Week 1

[Daisical]

Well I've just come back from my next run in week 1, I'm really proud of myself but feel a bit self conscious when I'm out and about.

[Hidden]

It does get easier. .. Having been really self conscious to start with I went out yesterday in a bright pink top and shorts that matched my cheeks!

[Daisical Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I hope that will be me one day. I have found that I go really bright red it's quite embarrassing !

[Hidden in reply to Daisical]

My worst time was a driver stopping in his car to ask my directions and I was puffing and panting as I tried to direct him!

[McFitty Graduate]

Well done! And Kudos for being self conscious and still going out (I'm still chuntering round my garden)!

[melly4012 Graduate]

Well done for finishing it! I think so many of us have felt like that. I completed the first 6 weeks on the treadmill and didn't feel confident enough to even go outside until week 7. When I finally did first go outside I was shaking like a leaf I was so scared! Now I couldn't care less and couldn't imagine not running outside I enjoy it so much!

Keep at it. You'll start to enjoy it so much that you won't even notice anyone else and won't have time to worry about what anyone thinks. I never noticed runners until I started running and I think only runners really pay attention to other runners and that's with friendly camaraderie. If non runners clock you then most of them are impressed that you're even out running as it's not something they do

[Irish-John Graduate]

I found that the walkers wish they too could run, and the runners have great empathy with us. There is a TINY minority out there whom I call 'smirkers' that can give one a bad moment or two - until you realise that you yourself have accomplished something utterly awesome by what you are doing and how you have progressed. You can bet your bottom dollar that if a Smirker had to start from where we have - they wouldn't have the courage or self respect to even go out the door that first time, let alone keep it up like you - and us - do I will follow your progress with interest and pride Daisical. We are in this together now

[RainbowC Graduate]

I used to feel horribly self-conscious, and tried to run at times and places where I didn't think I'd be seen. Gradually over the first few weeks a few friends said 'oh, I saw you running the other day', but were all so positive and supportive that I stopped worrying. Now I just go whenever, and figure that if anyone wants to criticise my wobbly bits they can - but the very fact that I'm out there proves that I'm trying to do something about it!

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

You'll get less self-conscious with time. I started in winter, was clad almost entirely in black and ran in the dark. If I'd had an invisability cloak, I would definitely have run in it! This morning I wore pink shorts and a sleeveless top which looks as if an electrical storm is splashed all over it and I really don't think anyone even noticed me. Just keep at it, it will all come together and you will feel like it is a normal thing for you to be out there running. Just give it a bit of time.

[jojo57 Graduate in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

That describes me exactly. Used to go out clad head to toe in black - a real hazard! I have just bought the brightest fluorescent orange running vest. I no longer care! Its bloomin marvellous!

[Daisical Graduate]

Thank you all so much for your encouragement. My next run is on Saturday so I'll let you know how I get on.

[Hidden]

And remember fluorescent clothes are safer As they make you more visible!

[Daisical Graduate]

I've had my third run of week 1 it was a bit easier this time! I'm looking forward to next week now! Onwards and upwards!!