Hello from Essex

[LifeOfLittleJo]

Good Morning. I’m Jo and trying to finish Couch to 5K after the 6+ times (at least) or starting it. I’ve just finished week 2 this morning. The furthest I got was completing week 5 run 3 which was a huge achievement but then I lost interest 🤦‍♀️ which I now regret. I need to find ways to keep myself motivated to complete the longer runs, so any tips will be gratefully received. Hope everyone is good this Saturday morning. Jo x

[030961 Graduate]

Hi LifeOfLittleJo, I found each week that bit harder than the last, but always felt the exhilaration of finishing a run fantastic. I must say though that putting a custard slice in my kitchen window so that I could see it as I was getting close to home always helped!........I know, calories and all that, but they are tasty! Try a little treat awaiting your return, and it will make the run that much more enjoyable. The very best of good luck, and keep going!

[LifeOfLittleJo in reply to 030961]

I love the custard slice idea 😂. This time around I have a treat at the end of each week (also cake) waiting for me. Keeping me going as also trying to shift a few pounds with a free weight loss advice service our local council advocates. Good luck to you too.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Welcome, I don’t really have any tips, when i didn’t want to go Willow made me and when he didn’t want to go I went in my own lol 😂

[LifeOfLittleJo in reply to SueAppleRun]

I prefer to run on my own, the kids are way fitter than me, and if my hubby does come with me he is under strict instructions not to talk to me other we end up having a row. He (who is nowhere near as fit as he likes to think he is) suddenly turns into a patronising wannabe fitness instructor 🙄

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Set your three run days and stick to them. I’ve run at least three times a week since starting. Yes, swap them if you need, but aim for 3. Remember the post run high and use that to motivate you. Know that if you don’t run, you’ll be really annoyed with yourself and sit there for the rest of the day peeved off with yourself When parkrun starts up, go to that each week. I’ve made so many friends going to my local one week in week out. Join a club. You might need to try a couple to find the best one. But definitely join a club. Book races. Join a ‘race at your pace’ monthly mileage challenge.

[LifeOfLittleJo in reply to Tasha99]

Thank you for the tips. I’ve been running every other day, but I know that I need to focus on one run at a time other I get these ideas of grandeur that in the future I’ll be running the London Marathon - and then end up overwhelmed 🤷‍♀️. I do have a little longer term goal that I will eventually be able to run the whole of Park Run when it restarts.

[Scrumpybumble Graduate]

Hi Jo! I have my favourite fat boy slim mix which I’m only allowing myself to listen to when I run. Also I buy myself a bunch of flowers at the end of each week which reminds me how well I’m doing! I’m losing weight, and sleeping well too and love feeling proud of myself. That all keeps me going - plus reading the messages on here! Have a good weekend! X

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

Keep posting here and we will keep you running.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[LifeOfLittleJo in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you

[Mbubbles Graduate]

Hi LifeOfLittleJo , I’ve also tried and failed before but, having just graduated, I can tell you it is so worth it!

My post run routine is a soak in the bath with a bath bomb and a coffee. Having a reward to look forward to definitely helps, not to mention how much healthier and fitter it will make you feel and look when you have finished.

Good luck 🤞

[Mbubbles Graduate]

Another good tip if you’re talking yourself out of running by finding other things to do, is to put your running gear on, so that you feel you have to do it. It doesn’t matter if you don’t do it straight away. I have often pottered about the house for an hour or more in my gear, but I can’t take it off until I have run.

[joeyg76 Graduate]

Hi, I'm also a Jo from Essex 👋

I make a playlist on Spotify and each week I make a new one so that I have something new to listen to. I did try a podcast, but found I couldn't concentrate on it. I like the music to distract from the sound of my feet thumping and heavy breathing!

I've managed to get to the end of week 6 so far, but I will have to redo W7R1 as I couldn't finish it yesterday. I'm getting a little bit bored running around my local park, so can't wait until we can travel outside our local area, then I may drive out once a week for a change of scenery. I'm also hoping to join parkrun when it reopens.

[LifeOfLittleJo in reply to joeyg76]

Hi where about are you? I listen to a Spotify running playlist - I’m not very hot on music and I’m better listening to songs I don’t know otherwise I use them to gauge how much longer I’ll be running for. I can’t wait to run along the sea front when we no longer have to start local.

[joeyg76 Graduate in reply to LifeOfLittleJo]

I’m in Southend. At the moment I run around the park at the end of my road, but I also can’t wait to get to the seafront soon.

[Jell6 Graduate]

When you've completed the programme you can mix it up a bit to keep your interest, all runs don't have to be non stop running, if you see something nice, stop take a photo, enjoy the scenery . I admit I struggled with the concept of stopping, but I'm getting there (after 3 years🤣)

The programme is just the start of it, my regret is not doing it sooner. 🤩

[chunkypie Graduate]

For me the worse thing i could do was get in from work and sit down, If i done that i wouldn't get back up. So i used to get in, Get changed and straight back out or sometimes id get changed at work so i could jump out the car ans start straight away. I also listened to podcasts so i couldn't listen to the next installment unless i went running. Also changing my route and where i ran helped.

[LifeOfLittleJo in reply to chunkypie]

I’m the same - weekends I need to go first thing, but work days I get in, get changed and head straight out. Otherwise I’ll sit with cuppa and never go.