1st Consolidation run stopped at 20mins exhausted, 2nd one Did 27mins loved it and only stopped because I had left kids and saw police in the area so went home, just attempted 3rd and lasted 8mins. I I'm pretty sure it's all mental, the more runs I can't do the less I want to go out and I am leaving it more between runs and having to drag my arse out. I am back to work and one child back at school but I have time there is no excuse. I know I have difficulty believing in myself, was a very poorly asthmatic most of my childhood and had pneumonia when I was 16 so Ive always had in my head that I'm not strong, that and I am so laid back it's irritating lol I have no addictive personality or need to see things complete or drive to be amazing I just happily plod through life. I'm not lazy though, I am a hard working single mum. But maybe all that combined means I'm just not cut out for it?? Things get hard I just stop lol not a good quality to have when running is it. Sorry for rant just trying to justify why I keep quitting 🙄
Written by
Daisy-runner
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I felt a bit lost after graduating and also felt like I couldn’t do 30mins. I started thinking I’d been fooling myself. Persevere. Are you using the app for the consolidation runs or doing freestyle? Remember, you graduated! You can do it.
Thank you nice to know I'm not the only one lol I stopped using the podcasts because I didnt like the 5 min checks made it drag on and the last 2 runs I've done with nothing, no music or anything just checking time on fitbit watch. I quite like running without music and I like not knowing how far I have gone. I can't belive I did 30mins and now Im struggling with it, maybe your right I have no one pushing me on so I just stop. Annoying though because you'd think having done it I should easily be able to do it again. I haven't seen the consolidation run app I'll have a look. Thank you
I think using the c25k app helped me to get that far otherwise I’d have given up. I need a goal but if I didn’t have something to support I’d just stop. When I graduated I did a few runs, just like you (ranging from 10-30 mins) then once I ran the 30 mins I looked in to the bridge to 10k group on here. I’m now on week 5 and ran 50 minutes last night! Have a look at the magic plan, it might be something to aim for. 3 runs a week. It starts with a short run, then a 30, then gradually builds up each final run of the week. For me, it’s definitely a mindset thing.
I kept saying that if it wasn't for the app I would never have done it, and having someone in your ear saying don't stop is a massive help. It's great to hear your progress, 50mins that's amazing. I will definitely look into that as I think I'm the same I need someone to tell me when to run, left to my own devices I'm rubbish. Thanks so much I feel more positive now ☺️
Hi, it sounds as if you don't want to lose the fitness you have gained through the programme, but you have a lot of commitments in your life, demanding your attention. Would it help to plan a circular route that will take you 30 minutes to get round, so that when you set off you will keep going and not turn back? Also, if you do feel the need to stop running, just keep on brisk walking and start running again if you can. You got this far, you've done really well. Even if you just do a short run three times a week you will still be keeping up and not just dropping back on the couch. Good Luck!
Thank you, yes life has got busier, I did the programme during lockdown when me and the kids were home so was easy to manage, maybe I just need to get into a new routine. I have discovered a route that will be 30mins plus which I aimed for this morning 🤦♀️ I will try again and your right I need to focus on 3 times a week and not worry so much and just get on with it.
Hope your journey is going well, its full of ups and downs isn't it but I have to say I love running and want it to become part of my everyday life which is why I get dispondebt when it goes a bit wrong lol
I just started it in lockdown to keep fit but amazed myself that I love it so much, once I am out there. Some days I struggle to make the effort but always so glad that I did.
It’s a mental struggle sometimes Daisy-runner, you know your more than capable, your a graduate, you completed C25K, where as many people fall by the wayside. Wear your badge with pride. Next run, clear your mind completely, banish all thoughts, before and during the run, focus on what you’re doing. Go out when it’s nice and cool, rested and hydrated. If it’s any consolation, like you I’m doing consolidation runs and last Wednesday’s was absolutely dreadful, I stopped 4 times whilst trying to complete 5k, which I’ve never done before and felt exhausted. Today completely different story I went out and completed 5k no problem at all, didn’t feel the urge to stop at all, felt great....one of best runs I’ve had. if I can do it, you can....stay positive, stay focused you can do this 👍
Watch the You Tube motivational video on the link I put on Bed to 5k it might help, I watch it before a run, works for me.
Thank you, I need a kick up the arse I think 🤣 I think I got in my head that I've graduated so will easily run 30mins each time but like you some days I go out and its just evil from the start and some days it flows lovely and you think you've nailed it, why can't it be consistent lol. I can't wait to achieve 5k its been my long term goal so its extra frustrating to get his far and feel like I've lost it. I need to get back into a routine of running 3 days a week without fail and pushing myself more. Thank you for the positive words and you are doing amazing, hopefully I will follow suit ☺️
No, you're definitely not lazy! You are amazing! Working, bringing up a family and taking control of your health!🦸♀️
There does come a day for every new runner when you have to decide whether you're going to be a runner or go back to the couch. All I can say is, don't listen to the gremlins, put your trainers on and get out there - only you can do it.
There are things that might help. You could use the last run of the programme to keep you going. There are some great running apps out there. I keep banging on about the Nike running club app, but there are others. My son uses a zombie run app 🤷♀️
You are so right about the mental challenge. It's very difficult to change the narrative you've always told yourself about who you are. But patterns of thought aren't fixed - you can change them. Twist the internal dialogue: 'I had childhood asthma, but I'm an adult now.' 'I had pneumonia, but I got better. What didn't kill me, made me stronger.' The things that go on in your head aren't real unless you act on them!
I was a fat child, and in the 60s that was quite a rare thing and attracted attention. Nobody, not even teachers, were PC at the time. Almost everyone thought it was fine to comment or tease me. As a result I spent years and years believing I was 'naturally fat'. Even when I lost a lot of weight, I thought I was a fat person disguised in a slim body. It's taken me 50 years to realise it's body and I control it through my actions - not my thoughts!
Talk to people about running, find a running buddy, read about running, watch YouTube running videos, keep your running shoes and gear out and ready to wear, keep posting here - anything that changes your mindset from 'not cut out for it' to 'yup, this is who I am now'.
It is so hard to change your mindset isn't it, i remember my mum saying when I was pregnant with my first child that she was worried I couldn't do it, she waited outside the hospital the whole time in case I died 🤣 I can't blame her she saw me in some desperately poorly states as a child it's hard for her to see me as strong I guess but those comments really stick don't they. I wonder if when I am strong I will ever see myself as strong, I hope like you I do. You have done amazing and an inspiration to me because you have done it, even if it takes 50 years lol thank you so much for the positive post and I have heard alot about the Nike Running app so think I will try it 😊
Daisy-runner you have done amazingly well to be at the stage of doing Consolidation runs 👍👍 look back at when you first started and see how different you are now. I have completed 6 Consolidation runs now and every one seems to have been harder than ever and I don’t know why. I thought each one would become easier but not so. Yesterday I made myself go out thinking I won’t be able to do it today as so hot and no sleep and I ended up jogging and walking once again but finished 5k that way so am feeling a bit disheartened but I’m not giving up 💪🤗
Keep reading the support that you get in here and maybe follow people similar to you that are getting through it as well and, I don’t know what your pace is like, but slowing down more might help. Slow jogging might be the key to keep you going the distance and when you feel like giving up just slow down even more than you ever thought possible and that is what is getting me through this so far. Even with yesterday’s run when I had to walk again 😂🙄 but it was very hot 🤦♀️ and in sticking with that 😇
Thank you so much, anyone who completes this programme has done amazing. The support on here is so great, that's why I posted as knew I would get some really sound advice. I just can't belive I only lasted 8 mins 🤦♀️ however I did start out quick because the last run I felt like I was flying and managed fine so figured would be OK. I will go slower again lol I am a bit of a technophobe but your advice one following others is a great idea, hearing all your stories of similar experiences really helps, thank you 😊
I’m back again Daisy-runner, you could repeat week 9, but change your trainer so you’ve got a fresh voice in your ear encouraging you on, the app is very flexible and lets you repeat runs and change trainer easily.....just a thought if you need encouraging while you run.....oh and you are definitely strong whatever you think, very strong to have completed the programme 💪🏻
That is a very good idea, a fresh voice would be great and that would get me back into the 30mins, how did I not think of that lol we are all strong to complete it aren't we. Thanks again 😊
Don’t beat yourself up too much. I find it difficult to fit my runs round my family. It’s hard! So I can totally relate. But keep at it. You know you can do it! I have just recently graduated and plan to continue to use the app for my consolidation runs to help encourage me. Maybe try that to help? Just don’t give up. You’ve done so well to come this far
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Graduated !!!!!!
Graduated!!!
I’ve lost it! 😩😊
Wow, I've done it... I've graduated!
w9 r3 completed ! Third attempt but finally graduated 
