Couch to 5K Running Program (C25K)

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My thoughts on C25K - week 7

kperry170
kperry170 Posts: 7
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I just completed week 7 day 1 yesterday and I am simply amazed at what I have accomplished. I am fortunate to live near a park with a 3+ mile wooded path around a lake. You can't get more scenic that that! I never imagined being able to run all of it, but yesterday I jogged 3/4 of it.

I have found this journey to be more emotionally than physically challenging.

Yesterday I had to run 25 minutes straight. In the first 1/2 mile I got so winded that I had to walk - I gave myself 60 seconds to get my *&%# together. I knew I wasn't going too fast - I just let my head take over with thoughts of "I can't do this ... what about the upcoming hill ... I can't do this ... 25 minutes is too long etc" After I talked myself out of the emotion and convinced myself that I could do it (or at least try) - I was fine. To prove the point ... I even ran 90 seconds into the "cool down" to prove that I could go the full distance.

I went for a total of 3.7 miles in 47:16 with an avg speed of 4.7 mph at 12:50 min/mi - since only 25 minutes of that time was actual "jogging" I would say I made good time - ONCE I GOT OUT OF MY HEAD.

Just thought I would share in case anyone is stressing about the longer run sessions - don't listen to the emotions - just keep telling yourself you can do it. Heaven knows ... if I can do it ... you can!

Have a great day!

Replies

  • btsinmd
    btsinmd Posts: 921 Member
    I had very similar thoughts this morning. I had just started running and had only gone a couple of yards and my mind said, "YOU can't run as long as you plan to do today. You're not an athlete!" I had to remind myself that this was day 3 of the week that I was doing and that I had already done it on Wednesday and Friday, Strange thing the mind is.
  • 230137isntmyweight
    230137isntmyweight Posts: 256 Member
    First off I'm jealous of the park, just so you know. Second thing, WAY TO GO!!! Running is all about mental energy and getting it into your head that YOU CAN do this. Once that's done it's just one foot in front of the other.
  • PinkNinjaLaura
    PinkNinjaLaura Posts: 3,202 Member
    TOTALLY jealous of your park. If I had to say what surprises me the most about running that I know now that I didn't know when I started, it would be:

    1) that I can do it
    2) that I can love it
    3) that some days 90% of it is mental

    Like btsinmd said, even when you're doing a run that you've already successfully completed sometimes your mind messes with you. I got a tip from one of my co-workers who runs marathons that when you start going there to think about something completely different - think about a recipe you're wanting to try, or a project you're working on at home, or anything except running & how your body feels. For my longer runs I've now switched back to audiobooks (which I listened to last year when I did C25K) because it gives me something to focus on.
  • mrslcoop
    mrslcoop Posts: 317 Member
    That's awesome and I 100% agree. Running is emotionally draining. Every time I go running 3 minutes in I start thinking WTH am I doing?! This hurts, I'm already tired, how can I possible go on for another 17 minutes (I did W5D3 last week)?! And some how a few minutes later things start feeling good, you're really booking it, and you feel amazing. Must be the endorphins kicking in!
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    After awhile, you've built up so many miles behind you that laughing off that little voice becomes a lot easier. "Oh, you think we can't go 6 miles??? You said that about one minute a few months back and now look where we are..."

    He's still there, though, at the beginning of every run. He rides along with Olympic runners too. I've read that it's a biological mechanism to try and make us sit down before we use up our precious fat stores. It reliably goes away after 10 minutes.
  • Mamakatspokane
    Mamakatspokane Posts: 3,098 Member
    I found this link about week 2 (I just finished week 7) and every time I start thinking those things I say "Hello Blerch" Great job! Keep up the good work and yes, we are ALL jealous of your park :wink:

    http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running
  • TheSlorax
    TheSlorax Posts: 2,401 Member
    TOTALLY jealous of your park. If I had to say what surprises me the most about running that I know now that I didn't know when I started, it would be:

    1) that I can do it
    2) that I can love it
    3) that some days 90% of it is mental

    Like btsinmd said, even when you're doing a run that you've already successfully completed sometimes your mind messes with you. I got a tip from one of my co-workers who runs marathons that when you start going there to think about something completely different - think about a recipe you're wanting to try, or a project you're working on at home, or anything except running & how your body feels. For my longer runs I've now switched back to audiobooks (which I listened to last year when I did C25K) because it gives me something to focus on.

    audiobooks! what an amazing idea! thank you, I'm going to try that. I do notice that the time flies by when I think about something other than the actual running. audiobooks would be a great way to keep my mind off of it.
  • AglaeaC
    AglaeaC Posts: 1,974 Member
    Every single time I've been out, I've reminded myself of my progress and of the fact that I run with 30 kg excess weight. If that isn't an accomplishment in itself, then I don't know what is. I'm close to saying 29 kg by the way. I run next to the Baltic Sea on a trail :)

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