HELLO

[WHICHYPOOHS]

I need the challenge of completing this Couch to 5K. I am over-weight. I care for my dad who has Dementia; it's really hard and the stress levels are immense. If I can complete this, I will be really proud of myself. It will be massive for me, and I think it will help me during this difficult time. I'm embarrassed that anyone will see me as I can only go for 30 seconds and I run like a Duck.

[Hidden]

When you can run (and this time WILL come) you will discover a Zen like calm that beats all stress into submission. It doesn't mean that problems disappear (of course) but it makes them fade for a while. This programme is fabulous and will take you from no running to 30 minutes running in about 9 weeks- which is fab

[WHICHYPOOHS in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the support, Helenwheels, I really appreciate that and am tempted to put my shoes on and go NOW. I need to hide as I'm embarrassed anyone will see me

[Hidden in reply to WHICHYPOOHS]

Don't be embarrassed. That is the worst reason not to get out there! You will quickly discover that no one will pay you any notice. Those looks are envy and admiration....

[WHICHYPOOHS in reply to Hidden]

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome.... check out this post first...it has all the answers there

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Take it slow and steady.... do not give a thought to anyone seeing you... they will be in awe... if they notice you at all.

This great forum and the programme will give you so many physical and mental benefits... stress levels will diminish and you will feel more able to cope with issue which Dementia throws up. Many, many of have been in a similar place to you, and I promise you, this will help.

Keep posting.. every run... we will support advise, empathise sympathise and give you the odd shove if need be

Just read though the advice in the link before you start and then begin...

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible"

I love this quote.. so true...

[Hidden]

I think most of us felt like you when we began, self conscious. That soon fades. And this forum is one of the nicest and most supportive on the internet,so do bring your experiences and doubts and worries here.

[Seaskimmer Graduate]

Hello Whicypoos. Sounds like you've got plenty to challenge you already but I think it's great you're doing this & I'm sure you'll soon be really glad you did. I don't know why running is so good but it just is! Especially when life is really stressful. So many people worry about how they'll look and think that everyone will be looking at them but I soon realised that other people don't take much notice of you at all when you're running. One of the great things about this programme is that you just have to do exactly what they say and "follow the instructions". You're probably having to make loads of decisions and judgements in the rest of your life but here's one place someone else has done all the thinking. You just have to put one foot in front of the other- *simples!*

Hope you enjoy it but I think you should already be proud of yourself for the love and care you're giving to your dad. That's much more of an achievement than anything you'll find here. Happy running! x

[Ajay99 Graduate]

i'll be quacking right along beside you! new too!

[Hidden]

Hey whichypoohs ! I still remember the first day I ventured out with C25K with me. Yes I was nervous, scared of what people might be thinking when I passed them,the usual lack of self confidence thoughts. I live in a small village surrounded by fields and farms so very quickly I forgot about all of my nerves etc and just lost myself farm tracks and lanes in my me time and very soon neighbours were and still are used to me going running.

For instance if hubby is out with our dogs without me neighbours will ask if I’m out running.

So it doesn’t take long to get over first run nerves. Once you’ve done that you’ll want to keep going out running.

Don’t worry about what you may look like. I suspect your doing yourself a great disservice and your better than you think.

I think also that this will be exactly what you need so you can have some time to yourself considering the work that you do looking after your dad and all that entails. You’ll be surprised at how great you’ll feel.

So go on get out there,don’t be afraid of what others think ( they’ll probably be thinking if only they could do that)!

All of us on this forum felt like that at the beginning but we have kept going and have the running bug.

You’ll be fine ! So it’s over to you!🏃🏃

Happy running and keep us posted on your journey cos we’re a nosy lot ha!

😀😀

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Welcome and good luck with the programme. It sounds like you need something for yourself and this may well be what you need.

Try not to worry about what you look like. I'm sure my knees and ankles were knocking together when I started but just concentrate on your breathing and your stride will improve. Anyway, I have a favourite saying which is "what anyone else thinks is their problem!"

You just enjoy it 👍😁

[Jude1963 Graduate]

Hi!

I’m on week 6 now and I wouldn’t be here without the friendliness and support of this forum. Lean on people here and let them help you take the strain. I didn’t believe I’d ever run longer than 50 seconds which was my limit. People on here don’t ridicule or mock. They have all been where you are now.

I ran 20 minutes the other day.

That will be you too.

[DeterminedBear Graduate in reply to Jude1963]

Well done, me too! Onwards to Week 6 with respect but positivity!

[WHICHYPOOHS]

Well I've just been out and did it. I did my best and walked a big hill. My final little run bought me back to the pavement and I didn't care; I just did it. I came in and mum asked if I wanted cake....strangely I didn't. My body said NO. wow xxxxx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to your support network.

Keep us posted.

[DeterminedBear Graduate]

You CAN do it!

[MickGJ Graduate]

Well done on your first run...do your best and your body will do the rest.

And don't ever be embarrassed...no one will even notice you and more to the point you will be so wrapped up in your little C25K bubble that you wouldn't notice if they did.

I don't know who your coach is but mine was Michael Johnson, so my "personal trainer" was an Olympic athlete--if he said it was OK to do something then everyone else could get lost!

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Well done for taking the plunge! Running really does help clear our minds and a lot more besides - as well as all the health benefits. It can become your sanctuary. This forum is fantastic, there is such a wealth kindness to be found here to help and support you on your journey. Use us and check in regularly.

I am very self conscious but I am managing to overcome it slowly - anything is possible, please do believe me! Good luck.