C25K: Week 3 was a test of commitment.

[PaulC]

This week was more a mental test than anything else and I knew that if I completed it then I would complete the rest of the programme. It was really difficult this week to drag myself into the cold, dark morning but I did it! One thing that I thought was a bit lame this week was the music but I suppose I have to deal with it.

Combining the C25K programme with my new diet has already made me feel better inside and I've lost 5 pounds already. I can already feel my stamina improving and at points when I run I feel like I can spit fire, haha! I've yet to take up anything else but I think I may begin to do some light workouts in the evening as well as the C25K programme.

As Laura would say; bye for now!

[Norni Graduate]

Well done you. You're a good inspiration to other youngsters. I suspect youmaybegoing a little faster than me if you have lost five pounds.

Carry on enjoying.

[WepreRunner Graduate]

Well done. I think half the challenge of this programme is the 'getting out and doing it' part. After that, even a bad run is better than sitting on the sofa all morning.

I actually like the music, helps me keep my pace and, without knowing the songs, I never know how long is left in a run

[PaulC in reply to WepreRunner]

Good point - didn't really think about it like that.

[greenlegs Graduate]

Well done for getting out to do your runs in the cold and dark. If you can do that, you can do anything! Just don't overdo it though - going through week 2 and week 3 in less than seven days is pretty harsh on your body.

Now you know you have got the will-power to self-motivate, you could take it at a more sustainable pace?

[PaulC in reply to greenlegs]

I was thinking of slowing things down a bit but I fear that if I take rest days then I won't feel motivated and my mind will want long-lies and that's not good.

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to PaulC]

You will probably be surprised - I've been taking the rest days, and have been amazed to find that I really want to get out every day, and have to stop myself! (I haven't managed to take 2 rest days for weekends after the first week because I've enjoyed the running so much.) I really don't think you will feel less motivated by taking rest days. Keep posting on here - that will keep you going if you flag at all! You can always get up and do strength and flex or something else on rest days - but it will give your feet time to rebuild.

Now you know you can do it, and how good you feel for it, there is no reason to not go on to the end of the programme. Better to get there fit and healthy, than give up because you pushed too hard and hurt yourself badly.

Are you eating enough to stay healthy?

[Hayley2415]

Congrats! totally agree - the hardest part is getting out the front door! That's great that you are feeling the benefits already, I hope i do by week 3!

[gdeann Graduate]

Congratulations! If you found that spot in the program and conquered it, then you will succeed in finishing! WELL DONE! I remember reading on here at one time an article stating if you made it to week 3/4 then in all likelihood you would finish. Our 14 year old daughter decided to join us last night and had her first W1R1. I think its great a few of you teenagers have decided to do something great for your health! Gayle

[PaulC in reply to gdeann]

I just found that very article and it's music to my ears. Thanks.

It's nice to hear I'm not the only teen giving it a shot! I really hope your daughter sticks at it and best of luck to you and your partner! -Paul

[123456789 Graduate]

Hey we'll done Paul, nice to hear your commitment.

Keep an eye on your energy levels if your pushing it so fast through the program, but I reckon you know that already.

Dale

[PaulC in reply to 123456789]

Thanks for the comment Dale.

I've been trying not to overdo it and it seems to be working so far. I realise it can be dangerous if you don't watch for things like energy. -Paul