Couch to 5K

[CHC33]

Took a slight break from my couch to 5K but came back today and smashed my third week on this challenge. Would love to hear if you’ve got any motivation tips to keep you going 🏃🏽‍♀️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

yay!!! Well done CHC33 …what a great come back?!!

My top tip is…keep it nice and slow…slow and steady wins the day 😉

[CHC33 in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you so much for your motivation! Definitely need to keep it in mind… it’s a marathon not a sprint 🏃🏽‍♀️ xx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

Fantastic news and welcome to the forum. Coming here helps keep me motivated as I see other people having the same wins and struggles as me. It’s lovely to share the journey.

My top tips?

Give every run a go, even if you’re a bit nervous about whether you can complete it. It’s absolutely fine to repeat if you need to. That’s all part of learning to run and even when you’re experienced, good and bad days are a normal part of being a runner.

Remember that the first ten minutes of every run can feel tough as your body adjusts to the act of running. As you warm up, it gets easier. That was a game changer for me!

Start your run even if you think you can’t be bothered. Once you’re out there, you’ll be amazed at how the energy comes.

Go slower than you think you need to and keep your rest days between runs. Doing some strength and flexibility work is much more important that you’d think to help stay injury free.

Most of all, have fun! You’re doing this because you want to not as a punishment so you’re allowed to enjoy yourself! It’s never too early to celebrate how awesome you are!

There’s a guide to the programme here with lots of helpful hints and tips.  Well worth a read.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Hope your next run is a good one-come back tell us all about it! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[CHC33 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you so much for this, it’s incredibly helpful and just the motivation I needed. You’re completely right, the first set of runs you do is always the tough est but then it does get easier. Sometimes I lack motivation but then push myself to go out and always feel better for it so that’s what I need to keep in mind and the goals I’ve set 🏃🏽‍♀️xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just read all the posts...there's enough here to keep you moving..

[backintime Graduate]

The first time I did C25K (I'm repeating after a couple of health issues), I found that a running routine really helped, and finding other people doing the same runs on here and talking to them

[CHC33 in reply to backintime]

Yeah for sure! I think I’m still finding my routine but I really have been enjoying it so far. Sometimes I do lack motivation to keep going but in those times that’s when I need to push myself more x

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Excellent advice and tips already given here.. do what you did today.. just get out the door and take the next run.. if it goes well smashing, if not it was good practice & can be done again.. Keep on keeping on! Well done!! 🎊

[CHC33 in reply to Annieapple]

You’re completely right! The getting out the door is always the hardest part but I know I can do it.. just really need to push myself at times 😂🙈 x

[ClairePC Graduate]

I’m not always the best but my two things are: thinking about wearing summer dresses and feeling light and floaty; and knowing how good I feel at the end. I also think about running with my earbuds in and sunglasses on so I create a private world of my own, total time out of life. And that I relish.

[CHC33 in reply to ClairePC]

Love this!! The feeling of how good you feel at the end is always amazing!! Trying to keep my goals in sight so I can start to progress! Xx

[Jools2020 Graduate]

I’m on Week 3 for the second time. I motivate myself by thinking about next week - when I’ll be on Week 4! I congratulate myself that I made it out the door and tell myself I’m amazing for running. Then I think about what I’m going to do after I graduate. Taking it step by step. I want to run in a Parkrun! I see myself running through the tape as the crowds roar! Then I want to build my distance and run a half marathon. Doesn’t hurt to think big!

In the meantime, I can’t top the advice above given by MissUnderstanding. Spot on!

[CHC33 in reply to Jools2020]

thank you so much for this and your motivation! My goals are exactly like yours. I want to be able to run park runs and eventually do a half marathon too! I’m about to enter my fourth week too, and then almost half way!! Xx

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to CHC33]

I can tell you’re already motivated! Sign on for Parkrun if you haven’t already. You need a barcode thingy. I’ve got mine! This will keep you going as you think of actually doing it. As you say - you’re nearly halfway through the program already and those weeks will fly by. You can do this!

[CHC33]

Ah yes will absolutely have a look, thank you so much! Will keep you updated on how the progress goes! We got this 🏃🏽‍♀️