Week 3 and loosing motivation

[Millie992]

So I'm due to start week 3 today and I'm hoping to hear success stories... I'm not overweight but I'm really unfit so have been struggling...I started this to get fit and give my dog some good excercise as shes full of energy 24/7 and cant be let off lead as her prey drive is super high (whippet x springer)...but having to pull her away from every friendly dog, bird etc she sees while I'm trying to run leaves me exhausted so I've left her at home the past few runs...and I'm starting to feel embarrassed about how slow I run aswell because I keep getting overtaken by other joggers at the park ..AND I'm just noticed I'm getting varicose veins in my leg since I've started this? I'm only 27 and a busy mum of 2 under7 aswell and I'm just so tired!

[JulieHills Graduate]

I noticed a big change in what I could manage around week 3. I don’t know why it seemed to get easier. I also was embarrassed at my lack of pace and used to try and speed up as proper runners approached. Then I watched the slow jogging video clip and was so pleased! 😁. I am slow jogging not running and it’s great! It’s all about you and the right way to do this for you and no one else. It’s your challenge and your results. Do the slow jog, see how each week is doable and be proud of yourself! 👍🏼🏃‍♀️👍🏼

[Fatfriend81 Graduate]

I started to lose motivation around week 3, felt like I wasn't getting anywhere but remember these are just stepping stones, in just a few more weeks you will be running!

Also I took my dogs, off the lead as running around private land, for the first 2 weeks but I found them to be too much of distraction. Now I do my run alone then walk the dogs when I'm finished, it's a nice way to cool down afterwards.

Good luck for the week ahead, you can do it! 😊🏃‍♀️

[Scout37 Graduate]

I've just done W3 R1.

Totally unfit, was dreading the 3 minute runs but it felt easier than Week 1 did!

I understand the difficulty of running with a sighthound, I have greyhounds. No way could I run with them, they'd be diving into the bushes every two minutes to pick up the 'wee mails'!

I use the rest days for a nice long walk with them...and a walk a few hours after a run is a good way to loosen up too.

Keep going...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done

your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Why did you start?

Keep those reasons in mind and remember you only get the benefits if you put in the effort.

Enjoy your journey.

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

You sound like you have a very busy life, so don’t be so hard on yourself. There is nothing wrong with running slowly, this is normal as a beginner, and it’s something that you’ll eventually be able to build as your body gains fitness so don’t worry about it. As for motivation, I just tell myself that if I want to be fit I’ve got to get out there, I can’t expect anything to change if I just sit at home complaining about myself 😊

[lucialu]

Week 3 was my hardest week... mentally and physically. I’m on week 6 now and although I run very slowly....I’m still going😁. Taking the dog didn’t work for me either...I also have a Saluki with a high prey drive. He can’t go off the lead but at least he now gets to stretch his legs for short bursts when we have a jog during walks and my step count has increased with dog walks AND runs. Keep going... it’ll get easier and it’s worth it

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Hi Millie, sounds as though you made the right decision to leave the dog at home while you concentrate on your C25K. Please don’t worry about how fast or slow you run. If you’re only being passed by other joggers, I think you can count it as a plus - I was regularly overtaken by walkers when I was doing mine and am not really much faster now! Most people will ignore you and others will give you a polite hello, especially if you greet them too. The main thing is that you’re out there and doing something for you and just you! So enjoy it and know that a few weeks ago you wouldn’t even have been able to do what you’re achieving now! Good luck and happy running!

[Millie992]

Thank you all so much for your replies...I'm so happy to say I loved today's run!! I found a new place to run (woodland away from people watching) and smashed the 3 minute runs.. my motivation is back and I'm feeling good...also helped that it was so much cooler out today! Feeling hopeful and positive.. and their were much less distractions on this route so maybe I'll try with my dog next time😊 thank again!

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Millie992]

I’m so pleased you enjoyed today! 😄👍🏻

Just keep going slowly & gently. I was 58 when I started C25K - I would have loved to discover all the benefits of C25K & running at your age.

If you haven’t looked on YouTube at clips of Japanese slow running, please do, they are very helpful & I hope will enable you to enjoy your running & be comfy. You will speed up later. 😄