... the pressure I’d put myself under was gone, I didn’t have to run longer each week, I relaxed and ran some nice slow runs... then I found myself smiling while I ran... crazy huh? The easier you find a run the more enjoyable it will be... that can either come with experience or a slowing down of the pace... for me, nothing beats the feeling when I cross my finish line and know I could go run it again. It’ll come to you.
My pace and distance completed each time has improved but I want to run hence why I started this.
Ah... that might be improvement... or it may not be. What really matters is how you feel about the run, and a tracker can’t answer that. Strava and the rest can only tell you one metric that counts, duration of the run, but you already know that.
While you’re looking for an improvement in pace in the long term, going faster every run isn’t enjoyable, and even if that does give you a buzz, it’s not sustainable.
How easy are you finding the runs? If you had 0 (sitting) to 10 (all out sprinting) how much effort are you using? If you rate that on a run, then over time the same distance and paced run will take less effort. I like running at 7/10, but I really love my 4/10 days, I feel like I could run forever! The science also say that it’s better for my development as a runner, my health and in time my speed. mensrunninguk.co.uk/top-fea...
I tracked most of my C25K runs... but I closed my tracker quickly and didn’t look at the run data again for 6 months. When I did review things, my average pace each month was there to see, and it was getting quicker. I’d say as a graduate, I was running 6/10 effort most of the time, and as my fitness rose I found the lower gears. I use my watch to make sure I’m running slowly enough often... maybe twice a month I use it to make sure I’m running quickly enough.
Focus on relaxing and running easy... the rest will come.
I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t exactly say I have the bug either, but my motivation is I want to be healthier so I will keep it up as long as I can 😊
I know what you mean. I completed Wk7 R2 today and it was hell, as were the previous 2 runs of this duration. I've never pushed myself so hard in any other physical activity and I'm not quite sure if anything that is so tough is a smart way of training.
Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.
Slowing down to a truly sustainable pace, just like elite runners do for 80% of their training, will make it more achievable and probably more enjoyable.
Most of us are neither used to, nor positively choose sustained physical labour as a fun occupation. Running well within your ability, rather than pushing hard, is an epiphany for many and, counterintuitively, it is how you build the solid aerobic base required to run fast.
Find a distraction so that you do not think about running or time.
Ditch the tracking for now and just concentrate on your environment and surroundings.
Thanks you will do
I know how you feel. I'm on W8R2 and while I'm enjoying the health benefits and the slightly smug feeling after completing each run, I can't say that I LOVE running.
Part of it is that I'm running the same route every time, which I want to do as I'm tracking my progress on Strava.
But also I realised that the app on the longer runs were making me slightly anxious waiting for Laura to say 'that's 5 minutes you're doing really well'. I kept checking my watch and it didn't help.
Since w7 I stopped using the app. I now listen to an engrossing podcast during my run and that really takes the mind off.
I know the body has become stronger and my stamina is there to run long stretches. Now my mind is less occupied about the running aspect and is doing something more enjoyable!
Know what you mean Emily. I’ve had to give myself extra few days to do w7 r3. Managed it today after 4 extra days off due to feeling unwell. I’m struggling but determined to get there. Slower than some of my other times as well I’m going backwards 🥺
Just completed week 6... enjoying it less. 
W2 done but not sure I’m enjoying ☹️
When do you start enjoying it? 🤓
Enjoying life
Week 8 - finding it hard, no longer enjoying it :(
