Hi all, I wonder if anyone can help. I think it’s all in my head but for some reason I’m less motivated and finding this last week really hard. I’ve enjoyed every moment along the way but today I struggled and I’m not feeling the usual high. I’m thinking it’s a bit if self-sabotage going on as the idea of actually completing C25K is somehow more scary than failing (which is what I expected myself to do on every run)!
Any help or pep-talk I’d be grateful for. I really want to give my last run everything I’ve got and enjoy it….😃
Written by
Runforthedress
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
good question … It’s my last run of C25K which has been my focus but I’d like to keep running as a habit. I think I doubt myself constantly and I’m just waiting to ‘give up’ ! Sorry, I have a complicated brain! 😆.
I get the constant self-doubt thing. Tbh I'm glad I used the podcasts, not the app, because messages like that would've put me under way too much pressure.
Don’t panic. It’s entirely normal to have runs which feel tougher and weeks where it’s more of a slog than others. I find it’s quite common after I’ve had a particularly good week to find the next one a bit meh. This week isn’t going to be your last week of running-it’s only the final week of c25k. The satisfaction you’ll get from finishing will be based on all the hours of running you’ve done, not just week 9.
I wonder if there’s a pressure to love every run and feel highly motivated all the time that isn’t that helpful. It helps me to keep going to expect ups and downs, and as long as I’m keeping going in the right direction, the epic runs will always come back.
Absolutely! Even a non completed run can still be a success. It’s about measuring success in as many ways as you can.
It’s just another run. It doesn’t have to be the best one of the programme. There’s no logical reason to think you won’t do it because you’ve already completed 26 runs before!
Hi Runforthedress , if it helps, tell yourself that you do have permission to succeed in completing C25K. Also, remember that despite the blurb on the app this is (hopefully!) not your last run, rather it's the start of a running journey. You don't have to give W9R3 everything you've got, you can afford to relax and enjoy it. Have fun!
yep, relax that’s going to be my mantra! I think it’s because I’ve pretty much sailed through 9 weeks so something in me says it shouldn’t like this so I’ll put some obstacles in the way myself! 🙄
Challenge your thinking here. Do you think good runners never had a hard run, or sometimes don’t particularly feel like going out? It’s a sign of everything you’ve achieved that your able to tackle these things that you’re finding hard. You’re in very good company. Literally every single runner feels like you do on occasion!
You can’t make any progress without coming up against things you find challenging m. It doesn’t mean you’re about to fail. It’s a normal part of learning something new.
Massively good luck to you. Choose some good music. Choose a route you enjoy. We’re all cheering you on!
Yes! I suppose it’s all part of evolving into a ‘runner’. Thank you. See you on here on Sunday - that’s D-Day as the beginning of my running life 👍🏻🏃🏽♀️
I can remember finding those last few weeks quite tough simply because I was concentrating on running for those longer durations and finding it hard work.
You may find distraction helpful, so that the last things you think about are time and the physicality of running. If music doesn't do it, try podcasts or audiobooks. I used to give myself a running commentary on everything that I could see, hear, feel and smell as I ran, in full florid sentences.
Try running somewhere new and inspiring, where you can be distracted by your environment and enjoy a nice gentle jog, which is the most effective at developing your body.........no need to push hard. Running should be fun, or you are unlikely to persist.
What motivated you to start in the first place?
Have those circumstances changed?
C25K is a brilliant way to get started, but the long term health benefits will only come from continuing, at some level or other.
W9R3 is not the end. It is just the beginning of all sorts of possible running adventures, which may find you doing things that would never have previously crossed your mind.
Relax into it.
It is not a battle.
You can do this...................as long as you really want to.
Brilliant, brilliant, thank you, that helps. It definitely is some sort of self sabotage and your message has helped me dial down the pressure I put on myself. I have my best runs when I’m not expecting too much and not thinking too much 😃. Thank you 🙏
I must admit coming up to my last run of couch to 5k i did wonder what next.? I always found my second run of the week harder but i kept pushing through it. And Im pleased to say when i did my last run of the programme i was ecstatic the feeling was amazing and that feeling i have held onto, I am now out running every three days and enjoying every minute. Always remember how far you have already come be proud and you can do this good luck on your final run. Go get that graduation 😎
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Wk5 R2..nightmare!
Getting better all the time!
Week 4
Move over Book of Revelations...
RED January ✔️
