For those that worry about how they look on a run.......

[lightweightkate]

I've read loads of post on here about people being concerned about how they look especially when they first start running.

I guess it's a normal reaction as for non runners strapping on your lycra and becoming a red faced, sweaty, heaving mess if something we really don't want others to see...

However, I watched the Great North Run today and I have never seen a more diverse bunch of runners in all my life....

Tall, small, skinny, slim, fat, really fat, Nike clad and Aldi clad, red faced, sweaty runners, cool looking effortless runners, fast, slow, interval walkers, fully made up, naked faces.....and all being broadcast for millions of us to watch on the TV

It was fabulous to see and so the next time you worry - don't! I have realised that we are a really diverse bunch and so take pride in your own diversity, whatever it may be and run loud and proud in your own skin 🏃

[OldPossum]

Excellent sentiment - interesting tag again 😀

Let's celebrate our diversity 🍾

[Lon70 Graduate]

Thank you. I had never looked at a race from that perspective.

[sparky66 Graduate]

I had a comment yesterday from an elderly neighbour who walks his dog round the same route I run.. when I first started a right sight I must have been.. he laughed and said you still look knakered. But hey lass your sure getting speedy!!! True.. still a beetroot, huffing puffing sweaty mess.. but nothing beats that coming to the finish feeling like a champion.. whether your on week one or a graduate.. I'm starting out on my bridge to 10k tomorrow.. So never say never.. north west run somwhere in the future? X

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to sparky66]

Thats the spirit and how great to hear you are speedy!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

... and we all totally rock! :)x

[sparky66 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Hiya oldfloss, good to see you hope you still running well and enjoying the veiws x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to sparky66]

I am., thank you .. I have been in France.. I posted a coup[e of days ago...

Glad to be running in the cooler air at last... managed a 9 K this morning too!

[sparky66 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I will go read your post

[secan Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I seem to remember someone who thought she would have never reached the 7km mark... ;P

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to secan]

Oops.. you got me x

[NIGHTINGALE1 Graduate]

Well said!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Exactly - doesnt matter what we look like, we're out there doing it!

[lightweightkate Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Too right!

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Without wanting to hijack lightweightkate 's post, are you back Ullyrunner ?

[Ullyrunner Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

Yes thanks for asking.

Did a 5k this morning with no ill effects so patience and a gentle build up seem to have done the trick!

Are you ok now?

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

That's great! I'm much better, thanks. But some somewhat exuberant stretching has aggravated an old injury so waiting for that to settle down!

[Eatcakeandrun]

I watched some of the GNR this morning too - it is inspirational, and as you say we come in all shapes and sizes! Paula Radcliffe was talking about the camaraderie of running, especially the mass participation events and that is so true. Everyone is always so friendly!

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Wasn't it inspiring!😀

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

A friend of mine, Oldgit, posted a video of his local Parkrun on FaceBook, yes the runners were all shapes and sizes etc, but they all had totally different styles of running too.

[have2run Graduate]

I did the GNR yesterday and it's truly inspiring. I kept watching it then thought I CAN .... And did. There are all shapes and sizes

[poppypug Graduate in reply to have2run]

Wow that's great have2run , I bet it is an amazing event to take part in .

Well done , I hope you had a ball ! xxx