Struggling for motivation

[sophieelston]

Hi all, I just downloaded the couch to 5k app but I am struggling just to do it. I’m currently a student with no job and lockdown which is getting me down and I’ve looked at a lot of studies saying that runing helps with mental health etc. I never was good at running in school and could never motivate myself when I was down. Any tips for running or life in general would be appreciated.

[sribri Graduate]

Hi, Congratulation on a great decision to start C25k. My advice would be to do the first run and post your experience here. I guarantee you that the support, encouragement, motivation, advice, suggestions etc will carry you through the whole program. Try and see for yourself.

That is how I (58 year old) completed 5weeks before covid 19 hit me. I have started again from week 1.

Let's know how you did on our first run!

[Crystaltips32 Graduate]

Hi Sophie,

Well done on taking the first steps and downloading the app and getting onto this site. That's a big achievement in itself, and you've got a lockdown and other stresses to cope with to.

All I can say is running will help with your mental health, take that leap and go out today? It is a program designed for people who don't run, I was surprised how quickly my fitness improved. Just take it slowly. Have you got a local park or green space you could go to? Being outside on nature always helps me when I'm feeling down.

Let us know how you get on, you can do this 💪

[Teresafaith Graduate]

I had never run anywhere in my life before starting C25K in September - and i was 'on the floor' mentally after the first lockdown. The challenge and focus that running has given me is truly amazing - I am so much stronger both mentally and physically now - it really works. It's tough getting yourself out the door to begin with but you'll find yourself looking forward to your runs and the great sense of achievement and 'self worth' that goes with it - keep us all posted 🤾‍♀️

[basilwhippet]

Hi,I'm starting this today, but I'm worried about staying motivated. Let me know how you get on, we can do this.

[Determined55 Graduate]

Well you’ve downloaded the app and you’re on here so you’ve made a start - well done! I have always hated running and having not done any proper exercise for 30 years but this morning I did W3R1 and I have to tell you that the first 90 minute run felt far too short so for the first time I realised that I must really be achieving something! 2 weeks ago I was puffing through 60 seconds. You’ve got this! You can do it! The trainer in your ear is so encouraging and I promise you once you’ve done your first run you won’t want to let your trainer down! Let us know how you get on 😀

[Determined55 Graduate in reply to Determined55]

Actually that’s a typo, I didn’t run for 90 minutes (I wish 😂) I ran for 90 seconds!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You don't have to be "good" at running to jog, but you do have to have a desire to change within you.......... otherwise it just won't happen.

Please read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and give it a go because most people are staggered by the mental benefits of running.

There is only one person who will make you do this and only one person who will stop you.......

Enjoy your journey.

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi sophieelston , I'm 60 and hated sports at school. I was the short, chubby, spotty, swotty, speccy one who was consistently picked last for team sports (in fairness, I wouldn't have picked me either!) and who loathed cross-country.

However, I completed C25K last year and have gone on to run much longer distances. I love being out in the countryside and am happier with my body than I've ever been, as I feel fitter, have lost weight and am more toned.

I'm a born procrastinator, and starting stuff can be very difficult, usually because I put too much pressure on myself to succeed.

But as someone who now, inevitably, has less of her life ahead of her than behind her, all I can say is go for it. Take that first step - literally! - and see what happens. Everybody here will support you

[WanderingMist]

Hi sophieelston

I'm by no means an expert but this worked for me. The way I started was to pick a route that I knew I could walk comfortably. That way, I knew the route and knew I could make it no matter what. When you're doing the run, don't worry if you need to stop to rest, it's fine. If you are struggling for breath, stop completely until your breathing returns to normal, then go again. If your legs start aching too much, slow to a walk for a bit then go back to running. Don't worry about your speed, that can come later.

I also like to use a bit of light mental conditioning. At the end of the run, I tell myself the following:

"Running is good, I enjoy running."

"The more I run the stronger I get and the easier it gets."

Then I reward myself with a nice warm relaxing shower. It sounds silly but it's really helped me stay motivated and running day after day.

Hope that helps. Good luck

[GreenCricketGuy]

Hey, I get you! I’m a student too, and it’s tough getting the motivation to study, and getting the motivation to get out and run. I only started the programme this week after not being able to train for months and it’s great. It’s almost like having a lecturer that actually tells you what to do!!!!

Get yourself on a good day, get out and try the first sessions, and you will feel great after it for going out and doing it.. and hopefully want to just keep going..

You've got this!

[sophieelston]

Hi all, just completed my first day but found that by half way I could only walk not run anyone else find this?

[Hidden in reply to sophieelston]

Oh yes ! But every day you improve slowly. Also you can repeat any day or any week, it isn't a race to the finish line. I am repeating each week for a whole month, so January is Week 3 month, I won't start Week 4 till February. Good luck and keep it up, you will get there 😁👍