How do I keep motivated?

[scubakate21]

This is the second time I have attempted couch to 5k- first time was around 18mths ago and I quit after about 3 weeks. I haven't got anyone to run with but really want to succeed this time! i have just done first podcast and found it difficult!

[lucyconnuk Graduate]

Took me 2 attempts too. First time I lasted about 3 weeks. Second time I finished - although I took my time over it and it took me about 6 months!

Just remember that every time you go out and try a run, that's progress - it's exercise you wouldn't otherwise have had! Personally I got to about week 6 and realised I was feeling much healthier and fitter, and that made me want to continue, even though I am a complete exercise-phobe.

Good luck, and keep us informed of your progress. You may not have anyone to run with, but there are a lot of people on this forum in the same boat and they're with you in spirit!

[greenlegs Graduate]

How about posting blogs about all your runs on here - then you start to feel that you do have someone you're running with, and you won't want to let them down! It worked for me - getting supportive messages from people whose names you begin to recognise, and think of as friends, makes such a big difference.

The other ideas that have come up before is about putting running kit out in advance (though actually I just run in my everyday clothes), and putting shoes on anyway and going out of the door even when you don't feel like it. Once you're out the door, you'll probably get started anyway.

And if week 1 is hard, go slower, redo it if you need to, maybe even break it down into several weeks-worth if you need to, and read others' blogs about it - just about everybody on here found week 1 really tough. I certainly did, but I can now run for 50 minutes (week 1 was just before Christmas) - sometimes it's still tough, but I know I can do it, and I know I'm much healthier for it.

Good luck! I'll look out for you posts!

[PamJK Graduate]

I run on my own too. Husband sees me out the door with a wave. I did ask if he fancied joining me but he decided he'd have another gin instead!

So, I try to do a blog after each run - even if I don't feel I have anything particularly interesting to say - just to mark the event and to feel part of the community and glow in the praise of another week accomplished from the fabulous support here.

I'm only half way through week 2 and I'm about to have a week off (other committments) so I'm a little worried I won't come back to the programme when I'm home but hoping that keeping coming to this page and reading about everyone's achievements will spur me on and get me back out the door.

The sun is shining and I can't wait to get out there tonight even though I know it will be hard work.

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to PamJK]

With my OH its a vodka or whisky (!) but to be fair he has started coming with me now at weekends which is nice.

I will be running tonight Pam so you have a "buddy" to keep you going when it gets tough! Enjoy!

Sue

[SBG356 Graduate]

I agree with the others; keep blogging about your runs, keep coming to this forum for inspiration and motivation and it will work! If you really want to continue you will!

There will always be someone from here running when you are so think of them as you go out the door - your virtual running buddies! I run mostly on my own too but without the wonderful support of the guys here I would have stopped a long time ago I'm sure.....

Sue

[mcc65 Graduate]

We've all been there, all had the days when we have thought 'is this really worth it or shall I just stick to sitting on the sofa?' but once I got to W4 and started being able to run for longer periods I actually felt that I was achieving something

It's already been said, but most of us are doing this on our own and come on here after our runs to share the highs, lows and frustrations with our virtual running buddies.

Give it a try after your next run, just tell us all how it went and see if it helps

[runner45 Graduate]

tell your friends and family you're doing the programme so it's embarrassing if you don't keep going.

give yourself a reward afterwards - I get a really good coffee and a slice of cake (I know lots of these guys do all this running on a banana but hey cake works for me)

if possible try and find somewhere pretty to run - much easier to run in the woods, down by the river, or a park, than round the streets or on the treadmill

And hang in there! you can tell from all the other bloggers that this running business is strangely addictive if you stick with it.

[scubakate21]

Thank you so much for all of your advice! Week 1 Run 2 completed! I feel much better about today's run, was really trying to take on board all of your advice and feel proud now! Just want to make sure I get past week 3 this time!

I am going to write about each run (will start a blog) as think this will make me feel part of the couch to 5k community! Thank you again