W7R1 today, so getting firmly into the longer runs now. I finish every run but find it so hard and I’m longing for the day when I actually enjoy a run. My legs always feel like I’m running through treacle. I’d revisited all of the ‘slow jogging’ advice online yesterday and even practised a little with some kitchen slow jogging, but my run this morning still felt so laboured. Will I ever love this? I really want to!
Words of Wisdom gratefully received!
thank you 💕
🍏 Well done for keeping it slow and keeping going in spite of the heavy feeling. Sometimes the magic happens as you get into these longer runs… as you transition from the walk into the run, keep it extra slow then do a mental body check.. am I relaxed…my shoulders especially… are my arms swinging loosely at my side .. what can I see, smell and hear? Is there a breeze? Smile … it’s amazing how much tension we hold in our faces.. smiling 😊 genuinely helps!! Xx
When you're really struggling try smiling. It tricks the brain into thinking you're enjoying yourself.Likewise, smiling then saying out loud 'this is FANTASTIC!' or 'I've REALLY got this' or 'I'm a BRILLIANT runner'. The sheer incongruity will not make you laugh and you'll feel much better. By the way, all three statements are true.
PS if you try the second approach maybe don't do it in earshot of anyone else 😂😂😂😂
Well, that made me laugh! I'll try it on my Saturday run!
I am a BRILLIANT runner, I AM A BRILLIANT RUNNER.
And we all know it's mind over matter 😁
Thank you!
Just keep with it. I remember it was hard. But you're pushing, you're learning and you are getting stronger. The most important thing is you are following the programme and getting it done. Yes, it will feel easier, but now you are building.What you are doing is amazing!
Hello.... some good advice given...I wonder, what are you doing to support the running body and the running mind?
Our running body needs a lot of support.. and not just the legs... core strength , stamina and of course mind set can get you through... and sometimes it can be really really hard !
Have you been across to the S and F Forum, loads of tips to help you there?
Your mind set can play a huge part...e.g.
healthunlocked.com/strength...
But you do need to make sure that your core strength is getting support too and there are so many links there with tips to help with that
Thank you Oldfloss . I restarted C25K as part of an all-round drive to support my general health- not keen to find myself in the same position as my parents, with diabetes, osteoporosis and dementia. Part of that has included drinking more water, prioritising sleep with regular bedtime, and now ( this past couple of weeks) embarking on a strength programme with support from a PT. Strength has therefore been a little late to the table, but I’m hoping that now I’ve started it will support my all round health, and help improve my running.
Thank you for the link, I will take time to read through that thoroughly and associated links. I have a simply daily gratitude practice and use some breathing exercises too, but more knowledge is always a good thing!
And I’m mentally picturing myself smiling through my next run, as suggested by Annieapple and Yesletsgo , which is making me smile now in the moment - powerful! ☺️
Have a great day!
Smiling really is good for us! Check this out...when you have time
Regarding the osteoporosis, my poor mum suffered from it dreadfully, she must have lost the best part of a foot in height over her latter years (admittedly she had lots of other health issues too that could have contributed to this). I find it utterly terrifying that I might go the same way. I was diagnosed with it about 7 years ago. Last year I had another DEXA scan and now, instead of osteoporosis it's osteopenia. I was so happy, that was after 2 years of running.
I fell over twice the other day (not old lady stuff, jumping off my boat in the boatyard and finding an unexpected obstacle underfoot, then falling in the water getting off a small boat on the beach). Happy to report nothing more serious than a scratched foot. Every time I fall over I thank heavens when I stand up again. Poor Mum fell and broke her hip.
I've been on HRT at least 10 years and intend to stay on it as long as I can for its bone protective effects. My mum took it from her late 30s until she had a stroke at 75. She was more annoyed about coming off the HRT than about not being able to speak properly. This was when her shrinking really got going.
Obviously HRT isn't for everyone but if it suits you it can have fantastic effects (bear in mind I'm not a doctor so not giving medical advice, just anecdote).
Sorry to hear that your mum suffered so badly with it. Mine is the same, 2 yrs ago she tripped and fell very gracefully, with me actually holding on to her, and broke the very top of her femur. Bad mend job in hospital means she is still in daily pain. She then fell again and broke the opposite wrist - getting up and down from chair or bed is challenging! I really want to avoid that!! Great news that your DEXA showed a reduction in severity and that you didn’t break anything with your falls. The running and strength training helping with bone density is why I’m here for it!!
Are you stretching before you start? Perhaps extending the warm-up walk by a few minutes to help you transition into being active?
Hydration before hand is important.
And I love the smiling recommendation. I do it all the time and fear I must look like a madman...but it does refocus the mind...
Stretching before needs to be of a different type to stretching afterwards.
Warm up stretches should not be held in any one position for more than a couple of seconds.
Cool down stretches should be held for a minimum of fifteen seconds.
James Dunne has some excellent videos on this.
PS. Smiling like a madman may encourage others to run… far away from you.
Thanks for replying ☺️. I’ve started (these past few runs) doing the dynamic warmup stretches from Runners World, and I always do a swift warmup walk. I’ll check out the James Dunne videos.
your not alone I too felt and still feel like that . My body seems to protest more as the weeks go on . What I am doing tho is running when I can and when I struggle I walk , gather myself a little and then off I go again . I’m doing what my body feels capable of and yes maybe one day I’ll run solidly for that amount of time . But for now I’m just plodding through , run walk run walk even tho it says to run for 25 mins I’ll do what I can when I can . So you’re not alone lovely . Don’t worry . Do what you can when you can
Very very slow
Not giving up
Not running.. but not giving up..still on week 6
Jog or run.....I’m happy jogging 
W8R2 - tough but fast?
