Scattered through all of the threads are comments by people about how doing this programme and running has not only made them feel physically fitter but also increased their confidence and/or self esteem.
Care to share if this has been your experience?
Hi
Yes it has made me fitter I did the C25K in 2016 and had not problems I also managed to do a couple of 10k distances without any disasters. It has helped me health wise as I have a GBM4 and the Oncologist yesterday was quite impressed with my fitness and how I am dealing with what I have. Confidence and self-esteem are senses that grow as you improve when out running.
Yep, feel generally more upbeat. Also confidence in not just my running but in just about everything. I got my inner smile back. 🙂
I feel fitter, my legs are getting stronger (most noticeable in my leg day at the gym).
People tell me I'm looking good unless they see me just after a run, then they are more likely to say 'jeepers! what happened to you!'. It seems a glowing red face and dripping sweat is not attractive or elegant.
Hi Jay, thank you for asking, my dad had a stroke which paralysed him and he lived for a further 7 months like that. Mum died 2 weeks after he went into care, so I kinda lost the plot for a while and became very depressed I knew exercise could help, c25k has given me a new lease and I graduated last month. Since then I have run 5 km several times and am registered to do my first park run this weekend and am now on week 2 of juju’s 10km. I just feel so proud. I lurked on this site for months, without posting but know I wouldn’t perservered without the people on here. They and we are amazing!
Thanks for the shares so far.
My experience has been that it has really lifted my mood (which I had hoped for/expected) but it also has really increased my confidence.
Although I might come across as confident in online posts, I’ve got pretty bad social anxiety - I find groups of more than about 3 or 4 really difficult, especially in an informal setting. In the past I’ve turned down wedding invites and not attended funerals because of it.
Whilst I still have lots of self doubt, committing to this and the sense of achievement it’s given me makes me feel at times like I could take on the world.
I only post on line here, I like it because I'm anonymous.
Don't know if you have done the needs assesment near the top of this screen? I did it, it's completely anonymous, be honest when you do it, the results about how many of us have anxiety surprised me. I thought that I was unusual, how wrong was I ?!! I know that there are differing levels of anxiety too. I am finding it easier to admit that I get very anxious now.
Keep going with the running, keep lifting your mood to new happy places and building your confidence.
Brilliant post Jay and very honest. This programme gives us so much more than just “teaching us to run”. This forum is so supportive - I don’t think I’ve read one negative comment since I joined. My self esteem has grown as when you are a woman of a certain age, you become invisible. You are doing so so well and have a lot to be proud of.
Thanks for all the support.🤩
You are a ⭐️ my friend. 😊
Its true what they say, “when you stop caring what other people think, you find a whole new level of awesome” 😊
It took me weeks to pluck up the courage to go do my first run. I found every excuse out there to not go purely because of what other people would think. Well here i am, almost at the end of week 3 and i really dont care who sees me and tbh, nobody actually cares, it was all in my head! In a complete turnaround, im actually buzzing now if i meet someone i know while im running 😁
Hi! Running has definitely helped my confidence and mood as well as the physical benefits too of course!
A couple of years ago I was so anxious about everything! (I have a son with Aspergers and he was going through a particularly difficult phase) I went to the GP about concerns about my son and she was very worried about me!!!! To cut a long story short I had counselling and antidepressants! I then decided to start really looking after myself! Lost 2 stone with healthy eating and started running! Off all medication now and also tablets for high pressure I was on!
My son is also in great form now!! I think my anxiety used to make him worse! I believe I can do things now whereas I was so negative before!! I’m still a quietish person but feel so much better! I just wish I could persuade others to try it!!! 😀
Spot on Jay. I feel like this is the one thing I do solely for myself. I’m a busy full time working Mum and wife and I think I kind of lost my self in the ‘busy Mum’ lifestyle.
Since making the commitment to myself to give this a go and get fitter, I e found it really addictive. I NEED to run 😃
Since starting this people comment on my weight loss, change of shape etc and it’s a real confidence boost.
Running is now my me time, lots of people have offered to run together but actually I really love being out there on my own just me and the world kinda thing!
Excellent. I find running very meditative - focusing on the next step or the next breath. When I don’t get the high I have a deep, satisfied calm instead.
Yes it’s hard to describe it to people but that’s spot on. it’s like going out and finding my happy self☺️
Also I used to run in the middle of nowhere so no one would see or notice me. Now I run anywhere because I don’t notice others now. So focused on my run I’ve passed whatever and whoever without noticing them or worrying what they think 👌🏼
CONFIDENCE 
Running = greater confidence
Confidence growing!
Impact of taking up running on cholesterol ?
No confidence! 
