Mental training

[Notarunner68]

Hi. Just finished week 1 which was ok physically but I’m really struggling with the mental side of running. Had an awful experience at school being forced to do 1500m with no experience which has scarred me for life 😂. So now I just convince myself running isn’t for me! So any tips so I can push on for week two and beyond please! Thanks.

[Frenc Graduate]

Really well done for starting! I think a lot of people here share your school running experience. We hated it! I was made to do the 100m for sport’s day, and I came last and was so upset! And as for cross country... Anyway, this is such a different kettle of fish. You’re in control, and I honestly think it’s one of the best things you could ever do for yourself. Keep doing what you’re doing, and you will feel so much better. Let us know how week 2 goes 👏🏼😀🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️👍.

[Notarunner68 in reply to Frenc]

Thank you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

Nobody is making you do this......apart from you. Hopefully this can help you put the trauma inflicted on you at school to the back of your mind. The secret is to relax and this post about mental approach may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

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.

Relax and enjoy your journey.

[Notarunner68 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you

[SingsAndRuns Graduate]

Hiya, I was the same. Still am, if I'm honest.

I think that at school, and quite often in adult life, sport is always seen in terms of pushing yourself, being the best, being the fastest. And I hated that, I still do. I felt like a failure all the time. What I've learned in the (almost) year I've been running is that that doesn't have to be the case.

I graduated last June, and I'm still running three times a week. I don't like it, it doesn't make me happy, I don't get any runners high or anything like that. But I DO like the fact that I am fitter, I am stronger and my heart will be healthier.

I'm still running a relatively slow pace, but that doesn't matter. I'm not competing with anyone, I'm doing it for myself, for my fitness. I don't need to post times or scores. Some days I run a little further, some days it's harder and I might be a bit slower. But this is MY thing, it's my body and my life... and I'm quietly very proud of what I have achieved, and the fact that I have kept it going.

I guess running isn't going to be for everyone. But it's the only form of exercise I have stuck with since school- I like that I can do it from my front door and I'm finished in an hour including a nice shower at the end. I like being outside. I like that there's no competition element to it, and that I can listen to my podcast or music. I might not enjoy the running but it's definitely worthwhile for me.

Get some good trainers though- that's my best advice. And some nice gear to run in, doesn't have to be expensive, mines all Marks and Sparks and it's great.

And good luck with it! Hope you find what you need from it. x

[Notarunner68 in reply to SingsAndRuns]

Thanks

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

I have 2 videos for you to watch.

First, an interview with Josh Clark, inventor of C25K in which he confesses he 'hated running'. listen carefully to his advice to be gentle on yourself.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

And, on mental approach... this

bbc.co.uk/ideas/videos/four...

[Notarunner68 in reply to John_W]

Will take a look thanks

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Try not to think about it in the terms of "running" just go out to enjoy your "plod" "outing" "exercise" even as I do "playing out"

Have music you enjoy so you're tuned into something that makes you happy/motivated.

I do think with time you'll find those old memories will fade away 👍🏻

[Notarunner68 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you

[Pinkpig20 Graduate]

Easy to say maybe, but try and push the school thoughts out of your mind. I didn’t have the best PE experience at school & was bullied because of my weight!

I’ve completed Couch to 5k and enjoy exercise so much more now! I lost weight & feel better for it. 😀

Some weeks will feel harder than others, just push on. You can do it!

[Notarunner68 in reply to Pinkpig20]

Thank you it’s nice to hear normal people say how it helped them

[ReesSteve Graduate]

Cross country here....nightmare. If only I’d had Laura egging me on and giving me the confidence back in 1974. All I can suggest is that you go slow and treat every session as an achievement

[Notarunner68 in reply to ReesSteve]

I went for Michael and I’m beginning to resent him 😂