Quote:
Originally Posted by stillwagontsl
Thanks for the encouraging words guys! I think my problem is more mental than physical. Yes, I definitely need to increase my fitness level, BUT I've got this nasty little voice in my head that keeps saying things like 'You can't do this' and 'You're crazy...what the heck are you thinking!' I wanted to just stop today and go home and give in to the mean thoughts, but I kept going. My body was getting tired, but not to the point where I was near death. I could have walked several more miles before I was physically done for. I'm proud that I didn't give up and I made a date with my sneakers for Monday. I need to find that happy place in my head.
I am YOU!! I started running back in April. I quit the C25K severa times, and ultimately abandonned it for good. I have since broken down the goal into smaller intervals. AND, if I don't feel like running, I do major incline walking (like 4.0 MPH and full 12% incline). That way, I'm still building up stamina & muscle, and it seems to alleviate the pressure that exists in my head about running.
I started by wanting to run 1 mile, then walking. I ran SLOW. There is no shame in this. My goal was to just keep moving - jogging was fine.
Once I accomplished this, I increased my time. If I felt well, I increased my speed, too. If I didn't, I just went for time. No more than 10% a week. So, if it took me 12 minutes to complete 1 mile, I only ran for 13.2 minutes the next week at the same pace. It felt do-able.
Eventually, I added in outdoor running. I HUGE hurdle for me. 1 mile - again, that was my goal. I was happy with it and found that I enjoyed running outside A LOT. I actually ran further & faster than on my treadmill.
Over the course of the summer, I have increased my time & duration. I generally run 2.5-2.75 miles, but have occaisionally pushed to complete the full 3.1 miles (5k). I added in sprint intervalls, which are a fun way to change up the workout & really do help improve speed if that is your goal.
I guess I only share all of this to say, slow down & if your head isn't in it, break it down into something smaller. Success breeds success. Don't beat yourself up if the C25K isn't for you - - there is more than 1 way to achieve the 5k goal! Do it YOUR way, and enjoy the freedom of doing something you've never done before!! Every run/jog/walk doesn't need to be better than the last. I made that mistake early on & would beat myself up when I was struggling to finish 1 mile after having run 2.5 a couple of days earlier!
Good luck to you. If you want to achieve it, you CAN. Take your time - you are getting healthier with every step.