Any advice Please

[Jam75-]

Hiya..

I'm having a mental block, maybe I'm not supposed to be a runner. I did run 1, took me 6 attempts, did run 2, took me 5 attempts, did run 3 took me 7 attempts, started week 4 so far i've done run 1, 10 times and can do the 3 minutes but can't get through the 5 mins.. now that was 2 weeks ago and haven't run since.. I'm on a really slow jog, but my breathing then turns into a panic attack.

Do you think I should go back to run 3? Don't know how to get past this? Has anyone else experienced similar?

Regards

Ash

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

You’ve shown such perseverance to get to where you are. Those repeats will have helped hij build fitness too. Lots of positives.

Do you think you’re psyching yourself out? What’s happening as you move from running to stopping running? I often use distraction to help-focussing on music instead of my own breathing. Sometimes the opposite is better-I try and think objectively about how I’m feeling. Usually that’s tired but ok. My mind will say “you can’t run another step” but I’ll counter that with “that can’t be right-I am still running. I might not be enjoying it very much but I can keep going and it’s ok to slow down.” Picking a point a little way in the distance, or just running for twenty more steps, then once you’ve done that do it again helps.

I think I’d just go out for an informal walk/run without the programme and just play around, stopping and starting as you feel like it. You are a runner- you just need your confidence to catch up! 🏃‍♀️❤️💪

[Jam75- in reply to MissUnderstanding]

That's great advice, thank you, I do tend to overthink things. I think to go for a jog without the programme is really helpful, maybe that will take the pressure off. Thank you for your help. x

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 You are definitely a runner! Only a runner would have tried as hard as you have! Well done on all that effort!

You can definitely do this if you slow it right down.

If you haven’t run for two weeks go back to the run you last completed successfully. You know you can do this one. Do it again but as slow as you can.

The panic attacks are a reaction to negative thoughts.. so stop them before they start… “I am running because I love running… it’s not a race or a competition.. I am going to look around and enjoy it! I can slow down & walk if I need to.. if I complete the run, great.. if not it was a practice. Every time I put my trainers on & try I am a runner!”

You can take a 100 years to complete the program… just enjoy doing it!

Big hug & let us know how the next run goes! 🤗🐌👍You can do it!

[Jam75- in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you so much for replying, I definitely have negative thoughts, I will try again, will say positive things to myself, thank you for your support , much appreciated.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Week 4 is a bit of a jump in time. Slow can always be slower you know, tiny little steps, breathe deep and slow, listen to music, try singing along in your head, good luck

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

wow such perseverance- you’ve got this 💪🏻 I can’t add much more than what everyone else has already said but I do wonder if it’s mind over matter. Those gremlins need putting back in their box. You are putting so much pressure on yourself - allow yourself just to run and slow slow slow! You can always go slower - find your comfortable pace.

Now me, I love a good singalong when I’m running - if I can’t sing I’m going too fast - it’s keeps me going and who doesn’t love a good banger? Some listen to podcasts, I do too sometimes. Find what works for you .

We’re all here to cheer you on and your experience will help others too so do keep us posted ! Good luck 👍🏼

[Jam75- in reply to SweatyHettie]

Thank you so much, I will give the singing a go, that way I think will help my breathing. Great advice. Thank you.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

The bit about 'panic attack' stands out.

Before starting this, when was the last time you exercised and got out breath?

[Jam75- in reply to John_W]

I think the last time was possibly 15 years ago doing Zumba, this is really the first time I've properly been out of breath.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Jam75-]

I wonder whether your panic attacks are related to an unfamiliar feeling of being properly out of breath...

[Jam75- in reply to John_W]

That's a very good point. Thank you 👍

[Hidden]

All good advice here from others, try to slow down it really helps.

Don’t watch the clock or your watch for the mins to pass by. Try singing along to your fav tunes or zone out and think of your grocery shopping list or your weekly plans, appointments etc anything to take your mind off the running part. Dedicate your run to someone in your life to motivate you, before you know it your run will be over. Keep on running, keep on smiling!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

oh ohhhhhh…sounds like someone’s got those gremlins in their head…and they’ve been there right from the start!!

Firstly, you deserve a massive pat on the back for repeating those runs all those times and not giving up…that’s proper determination that is!! Maybe, just maybe you’re starting your runs too fast & you are expecting yourself not to be able to complete each run….if I were you…and this is only what I would do to myself…I would give my head a shake…get those negative gremlins out of there and I would start a fresh…start right back at the beginning with a clear head and all that determination in every run…COME ON!!! You can do it…we’ll all be here cheering you on

[Jam75- in reply to Mummycav]

I totally agree, I'm overthinking, thank you for your advice, will give my head a shake and get past this blipp! Thank you.