I've lurked in this community for literally years. Couch to 5k has been on my wish list all that time but I'm incredibly anxious and self conscious about running in public. Ridiculous I know. I've recently discovered a woodland/park which is always deserted and each day when I've walked my dog there I've thought 'this could be the place to start'. And today was the day!! I was really nervous and have a fear that I will be that person who can't do it. But I did!!! I was oh so slow in the runs, barely a trot, and I struggled on the last run. But then it was going up a steep hill. So I walked that bit. On Wednesday I will adjust my route a little to avoid that hill on the last run. I cried at the end, really emotional but the tears soon turned to elation and I've been feeling so good all day. I'm absolutely determined and can't wait to have the confidence to do this in my community instead of having to drive half an hour to a deserted wood!! Here's to the new me
BTW - I'm 46, overweight and very unfit (in spite of daily brisk dog walking).
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jenaveveandd
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Welcome aboard and well done on taking up the challenge of this amazing programme !
Please try not to worry , I know its easier said than done , but all of us here started off feeling exactly the same as you , so youre certainly not alone.
You have taken the hardest step, getting out there and going on that first run, so well done for that !
This is a very friendly supportive community, you are very welcome and I am so glad that you have decided to join us !
Good Luck with the rest of the programme, oh and please don't forget the cool down stretches and taking your rest days.
Well done for getting out there today and doing your run. Your post brought years to my eyes. So many of us in this forum feel self conscious and began unhappy in our own bodies but you will change. Running will make you feel differently and if you stick with the programme you will soon be so proud of what your body can do. You will get stronger emotionally as well as physically and I really hope you are running 'in the open' soon. If you feel too challenged at times just get posting and everyone here will give you support. Keep posting and keep running. You have done the hardest thing, getting started, now you are on your way.
Well done, you've done the toughest thing, putting on those shoes and getting going for the first time! Remember how you feel right now, not how you felt yesterday, when you get nervous to go out to do run 2.... That great feeling you described. Oh and slow is good... Very very slow 🙂
I did have a chuckle to myself at one point. I was 'jogging' at a slower pace than my walk! It's a hilly route though, and I was definitely more at a jog once on the flat.
Anyone who sees you who understands how hard it is to get out there will be supporting you and wishing you well. The hardest step is the first and you have taken that. Keep believing you can do it and you will. We are all sending you positive thoughts x
Most if not all of my friends are runners and have completed marathons or half marathons. I pretend it's not for me, although leave them in no doubt how brilliant I think they are, and how much I admire them. I'd be mortified if they could see me trotting along at a snails pace. Of course they'd be hugely supportive. It's just a silly pride/ego thing.
I'd never judge anyone else in the way I'm paranoid about being judged. And in every other aspect of my life I'm known for being gutsy. This has been my nemesis - all in my head though. I can and WILL do this!
We are always so much harder on ourselves than on others. I too have marathon running friends and have concluded that they were quicker learners in the prioritising looking after themselves stakes. I have come late to that particular party but determined to catch up now. With you in spirit x
Running slower than I walk. Yep been there too. Still there the minute there is any upwards incline! Have gone from slow jogging for 1 minute to slow jogging for 28 minutes and you will too even if you don't quite believe it yet!
Oh Dddd4 I am so glad I am not the only one who is still as slow as they started. But we are now able to run for longer than when we started, snd keep up the pace (whatever the pace).
When I first plucked up the courage to start I felt just like you jenaveveandd - you should be really proud to have take the first steps and it will get better,
My poor body has ached in so many places, but friends on here are so full of good advice and support that with the right stretches and rest days (extra if needed) I am still progressing. Although slightly slower than I hoped!
Enjoy the feeling of achievement and good luck - you can do this😄 !
Good for you - that first run is the hardest. I promise that hill will get easier - my regular route had some hills to conquer during the program. It feels great when you do.
Nah. Run those hills and then when you finally run a flat route you'll feel top of the world as you fly along. Makes for hard going and maybe some repeated runs but it builds fitness quick!
So happy you have taken those really difficult first steps.. the worst is over!! Welcome.. and wish you all the best.. keep positing..keep going... stick to the plan as closely as possible..and believe you can do this!! You can.. x
That feeling of elation happens after every run.. you will soon be addicted
Then soon you will be singing cheesy songs..fighting gremlins and doing crazy celebration actions in the middle of nowhere
Well done for just going for it. I'm 44 and was 6 stone overweight and in 8 weeks have lost 1 1/2 stone. When running I concentrate on breathing, putting one foot in front of the other and the music.
Things will get better, running had boosted my confidence and I feel better in all aspects of my life. Keep up the amazing work you are doing. 😀
Well done!! We can all sympathise, most of my early runs were in winter in the cover of darkness! Was well through the programme before the lighter nights emerged. I used to be worried anyone would see me run , then I was worried anyone would see me on the walking stages and think I was failing at running, then I reached the stage where I don't care who sees me and I am not the best shape for Lycra but running has given me the confidence to not care, and with time you will get more confident too! You have done the hardest part by doing your first run and we will all be here to support you through the next 9 weeks and beyond!
Haha Horse, it seems we're not alone with our insecurities. Oh yes, don't get me started on the Lycra. I dropped my daughter into school on the way to my run and was mortified to see an exceptionally busy playground. I was sucking everything in and tugging my coat down to cover the worst bits. I must have looked a right state!
As everyone has said the hardest bit is over - you did it! I've made it to the end of week 3 and have always said I wasn't built for running but in the words of the wise on this forum "we can all run we just haven't been taught how to".
Age and starting fitness is definitely irrelevant - if in doubt think of the old Clarks shoe advert. Act your shoe size not your age - uk sizing not European of course. I'm 5 and loving it 😀😀
As the more experienced on here will tell you take it slow and steady and do the program at your own pace. This is the best place for lots of support and encouragement.
You've come to the right place. And now you've posted about your first run, you must post about all of your others. We'll all love to hear about your progress. Go slow, take your rest days, but always remember that you can do really great things. We'll have you running for 30 minutes, then 5km, then 10km and perhaps a HM with your friends before you know it. Yes really, we'll cheer you across all the various finish lines.
I think it was Lao Tzu who said (about 520 BC) "A journey of 5000 meters starts with C25K W1r1".
Well done you! This is the best place you could have come to and C25K is the best thing you will ever do for yourself! I was also so self conscious to start with. I completed the first 7 weeks on a treadmill indoors, ignoring everyone who told me to try running outside because I was so scared about people seeing me. The day I decided to do it I was actually shaking. Only a few weeks on and I barely notice people because I enjoy the outside running so much! You will get there too!
Can't wait to hear about your progress as the weeks go on. Let us know how you're doing and there will be plenty of encouragement and motivation from everyone here if you need it! Go slow, stretch and enjoy the progress you will make! In a few months you will be amazing yourself and running for 30 minutes!
Why hello! Well done for taking the plunge - you won't regret it. Everyone is very friendly and it's such an uplifting site. Oh and the added bonus is you get to do something you probably thought you'd never be able to. Pull on the lycra and enjoy ☺
You don't need luck; you already have the determination and the ability to do it and that's all you need.
Very well done for having moved the C25K programme from the "wish list" to the "to-do list"; that was possibly the hardest step and it is now behind you.
Well done you! I so remember how hard it was in those first weeks.. Just be determined with yourself - stick with the plan nice and steady, and you will become a runner almost by surprise.
Good luck 🍀 xx
Well done you! Getting off the couch and starting is the hardest thing ever .... But you will will soon be addicted!
Since I've been on this programme, I've noticed dozens of runners out there and most of them are no more spectacular than I am! They must have been there before. You will start noticing them too, and it's really encouraging. Before, any runners I spotted were pelting along with huge strides effortlessly chatting to their companions. I suppose that sort of runner is still about but by far the majority I spot now in the early morning or evening are folk like us. So, don't give a hang about what people are thinking; any runner will see you and remember the journey they had. Anyone else doesn't matter!
Well done for starting. As each tough week comes and goes, you will feel epic!
Let me second that Any fellow runner is a kindred spirit whether they are breezing along seemingly effortlessly, or if they are panting along with sweat pouring down their face
We are all at various points on the same journey, the ones in front are our inspiration, the ones behind we are pleased to see starting something we know they will find life changing.
Thank you so much everyone. Your support is hugely motivational. I woke up this morning feeling good and raring to go. Looking forward to W1R2 tomorrow
I can totally relate to your post I felt exactly the same. One of the attractions of the program for me was I could do it whenever it was convenient without having to wait for class times and driving to where it's happening! After the first 2 runs along the main road outside of our housing estate I realised if I walked/jogged in the same direction as the traffic the drivers would only see the back of me which is much better than the full frontal view!! Now i'm onto week 6 and enjoying it so much I am not bothered who sees me x
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First run this morning, wish me luck!
First Park Run tomorrow...wish me luck!
Mini adventure
