Hi. I've not started yet but fully intend to as my sister has totally recommended it. I have a couple of issues and hope some kind people can advise me!!
Firstly, this is probably very common, I hate having headphones on when walking/running outside (I think I watch too many horror films). I manage to scare myself silly 😞. Any suggestions on how to overcome this?
Secondly, I have for many years had issues with anxiety and depression. Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep motivated as that is a problem with anything I do. When I start I want to remain motivated as I know exercise helps. Again any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks
Written by
janey38
Graduate
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Instead of using headphones per se, could you not use ear buds but only putting one of them in your ear?
As for depression / anxiety, many professionals as well as people on this forum will attest to the therapeutic effect running has on people psychologically and everyone on here will give you the support, encouragement and advice you need.
You can definitely do it. In relation to your depression issue, keep coming back here for encouragement and motivation. Post all your runs and explain your feelings, that creates some kind of mental commitment (you don't want to disappoint). There will be ups and downs but as the time progresses you'll get more and more hooked to the idea. Running releases hormones that help beat depression.
As for your headphones issue, for starters use small headphones with only one ear. That way you'll have one ear open for the outside world. In time you'll get another one, starting with lower volume and get used to that as well. Best of luck, your journey to health starts here.
Anxiety and depression are familiar emotions to me but I believe you will find that C25K will make a difference - not eliminating them, because as you know they are always lurking, but giving you a sense of achievement at each step. When I started week 1, I thought that 60 seconds would never end and hoped that no-one would see me pretending to run; that was last year. A couple of days ago I ran for 45 minutes over rough paths and fields and the glow of having done that has stayed with me. It will go, of course, because we depressives are like that, but I'll do a parkrun at the weekend and that's always a pleasure. Do start - as others have said, getting out of the door is the hardest bit.
As for headphones, try putting only one earbud in and tuck the other away. You hear all the sounds around you and there isn't the remoteness you feel with both in.
Hi I use wireless ear buds but tend to only use in one ear so I can follow instruction so I can still be a part of the 'real world' I like to hear my breathing too as it helps me.
Running def helps my mood as I suffer from stress. You just need to keep to the plan and do it. You will feel so much better if you do. No excuses!! Just do it!!😊😊
Re the headphones: my problem was, I loved the 'earmuff' type (especially in cold, windy weather) but I couldn't hear any ambient noise - as I run on road very early it wasn't ideal if I couldn't hear traffic in the pitch black. I tried earbuds but found they always felt uncomfy/fell out. Solved everything with the round-the-back-of-the head-hook-over-the ears-type (technical term) which I picked up from Lidl for £3.99 a bit back. The speakers just sit on the ear so I can hear traffic, birdsong, footsteps etc AND Laura. There should be something similar on Amazon?
Don't put up barriers and talk yourself out if things. C25k is wonderful and can change your life if you let it, but you have to be open to the possibility ☺
If you don't want to use headphones at all you can get a little device called a gymboss minimax. You can program the intervals into it manually and wear it clipped to your clothes or on a strap on your arm.
It is a bit of a palaver to use but there are instructional videos on youtube. I didn't want to use headphones as
1) I object to taking the 'inside' world outside with me
2) I do all my runs with my dog and need to keep some attention on him
Advantage of using podcasts is rhythm, distraction and motivation.
I can't think of any downsides to exercise if you have depression/anxiety. 2 main benefits - a nice healthy tiredness and a sense of achievement. Structure, progressive nature of the programme and the support from podcasts and here is designed to help you succeed.
Well done for taking the first step! The C25k programme is just amazing, following it is one of the best decisions you'll ever make. Go slow, stretch, take your rest days and you'll be a runner before you know it!
Stick with Laura and you'll continue to surprise yourself.
I can't really help you with the headphones issues. Perhaps just have one headphone in? You could also use a stopwatch or a timer but then you will miss Laura's motivating and encouraging comments on the podcast and for some people running without music would be hard. Others might be able to offer better ideas.
As for motivation - the forum is one of the best places on the internet. It's full of the most incredible, inspirational people you will ever meet! Post after every run and the comments and encouragement you receive will keep you motivated. We don't just run for ourselves here, we run for each other too! We have all started out just like you are about to so all know how it is. Post here for advice, encouragement and to let everyone celebrate your successes with you! We'll be with you every step of the way
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