Hi all, new to the forum. Just thought I would add a little to the many posts on here that talk about the power of positive thinking.
I started week 4 this week and if I'm honest, didn't think I was going to do it. I had had a 3 day break after week 3 run3 and also a 3 day break between w3 r2 and w3 r3. I also repeated week 2 twice as I was terrified of week 3 and didn't feel I had the stamina yet to make it through week 3. At that point I was inclined to think, 'Well that run nearly killed me, so I had better repeat the week and make sure I can do it better before I move on'. However, after completing w3 r3 I decided to have a look at this forum and see what it was about. Admittedly, initially it was due to looking ahead at what future weeks had in store for me and the sheer terror it raised that made me seek out others experiences, however, something else happened as well. I found so many posts discussing how running is really a mental game and offering advice on how to push on. I read them with suspicion (I was sure my legs and lungs were playing a serious role in my experience of death by running), but something must have stuck.
My plan was to repeat week 3, because I felt I hadn't committed to it enough (and was terrified to move on). But instead I decided, somewhat on a whim whilst about to select week 3 again, that I would do week 4 run 1 and see how far I could make it and then try and build on that. Honestly, that sounds so simple and logical, but this was something that under no circumstances I would have even attempted prior to that point, the fear of failing was enough to stop me. And, to my absolute surprise, I not only survived the run but also enjoyed it!
I'm sitting here after having a really tough w4 r2 yesterday and the old thoughts of 'you need to repeat the week because you found that run tough' were beginning to creep in again. But now I recognise them for what they are, unhelpful and based on fear, and instead tell myself to push on and see what happens. Even if I am scared at the thought of moving on to week 5 I WILL MOVE ON, and if I don't manage to complete the run then instead of beating myself up I will take note of what I do manage and try and improve from there. (And anyway, I am too stubborn to stop when running when I'm close to finishing, even if I'm moving so slowly that a toddler would technically be toddling past me).
So, I guess I just wanted to add my voice to the many who are highlighting the power of having a positive mindset. Especially for those of you who are just starting out on your C25K journey and who, like me, often let fear of failure or insecurities hold you back. Do not move back, keep pushing on, because even if a run doesn't go completely to plan you are progressing and improving each and every time. And honestly, that is the most important part (well for me anyway). And a massive thank you to everyone out there for posting positivity and helpful advice, it has made a world of difference 
I'll leave you with the words I scream at myself (in my head) when I'm beginning to doubt myself or am struggling in a run...
I am strong and committed and worth the effort.
I am strong and committed and worth the effort.
I AM STRONG AND COMMITTED AND WORTH THE EFFORT!!
(...and you are too!)
W2R3 complete 💪
Will power wobble
seeing the light at the end of the tunnel
Excited and worried at the same time
