Big running group today

[B1GK9]

Sitting at the start of my W7R3 run my motivation to move was very low but in my head was one of those motivational quotes I had read recently "I don't stop when I am tired, I stop when I am finished" That got me on my feet and moving but honestly it is not a great way to start when the quote is really about the final part of your workout and keeping going.

Two minutes into my run and the remaining time felt very long but then another group popped into my head, the group and all the forum voices. I could hear all of you saying to me "just run slow but keep going, and if you need to run a bit slower again" Which is what I did, I slowed the pace a little checked my breathing and realised I was fine it was just my legs feeling it a bit but not at any pain threshold so I kept plodding on and you lot all came with me.

Despite the music in my ears what was in my head was this forum and the advice and encouragement, it was truly like we all did the run together in a big group chatting as we went.

And I made it to the end and did a few extra meters just to prove I could. My distance for the time was down but only by 200m so not really that much slower, more perception of slow (or I am never that fast depending on your view point).

So I hope you all enjoyed the run with me this morning, I appreciated you all making the effort and hope you have a great day with or without a run in it.

Week 8 here we come, although a couple of rest days first won't hurt anyone

[Bambi2020 Graduate]

Good luck for week 8!!!

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Well, what a lovely post. Well done you. 👏👏👏

I found couch to 5k was a game of two halves. For the first few weeks, my brain was willing, but my legs struggled. As I got stronger, my legs carried me easier, but my brain started to protest. I made a deal with myself - if I was in pain I would stop; if I couldn't breathe, I would stop; if my brain was telling me it was time to stop, I would ignore it. It worked for me, but I found you do have to be ready with answers when the mental battle kicks in.

Good luck 👍

[Cherie65 Graduate]

Well done BIGK9, we are at the same place in the programme, I'm starting week 8 on Monday and I've found week 7 tough. Luckily, I hear those voices too, the voices of all the people on this forum with their advice and encouragement and I truly wouldn't have made it this far but for them. Just got to make those voices louder in my head than the gremlins. We've come this far though, so no giving up now!

[CazzaW Graduate]

Yup we were all running with you 👍 Well done, keep going and good luck with W8 😊