Hello again, my running friends.
Another week gone and we are into March and heading towards the Spring.
I am here again in the corner, with extra cushions this week, as I am expecting to see a few of you here, sharing your running experiences.
We are beginning to see a few more new runners on the forum, I think the better weather may be bringing folk out, ( a bit like the daffodils).
I have had a mixed week, managing short run and a longer one this morning.
The short run was lovely, but the one this morning was hard, and it took some effort to complete and that got me thinking about some of the posts I have been reading this week; whether from new runners or those of us who are repeating C25K or returning to running after injury or illness.
There are quite a few posts where folk are in turmoil about loss of motivation,
not feeling fit enough, and worries, even at this early stage about speed or distance.
Well. Here in the Catch-Up Corner it is time to settle back and take a breather.
So, while we are here, let's just take stock.
When we begin C25K it is easy to try to push too hard.
Sometimes, reading other posts can cause us to be swayed or persuaded, or even encouraged, often with the best of intentions, by other speedier, or less experienced runners.
BUT:
This programme is intended as a slow, structured build up to 30-minute runs after nine weeks. (If it takes you longer, then that is fine…. If you never make 5K, that is fine… you do not have to, to become a Graduate.) It is also intended to be enjoyable. Fun is meant to be had on your journey, learning about yourself and your running, getting fitter and stronger with every week.
Now, speed? Well, my slow, is not your slow… my slow, is slower than some and speedier than others. There are runners on here, who if moving slowly, would be at least 1K ahead of me, also moving slowly.
But, my runs are done at my pace, my comfortable and happy pace and I choose to run as slowly or as quickly as I am comfortable with, depending on the run.
This is your C25K and your choice of pace, but try, maybe, to find that comfortable pace for yourself, and, if you are new to running, then do, take it steadily through those first uncertain runs of the programme, and as the runs increase in time, start to feel your stamina increasing, your strength building and those running legs growing. Find that happy running pace for yourself. Get there having had fun.
Now... loss of motivation is a more tricky issue. We may have really strong reasons for beginning this programme, but sometimes hanging on to those reasons can be really hard. Life, itself is not easy at the moment, with the Pandemic still ongoing and all the news currently, weighing heavy on all us. Pressure of work and family commitments and the blinking weather can all impact greatly on us.
So what can we do?
Well no one can give anyone else motivation, there is no magic formula; it does have to come from within, from us! But what we can do is, support each other, with encouragement and empathy, and we can look at ourselves.
We are here, we are running and we have to realise just how terrific that is. We have to believe in ourselves, we have to have strength and stamina and the confidence to stay buoyant despite all, whilst accepting that sometimes, there may be blips!
Self confidence is paramount.... and the knowledge that we can do this... there is a quotation that I use so often, there is a reason for that; it is true.
“ Believe you can and you're halfway there”.
This morning, I was almost ready to give up and go home, but these words came into my head, so I tightened my glutes, ( thanks Bluebirdrunner ), I rounded my ankles, I relaxed my shoulders and I lifted my head.... I ran, and I finished my run.
So, now we know... we may be struggling at times, but we are not alone; it happens to all of us, and because of that, we are here for each other and we will do all we can to keep each other going, come what may!
Right, now, we need to know what you have all been up to, so please, do pop in and let us know
Oldfloss x
P.S.
Message from this ramble?
YOU are all amazing.... so remember...
Confidence is the best outfit you can wear, put it on every single time you go out to run, it will get you there
PPS
The best outfit yes, unless your leggings are as sassy as those I am wearing in the photo , ( just kidding
PPPS
I should have put this in. the main post ! Duh!
This is for our NEW RUNNERS... and maybe anyone returning to running after a while away!
Do please, check this out before you start running, or if you have started, then check it out anyway...
healthunlocked.com/couchto5....
ALSO
Do take a look at this post too. There is so much information there which will make following the programme, so much easier for you.
Week 2 Run 1 Slipping and sliding
Week6 run 2 - scary 25 coming up!
Week 2 run 2 and no shoes!
Week 6 run 2 - Hello Pain! Where did you come from?
Hanging up my running shoes
