Struggling to re-start the journey

[Katydoo]

I posted a few months ago about being excited to start, W1R1 done.. and then I badly twisted my ankle before R2. It’s taken a long time to heal, but I’ve spent the time reading posts, guides, watching helpful videos on slow jogging etc. I intended to start back this weekend but Ive developed a terrible anxiety about leaving the house, I just CAN.NOT.DO.IT. Has this happened to anyone? I can’t pinpoint what it is stopping me. I am wracked with guilt for failing to start again.

[Pymander10 Graduate]

Don’t feel guilty for struggling to start back up. That really is rotten luck that you injured yourself so early on in. But you’ve done all the right things whilst recovering in terms of reading up about it all. I’m really struggling at the moment as I’m not sleeping so well but even if it’s a bad run it’s still a run and I always feel better after I’ve done it. I found it helpful to not overthink the run or even leaving the house as I struggle with that too. I just have my running clothes ready, shoes at the door and just almost on autopilot do my stretches and get out there. I’m not saying it’s easy by any means and I can really empathise about leaving the house but you can do it and the benefits you’ll feel after are enormous! xx

[Katydoo in reply to Pymander10]

Getting stuff ready and shoes by the door… this is a really good tip.. thank you!

[Pymander10 Graduate in reply to Katydoo]

It’s just one less thing to think/worry about! You CAN do this!!

[Roxdog Graduate]

No guilt necessary! Maybe try not dwelling on what has happened and just remember, this is good for you! Getting out there is the biggest step but once you're out, you are on your way! Hopefully posting on the forum is the way to get you out of that door! Best of luck and be proud!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Just as running a marathon is a case of mind over matter, just getting out of your front door can seem an equally unconquerable hurdle.

You say in capitals that YOU CAN NOT DO IT. Banish that thought.........it is not true.

If you want to do this, then you have to tell yourself equally emphatically THAT YOU CAN DO IT.

Only one person will make you do the plan and only one person will stop you.

Why do you want to start C25K? If you don't have a strong reason why you want to start then you probably won't persist, so write down all the reasons and keep them for viewing at moments of doubt.

Break the whole thing down to easily accomplished targets. Go out and walk the routes you might take. Next walk the routes with the app playing. Next walk the routes in your running gear, with the app playing. At some point, you might even be tempted to break into a gentle jog. It doesn't matter if you don't complete the entire workout........you will have made a start.

Build up your achievements gradually and applaud yourself for each tiny step and eventually your confidence will improve.

It can seem a big step, especially after an injury, but so much of running is in the head. We can limit ourselves by telling ourselves and others that we cannot do something. We all have things to overcome to do C25K, but it is an empowering experience that will build self esteem beyond your imagination and whatever your block, it can be overcome.

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!

[Katydoo in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much, this is excellent advice! Thinking about it, I think I am unsure/cautious of my proposed route so walking it is definitely something I feel I can leave the house and do. In my head I’m raring to go!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Katydoo]

Great.

Don't get overexcited, just take small steps to overcome the mental blocks and before you know it you will be making progress.

Don't be hard on yourself if it doesn't all go perfectly....... It is a start.

Relax and enjoy it.