W1R2 done - and (surprisingly) I'm still alive...!

[Bristol_plodder]

Went out for my 2nd run of week 1 last night. It was quite late due to commitments, but at least under cover of darkness I didn't feel so self-conscious about my sweaty face and total lack of style and grace while doing the run intervals! Instead of (stupidly) letting my concentration be on other people's perception of me (and therefore probably trying to run too quickly) I was able to calm down and jog at a more relaxed, even pace, making it much more comfortable than the first run. Third run to do over the weekend and then step up to week 2. Onwards and upwards!!

[Aftabs Graduate]

Well done. I think we were all in the same boat regarding self conciousness. However you will soon realise that no-one really pays any attention so you shouldn't think that you need to impress anyone. Keep a steady pace that you can keep up for the whole running interval and remember that your main aim is to improve your stamina at this stage and not your speed.

[Narmour Graduate]

You'll soon realise that no one is paying you any attention. And if they are, just ignore them. That's where headphones come in handy!!

[sofaqueen Graduate]

I soon decided to stop caring what people thought of my beetroot face and slow pace as I know it's never going to change. Also you're unlikely to ever see them again so don't worry about it. Great that you're already finding your pace so early in the plan. Good luck with your final run of Week1 and looking forward to hearing about your progress.

[Bristol_plodder in reply to sofaqueen]

Thanks to all of you. I'll just crank up the volume and keep my focus on what I'm doing (or alternatively set the alarm for 3.30am every running day and go out when it's deserted!)

[sofaqueen Graduate in reply to Bristol_plodder]

I know it's hard when you feel self conscious and you're starting something new like this but I always remember what my lovely Dad used to say to me about life in general - as long as you're not hurting or harming anyone else then don't worry about what people think of you