New to C25k (again)

[Cilla45]

I need motivation to get myself started, I’ve had a few false starts, I would like to get fitter with the added benefit of toning up and losing a few pounds. I had a fresh start 10 months ago and am just going into the fifth week of a new job. I find myself on my own now, my son has gone off on his own adventure and have had to go back to full time working, this has left me drained and completely filled my head, I tend to get home, make a cuppa whilst dinner is on and then veg in front of the TV. Any tips or advice are welcome to help me build up my confidence, thanks

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome! You are absolutely in the right place!

Do, even though you have been here before, please, check this essential reading out before you get going.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Then... you have the motivation already... you are here!

All you need to try and do is find some ways to make getting out there a a tad easier?

Chicks flying the nest, you taking on a new lifestyle, and maybe at this stage carrying a little too much luggage?

So... set your running gear out the day or night before you run... have a route planned too, somewhere you will enjoy.

Add to this maybe ,some planned pre-made meals, bulk prep and in the freezer...still salad time too so, quick easy healthy melas are going to help? Are you able to run before you eat, or early morning?

Starting a new exciting regime could be the way to keep going.

Do make sure you put in some core strength and stamina work on some rest days... that is going to get everything working, mentally and physically. Loads of ideas on the S and F forum!

So... there you go... keep posting, keep popping in here, and as for your confidence? All you need to do is, trust this fantastic programme and KNOW, that you will do this.

We are right beside you... I am the one whispering in your ear... Slow and Steady!

[Cilla45 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks much appreciated, I wouldn’t be able to do first thing but after work might be doable 😊 I’m aiming to tone up a few pounds each month, slow and steady! I’ve lost 1 stone 9lb over a year with little snacking and portion control and overall eating better

[Week7 Graduate]

It's really tough getting going after work and a new job is evenmore exhausting.

.I always feel absolutely shattered after work (even though I am sat down all day) .I do find , however, that my best evenings are the ones when I get home, have a glass of water a small snack ( cereal bar/banana)and push myself out the door for a run. Even if the run doesn't go particularly well I return home feeling so much better .

Good luck . This program is so brilliant and these chats so supportive I hope you can pluck up the energy to get going

[Cilla45 in reply to Week7]

Sounds sensible- just feel conscious and everyone will know what I’m doing but I’ll try and get over that 😊

[Week7 Graduate in reply to Cilla45]

I know what you mean. When I first started I always ran early in the morning but as time went by the fact that I could run a little gave me the confidence to go out at a time to suit me but still making sure I went where I wouldn't see anyone I knew. Now 2 years later I don't care who I see or how I'm looking .I am doing this for me. Please don't let other people take this away from you. You deserve the improvements to how you feel which running can really help with. To feel your body getting stronger is such a confidence boost.Good luck.

[dolce_far_niente]

Hiya Cilla. I dont get to veg out til about 8pm... and have had a few false starts on c25k too. But the reason I'm replying is because I read recently about habits and it suggested that coming home and taking a shower was a way of breaking the veg in front of tv habit. To sit at a table to eat or not in front of TV, so you eat mindfully and recognise when full etc. Have a great day x

[Cilla45 in reply to dolce_far_niente]

I got into the habit of eating without distractions just need to put the one foot in front of the other and go for it 😊

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

"I need motivation ... <snip> ..., I would like to get fitter with the added benefit of toning up and losing a few pounds."

You have written your own motivation right there

If you want, I can repeat it back to you ...

Motivation? OK here goes ... you'll get fitter, with the added benefit of toning up and losing a few pounds.

How does that sound?

[Cilla45 in reply to John_W]

Easy in theory but yes got to tackle my own mindset, years of low self esteem and lack of confidence, give myself a stern talking too 😊

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Cilla45]

You HAVE the motivation - your reasons to start.

The rest is now down to you - and you'll get a TON of support here. There's been many like you down the years and there'll be many like you in the future. You are not alone.

Maybe take 15 mins to sit down and work out what timings might best for you and your lifestyle and then put your shoes on and get out the front door and see what happens.

You never know ...

[Running_Up_That_Hill]

I would say don’t run too fast, don’t be hard on yourself if you feel you need to repeat a run or a week of runs and lastly, you’ll enjoy the telly even more after a good run in the evening. Good luck.