confidence

Hi guys i have low self esteem and a tad anxiety.did anyone ever experience this while doing week 1 run 1-3 if so how did you overcome this?

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

That is one of the best things I got from doing C25K It was a confidence about myself and my body I hadn't known before. Over the course of the program I began to see my body as a machine that worked to provide the means to run and then I started to view myself more positively.

[Irish-John Graduate]

You just keep putting one foot in front of the other and realise that it is YOU who is doing it - not any naysayers, begrudgers, gremlins, asshats, bullies, jerks, losers, moronic Job's comforters or ANY wanna-be Dementors from your past or present.

YOU are doing this FOR you

Then remember something really important - 'round here we might run on our own but we are never alone

We'll all be cheering you on.

Then read the early posts of present day graduates - and you will see you have found your way to your Tribe You are not 'terminally unique'. Most of us started exactly from where you are now and some of us even had truly greater fears and doubts and even physical handicaps to deal with.

But - you go out the door and you do this for you. And boy is it worth it

Just take it slow and steady, ignore the voices in your head that tell you you are too slow, too clumsy, too old, too decrepit or whatever. It's not a race or a challenge - its a Quest, and a fun one at that if you just trust the programme and hang out here with us lot

I promise you - all I have written above is true. And as difficult as it really is for you to believe right now, if you just trundle along the same as the rest of us did sooner than you think you will be posting that wonderful 'OMG! - I DID IT!! I GRADUATED!! "

And that is the truth also

[runswithdogs Graduate]

This program is all about you. Your effort, your rewards. Let nobody get in your way

[Dhiny]

I would echo all the comments so far - you are doing this for you, not for anyone else, just you! and each run will build your confidence. It doesn't matter how slow you go, the most important thing is that you are doing it, you are getting out there & running. As you progress through the program you will look back & think "Wow, I didn't think I would ever run for 15/20/25 minutes when I started out" that 60 second run in week 1 which seemed to last forever will seem a complete doddle. As Irish John said, you are never on your own as this forum is just absolutely fabulous, the support & encouragement is second to none and it has got me through to week 7 and I'm fast heading towards week 8. Don't let anyone put you down because chances are, they are sitting on their bum on the sofa whilst you are out there getting fit - just go for it xx

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

I freely admit to doing most of those early weeks places that I didn't think the really 'proper' runners would be.

What I actually found when I ventured into those places was that other runners - mostly - treated me as one of themselves (especially if it was cold or rainy) 😊

[Gruffalow]

The more you get out there the better you will feel

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You just keep going.. Big breath.. one step in front of the other, steady and slow...this is you... your journey, your pace, your way. The only person you have to please..is you!

Make yourself the priority... you are worth it x

[RainbowC Graduate]

Miss Rainbow has severe anxiety, but sometimes enjoys going for a run. I try to encourage her to go out whenever possible, as she always feels so much better afterwards. I think it's partly that the effort of running means there's no opportunity to think about anything else and partly the joy of successfully achieving a good run!

I have depression, and find running is a massive part of my own mental well-being too. So good it should be available on the NHS!