Does anyone else struggle with motivation? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,175 members159,523 posts

Does anyone else struggle with motivation?

Kate1991 profile image
Kate1991Graduate
9 Replies

I'm a fool!

This is the third time I've done this - I do really well with C25K and build up my distance gradually then for some stupid reason or another I stop! I've not run for over 3 weeks now and already feel so unfit. I'm going to start again but before I do does anyone have any tips on motivation?

I did B210K last time but think I'll keep my runs to 5K or less now - I'm more likely to go if I know I can fit it in without having to get up at 5am. Any other advice?

Written by
Kate1991 profile image
Kate1991
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
andystev profile image
andystevGraduate

I find a goal helps. Pick out an event; parkrun, 10k, marathon, triathlon, whatever takes your fancy. Enter it, (a financial commitment always seems to concentrate the mind!), plan a training schedule and off you go! Works for me... Mostly.

Grammadog1947 profile image
Grammadog1947Graduate

I entered a 2 mile event scheduled for July 4 on week 2 of C25K...the thought of having to walk any part of that event helps motivate me to stick with the programme....as Andystev says, nothing like financial commitment ti concentrate the mind!

emzylou profile image
emzylouGraduate

I run with a friend. I know this isn't for everyone but if you know the other person is going you have to go as well!

Oldgirl profile image
OldgirlGraduate

Is there a running club near you, why not join it? Also ParkRun every Saturday 9.00am in most of UK, Scotland its a 9.30am start. Usually good to keep you motivated and your speed up cos its a timed race and makes a body want to do well. Don't give up your running it would be all that hard work gone to waste and stopping might make the pounds go to your waist!! EEeeekkkk :(

tantrumbean profile image
tantrumbeanGraduate in reply toOldgirl

Why do I not live in Scotland? :-(

I've also struggled with motivation. I've reached week 7 and then stopped, for several weeks. Initially was because of an injury, then a holiday break, then because of visitors, then because of the rain, then because of lack of rain....

But now I'm back on track (fingers crossed!). Running with somebody else doesn't help me, but changing my route has.

Let's keep running because it brings a lot of benefits.

H123 profile image
H123Graduate

im motivated at the moment, but worried what I will do when graduated and the 2 weeks hols in Turkey in August-which will be far too hot for me to run! I like to change the route,planning to do my first park run around week 9, also to get new music to run to, maybe look at times v distance. Tried running with my husband but he is too fast for me, but hoping to persuade all the family to do the park run with me as my birthday treat. Theyre so fit they dont need a 9 week program, but I secretly hoping to out run them! Variety is the short answer for me. Good luck.

didntrunthat profile image
didntrunthatGraduate

I found once I got over 10k my motivation started to go also, no longer a target distance to aim for, time became an issue and also a sense that every run had to be a long run.

With my health being back and for since last September basically, the only way since then that I have found to be able to motivate myself and to keep going out regularly enough is by doing shorter runs. I often only run for 20 the majority of the time now. I can't put myself forward for sponsorship for something at the minute as I don't know how I'll be in a few months time, but I know looking at the clock that 20mins is easy! I'll be out and in within half an hour, so it's hard to come up with excuses.

Keep it simple when times get though!

Gridlet profile image
GridletGraduate

I have a post it note on my bedside saying "If you're struggling with motivation, remember that the first step is the hardest, get out the door and the rest will follow". I hang my running gear on the door too! It helps me!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Need to change but struggle with motivation

So I've had the couch to 5k installed on my phone for 4 weeks now and I have still yet to use it!...

Does anyone else struggle breathing?!?

Just curious is it me or is it a thing? I am just starting week 5. Steady, slow jogging. Yes legs...
bubblebird123 profile image
Graduate

Motivation or something else?

Hi. I've got as far as week 6 run three. Which I've tried 4 times now. I can't seem to complete. I...
SafetyStu01 profile image

Does anyone else get headache?

I did my W1R1 yesterday, and whilst doing it I got a head ache, not a massive one.. took some...

Does anyone else feel a numpty doing this?

Hi peeps, I'm building up my fitness again after injury/illness but this time doing the NHS...
northernlass1965 profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.