Running motivation anyone?

Pucks_and_Balls

I started running back in January with Couch to 5K and am signed up for my first 5K this coming Saturday. Yay! But lately, I have felt down about my runs and have thought about quitting altogether. I'm a little dismayed that after four months, I'm still "only" running a 14-minute or 15-minute mile, depending on the day, and don't know if that's normal or if I'm too slow. It's been really humid a lot where I live, and when I get out in the heat, I tend to have to take walk breaks more because I can't handle going full-out when it's 75 degrees at 10 a.m. and the dew point is oppressive. I know I can't make excuses and the running has to get done, but even though I still get out there, I feel dreadful every time I have a run scheduled when the humidity is creeping up. I signed up for a half marathon in October and am questioning if I have the stamina to be outside in July and August doing five, six, seven miles a day. And more.

Do any runners have advice to gain more confidence? Did anyone ever feel like they kind of sucked at running for a while before it got better? I came back yesterday after a three-mile run turned into a walk, and I was upset because after four months, I don't feel I'm a "good" runner and maybe it's not for me. How long did it take you before you felt confident?

I don't really want to quit running. A lot of my family members are runners and I see what it's done for them, especially my dad, who's lost a lot of weight and quit smoking as a result, and is now training for his first full marathon. I would like to sign up for another two 5Ks and a 10K in the fall, but I worry I won't be able to handle the summer training. Since I don't have a full-time job, I have no option for the treadmill if it gets too hot to the point where it's not safe.

What should I do?

kbsangel1986

Speed will come with time. Im also doing c25k and have committed to do the color me rad 5k with a friend this fall. My jog is definitely a split hair faster than my walk. My goal for now is to be able to jog the entire 5k. (which i will be doing before midsummer) my secondary goal is to do a 5k in under an hr. Long term goal is 10-12 mile runs. Speed comes with time. I want endurance more than speed personally. Dont give up.

lilackisses

From what I have read your first goal is really towards endurance and then towards speed. I hope so! I am doing Zombies 5k and am dreadfully slow. However, I love it. (I love running! Who would have thought!) and am just hoping that after I finish the 5k and start running more regularly speed will come soon.

hypotrochoid

Why does speed matter? Like all things you get better and faster with time. Too hot? Carry water and run slower. Sounds more like you're looking for a reason to quit than a reason to keep going.

randeeolive

Don't give up. You can only get better from here on out!