I need motivation!

kae_blah

Hi all,

I completed W6D2 today. I repeated week 5 twice as I did not complete the day 3 run the first time.

Now I am looking at the remaining 10 long runs and am not sure if I want to continue.

I am starting to feel panic-y and anxious during the run and afterwards I am feeling low when earlier I felt a sense of accomplishment.

I have started getting blisters on the base of my feet. Maybe I just need new shoes and to trust the programme (and myself).

For those of you at week 6 or higher, or those who tried C25K more than once before they finished it, or anyone else - talk to me.

likitisplit

Hey! I'm a graduate. The thing is, once you complete Week 5, you are capable of running for a solid, substantial block of time and for real distances. Week 6 sets you up for Weeks 7-9, which add the finishing touches - the first two days of Week 6 are actually among the hardest because the walking can be demotivating.

Then, once you've run for close to 30 minutes for 9 sessions over three weeks, it becomes normal and gets you to the point where you can't imagine NOT running three to four times a week for 30 minutes. I didn't really start to enjoy running until Week 8, but then I fell in love with it, and the minute I graduated I found that I had built the stamina and willpower to really run (not just jog) and start building speed. When I first started the program, I was winded after a 90 minute jog at 3 mph. Now, at Week 11, I can do the first half of my run in my hilly neighborhood a 6 mph (though I needed to slow back to a 4.5 jog for the rest of the run).

You've gotten to the point where there's nothing in the program that you can't handle and you should at least give yourself the opportunity to see what you can do. To get through the final weeks and complete the program, I would strongly suggest running socks (so much better than cotton sports socks); shoes are probably a good idea too. Many people also find that listing to music helps them make the transition to the longer runs and can be motivating (Don't Slow Down by Matt & Kim is one of my favorites. When it starts playing in my head, I know that's my body asking me for another run And check back in here and let us know how you're doing. A community of runners is important at this point as well. And, finally, get yourself some pretty gear - you deserve a treat for getting this far!

likitisplit

Also, notice how you feel when you're not running. Are you walking a little taller? How are your thigh muscles? Are you noticing more stamina when you do other activities?

kae_blah

Thanks for the reply.

I have decided to complete w6d3 with different shoes.

I will take it one session at a time and trust the program.

I have not noticed much change yet. My arms have a bit more shape but that is more likely the weights class.

I figure if stop them I have quit. I can;'t un-do that.

I would rather keep going. If I really can't do it I will simply fall off the treadmill. I don't think that will happen.

likitisplit

Hmm. I didn't notice my leg muscles until about two weeks after the program, so maybe you need those long runs to get those....

anne2605

You can do this, don't give up, you've come so far already, over half way there. Are the shoes you'll run in new or ones that have been broken in? Perhaps you could add an insert in the shoe to offer more support/cushioning.

I completed D2, WK 6 this morning and I just think to myself when I ran D3, WK5 I ran for a full 20 mins straight, wow! how good am I. I think back to D1 of WK1 and those first 60 seconds when I was done in and breathing so heavy and just ready to die. I have noticed a huge difference in my progress and I believe in myself and I know I can do this. I've repeated WK 6 'cause I fell ill just before I was due to complete D3, so I decided to repeat and get my confidence back and I'm ready now to tackle D3 of WK6.

YOU CAN DO THIS!

jessiekanga

I am starting to feel panic-y and anxious during the run and afterwards I am feeling low when earlier I felt a sense of accomplishment.

I just graduated a couple of weeks ago, and I still don't know much at all about running. But I really do get the panicky/anxious during the run. I have reasons why I panic. Some I'll share and some I won't here. But, I hyperventilate quite easily, have all my life. Hyperventilating and feeling like I couldn't catch my breath then made me scared/panic which would make me hyperventilate more, panic more, etc. As a teen, I finally quit when I couldn't get through a day of basketball practice because I couldn't catch my breath. The panic was profound. I didn't take exercise seriously since then.

While I started walking and the elliptical 2 years ago, I didn't have the guts to try C25K until now. Week 5, that 25 minute run, was the week that brought out the panic attack/hyperventilating. I, too, wanted to quit. Why paralyze yourself with anxiety, right? At least that was the conversation I had with myself.

Only I always regretted not making it through that basketball season. When we won the state championship, I felt like I wasn't a part of it. I couldn't take the heat. I never really forgave myself that. It's been 22 years.

We all have a story and I don't know yours, but for me, working through that panic has been what the last several weeks, week 5 and since, have been about. I concentrate on my breathing. I slow down (even more than my snail's pace). I talk myself through it. I remind myself that I will feel as if I have enough breath again. Yesterday, I ran for 48 minutes, 3.5 miles. That sense of accomplishment you describe until now. Yea... I feel it.

Only you know if you need to push this edge. I sure as heck did. Not just so I could jog a 5k, which I will in April, but so I could redefine who I am by what is possible, not by my limits. I am so humbled by how life-changing that shift is. It's like I've changed at my very core.

Good luck, and if you need extra support, I'm here. Can't tell you a damn thing about running form, but this piece I get.

likitisplit

Wow, jessiekanga. You made me tear up! What a profound personal accomplishment. Thank you!