Second Time round

[Greenfingers21]

happy new year everyone

I first completed C25K in 2021 but when completed I seemed to lose my motivation.

It was definitely better for my mental health so I wanted to start again. I think one of the problems was I was struggling to fit in 30mins at a time.

I’m going to think differently this time and accept that it doesn’t have to be 30mins. Even if I do 20mins that’s better than not running at all. I am also going to combine it with strength training. The one thing that helped me through before was the encouragement and knowledge of this community. So I look forward to the second time round with you all.

[Pugwash Graduate]

Loads of people, perhaps the majority, take more than one attempt at C25K to embed running/jogging as a habit. I really hope this time you're able to keep it going!

No advice here, just a reflection on my own, similar experience. I too recognised how good it was for mental wellness and that was my main motivator at getting going again. Being kind to oneself is easy to say, but harder to do; I gave myself permission to do short runs, slow runs, a walk instead of a run etc. and that seemed to work. Remember, the hardest section of any run is that bit between the sofa and the front door. I've never come back from a run regretting doing it - quite the opposite. I haven't done strength training, so can't talk to that.

It's a good call to use the community here - I feel that I can be honest and open about fears and shortcoming here with the confidence that I'll get only helpful, friendly replies. Good luck.