Help

[Floss66]

Looking for a bit of advice, how do I change my mindset? So now about to do my first run of week 7, how do I convince myself I can do this? I know I can, I’ve done 25 minutes, yet still feel anxious at the start of every run! Try to pick times to go out when less people about, don’t want loads of people watching me huff and puff my way round😂, any advice appreciated

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

First of all it is impossible to fail this programme unless you head back permanently to the couch.

Do what you can do and be proud of your achievements. ...........you don't have to match anyone else to get yourself fitter and happier.

This post about mental approach healthunlocked.com/couchto5... may help you put it into perspective.

Don't worry about other people........this is for you and look how far you have come.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Floss66 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much, I do sometimes worry that if I don’t just go out, I will stop altogether! I will keep your advice as a mantra 👍

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

So, you're into the straight runs, you've done a few, but they haven't quite given you enough confidence.

You really need to try and be your own cheer squad here; look how far you've come! In just 6 weeks you can now run non stop for 25 mins!

Just keep doing what you have been...slow and steady. Get some good music in your ears and shut out the world in general. What anyone else dares to think is their problem (can they run for 25 mins!? - probably not!)

Head out your door grinning...25 mins! You've done it, you can, and will do it again... and more!

You. Are. Smashing. It! YOU! 👍🏻😁💪🏻

[Floss66 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Maybe that’s what I need to do, smile instead of fear! Thank you for the support

[sally1993]

For me it took a little incident, then picking myself back up and carrying on to believe in myself. Keep going, I'm sure it will just catch you by surprise one day x

[Floss66 in reply to sally1993]

Thanks Sally, I love the support and well wishing on here, certainly give me confidence

[Roxdog Graduate]

I remember feeling the same, until I learnt to relax a bit, start off slowly and try to just be in the run, if that makes sense? It's easy to unconsciously start off too fast, so keep it slow and distract yourself from thinking. You'll be fine, you are nearly there!

[xKnuckles Graduate]

I think the mental challenge is much harder than the physical one with this course. I also didn't believe that I could do it but I just put on my shoes each time, turned on my music, switched off my brain and followed the instructions. And trusted that the designers of the course knew what they were doing - which they clearly did. I was continually amazed to find that not only could I do it, but it really wasn't that difficult. Going slowly has made all the difference. I never wanted to be that cartoon runner fighting their way down the street; sweating buckets, doubled over in pain, hardly able to draw breath, gasping for their water bottle.......

Instead I go slowly and don't even bother to carry water, and usually (after the first couple of weeks when the shock had worn off..) feel pretty energised when I am finished.

Keep going and trust in the program. You have got this. 😊

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Hey Floss66

Read my post here and watch the link in it. Might help you!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

[Speedy60 Graduate]

You've done the first bit by surrounding yourself with positivity here.

I know it's hard, but try to reframe negative thoughts. So instead of 'I don't think I can do this ', how about 'look how far I've come already', or 'this may take a couple of goes,but that's ok'.

As far as the run itself goes, I used to play all sorts of mind games. I'd convince myself I was just going out to see how I felt. I'd just get to the end of the road. Then I'd just get to the lamppost in the distance, then the corner of the lane etc. I never allowed myself to think about the whole run in one go. I don't know what it says about my brain, but I always managed to fool myself. 🤷‍♀️😁

Good luck