Still going 👍

[Beistol]

Hello Happy Runners. It’s ages since I posted but I love to read everyone’s messages, especially when I’m struggling with motivation. Your posts constantly confirm my belief in the program, and remind me that we all struggle at the same stages! Having graduated in February, I’m still running twice a week, but can’t seem to get past the 5k point. I think I have a mental block, and once I know the 5k is looming I head for home. I keep telling myself that I’m happy to stick with that but would secretly love to increase the distance. Any advice would be appreciated. Stick with what I can manage, or try to adjust my mindset to expect more? Slow down maybe? I currently try to stay under 7:30. I’ve created my own quandary 🤷‍♀️ Thanks everyone 😊

[farsouthwest Graduate]

Hello - I used to read everyones posts too and it took me 7 weeks to say anything at all, feeling a bit guilty as had got so much out of reading all the messages and feedback without contributing anything! I'm trying to improve on that as I realise its good to be involved and the virtuous cycle contines that way.... I'm not at all experienced yet but I'd be tempted to avoid any sort of measuring of distance for a while. You have permission not to know or worry about it. You could decide to slow down and maybe run for a bit longer without actually aiming for something. I suspect that ultimately you will realise you have run further than 5 km without really realising. Pick a route you don't know so well, or add bits onto one that you do to confuse your mind about how far you may have gone. Listen to something diverting and head somewhere flatish so you're not unduely stretched perhaps - maybe if you choose something to listen to that lasts 45 mins you'll find you've done it without even realising....

[Beistol Graduate in reply to farsouthwest]

Thank you farsouthwest, you just put into words exactly how I feel about posting. I am generally anxious about any public posting but, like you, I get so much from other people’s posts and I do feel guilty about not contributing.

Thank you for your suggestions, I know we can get too hung up on figures and could be better just concentrating on how we feel. However, I must be careful or I’ll be telling myself I’ve done quite enough after 20 min, and set off for home ha ha! It is extremely hilly where I live which can be a little off putting.

I’ll keep going as I love the health benefits. Thank you for replying 😊

[farsouthwest Graduate in reply to Beistol]

I totally get that - and its hilly around me too - well, certainly not flat. Last Friday I deliberately drove so I could try running by the sea along a very flat route and it made a real difference. Perhaps its worth trying that - I also went around a cricket field in Week 2/3 as it was soft and flat - it got very boring but it was definitely easier. If you remove the hills that you are used to I'm positive it will be easier to make the distance - like athletes who train at altitude and then reap the benefit when they compete at sea level!

Also - don't be anxious - I've not come across a single unhelpful, unsupportive comment from anyone - but they can't be supportive and helpful if you don't say anything 🙂🙂🙂

[Beistol Graduate in reply to farsouthwest]

😊👍

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏Hi Beistol sounds like you need a a motivational plan to get you moving past 5K … it’s actually ok to stick with 5K… however if you really want to to do more have a look at this

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

The other thing I can suggest is downloading NRC & look at some of their plans

Hope this helps! 🏃‍♂️

[Beistol Graduate]

Thank you so much Annieapple. I will definitely look into those, you are so right, I am in need of a motivational plan.

Thank you for replying 😊