Battle to beyond week 9

[PJRunner]

Run 1 of week 9 done. During the run I started to think ( I really shouldn't but 30 minutes gives your mind time to wander) and realised that I'd been focusing on the end of week 9 as an end goal. I don't find running easy, every run is a struggle, I battle to get going, battle to get through to the end and then repeat. I think the pull of the couch will always be there. I realised that I need to think about graduation as a start. I read some consolidation posts and found encouragement from you lovely posters to not only get to week 9 but beyond it. Having said that I'm still going to celebrate with Mrs run and anyone else graduating soon. 🥳

[Mrsrun Graduate]

Like you I am not a natural runner but I want to carry it on after my last run. I do feel better since taking this running thing up. So this morning I have been thinking of realistic ideas to keep my running brain fresh. So my ideas for me is to do a Park Run , do a charity run at some beautiful historic building like Hampton Court . And a dream of mine since my son did it at uni , to run along the River Mersey and the Liverpool Docks .. And 3 normal runs a week , as slow as I like and try and add a little distance when I feel ready.

[Hidden in reply to Mrsrun]

Perfect.

[Julio-Monkey Graduate]

Hi,

I think everyone who starts C25K are not 'natural runners', otherwise we probably wouldn't need such a programme! We are just normal everyday people, who sign-up for the challenge (and it is a challenge!) to become fitter and healthier.

I think, even for those who don't find this as challenging as others, this is still something we have changed about our 'normal' life before the programme. We all decided to change! And as they say, change can be a struggle. New habits take a long time to form.

But look how far you have come! Week 9! Well done! You have done an amazing thing! Be proud of this fact. Be proud that you have stuck to it, even though some days have been hard to motivate yourself. Only 2 more runs until you graduate!!!! That's amazing! And as you get to your graduation date, you can start to feel the excitement of running on your terms - and having no-one on the app telling you what to do!!!!!

Hope you continue with your running, and hope this post helps you!

[PJRunner Graduate in reply to Julio-Monkey]

Wise words. Think I'll miss jo whiley in my ear though.

[JetsNanna Graduate in reply to Julio-Monkey]

What a delightful and supportive post 😊

[MaCherie112 Graduate]

This post is soooo relatable! But as you said it really is a mindset and you’re already learning to shift your focus to beyond week 9! I think that really is the key to break things up into bite sized goals as we did throughout C25k and gradually move the goal post further and further out in manageable increments! You’ve definitely got this!!!!

[PJRunner Graduate in reply to MaCherie112]

Thanks. Look forward to cheering you over the graduation line too.

[MaCherie112 Graduate in reply to PJRunner]

Aaaw thank you! Recovering from a hip injury but should be back soon 🎈

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

If each run is still a struggle, perhaps you are pushing too hard.

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

An easy conversational pace is the most effective to build your stamina and endurance........faster is not necessarily better.

Relax into your run, don't make it a battle.

[PJRunner Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks. I think my pace is ok, I'd stop if I went slower. Am waiting for the 'I like running breakthrough' but I want to keep pushing.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Getting close to graduation is awesome well done, you are right though this is the start of your running journey and from my experience it was a few weeks after graduation that we finished a run and said we’d enjoyed the actual run

[PJRunner Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

You give me hope.

[Devon_straggler Graduate]

It does get easier, even if it's not ever easy - my experience is that I usually enjoy bits of a run, other bits feel uncomfortable and then it eases to enjoyment again. During consolidation (3 x 30 mins/week for 3-4 weeks) you give your body a period to just get used to what you're doing without adding extra work each week. In my experience, I noticed quite a difference in this period, and there were certainly points of each run where it all felt fairly natural (even if that was only a small part of the run, it still gives hope!) - but keep it slow rather than trying to push for speed. After that, you can better decide whether you want to push for longer distances, or just keep to 3 x 30 mins/week.

[PJRunner Graduate in reply to Devon_straggler]

Thanks. I set out wanting to run for 20 minutes which I've already passed so I'd like to be able to incorporate running into my life and maintain it. Thanks for the encouragement and hope!