Help!

[Beistol]

Hi all. I haven’t posted for a while but love reading all the updates and often visit for inspiration from you all. After graduating in February I have kept up my 5k runs but have recently hit a brick wall, struggling to get myself out of the door. I do suffer severe anxiety which affects my daily life, but knowing that I’ll feel better if I can run still won’t get me out of the door. Any advice from people who have experienced the effects of debilitating condition on their running journey would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

I think this is something many of us go through from time to time .I know I certainly did .

I noticed you said you kept up your 5k runs , have you not been doing any shorter runs ?

Forget about distance and switch to time !

Maybe tell yourself and give yourself permission to just go for a 10, 15 or 20 minutes run !

It's enough to keep the legs moving and at least you can come back and say 'I ran today'

That in itself can take the pressure off !

I know what it's like , the longer I don't run the more guilty I feel.

Just a short run can often reset that negative thinking .

Try it !

10 or 15 minutes.

I'll bet you will feel better!

[Beistol Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you so much for your positive reply. That’s a great idea. You are perfectly right, I think I have been putting myself under pressure which has been taking the enjoyment out of the runs. Also, the further away from home I imagine myself, the more anxious I am, so that’s a winner all round. Thank you so much. I think I maybe needed permission to ease off myself a bit. Crazy!!

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Beistol]

Not crazy at all .But yes, it's surprising how giving yourself permission to do less can take the pressure away.

A short run can help bring the enjoyment back .

Just run in the moment and take in the sights and smells or your music . forget about distance or numbers 🙂

Enjoy !

[Beistol Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Done 😊

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Beistol]

Really! 😁That's brilliant!

Well done you 👏👏👏

[Beistol Graduate in reply to Beistol]

Oops! Sent too soon. I did my 20 minutes and actually enjoyed it 😊 I’m off to an eezy ozy running group on Wednesday and a local park run on Saturday so hoping I’m getting my mo Jo back 🤞

Thank you for your help

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Beistol]

Haha, I'm so pleased to hear that 😁👍

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Great answer.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Instructor57 has nailed it! Switching mindset to “time on feet” was a total game changer for me and also realising that I don’t enjoy 30 minute runs-I prefer shorter or longer! 20 minute runs are my happy place and what I do most times I’m out. I wonder if c25k makes us think that we have to go for a continuous 30 minute run for it to “count” as a proper run. Finding what works for you is so important. So glad you’ve already had a great time on your shorter run-what a great update!

I listen to the Women’s Running podcast and Holly (one of the presenters) has been really open about her struggles with anxiety. I’ve been able to relate to so much of what she’s talked about. It’s open and honest and non preachy. It helps me to be nicer to myself because when I listen, I always want to tell her to stop being so hard on herself for the same things that I am hard on myself about! You are absolutely not alone in feeling like this.

The other thing that could help is a chat with your GP about how they might be able to support you.

[Beistol Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you so much!

Just knowing that people know what I’m on about really really helps. Everything you have said makes perfect sense, and is so encouraging. The alternative is feeling like giving up. Not an option now 😊