Progression Anxiety?

[Lottie74]

So.... it’s been a month and I’m still not managing 3 runs a week due to work/life etc but have just managed my second wk one run that felt decent. It’s been hard just getting this far and I’m excited about managing my third in a row but absolutely terrified at what week 2 holds. Anyone else avoid looking at any details of the weeks ahead ??🙈🙈🙈

[Jnubster Graduate]

Try not to be so hard on yourself 💕 like you say there’s work, life etc!!

Easy as it sounds - don’t look ahead enjoy what you achieve in the moment. I tried not to look ahead as I probably would’ve thought ‘I can’t do it’

Try & think how proud you should be knowing you’re giving it a go 💪🏼 You can do this!! xx

[booksie Graduate]

Just take a run at a time. You've done well so far. I'm 66 and couldn't run for toffee when I started and I mean after 15 seconds I was breathless. Now I run 3x30 minutes runs a week. The programme encourages you to go at your own pace. Don't compare yourself with anyone else and try your best. If you don't manage it just do as Robert the Bruce did - try try again! 😀

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Lots of people don't look ahead to avoid worrying about the challenge, but if you are worrying about not knowing maybe you would be better off just biting the bullet and having a look.

Perhaps this post about mental approach may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You have made a start, well done, but being relaxed about this programme makes it so much easier to achieve.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hi, if you can't make 3 runs a week then don't worry about it !

Some can , some can't, as you say, life can get in the way, however it won't help if you worry about what's coming.

Again we are all different, some will say don't look ahead , then you worry about why not, what's being hidden haha,

Sone want to know .

I fall into the later category, I wanted to know from the start what every week and run was about .

So there is no right or wrong way here , it's what suits you !

It's your journey just try to find the best way to approach it with a relaxed attitude .

Whether you look ahead or not, all of the runs are doable.

I started at age 63, never run in my life and graduated a few weeks ago , I also worried occasionally about the next run , but when I went and did it I realised it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be . And that's because of the structure of the program , it will build you up for that next run without you really realising it.

You just need to trust in the program , it works .

Relax and enjoy your runs whenever you can do them ,😁👍

[nowster Graduate]

Don't look too far ahead in the programme. Just think about the next run.

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Don’t overthink it Lottie74, you’ve nothing to worry about, the secret is not to think when your running, clear your mind get out there and get it done, be stubborn be determined and focus on the fact that every completed run is one nearer graduation and feeling amazing. Take a look at the links to the You Tube motivational videos I use before each run, one on my latest post and the other on Bed to 5k post 👊💪🏻🏃‍♀️

[JetsNanna Graduate]

Lottie74 I am doing the program for the second time. The first time I got to week 5 Run 3 and had repeated a lot of the earlier weeks because I was so very worried about ‘failing’. I gave up after that run.

This time I have made two changes:

1) I joined this forum which has been such a huge help

2) I avoided repeating weeks and stuck to the program

I understand that we are all different and that we all have different levels of fitness but I really do believe that I let apprehension get in the way of my progress last time.

Only you know how your body feels during and after a run but I would encourage you to give week 2 a try. I have learnt to understand that no run is a “fail”. If you don’t complete it you can try again another day. Any effort that you make is doing you more good than doing nothing.

I have faith in you! Trying is everything. Keep us all posted 😉

[Maxi80]

I can’t help but look into the future and it’s not advisable! I’m only on week 2 yet I get out my telescope and look at the forthcoming weeks. I then proceed to shit myself 😂

[Lottie74 in reply to Maxi80]

🤣🤣🤣 that’s why I dare not!!!

[Maxi80 in reply to Lottie74]

I don’t expect to get to 5K but people tell me to trust the programme. So I will. I’m near Chester and I run along the cycle path. I think people are starting to wonder who the weirdo is 😂

[Lottie74 in reply to Maxi80]

I’m a bit like that.... small town so everyone knows you though! Worry is, when it gets dark I’m going to have to stick to well used paths 🙈🙈

[Maxi80 in reply to Lottie74]

Just run around Tesco’s car park 🤣

[gra1969]

You are doing great! Each time you run is a fantastic step forward! Embrace each run as a great victory! You’ll smash it 😄

[Yellowshade Graduate]

When I started the programme I was so convinced I wouldn’t finish it that I didn’t look ahead at all. I took pressure off myself by not comparing myself to anyone/anything, not worrying about pace, and not beating myself up if I didn’t religiously follow the timetable. My advice to you is make things as easy as possible on yourself. You’re doing this for you, no one else, and you don’t owe anyone anything. As long as you keep coming back to it, trust me, momentum will build and soon enough you’ll be prioritising your running time. But easy does it. Wishing you all the best with your running journey.