I completed C25K at the beginning of November, just before going on holiday to Gran Canaria for my birthday. I decided to take a few weeks off, because of my holiday, the awful weather, and Christmas in Canada (lots of end-of-year holidays for me!). My plan was to get back into my morning runs in the new year, but I'm struggling to find any motivation. Plus, the dark mornings and cold weather aren't helping.
I know I'll have to restart C25K at this point, as I imagine I'll have lost most, if not all, the stamina I'd built up. 😕 I'm hoping I'll be able to start a few weeks in though, so my previous struggles weren't a complete waste.
Has anyone else struggled to keep up with running after completing the course, or since Christmas? And how did you get back to it, if you have?
Tbh I might just be a fair weather runner!
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che130
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The reason to start C25K from the beginning in this case would chiefly be because you succeeded at C25K previously but everything fell apart as soon as you didn't have that structure rather than than because of your physical fitness being back to square one.
What do you need to help you get out there? Are you someone who tends to suffer from apathy during the darker months of the year? Might you be using the idea of starting again from scratch as another barrier to running rather than seizing the first opportunity and getting out for any old sort of a run? Good luck! You worked hard and you achieved that 30 minute run 3 times before!
It happens! It’s been really hard to run outdoors lately-the weather has been rubbish. I’ve not run all that much myself. You don’t need to beat yourself up. You haven’t wasted what you had before-that experience will make it so much easier to come back and you know you can do it.
It’s interesting to say that you’re struggling for motivation because you’ve obviously got some…you’ve posted here about wanting to run! Maybe it’s a bit of nerves about getting that first run ticked off that’s making you put it off? Once you’ve done it, you’ll be a runner who ran yesterday, or a few days ago, instead of four months ago and that’ll make all the difference psychologically. Many people restart from week 3. I don’t usually use couch to 5k coming back but many people do. The other option is to go for gentle jog and gradually increase how long you’re going for until you feel like you’re back in the swing of things. I usually accept that the first few runs will feel a bit ropey but each one gets you a step closer to being back where you want to be. You’re a bit more vulnerable to injury after a break so the key thing is to keep it steady and if you can add in some strength and flex, that’s a bonus.
You’re most certainly not alone in being where you are! Before you know it you’ll feel back on track. Good luck!
It has been tricky getting out this year so far what with the rubbish weather and yes I agree dark mornings and evenings don’t help. But brighter days will be here soon and the evenings are definitely starting to draw out.
I had a big break from running last year and when I came back I just ran for a certain amount of time and then built it up again. I would say I probably started at w5R3 in the programme, but I didn’t use the actual programme I just did what felt good and comfortable Just build up gradually in whatever way works for you
Quite a few of us on here use the Nike app which has some great guided runs and plans. I for one am a bit in love with coach Bennett and I know I’m not alone!!
I agree with MissUnderstanding Definitely get that first run in, even if it’s just a short one and then you’re over that barrier. It’s amazing how much our heads can be a help or hindrance
I can’t wait to hear how you’ve got back in the saddle - best of luck!
It can be hard to motivate yourself after finishing C25K, but don't beat yourself up about it. The main thing to do is get out there when you can. I find I have to have a goal to aim for so that I need to get out the door, even if I don't feel like it. Not long after finishing I signed up for a local 5k and this year I'm doing a half marathon in aid of Cancer Research UK (I can't believe I'm doing that as I couldn't run 400 metres at school!). I can't enter many races because of the cost so when I didn't have a race to aim for I set myself my own goal e.g. after finishing it was consolidation then build to 10k. It helps if you have family or friends to encourage you. My other half doesn't run (& thinks I'm slightly mad!), but he is fab at encouraging me and helping me get out the door. Good luck and maybe keep us updated so we can help you keep going.
You've had some great advice...so all I'll say is. .just get out there.. I re graduated on December 17th after a heck of a six months and after repeating C25K..again!
Just acknowledge it may not be always be easy, accept that, and then adapt. Get the runs in when you are able to, relax and enjoy them and don't give yourself a hard time on the times you can't run.
We're here..we'll help...so..just start.
Oh..and get some strength and stamina work I'm too, on some rest days...it pays dividends!
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