Anyone get anxious before running??? 🏃‍♀️

[Heather1981]

Morning everyone, I'm just wondering if any of you get really anxious before starting your run? I find myself getting worked up and nervous! Today is week 2 run 1 😬

[Weddingrunner]

Well done on starting week 2!! Yes- I always get a little anxious before each run, I guess with each step up I never know how I’m going to achieve it and there’s always that little voice telling me I might not be able to do it!! My advice, take some deep breaths and just think positively, and know that even if you don’t manage the upcoming run the first or second or even third time- that you can repeat it as many times as you need to and not give yourself a hard time! Good luck!!

[Thisgalcan]

Yeah I get anxious, I’m about to start week9 so I’m afraid that feeling may not go away but I’ve managed to harness it and use it to spur me on and prove my own worries wrong. That feeling seems to disappear when I start running though, remember you can always repeat runs and as long as you’re running you can’t “fail”.

Good luck and try to be kind to yourself!

[Kashara Graduate]

Yes, it’s funny really because no one is making us do this, it’s a choice. I guess it must get easier over time as it becomes a habit. Also, I’m beginning to look forward to Jo Whiley urging me on!

[Shauno Graduate]

Hi heather, yes I was feeling really anxious at the start, still am a bit - trust yourself and the programme, you will smash this!

[61Lady Graduate]

It’s fair enough to feel this way I think - after all, most of us are doing something like this for the first time or at least first time in a very long time. You’re doing brilliantly - you’ve got this !

[Jools2020 Graduate]

It’s more excitement until I leave the house. Then the doubts creep in so I have to turn my music up so I can’t hear them! Or I shout them down if nobody’s about.

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

In the beginning I used to. I think once you get used to the whole process, hydrating, stretching properly, eating right it just becomes second nature 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back to the forum and well done

on getting restarted.

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.

Follow the link in the guide to the post about mental approach.............you will run so much better if you are relaxed.

Enjoy your journey.

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Yep still get a little anxious before a run and I’ve graduated, lot better than it was....probably TMI but it’s a good laxative too 😂

[f1madman Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

Hahaha, definitely a pre run visit to the loo helps!

[MarybellM]

There are a lot of very natural reasons to be anxious. I worry about people seeing me and about dogs or cows on the road, about the weather changing - will I get soaked or will the wind take my breath away? One tip I got on here was to smile when running and I have found that it helps relax me and makes me enjoy the run. Good luck and happy running!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I do if it’s a race or speed session! Very!

[NikonikoFred]

Good on you for having a go. I find that I don’t think about going for a run, but rather a walk. Then, once I’m out there, I just follow direction from my app coach. And I listen to my favorite music. Take a look at Hiroaki Tanaka’s Slow Jogging on U-tube, if you haven’t already. I’m on week 5 this week. I never thought I’d get past week 1 to start with. And now, although it seems a tad ambitious? I can see a marathon on the horizon.

Keep going, follow the plan, and you’ll amaze yourself.

[Heather1981]

Thank you to everyone that responded to my question. Unfortunately my run didn't go very well but I've decided to go back to week one and do that again until I build a bit more strength and confidence in myself.

[Arrived Graduate]

Well done for doing it Heather!

And for sharing about your experience.

I also feel anxious before a run (I'm on my week 2 as well) but then the feeling seems to go away midway through (so far . I try not to think about it in between sessions and I find that on my running day I don't necessarily go at the same time but only when I'm "ready" to go: either when I feel a bit jittery and I need to let some steam off, or when my body is settled and I need to "pass the time" before I do another errand...

I'm going to try Professor Tanaka slow jogging technique today to see how I can incorporate his advice, but definitely smiling whilst running is one I'll keep

Anyway, kudos to you for listening to your body and seeing how you can adjust. You are the one doing it, so only you know how to! Best way to get all the rewards from it.

Take care and enjoy the rest of your week