Fear of falling at the last hurdle...

[Lula375]

Six runs left and I’m struggling with these longer stints (mentally more than anything else). My new shoes were supposed to motivate me to get to the end but they’re too small 😢 - even though they’re the same brand and size as my current trainers. Gutted!

The cooler weather was a nice change this morning and I changed my route, so today was a bit easier. There was definitely less, “I don’t even know why I’m doing this - I don’t even like running”, and more “I can do this and I’ll feel great when I do”.

I remember wondering whether I would make the 3 minute jog in Week 3 - this weekend I’ll be adding it to the 25 minutes I’ve done this week 😱. I just want to get to the end now.....it’s too close for me to quit!

Thanks - I think I just needed to offload! 😄

[Lisalulu80 Graduate]

I’m in exactly the same position as you, I start week 8 run 1 today and I’m a little nervous. On each of the longer runs I have an internal battle with my self and usually around the 8 minute mark I’m certain I’m going to give up, but I haven’t yet. And, as you said, it’s knowing how great you will feel when you’ve finished. So today when I go for my run I’m going to try and start with that feeling, think about all the runs already completed, how many kilometres already ran. How after that first run I was sure I would never ever be able to run for 30 minutes but I have just ran for 25 minutes 4 times! Totally agree that most of the time the struggles are more mentally than physically. Hope you managed to get your trainers returned and good luck with week 8 x

[Hidden in reply to Lisalulu80]

You've got this. You not only can do it but you will do it! You deserve to, so run with that thought!

[Lula375 Graduate in reply to Lisalulu80]

We’ve got this....haven’t we?!!!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You are doing great and I can remember those final weeks a bit of a slog at times.

Distraction is key.....whatever stops you thinking about time or running.

As far as your mental approach is concerned, try relaxing and reading this post healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Try to run like a carefree child rather than a desperate adult who has something to prove.

[Lula375 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Great post, and so true. Thank you 😊

[Lisalulu80 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for this, I just completed week 8 run 1 and in my head planned the weeks dinners. What activities to do with the kids, what I would buy my self once I have graduated as a treat, even recited the alphabet backwards 😂Anything to not think about running and time

[Lula375 Graduate in reply to Lisalulu80]

Brilliant!!! Well done 😊

[Hidden]

All these thoughts are natural but they're only thoughts and not facts. You've come this far and you will get there. Watch Anna on 'The Running Channel' on YouTube for inspiration, particularly her HM and Marathon runs as well as her 3 part Ultra videos. They will inspire you. You are right, it's a mental battle now. Each time before you go out visualise finishing and know you will do it. Go out at the steady pace you know all about and get what you deserve with the work you have put in.

[Lula375 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - always looking for inspiration 🙂

[Grannyasbo Graduate]

I’m learning at w3r2 to be very gentle and compassionate with myself. Going slow isn’t a problem and appreciating every time I run is an achievement has helped me mentally.

Keep going and don’t be afraid to repeat as others advise sometimes. The key is keeping going “cos you’re worth it”. 💪😀🐌

[Lula375 Graduate]

Thank you 😊