Anxious about the runs

[Scruff55]

I’m starting to worry that I might not be able to complete the runs I set myself. I find myself waking up early and worrying about my next run. Not too sure why but it’s becoming more often and I’m getting cross with myself. I don’t very often fail A run I have decided to do but I’m anxious before I go out to run. Anyone else experience this.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

You are a graduate so you know the score, I am not sure why you are worrying about your next run, whatever that is, are you training to run a 10K, 10 miles or a HM, whatever the distance, take all the runs slowly, unless you are training for the Olympics which I don't think you are, good luck.

[Scruff55 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks Al. I think I’m still trying to prove to myself that I can run. I’m only running really slowly and doing about 3 k at the moment haven’t managed the magic 5 k yet and feel I’m still a long way from it.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Scruff55]

Slow and steady 🏃🏾 👍

[Scruff55 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Yes thanks

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

Hi- I can relate to this a bit as I described in my epic post last weekend . In my case I was getting anxious about the 5K and on non running days I was beginning to worry about the next run.

In the end I took all pressure off and didn’t run for 5 days. Similarly this week I would have run on Monday but I didn’t so I ran today instead. It was fine! I think what worked with me was telling myself that I have chosen to do this and it is on my terms. If I can’t manage to get a run in on the day I wanted, so be it. I have crossed the psychological barrier of 5K so I know I can do it, but I won’t be aiming for that every time because I don’t think I’m there yet. I think we can get too hung up on numbers and technology which adds to the pressure we put on ourselves. I do need a goal but I’m not going to be a slave to it. It’s supposed be be enjoyable - if it’s not I’ll give up and then I would have wasted the last 10 weeks.

I don’t know if that helps or hinders...😬

[Scruff55 Graduate in reply to SweatyHettie]

I think I’m focussing on trying to get to run 5 k. Managed 3 k today but obviously a long wAy from 5 k

[SweatyHettie Graduate in reply to Scruff55]

Turn it around - you’re a long way from that couch and every run brings you closer to 5K! 💪🏻

[Scruff55 Graduate in reply to SweatyHettie]

Yes it does thanks for the support

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Have you read this?healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Scruff55 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes I’ve read it several times. It’s good advice but I sometimes find it hard to put into practice. Thanks for the reminders though.

[sTrongFuse Graduate]

I think sometimes we allow a sense of "obligation" creep in. We feel like we should run or that we have to run, rather than that we want to. At the end of the day, it's about enjoying it (not always during the run, but in general).

Take a few extra rest days

Maybe next time just go out for an unspecified time/distance (you could be really brave and leave your tech at home), just to take the pressure off. It's not like we're competing, so just cut yourself some slack and run just for the sheer hell of it. Sometimes that's really all that's needed.

[Scruff55 Graduate in reply to sTrongFuse]

Thanks I’ll maybe try that.

[Ant50 Graduate]

Just keep going out there and enjoy it, there is nothing to worry about, what does it matter if you have a particularly slow run or you aren’t running the distance you hoped, at least you are out there getting exercise. So just relax and tell yourself there is nothing to get anxious about.

[Scruff55 Graduate]

I’ll try thanks

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I’ve never worried about not completing a run... there’s some I haven’t completed, they don’t bother me though! Relax... what changes if you can’t get over your finish line? Nothing! What changes if you cross the start line? Fitness, health, mental well being, life expectancy, and maybe a little runner’s high. Every run is a no lose gamble... and start lines are important, the finish lines aren’t so much. Whenever I can’t complete a run, I just look at the run I did do, think about when that was impossible, smile, and have a lovely walk home.

[Scruff55 Graduate]

Thanks for this gem. I’ll try to remember this as I do tend to think I’ve failed if I don’t finish the run running. If you get what I mean.