Wk2r2 I am rubbish! Been getting in my own way for 2 weeks and haven't been out. I am going out today. I should be at the end of week 3 by

[wannabef1t]

now but couldn't get over the embarrassment of running in public. I feel awful, all the wonderful high I was feeling after getting out 4 times has gone. Rubbish!

[FatTrucker2]

We've all felt like this

Put on a fleece baggy jeans a hat

Stick Laura on and shut the world out

I'll never look good in Lycra in a million years or kilometres

Just keep going we're all behind you

[wannabef1t]

Thanks, I guess I didn't realise how low my confidence had sunk. I went out though and put my sunglasses on. It was tough but I did it.

[FatTrucker2]

Well done you

You have more confidence than you think

Good for you

[Rockette]

I know it's hard , but I think stuff other people , I do what fat trucker advised , put head phones on listen to Laura & shut it all out , this is your time , your going to do it & don't let anything stop you .

[wannabef1t]

I am fighting depression and know I feel better after doing the runs so will keep trying. Thanks for keeping me going.

[Beek Graduate in reply to wannabef1t]

I know just where you are at. I graduated but never had the feel good that others reported during the programme. However I now feel more together than I have for many years. It does come and you say you feel better after your runs so it will all soon kick in for you.

Hang in there, forget the rest of the world - they are simply getting on with their own days - they are not thinking about us, so why let them bother you? You are doing something really great, of your own choice, for YOU! I promise you that if you try to relax, forget the hang ups about running in public that you will soon start to feel a superb inner contentment and satisfaction. Its a great way to feel and it is on its way to you! Good luck!

[Jenwrenarm Graduate]

Bless your heart. How could you ever know when you started this that you would care so much about it? The very fact that you took the time to post how you felt is a step in the right direction. Depression robs you of your self confidence but this programme can give it back to you in spadeloads! Keep those dark glasses on (except in the dark!) and JUST DO IT. Don't worry about anyone else, where you should be by now etc. Your highs WILL outweigh your lows. Good luck

[Frikkadella]

I battle with that too, so I know exactly how you feel.

At the start, I was going at times when I was sure there would be as few as possible people around:S

then slowly ... super slowly ... it's getting a little better, heck last time I even smiled to a passing person and managed a "HI" - heck of a victory for me

now some days are worse than others I admit,

and on those I always feel as a bit of a silly person that is slowly draggin herself around - abselutely out of shape and out of breath heheheh

BUT it's a matter of telling that little voice to just shove it, and go on with it anyway

so when you do that, it starts to get better..

I try to tell myself that noone is paying me any attention - there are so many runners out here

[nextjenn Graduate]

This post was like looking in the mirror!

I think most of us here have issues with being out, people seeing us, what we look like etc. I for one look terrible when I'm out, fat everywhere, hand me down hoody and jogging bottoms, crap shoes and headphones that fall out every 5 mins! I cried the first few times I went out, and I did that a 6am so no one was around!

All I can say is go for it, whats the worst that can happen? You are doing something hugely positive for yourself, stuff the rest of the world. Throw on baggy clothes, stick those headphones in and zone out. You can honestly do it, and after a few goes you will get used to it and start to not care. If anyone criticizes you, they are just envious that they don't have the balls to get out there and be as inspiring as you.

[Road_Runner Graduate]

Be proud of the changes you are making for you, go out and enjoy your running!

When I go out running, I have a very red face, but no one else knows if I've been out for 5 minutes or an hour and 5 minutes, I just do my own thing!

[vikicats Graduate]

It is hard and we can all find a million excuses - well I can anyway. But you will improve and you will start to feel better about yourself. You also have a whole host of cheering supporters on here willing you on. Good luck and go for it!

Viki

[tuitangi]

As nextjenn says.... anyone who criticizes is narrow minded and cant see that you are trying to help yourself!

I look at it like this.... If I see a jogger/walker doing there thing I don't even really take any notice so why are people going to notice me?

I am a size 18 and am just going into week 2. I feel self conscious at the minute, but I bet I wont in 9 weeks time when I am running rings around my friends!

Keep up the good work!