Hello, everyone. I have a problem I would like to share with you and get your views, opinions, and solutions on...
I really want to start running, but I have low self-esteem, and fear I'd give up after a few sessions. As well as this, I have no clue where I'd run, for how long, when, and with who. I used to be in a cross-country club but log since gave up and don't think it exists anymore, and especially with my confidence I feel it would be hard to run in public, in an area where I know a lot of people. These points strain me to think about as running would make me happy as well as swimming, and now since quitting/the clubs closing years ago I've developed mild depression that can really get me down, and I feel running would be an amazing way to take my stress down a notch and make me feel happier with myself and who I am. Any suggestions on my issue would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
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Girlwithagoal
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You need to hangout here healthunlocked.com/couchto5k - and there you will find that you are not alone. Everybody here started out there - and most of us were like you in one way or another.
Thank you so much, I joined yesterday and already feel more motivated than I did before. This is such a nice, welcoming community and already can't wait to share my journey with all these amazing people!
Bazza's right,all of us here started out on the c25k forum and the support you get there is fantastic. You'll read about everyone else's experiences from week 1 onwards and it'll make all the difference,I know it did to me and many more. Once you've got started ,post on here your feelings,fears,triumpant moments (and you WILL have those) and keep going.
I started out in 2014 , after a bad bout of depression a few years earlier and i was scared too and wasnt sure i would succeed but its worth sticking at and the pod casts on c25k are brilluant! I joined a run England club that year too, which is really supportive. There may well be one near you do search their site.
Thank you so much for your feedback it is greatly appreciated! I'm currently looking for a group but in an area where I live, the closest one is probably a while away, as the areas aren't too amazing here!
I started c25k early in the mornings in a field where I knew I wouldn't see anyone as the thought of anyone seeing me put me off. However, as the lengths of the runs got longer I just had to go on the roads as I was bored of the field but by this time my focus changed more to achieving each run in the plan. My confidence has grown - I still go out early but I don't mind seeing people. Also, I do find that my confidence has grown overall since running. As others have said, join the c25k forum - its great for info, support and inspiration.
How early would you go out and for how long at the start? That sounds like such a good way to start off running, especially seeing as it would wake me up in the mornings as at this moment of time I never wake up on weekends before 9AM! Haha.
It isn't a bad idea to do some serious and dedicated walking before starting C25K . It's not absolutely necessary and it does depend on the starting level of fitness. Many people haven't even done much walking - so it's a bit unfair to ask their legs to start to run I have in the past quoted walking 5klms in 60 minutes as a run/walk starting point
I went out around 6:30 for 30 minutes during the week, but I go out with my dog at around 7:15 anyway; weekends would be later. Finding somewhere quiet helped. The c25k program is good, if it suits you, as I found that I just became eager to complete the next run.
Thank you so much. I joined yesterday and already feel some motivation building in me. This is such a nice community and I can't wait to share my journey with the help of these amazing people !
Very sorry to hear about your depression and low self esteem. I believe running can help with this and with reducing stress. I had a very frustrating and stressful day yesterday and found I really needed to go on that run (week 8). Physical exercise releases endorphins which are natural anti-depressants.
Someone I know used to suffer severe bouts of depression and then at the age of 69 took up running in order to run the London marathon for the Oxford Samaritans. After taking up running he never had another bout of depression.
I also think the sense of achievement in completing a run boosts your self esteem. I never dreamed I'd be able to run 28 minutes without walking, even after starting the program, but I did it yesterday and loved it.
Really hope you are able to find the motivation to do this.
Thankyou so much for your feedback, it's amazing to know I'm not the only on in this situation, and also to have an example to look up to who has conquered their goals and out-done their expectations! I also think running would be and amzing idea..I plan to start soon, taking very early morning runs not only to wake me up but also so I can somehow be more 'alone' when I run I suppose, so I don't feel so insecure.
Thank you for this reply, it truly gave me that extra boost if motivation!
Hey Sarah, I think its amazing that you have the courage to share this with all of us! First if you want to run, just do it! This world always has an opinion on everyone but why care? Run where you like, when you like! There are options of doing this online.. for instance Pactster has a series of clinician approved interesting instructor led online videos for everyone and you could try it for free for a month with code (MUM356). You can do this when you like, from the comfort of your home and if you feel like you want to talk to someone you also host a video workout (like a video call) or just find friends on our communities Dont know if that helps and sending lots of inspiration and luck your way!
As many people have said we all started out in the same place! I fight anxiety and seriously overthink everything. I was so worried about being seen in sports clothes and looking like I was trying to be a runner when to my eyes I was too fat and obviously not a real one. I started running in January when it was freezing cold so no one was ever around and a lot of runs I did near work rather than home. Now I run anywhere, anytime and actually feel really good about myself in my running clothes! Just go for it, you will feel so much better about everything, and share it here with us! Good luck x
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- and most of us were like you in one way or another. 
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