been away from it all on here

[Agelesslass]

I’ve been away a long time from Healthiunlocjex due to knee problems and anxiety, need help to get back into it, got to week 5 then was really unmotivated.

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

If you can get to week 5 you can get to week 9. I found those first few weeks hellish, but then it all seemed to slip into place.

I don't know what motivates you, but for me I have to enjoy what I'm doing or there is no way I'm going to do it voluntarily. I hated running when I started C25K but a few weeks in decided I needed to find out why other people liked it. There must be something good about it, apart from the feeling of martyrdom every time I put my running shoes on.

I actively looked for things I enjoyed when I ran. For me, it was being in the countryside, seeing and feeling the progress I was making, generally feeling better than I did before. For you it will probably be something different.

Another thing which really helped was when the app told me to smile and say things like 'I'm really enjoying this!' Luckily I run in a place where there's nobody around to judge me I'm pretty sure there's been proper scientific research that says this sort of thing really can lift your mood and motivation.

As to the knee problems, fellow sufferer here. Have you seen your GP or a physio? They can really help by giving strengthening exercises which work wonders. When you run, try and do it on a soft surface and make sure you take enough rest days, maybe more than one between runs. A knee support might help. I bought a black one and I always feel like a bit of a badass in it rather than getting one of those ugly creamy ones that make me feel like an old lady.

Keep at it, it's so worthwhile.

[Agelesslass in reply to Yesletsgo]

thank you. Running is my aid to control anxiety, so I’m suffering a bit with that at the moment.

[nowster Graduate]

Are you starting from the beginning again?

Do you know why you stopped?

Best of luck anyway! 👍

[Agelesslass in reply to nowster]

Yes from the beginning again. Stopped as knee was injured. Thanks so much.

[nowster Graduate in reply to Agelesslass]

Many of us have had problems at the start. Hope the knee behaves this time.

It took me three attempts to complete C25K. The first two times I didn't get past week 2!

[Agelesslass in reply to nowster]

thanks for your reply, I will continue trying to get there. 😃

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Hello lovely, you've done the right thing posting here. I'm so sorry to hear you've been struggling. To be honest I've had more stops and starts than I can count. I'm stopped at the moment until I rebuild a bit of fitness. But whenever I can do a bit of running I'm straight back here for some accountability. @Oldfloss is running a nice little weekly thread which anyone can pop into. She keeps a nice little cosy corner with some very comfy cushions 😉 can't remember the exact name

Meanwhile don't stress about following the program too exactly if it's stressing you too much. Take it slowly. Extra rest days, or repeating runs or weeks. Or trying the Nike Run club app or something like that to ring the changes. Best of luck 🍀

[Agelesslass in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

thank you do much for replying, I will take your tips on board 😃😃

[Rungranny Graduate]

Also struggling with anxiety and I've started back to run . I had completed C25k and I had run 10k a few times when I got knee pain that caused me to take a break. I live with my 90 year old father with numerous health issues so I have decided to get out the door to run off that anxious ' butterfly's in the stomach ' feeling and clear my head. I'm being a bit free and easy with the plan this time around , just jog along at a slow comfortable pace , then walk and go again. It's hard to be motivated, when you're not feeling great , but I try to lay out my gear the night before, then just put on the runners and just go. Tell yourself, it's just a walk , then start to throw in a little shuffle run . As you get a bit fitter you will find yourself running for a bit longer and getting into a rhythm. It definitely helps with mental health as the endorphins start to kick in , also with self esteem as you improve. Keep posting, I'm needed to know how others are doing.

[Agelesslass in reply to Rungranny]

thank you for your encouraging reply, I am having a bit of bad health at the moment, it’s either a virus or my anxiety getting the better of me, GP says it’s a virus 🤞I intend to get back out there as soon as I’m feeling better, but well done you for getting out there, sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate, I will keep posting. Thanks again Rungranny 😃😃