Don't be self-conscious!

[MickGJ]

I know a lot of people get self-conscious about starting the programme and being seen running outside so here's a little anecdote.

I was running though the park the other day when I spotted a friend (who lives nearby) walking the other way. If I hadn't yelled "morning!" at him I swear he would never have noticed me and even then it took him a second or two to work out it was me.

So there you go. You can run past someone you've known for 20 years and they won't even see you. You are to all intents and purposes invisible, so don't give it a second thought.

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Good to know! My friends wouldn't BELIEVE that I could run, so wouldn't even register it was me. Other people have said the same that we are invisible to 'normal' people.... But it doesn't help when on the inside you feel like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters jogging along!! But you are right, no one really does bat an eye, or thinks that, it's just what's our own brains make up!

It definitely does get easier to cope though, just getting out there and getting on with it on a regular basis.

p.s. impressed that you could yell 'morning!'!

[MickGJ Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

It might not have come out a bit more like "mrrgnah"

[Hidden]

Although....my neighbour drove round the block to double check that his eyes were not deceiving him; that Helen really was out running!

[Jen58 in reply to Hidden]

😂😂😂

[Seasidepanda Graduate]

Funny but I never took notice before, but now I see every runner when I’m out and about (and usually think “oh look a proper runner!”)

[MickGJ Graduate]

Surely you mean... “oh look a proper runner...like me”?

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to MickGJ]

Nope, I’m not there yet!!

[Cwtch2018 Graduate]

I actually got off treadmill and ventured outside for w1r3 I will be honest I was anxious and very self -conscious - took a few deep breaths and got out of the car and went for it ! A lady did comment when I was brisk walking but only a polite passing comment . I did it , yes I felt like everyone was watching / judging - but of course they were not !

Will I do it again - yes !

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to Cwtch2018]

I tried going early morning- that’s lovely as there’s fewer people about and the world is beautiful so you feel amazing being out in it! Sets you up for the day!