Week 6 complete

[Runafterbabies]

Good morning, hope everyone is well. So, I did run3 of week 6 yesterday. When I set out I was afraid I would need to stop after finding the previous run so tough.

however I got to 10 mins and was finding that it was all going smoothly.

I did it slowly and it was just one foot in front of the other. Was so happy at the end of the run. I hope the next few I continue to improve.

I am still not in any kind of flow when I am out. I still very much find it a mental game of “just to the next tree or lamp post or street.” Does this ever change?

[Jamesrunsforlife Graduate]

Sounds like you are doing BRILLIANT keep it up 👍 💪

[Runafterbabies in reply to Jamesrunsforlife]

thank you

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

A big congratulations to you Runafterbabies on completing run 3 of week 6, you are now OFFICIALLY a RUNNER, you deserve to be very proud of yourself and happy after the non stop 25 minute run, onwards and upwards to week 7 which are all 3 /25 minute runs, not too long now until you graduate.

[Runafterbabies in reply to AlMorr]

I know, very exciting that am at this point on the journey

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

I am still not in any kind of flow when I am out. I still very much find it a mental game of “just to the next tree or lamp post or street.” Does this ever change?

Yes! It comes with experience and for some of us it just takes a bit longer. I ran all my couch to 5k too fast (I almost never run that quickly nowadays unless I’m deliberately doing a speedy run!!) and when I started building to 10k, that was when I finally got it. It doesn’t mean you’re any less of a runner-just that the experience of flow will feel extra good when it comes along!

Things that helped were slowing down to the point where I could actually hold a conversation out loud, choosing chilled music instead of drum and base, listening to chatting podcasts, picturing myself running light and bouncy (ridiculous but it worked!).

The main thing that made a difference was running for longer though. I’ve realised I take a long time to warm up and settle into a rhythm so often it might take twenty minutes (or more!) to really hit my stride. Some runs never feel good and then I remind myself that I am still fitter and stronger and I built up my mental toughness muscles. The ability to coach yourself through a run that doesn’t feel great is a brilliant one and it sounds like you’re absolutely nailing that!

[Runafterbabies in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Hey, thank you for that. Great hints and tips.x

[Annieapple Graduate]

🍏 It does eventually come to all of us & as MissU mentioned usually when you start running longer periods. Even now I usually struggle with the first 10mins (toxic 10) and then it starts to feel better. You are doing great & your strong mindset is an asset.. one day the magic moment will happen when you least expect it! Running is full of surprises as you are already finding out 🤗

[Runafterbabies in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you, this is all very encouraging!