Running - how can I keep going

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I've started to (try to) run. I'm doing a combination of the c25k and a programme a fitness coach has put together.

I've been at it for 4-5 weeks, but still finding it hard work. I've had a week off as I've had shin splints and was supposed to be going out tonight but I just can't bring myself to go.

I think it's because I'm so tired (toddler not sleeping through), but what can I do to force myself out? There's no way I could go out in the mornings.

I have short term goals of doing a 5k, then longer term goals if further (races booked) but I'm still a long way off.

Please help!

Can you join a running club? They are not just for experienced runners - quite a few now offer beginners' courses and do similar to C25k.

It's far more motivating to run with other people.

You might be right - I'll have a look

Is there a parkrun near you?

Definitely parkrun, mix up your routes a bit, download some decent new running music. In terms of technique, run walk as you need to but each time before you slow to a walk try to push out 10 more strides. It'll improve your fitness a little and make you feel like you've accomplished something each time.

Wouid a different time of day be possible?

I run better in the mornings - because by the evening there's always something else going on, or I've eaten wrong, or something else interfering. Obviously a non-starter of you have a complicated morning routine, but if you can it!s a great sense of achievement to start the day with a run.

I found one session of intervals each week really helped me do that last jump to 5k.

As simple as walk 1 minute, jog 3 minutes, sprint 1 minute, as many times as you like. I just did
20 mins, so 2 reps out, 2 reps back - not too daunting when you head out the door

Are your shoes ok, just my DH and I both find we get niggles when shoes need changing.

Having something booked in with another person is definitely a motivator, but personally I’m not a massive fan of running with others as I always feel I’m going too slow for them!

Having something diarised helps me and not beating myself up too much if I miss a session (or 2...). Doing the exercise definitely helps with the feeling tired, but I must admit to finding it difficult getting myself out on a work day especially now the evenings are longer.

This might not work for you while you are listening to the c25k app, but I found once I was doing it on my own i would download some podcasts to listen to that were addictive. Serial was the best. Then I made a rule that I could only listen to them when I was running. I need to start this again now DD has started going to bed reasonably well!

Here's a few ideas...

• Definitely listening to something - I find music a bit annoying after a while and I prefer podcasts and audio books. 'Running like a girl' by Alexandra Heminsley is a good one for motivation
• Any variation you can get in time of day / length of run / location. I sometimes drive to the start of a run rather than run from the house as then I get a different route. If you can't face a full 5k, just go for 15 minutes, it's way better than nothing
• Track progress using one of the running apps like Strava
• Fabulous kit (money allowing, of course) especially warm running tops so you can bear leaving the house