Help! Need motivation for C25k

lilbitsc89

Hey everyone!

I just completed week 2 of the C25k program today and i felt like it killed me. The whole time I didn't know how I was going to make it through it. When I do it next time, I am supposed to bump it up to the week three routine and I have no clue how I'm going to get through it. I need motivation! I want to get in shape and the whole time I'm jogging all I can think in my mind is "Bikini Bikini Bikini" lol sounds stupid but hey whatever works right?

If anyone has any advice or success stories with the program please let me know! I feel like I need to know it gets easier. I guess jogging in the afternoon in 80 degree/humid weather and windy not the greatest idea for a beginner. I've never been able to run.

Thanks ahead of time!

maura1110

If you feel like it was really hard for you, you should keep repeating that week until you feel that you are ready to move on. You don't want to injure yourself. But keep in mind that even people who run a lot have bad running days so if it was just today then use your judgement. But I can tell you that I started running with C25K and I used to hate running in the beginning and it took probably a good 3-4 months before I started to actually enjoy it. I now love running and I'm training for my first half marathon next month!

So don't worry - it does get better! Just keep in mind that it is definitely not easy and keep pushing yourself! Good luck!!

Ps - feel free to add me, I always love new rrunning friends!

bcattoes

I am in the middle of week three. My motivation is that I registered for 5k run in June. Well, I thought it was a run but today I found out it was a timed race!! I'm not a fast runner so very nervous about that. But the thought of humilating myself by not finishing keeps me motivated to get up to speed.

ishallnotwant

I was kind of scared to try week 3 at first, too. I tried and was able to finish, to my own surprise. I do think you should give week 3 day 1 a try, and if you find it impossible to finish, maybe go back down and repeat week 2 before trying week 3 again. I remember someone posted on the forums "Try week 3! You just might surprise yourself!" and that's what motivated me to actually give it a go. I was super stoked to finish without an asthma attack.

My week 3 day 1 was really hard on the legs-I got shin splints every time I slowed back down to walk. Then I got the flu and was down for a week, and I just went back out yesterday to do day 2, 9 days after day 1. I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to after 9 days of almost no activity, but I did it, and it was actually easier on my legs than week 3 day 1, and I was able to do the jogging portion faster as well. Do what your body is comfortable with, but don't be afraid to push it a bit-within reasonable levels. :flowerforyou:

One thing that really helped me was downloading a c25k podcast to my ipod and listening to it while I run. It has some really great upbeat music and the chick tells me when to walk and when to run. It's made c25k much more fun and less of a chore for me. If you have an ipod, the Chubby Jones c25k podcast is what i'm using. She's really great!

ETA: Oh, and there is a c25k group, too! There seem to be a few of us on week 3 currently.

sixfootaliw

I have just got back home from doing W3D1 and the others are right. You may fear it, but you will nail it! Even if you do struggle, you will be happy that you gave it a go. If you need to, repeat a day or so of W2 until you are ready. There's no shame in that as long as you are trying!

You will be amazed at how much you can achieve with C25K. Two years ago I got through to W7D3 before I had to stop and I remember being stunned that fat lazy lil' me was able to run sooooo far!

Ali

Graciecny

I surprised the $@*# out of myself by completing the first day of week 3 a few weeks back. I actually posted on here wondering if I should redo week 2 until I felt ready to tackle the longer run times. The advice I overwhelmingly received was to try going forward, and only repeat a day/week when I tried and failed.

I'll be doing w6d2 today or tomorrow and am still plodding along, successful every time (so far...LOL!)! Totally shocked I could do it each time, and if you could have seen my smile after the 20 minute run on w5d3...wow, total victory for this obese chick.

So, that my long was of telling you that you can probably do far more than you give yourself credit for! There would be no shame in repeating days, but my advice is to try moving forward. If it is too much, drop back to the previous day, rinse, repeat! You CAN do this!

fishercarrie

Sign up to do a 5K outside or do one sooner than you planned. When I did my first one I was terrified and really upset that I had to walk a little but I managed to finish it in 42minutes. Each time I do one, it gets easier and for some reason running in those big groups always motivates you. When I am on the treadmill I feel like I am dying, but I just did my first one of 2012 and I had my best time yet. Running through the finish line is an awesome feeling. You can do it, just stick with it.

alissac

I did C25K a few years ago and when I first started even the 60 second runs killed me. When I finished I could run a 5K without stopping. Some days are better than others, so try not to be discouraged. And it's ok to repeat a day if you feel like you need to. The only person you have to answer to is yourself, and you know what your body needs. Good luck!