First run

[Slush]

Did my first run/walk today. Got on really well with Laura's style and found the plan easy to follow although out of breath and rather red faced at the end. I found it hard to run past people without feeling embarrassed as I am quite full chested and overweight, but got on with it. Think I will need to try different times to find the quietest areas, but really pleased I did it, and looking forward to the next run.

[MarlyParly Graduate]

Well done for taking the plunge for the first time, that is probably the biggest hurdle. I graduated about a month ago & still am red of face, etc every time. Think of it as a badge of honour for getting out there & doing something positive & beneficial for your body. I used to always go running very early in the mornings to avoid people, but the amazing thing about this programme is that you grow in confidence in your body & yourself. I now care less what people think, the odd neighbour/ friend I have bumped into now have all been very supportive & encouraging. People might surprise you you've made the first step to a new you, keep going! X

[Slush Graduate in reply to MarlyParly]

Thanks Marly, that is really supportive. Hopefully will start feeling more confident now, can only improve. Will follow your example

[MarlyParly Graduate]

Well done for taking the plunge for the first time, that is probably the biggest hurdle. I graduated about a month ago & still am red of face, etc every time. Think of it as a badge of honour for getting out there & doing something positive & beneficial for your body. I used to always go running very early in the mornings to avoid people, but the amazing thing about this programme is that you grow in confidence in your body & yourself. I now care less what people think, the odd neighbour/ friend I have bumped into now have all been very supportive & encouraging. People might surprise you you've made the first step to a new you, keep going! X

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

Well done Slush.

You know, it's easy to think that everyone is looking at you, but really, in general, they're not. If they are and they're a runner, they'll be cheering you on. If they are and they're not a runner, well, I think you have the high ground there. MarlyParly is right. Confidence comes with experience and it wont be long before this running thing becomes just another part of of your life.

[weeble73]

Well done for starting the programme. I'm a novice just done W4 but I'm loving it. Never thought I'd say that about running!! I'm also very, very red faced but I do mine on a treadmill so no one can see me I'm going to have to run outside next week as I'm going away but I've decided that I'm doing something positive for my health so why should I be embarrassed about that. Anyway just wanted to say good luck and you'll get so much support on here if you need it

[Vixchile Graduate]

Well done for making the first step out the door, it is the hardest part in the early stages. Then it will just become part of your routine and rather than forcing yourself (as I had to do) out the door you will forcing yourself to stay in. Rob and Marly are right over time you won't worry what people think and actually you won't notice them. good luck on your journey, a word of warning it's very addictive! Don't forget to post regularly on here and there are lots of lovely people to help you along your way.

[Tikiczocky Graduate]

Hi Slush. Well done on getting out and starting this fantastic programme...the hardest part for me, as with many others, was crossing the threshold on the first day! I bumped into loads of neighbours (& I live in the countryside...felt like they knew I was starting something new) - I promptly changed my running time to avoid them, but am now much more confident, so go out when it suits me & wave & smile!! When I got back home after the first run I was still beetroot red following a pretty good warm down walk too - my OH & son just didn't comment...I must have looked exhausted!

I ran my graduation run yesterday...I can't believe that I can run for 30 minutes, following that start. The bright red glow starts much later in the runs, probably isn't so bad now now and doesn't last as long, especially as I have learnt to slow it down - looking back, I know that I was simply running too fast for my fitness level. At times (most times) I knew that I could probably walk faster, but stuck with the slow and steady crawl...my pace got better later in the programme.

The gains you get are worth all the effort though...my face is thinner and other bits are trimmer & I feel fitter...like a runner!!

Good luck with the rest of the programme. Keep letting us know how it's going! You will be a graduate before you know it! X

[Cara2007 Graduate]

Well done for starting the programme, I am a fellow newbie (week 2) and the red face and funny breathing pattern are part of my runs too. I think the hardest part is getting yourself out there for the first run, and you have done that.........so big pat on the back Look forward to hearing more about your journey along the way.

[Hidden]

hey well done on getting out there think we all felt self concious at 1st , just think you are the one running keep up the good work

[misswobble Graduate]

Keep up the good work. Slow right down as it sounds as if you might be going too fast

Have fun, that's the main thing. This running lark is truly addictive and will change your life if you keep it up

[Hidden]

A big warm welcome to the programme! Yes the first step is the hardest step, it takes a lot of motivation and you should be really proud! And like others have said, do not worry so much about running past people.

I was in the same shoes as you and wanted to run very early in the morning to avoid people. But guess what? They don't even care because they know you are jogging. I am sure you have also seen other runners and didn't mind right?

Use this forum as much as you can too! There are amazing people here Enjoy your run 2!

[Slush Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the support

I did my second run today, I'm in Sweden so it was rather cold. Looking forward to when I am not so out of puff, but was easier with people. So preparing now for Saturday.. The forum is great, very motivational!

[OhDark30]

Yay, Slush - good to hear you're out there running too.

I thought the weather here in UK wasn't too friendly, but I salute you getting out there in your Swedish cold!

[Slush Graduate in reply to OhDark30]

It was 2 degrees and raining yesterday, my ears nearly fell off from the cold, looking to invest in a warm hat! But I did it, so onwards and upwards Thanks guys!