I am on Week 3. Should have done the 3rd run yesterday, but couldn’t motivate myself to get out. I like how I feel after a run (and can see the improvement week on week) but do not really enjoy running.
How to you motivate yourself to head out and run when you would really rather not? And will I start to enjoy it the further into the programme I get?
The thing is we are all different . I really got the running bug on week 5 after my first long run ... Now don't get me wrong I do not always dive out of bed with a joyous step , singing I am going for a run today (I am on week 9).... Today was an example of I need motivation ! So I started to get ready and thought of why I was doing it . Health, fitness, shape change, the way it makes my head feel, being outside and just feeling alive, opposed to not doing it wishing I was doing it and sitting on the couch... When out this morning was it a breeze ? NO ! But do I feel great yes. Keep going and see how you get on , 9 weeks fly by. Good luck.
“not doing it wishing I was doing it and sitting on the couch”. Describes me exactly!
I think that sums many of us up... The times I have thought this year I will... And a year goes by and guess what ! OI have not done it! This year I will be able to say I did it and so will you. Happy running.
I downloaded the app a year ago. I have been full of good intentions and plausible excuses. But I am finally doing it.
Keep going and posting updates that way you get encouragement and tips from this wonderful community
I did the same. . As Poppdog has said this community is great and I love reading about everyone's journey. Keep running !
I think Mrsrun has given you some great advice, and in fact if you like how you feel when you've finished then that is your motivation right there!
Get all your kit laid out in a prominent position the day before your run, and on the day don't think about it just go. The only way to find out if you will enjoy the later runs in the programme is to make your way through to them xxx
Ooh, laying the kit out is a good idea. Will try that on Wednesday.
It's half an hour out of a very long day, half an hour that could help to change your life. That motivated me 💪🏻
My main motivation is how far I can now run compared to when I started, when 90s was a challenge! But after listening to music for the first weeks of c25k, I switched to audiobooks and find them much more engaging, and if you find a good book and only give yourself permission to listen on a run, then you may find it helps you want to get out of the door? They might be slightly less beneficial on the early weeks though, where the trainers are talking to you more often.
I was listening to a podcast on week one but switched to music because of the fairly frequent tuning out for instructions. Will definitely consider going back to audio book / podcasts when Laura isn’t talking to me quite so much!
I have tried to do couch 2 5k for years but started it and stopped several times. I needed a goal so signed up to race for life. Now I have a date for a 5k so I can't not do my runs. Maybe a goal could help you?
Cracking advice. There is a 5k race near me in October. Maybe that is the target I need?
Knowing I have the race to do has motivated me. It's not just for me now, it's for the people who have sponsored me and for cancer research.
I know I'll feel I've let myself down if I don't do it and I don't want to feel that way. Plus I know I always feel better after a run, even if I didn't feel like it to start with.
Thanks everyone for your helpful input. I did drag myself out. I followed Laura’s instruction to slow down and keep my head still. I was slow but consistent (my Strava stats show an even breakdown over the 3km I covered in the time) and felt great afterwards (and not too bad during).
Following Devon_straggler ’s advice, comparing what I have just done (I was so comfortable on the second 3 minute run that I carried on for an extra 30 seconds!) with how I felt in week 1 trying to run for 60 seconds (I really did feel like I was going to pass out, heart rate through the roof and no chance of conversation with anyone!), I really can see the difference it is making.
I am, dare I say it, looking forward to starting week 4 on Wednesday. 😊
Brilliant!! Well done!!! xxx
Week 3 is when my mental approach changed from "I ought to do this" to "I want to do this".
I also had the C25K app on my phone for several years before the imposition of lockdown last March triggered me into trying.
As others have hinted at, one way to succeed is to make it a part of your routine.
Did week 4 first run this morning. I actually enjoyed it! Managed the 5 minute runs no problem. Wouldn’t have believed I could do this 4 weeks ago!
Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.
If you really want to complete the plan you will...........only one person can make you and only one person can stop you.
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.
It’s just so hard at the start! 🥵🥵 I remember I enjoyed thinking about running and reading about running but not actually running 😂😂As running became more manageable, and then more comfortable, my enjoyment increased and now I run because I want to and not because I should. Hang on in there. It gets better - honest!
Every time you feel a lack of motivation just remember whatever the reason was you started C25K in the first place. Let’s face it, it must of been a good reason in order to get you started.
I also find, if you are a morning runner, get your running kit out the night beforehand, then go to sleep telling yourself you are running in the morning. That way you wake up knowing it’s run day.
Good luck I am sure you can get back on track. Trust me that ‘after run’ feeling only gets better the more you run!
It can be tough, no denying it. As soon as I put my music on though, generally something switches in my head - my body sort of knows what to do! 😊😊😊
Bad weekend need to motivate to run it off but how when so exhausted!!
How do you keep yourself motivated?
How do you make yourself get up for early morning runs?
How to maintain motivation during a run?
