Wk 1 Run 3: Lolloping on the open road.

[ej26]

I have spent a good ten years wondering whether I should try and get fitter by perhaps just popping out for a spot of jogging. I've also spent that ten years being so consumed by self consciousness that it was never realistically going to happen. I'm not sure what changed last Wednesday when I embarked upon the first run of this program, other than that I suddenly was able to make myself do it. Although run 1 was fraught with worries that I might be seen, and keeping to as seculded areas is physically possible to run/walk briskly in, walk 2 was a little less inhibeted given the dark evening. Even more amazingly, to me anyway (I hardly climbed everest this evening), is that my final run/walk of week 1 was completed along the main road (or pavement, to be precise). It was busy, there were people in cars, people walking along, people putting their bins out (nearly got run over by one, gentlemen was very apologetic, and get this, did not point and laugh at me as I swerved and jogged on by). Who knew that people went about their business not even giving a second glance to unfit trainee runners staggering by? WHO KNEW THIS? because I certainly didn't.

Given the amount of time I've spent being self conscious about exercising in public seems ridiculous to me now, given the speed at which that feeling its deteriorating. I wouldn't say I'd be overly pleased if I ran (literally) into someone I know, but I also no longer feel like I'd want the ground to swallow me up if I happened upon some people in the middle of my little routine.

Getting started was a challenge for me, both mentally and physically. But I've done it. Week 1, tick. Maintaining this thrice weekly affair is the challenge that lies ahead.

[Schmeichelfan Graduate]

Good on you for being brave enough to overcome your fears and get out there in the public eye. I'm just about to start week 9 and I'm still on the dreadmill, having made excuse after excuse as to why I can't go outside. I even had my skinny, half-marathoner son offer to come with me (at my pace) to run outside and I turned him down! I can't run properly....haven't got the right clothes...people will laugh at the sweating, purple heap staggering up the road..To be honest, I actually felt relieved when the temperate plummeted last week and it would have been very stupid to venture out in -23c. Now it is warming up a little and some of the snow has gone and I really should brave the outside. I shall take inspiration from you and just get out there and do it...no more procrastinating!

[helingmic in reply to Schmeichelfan]

Schmeichelfan, Your two skinny sons cannot replace the feelings that you can feel when you do it. Be Brave and find out. It's amazing. You van always put a scarf around your neck to feel warmer! Good luck!

[jadaromi Graduate]

Well done, both on getting out and running and finishing week one. The main thing is you have made a start, good luck with week two.

[hilbean Graduate]

Well done! I too like to run in the dark when it's quiet. And in spite of the recommendations on here for running tights and leggings I'm afraid I still prefer to disguise my shape in a pair of tracky bottoms Getting started is, I think, the biggest challenge and you've done that and discovered that your self-consciousness need not be a barrier to your running. So... having got over your mental and physical barrier go get week 2!

[Jo55 Graduate]

It's funny how quickly you get into I don't care mode isn't it. By week 3 hopefully you won't worry at all. I use to worry about what I called proper runners thought but I have found that most of them give you a smile and run off. After all, unless they started at school, they were once in your position.

You have done the hardest part, now just keep at it. 9 weeks ago I would never have thought I would reach W9 but I have!

[Tikiczocky Graduate]

Brilliant...well done for getting out there and starting this fab journey!!

[DownNotUp Graduate]

It took me until about Week 6 before I felt brave enough to just open the front door and run where the neighbours could see me. Even then I altered my route so that I wouldn't have to pass any of them twice. I still feel the same so congratulations to you for over-coming that obstacle.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Sooo well done ej26. You've discovered early on that most people are so engrossed in their own lives/problems they don't give a toss what we look when we're out running, they don't even notice! Go girl!

[Miss_slinky Graduate]

Well done EJ26 - I was much the same, always making excuses for not wanting to go to the gym or for a jog, too fat, people will laugh, what if I see someone I know, what if I look stupid etc. It's amazing the barrier the mind can be! I did the first few runs at the crack of dawn or on very dark, quiet roads. I'm starting week 3 tonight. I can't say this has disappeared completely but as you say people haven't stopped what they are doing and laughed at me jogging by. Life is selfish and people are too caught up in their own lives to really care about a fleeting glimpse of us trying to run. I think what we have to remember is that at least we're trying, we're doing something good for our health, we will get there and no one really cares at the end of the day. It's about jumping over our own mental barriers and I think it does get easier as the weeks go on, hoping more so still! I'm proud of myself and I'm proud of everyone that does that, as I know it's not easy. So give yourself a pat on the back and keep going, we're all in this together!

[ej26]

Thanks for all your comments everyone! this forum is so good for motivation and support, everyone has been so lovely it just makes getting up and out that much easier! X

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Ah, WE knew that people generally ignore you, but we've all had to learn this the hard way for ourselves. Well done for getting out there. It won't be long before you are so bursting with pride that you won't care about meeting people you know. In fact, you will find you are blabbing on about running to anyone that will listen!

[aliboo70]

thats excellent well done you, 1 week completed! know what you mean about being self conscious though, i'm much better than before but came across 4 teenage boys on side of cycle track on sat pm, on their bikes just hanging out, and was convinced one of them would say something, but my fears were unfounded i did speed up a bit so looked a little more professional and purposeful! good luck for your 2nd week!

[annasee Graduate]

Been there done that! Honestly it's amazing how little you care after a few weeks though. I've been running for 17 months now, and in all that time no-one has ever said an unkind comment to me. I sometimes see friends or neighbours and say Hi, but generally I don't even notice them as I'm so wrapped up in listening to my audio language course. Often they will say to me later that they saw me but for me the run passes in a desperate search for the right words to fill the gaps in the course. Helps to take my mind off the actual running too, I can recommend it! The hardest part is just making yourself get out there and do it, without letting any excuses get in the way, whether because of the rain, or being tired, or thinking what others may think of you. Generally people think NOTHING about you - I certainly don't take notice of people running past me, whatever their size or shape or speed (always faster than me, but then I'm older than most of them) Just go for it!

[helingmic]

ej26, I bet the time you took to talk to yourself and you had done it all and back home! You are brilliant to have started this new adventure. Well done!

[SeasideGirl]

Awesome....keep it going....x