Advice for a complete novice please!

[Fairydust777]

Hello all! Coming on to this forum has been great for inspiration in wanting to attempt C25K. I just feel like I’m lacking in confidence of actually getting out and starting - I feel like I’ll look silly. Is this something others have felt and if so, does this feeling go the more you do it?

[Slowandeasy]

Absolutely! I am 50 years old, 6 stone overweight and far from a model of fitness and health. i was terrified of being seen and laughed at, especially as I run when kids are on the way to school all around my route. But to my surprise I have no bad comments and a lot of hellos and smiles. Truth is, most people are wrapped up in their own affairs and pay you no attention and a few are pleased to see you. On to week 5 and I've dropped 1/2 a stone and feel so much better. So will you.

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to Slowandeasy]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m usually a fairly confident person in life but I’ve never felt that way when it comes to fitness and exercise. I feel like running is ideal for letting off steam and I’m under no illusion it’s going to be a breeze but I’m determined in giving this a go!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Welcome.... firstly check the post out that is so useful for new runners. Then.. rest assured..many, many have felt just like you.

People are too busy with their own lives to notice us.... if they stare.. they are either runners who wish they were running with you... folk who wish they were stronger enough to get out and run like you.. or just folk who are in total awe...

Take it slow and take it steady... relax and just look around as you go. Breathe gently and just let it happen. Folk have started this..in greys ( me...65 years old and the Original Grey Snail) and blacks and even running in dark places... now... they are out there in the funkiest gear and almost shouting from the rooftops... Look at me, I am a RUNNER!!!

It will come... you may not think so... but believe me, it will

So... get out there after you have read that post.... take it steadily and post your run

PS

You may be out there alone... but you are not running alone.. we are right there with you

PPS

If you are a Fairy with fairy dust, sprinkle it over you and folk will not see you..unless like us, they believe in you

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for your kind and motivating words ❤️ I’ll post an update after my first run!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Fairydust777]

Go girl..we believe😉

[davelinks Graduate]

The link below has great info and mentions your question...

We understand your problem with getting out and being seen, I felt it slightly, but that feeling improves as you go on..😊

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Fairydust777 Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Thanks for the link! It give real sensible and practical advice 😁

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Well done for starting 😀 I used to run under the cover of trees in the woods until I slipped on tree root after tree root so now I have emerged out into the field ... it’s sunny now though so I have sunglasses 😎 on so I feel a bit less exposed 🤣🤣 actually I don’t mind so much being seen now so you will feel that way too soon 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Bridget007]

Love It!! Into the sunlight..well done😊

[Beccym Graduate]

No one will really be looking at you. Think about how much notice you actually take of runners.

I have fallen over on runs, worn kit inside out and had homeless people cheer me on.

Doing it is what matters, you are not alone those pesky gremlins get into all our heads.

Remember you're doing it for you stuff the haters 😉

[Wizziewood]

Yes and yes! When I started in Feb 2017 I crept round the edge of my local playing field dressed in black at the crack of dawn in the hope that no one would see me. By the end of the 9 weeks I was running in public wearing bright hi viz running clothes ... and I haven't looked back.

You CAN do this!

Get your running shoes on and get started.

Good luck and happy running!

[Hidden]

I like to run at night.. streets are empty 🏃🏻‍♀️