Motivation needed!!

[Weddingrunner]

I’m going out on W7R2 today having put it off since Tuesday..... I just feel like I’ve lost the motivation to get out and run. In every previous run I’d get the runners high and feel so great, and since that long 20 min run in W5 I haven’t had it since. Is this just me? I really want to finish this programme and Im proud of myself for getting this far, but my motivation has completely gone out of the window!!

[roseabi]

Think about your 'why'. Why do you want to complete C25K? Remember your goal and that will get you out of the door!

And just think - you are so nearly there now!!! When you have graduated C25K, the world will be your oyster! You will have built up some great new running skills and a newfound ability to run for 30 minutes non-stop!! With that in your back pocket you will be free to explore the types of running you most enjoy.

You can do it xxx

[Weddingrunner in reply to roseabi]

Aaaw, thanks so much for those kind and positive words. You are so right- I need to think of my reason why. Really appreciate your reply. 😊xx

[Islandmacmum Graduate]

I wonder if there’s something about 7 weeks? I’m on Week 7 and for the first time I haven’t completed my runs in 7 days, partly because I’ve not been feeling great but partly because the motivation has decreased. I just keep telling myself that I’ve come this far and if I give up now I might never tackle exercise again! I’m planning my final run of Week 7 tomorrow. We can do this - let’s keep at it! 👍🏻😊

[Weddingrunner in reply to Islandmacmum]

Oh it’s good to know I’m not the only person struggling to find the motivation. I wondered whether it’s simply the longer runs that are putting me off 🤦🏼‍♀️ I also had that exact thought- I’m determined not to give up as I know I won’t tackle anything else. Ok, I’m going to get my trainers on and get this run done!!! Thanks for your positive words!! We can do this!!! 💪🏻

[HelenofTroy123 Graduate]

Oh man - I swear I felt the same at this point. I even posted something about “when will I feel able”

I think it’s a odd time, you’re still learning but you’ve been called a runner but you feel anything but

You see all these people running out there enjoying it and yet you’re still doing a programme as such

Change your music, change your route and just do it. Something will suddenly shift without you realising it. Go for it!

[Weddingrunner]

You’ve just written exactly how I feel..... I see so many people out running who look amazing and like proper runners. I don’t feel like that at all, I feel like I’m slow and struggling with the long runs. BUT I’ve also got to week 7 and I realise for myself how great that is. Thanks for the motivation! I’m going to try and get my head back into it this week!! 😊

[Jigsaw123 Graduate]

I did feel the same but I did w8 r2 yesterday. I think telling people I was doing it helped and made me go. I also thought I am in no rush to finish! I have been taking 2 days between runs and the extra rest day has helped. You can repeat runs, take you time listen to what others have said -why did you start! Don’t compare yourself to others this is for you

[Weddingrunner in reply to Jigsaw123]

Completely! Very wise words. Thankyou 😊

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

I think this is quite normal to be honest. When you get to the business end, the ‘fun’ tends to fall out of the program. By that I mean the intervals can feel quite entertaining and the stop and start nature of them keeps your mind occupied.

Obviously at the end of week 6 that disappears and your mental game has to be on point. You’re running at least 25 mins and your mind won’t be as occupied so you have to think of different ways to occupy it.

This is why I say to people, instead of thinking of it as long runs, think of it as short runs. By that I mean break it down into sections as you go, look for points, such a trees, cars, buildings, lampposts etc that you can run too.

Maybe instead of listening to music, listening to a podcast or an audiobook, something that interests you, something that can work as a distraction.

One final thing, reassess why you are doing the program. Why are you doing C25K? What are all the positives it has brought into your life since you started? How as it improved your health etc? Are you prepared to allow these positives to leave?

I hope this has been helpful 🙂

[Weddingrunner in reply to Dtay1978]

Thankyou so much for this advice!! It’s so helpful to read and you’ve just said what I was thinking- the intervals are entertaining and keep you ‘busy’ whereas the long runs you feel more on your own. I will definitely try to break the runs into sections and may even try a podcast instead of music. I also need to get my head back into it and remember how far I’ve come and how my health and stamina has improved. Really appreciate your motivation!! 😊

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

You’re welcome 😊

[Chocoholic77]

Sorry I’m late to the party but like others have said look how far you have come! Hope you’ve had a better week this week?

[Weddingrunner in reply to Chocoholic77]

Thanks Chocoholic77, so nice to see you back on here. So run 2 and 3 of week 7 was a bit of a struggle but I feel like my motivation is coming back so that’s good. I’m on week 8 and I need to tell myself how bloody well I’m doing and to keep going!! I’m going to be so chuffed when I graduate as it is such a huge achievement!! 😃

[Chocoholic77 in reply to Weddingrunner]

That’s great you have got your motivation back. Yes just think how great you will feel in just a week’s time! 🍾

[Weddingrunner in reply to Chocoholic77]

Hmmmm, I don’t know about 1 week 🤦🏼‍♀️... with these longer runs it’s taking me longer to recover. I’m taking a couple of days rest inbetween the longer runs and even going back and repeating other shorter runs. I think I’m looking at mid Aug for a graduation, but I will get there, it’s so close now!! 💪🏻😃

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

I'm proud of you too!.....

I had a wobble... W5r3, All of week 6 (Biatch runs), All of week 7, All of week 8... and week 9 run 3 I almost went into a meltdown!..... SO

You are completely normal.. this is completely normal!

I am NOT a runner!.. I'm not even built for running!... Boobs are so not for running!... I have little legs and I have menopausal weight gain!..... Wow!.. the odds are stacked against me!... so if i can do it at my age then you definitely can!

I listen to this when I"m struggling ..... ITs called Power by Little Mix and in it there's a part where the lyrics say 'Who got the Power' and i shout to myself with my headphones on

I HAVE!!!

YOU got the power!You got this!

[Weddingrunner in reply to Tinytears60]

Haha, this is amazing- I might look on Spotify for that song and add it to my playlist right now!!

I’m not built for running either, I have short little legs and big boobs and when I think of my running style I remind myself of Gimli the dwarf from The Lord of the Rings- he's always seen running last in the line and is huffing and puffing and mentions that he isn’t a runner, but is quite quick over short distances when needed 😆

[Tinytears60 Graduate in reply to Weddingrunner]

Yeyyyy Girllllllll

You did it! 👏👏👏👏

That song is amazing! I hear the motorbike rev up and no matter how much I’m flagging it spurs me on... I pick my little feet up and off I run!

You sound the same shape as me! I need another 2ft height to carry these (.)(.)

🤣🤣🤣🙈

[Weddingrunner in reply to Tinytears60]

Laughing out loud at that!!! 😂😂😂 I’m with you, I could defo do with being a foot taller to balance out my boobs!! 😂🤦🏼‍♀️

[Tinytears60 Graduate in reply to Weddingrunner]

Gotta laugh haven’t you!

I should wear an age 9 leotard - they wouldn’t dare move in that! 🙈🤣🤣

[Weddingrunner]

😂😂😂

[Smile23 Graduate in reply to Weddingrunner]

If i was a foot taller everything would be in proportion and i would be thin!!

Girl gotta dream🤣