Running making me anxious and nervous - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Running making me anxious and nervous

madeincroydon profile image
7 Replies

How can I stop feeling so anxious the night before my run. I've finished week 5 but have decided to do another couple of run 3's (20 minutes non stop run) as I found that a real challenge. But I can't sleep the night before, it's so silly!

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madeincroydon profile image
madeincroydon
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7 Replies
Blossom- profile image
Blossom-Graduate

Hey I've felt the same; I just know that it gets better, or anxiety gets taken over by excited anticipation mixed with trepidation. It's the unknown, but you CAN do it. Just read some of the motivational posts on here. That's what I do. Week8 R1 for me tomorrow🤪

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Maybe you have an overdeveloped sense of the need to succeed and avoid failure, which does seem to be incredibly common in this day and age.

Maybe this post about mental approach will help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

This is a life changing training plan, but you will do so much better if you can relax and enjoy it. The only way to fail is if you head back to the couch on a permanent basis............and you are not going to do that, are you?

Pol51 profile image
Pol51Graduate

Did you compete the 20 mins? If so move on to W6 R1. That’s a real mental run and then in W6 you drop back a bit for 2 runs! It’s meant to hurt, the next 2 show you that you can do it!

Good luck xx

SandraY1 profile image
SandraY1Graduate

Are you anxious because you fear failing? This programme Is solely yours and no one else’s. Every run 🏃‍♀️ is a learning experience to new runner you. Think about when you first started W1 R1 and 60 Seconds was hard and now your on W5 R3. You are amazing can do W6 you will be back to intervals again Walk & Runs, but after that nonstops.

You can do this, just believe in yourself. Everyone on the forum does.

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate

I agree with Pol51 - I'd only repeat a run if I hadn't completed fully the first time. It will be a challenge, but it's meant to be.

It's easy to say don't get stressed, but it's not easy to do. I think what will settle you in the end is familiarity and confidence. Don't worry about not completing runs, we don't have failure here, we have practice runs - we've all done our fair share of those.

Good luck 👍

Dtay1978 profile image
Dtay1978Graduate

Nothing at all to worry about, just take your time and stay hydrated, you’ve got this 💪🏻😊

Reluctant-jogger profile image
Reluctant-jogger

I sometimes feel anxious about runs.... I try and remind myself I can reduce my speed and go as slow as I need to get through the run. I also have a great playlist of music with a good motivational beat that i love. Plus I also really like to know how long I've been going for, so I can psychologically break down each five mins so i also have a second app on at the same time that gives me more regular updates. For me this is helpful but maybe for other people this might be more stressful. I always feel daunted but I am forcing myself out there and I never regret it. I've noticed I start looking for reasons I can't do it today...its too hot, it's rainy, I'm sure when it gets colder that will also be a reason 😂...I feel tired. Its toe early or too late in the day .. My muscles feel Tight or have lots of work to do. I keep reminding myself that this my time for my health and wellbeing and really it takes me an hour including my warm up and shower at the end.

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