What stopped me from continuing...so disappointed with myself...yikes!

[Hijera]

I am just fearful and dream about completing this course. I went for two weeks and then abruptly stopped. Why I don't get it. Thoughts?

Thanks,

North

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

How long since you did a session? Maybe you've just paused. When can you next go and do a session?

[Hijera in reply to DylanTheRabbit]

Hey Dylan, My last time I attempted this program was a year ago. I even enjoyed it and then i just stopped and never went back. It was becoming a habit and then I froze. But thank you for your concern and response...it means a great deal. best, North.

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate in reply to Hijera]

So it will be a new beginning. I'll look out for you letting us know how your first run went.

[Hijera in reply to DylanTheRabbit]

Hiya Dylan,I am starting upon my return to my city of Palm

Springs, next week. I could use the good wishes and luck... thanks, North

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Clearly life and maybe life issues stopped you.... but if you stopped, you can begin again.Have the reasons that you started changed, were you trying too hard?

Why not, start again... Check into Catch-Up Corner and let us know where you are and what is going on.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

There are loads of us there and that means we can help you to carry on, if you want to

[Hijera in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Ofloss I will do that. Yes I moved cities and started a new career. However I was enjoying this time alone with the guide and it was something that I could do...and then...I just stopped. It has been hard to return. So this is a bit of confessional...and an attempt to get back to running

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hijera]

Huge changes for you then and each of them so impacting! Sometimes in these circumstances, things creep up on you and wham!

So... time to move forward ...it may not feel easy when you begin again but just try to relax.

You have the luxury of time to run now and various new and exciting locations.

Just take those first steps. the rest will follow...

I look forward to welcoming you into catch up corner and look forward to your first running post!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

Motivation is very personal............if you really want to do C25k then you will, bit if you only kinda sorta think it might be something to do, then you probably won't.

Think of all the reasons why you want to do it, write them down and refer to the list whenever you have a wobble.

We can encourage, advise, console and celebrate with you but ultimately there is only one person who will make you do this and only one person who will 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.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

What are you fearful about?

[Hijera in reply to John_W]

Honestly, that I really was doing something and was getting a moment of feeling better. i KNOW this is stuff I should continue to discuss with a therapist...I will. But I am going to try again. I live in an ideal location to run and various times in the day. My current work schedule certainly allow for it too. Than you for asking me, Best, North

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Could be a lot of reasons… more information required. Were you enjoying the run and/or the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the run? Were the voices in your head telling you that you couldn’t do it? (Mine tried that one). Maybe those, maybe other things… but the fact it was after two weeks says to me that the habit hasn’t formed yet… try setting run times and days and setting alarms to remind you it’s time to go. Half the battle starting out is crossing the start lines… finish lines take care of themselves in the main. Celebrate every little victory on the way to that start line… from getting dressed to run, lacing those shoes, getting through the door or onto that treadmill, and then crossing that line… this way you can combat any fear of “failure” by securing more victories to outbalance it if it’s a run that doesn’t go 100% to plan.

[Hijera in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Certainly heard those voices...ummm could you take them back please...lol? I like the idea of 'little victories' this is something that I can hold on to. Thank you for the feedback, Best, North

[amisfit Graduate]

If at first you don't succeed I believe is how the maxim goes. I keep having to restart due to surgery. I completed had major surgery, completed again and at the start of March had another operation making running painful though I do hope to restart again soon. When I do I know I will struggle as I am not only out of practice but also trying to cope with the surgery but there is no time limit I just need to try and do a little bit each day or week and over time I will improve again as I am sure you will. My frustration lies in knowing I need a third operation at some point Good luck

[Hijera in reply to amisfit]

I certainly hope your surgery is a a quick and easy and safe one... Thank you for this inspiration. Cheers, North

[amisfit Graduate in reply to Hijera]

Surgery was painful and bloody but yes safe. I am almost fully recovered from this my second surgery. My first took 18 months to fully recover. Re-discovering running is going to be a slow process but I am not doing anything else at the current time 😁 Thank you M

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

When was your last run? Can you view as not having stopped but paused? It might be that you can pick up from where you were, or if not those runs you did will give you more insight and experience when you begin the programme so you’re in an even better position to keep at it.

There’s no need to complete it over 9 weeks if that’s too intimidating or doesn’t work for you. I found three runs a week tricky with life so I did two most weeks. If you’re finding it tough, you can repeat weeks or runs. That’s really common and nothing to feel bad about.

What specifically are you feeling fearful about? If it’s being able to run for 30 minutes at the end, put that out of your mind and try every run as it comes. Most of us couldn’t imagine actually doing that while we were at the early stages.

There’s loads of wisdom and encouragement here if you did want to continue. Don’t let your dream go because of fear.

[Hijera in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you MissU! Yes...to ALL you said. I am so heartened by these incredibly supportive and kid responses. I am going to put one tack shoe in front of the other very soon and I will report back. Thank you for your kindness... , North

[Hijera in reply to Hijera]

*track

[amisfit Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Having paused myself a number of times off and on since June 2020, due to repeated bouts of Ill health, I like this way of looking at it.

[Raisemeup Graduate]

You aren't the first and won't be the last to have a similar experience with anxiety of one type or another. Don't worry if you can't decide what's stopping you too much, just start again when you're ready with the thought that previous running was kind of a practise run and leave it there. You may want to set yourself a personal target of at least going a bit further next time, if not all the way to 5k.Sooner or later you will get there - hold that thought and best wishes while you try!

[Hijera in reply to Raisemeup]

Raisemeup, I got it and thank you . Yes there is some anxiety. In my family I was NEVER EVER the sports son in any manner. So now that I am quite grown 50+ I think Ill leave that wound and try again. Thanks you for your insight..it was spot on! Cheers, North