I need help

[Cheesypuff]

I'm going out tomorrow for my first run. I'm 6 stone overweight, live in a sports university town, so everyone is super fit. I'm going to go really early to hopefully miss most people. I'm super up for this, but super scared too.

[TrixabelleB Graduate]

Don't be scared. My biggest worry about starting out was what other people thought when they saw me, I live in a small town so we all know each other.. my first run was awful. I went too fast, despite thinking I'd gone slow. I was really out of breath, red and in pain. Mortified at people seeing me like that.I Camehere to ask anyone if they actually enjoyed their first run. Lots of people gave me advice, and told me if I'd gone slowly enough I wouldn't be in such a mess.

I was a bit dubious because I truly thought I'd gone really slow, but I thought I'd be foolish not to listen to those who were more experienced than me. So out I went for run 2, I set off, then I slowed down, then I slowed down some more. I knew instantly I was going to finish the run in a much better way.

And the best bit (the reason I'm telling you my story).... It's not embarrassing at all going slowly but dignified. I really enjoyed it. I'm about to do week 4 run 1 in the morning, excited about it instead of scared.

You will find a pace that is slow enough to keep you going until you're told to walk, endurance is more important than speed to do this program. I've got the confidence to trust in my pace and know when I can give a bit extra, usually towards the end.

Keep your shoulders relaxed and your chest open. Slow. Slow. Slow. Let me know how you get on. You'll be just fine.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to TrixabelleB]

Really inspiring, thanks for posting this!

[TrixabelleB Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

😀

[Hidden in reply to TrixabelleB]

That's brilliant advice! Lovely to hear your experience too. I wish both of you all the very best with your journey. TrixabelleB Cheesypuff

[TrixabelleB Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I can't believe how much I'm enjoying it. I was ready to give up after that first one. I've been excited for every run since that 2nd one.

[BellaJ Graduate]

Hi - I started four weeks ago - also overweight by more than a few stone. Still going at the moment so it is possible - also lost half a stone in the process. Make sure you have some supportive trainers and don't try and run too fast to start with. Good luck !!

[Cheesypuff Graduate in reply to BellaJ]

Got some really good trainers, a a really, really good bra. 😀

[Elmz]

I was in a similar position the first time I started the couch to 5k, in 2016. I let the fear of people seeing me running stop me.

I’m currently in week6 and I honestly couldn’t care less what people think! Big sweaty panting beetroot face and chunky thighs all the way!!!

Be proud of who you are! You are doing this for you, it’s about your body and nobody else’s. No matter how pink and sweaty you get it’s proof of the effort you’re putting in! Honestly, I was so worried about running into someone I knew, it was terrifying, but I left uni two years ago and I will never see those people again. I love sharing a quick smile with a fellow runner. I might not look like a runner but at least I’m giving it a go! People always give me mutual nods of encouragement, everyone starts at the bottom.

So just try and ignore that little voice, even though it’s really hard, and be proud of yourself. The first week was tough, but get a schedule going and it makes it easier when it feels like habit!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

🤔🤔🤔

It's a tough one, but...

1. People are too wrapped up in themselves and their smartphones to pay that much attention, honestly.

2. Only you will lose out by not starting and you stand to gain so much.

3. You do want to do it or you wouldn't be here. Please don't let them stop you. What anyone else thinks is their problem 👍😁

[TrixabelleB Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Also....I have never looked at a runner and laughed. I used to think one of two things when I saw a runner …1. You are crazy! Or 2. Go you! That was a good reminder for me that people really don't GAF.

[Sofabunny]

Firstly..ignore my tales of woe regarding struggled at week 8.

Second..you can either front it out..choose to run really early in morning , thus avoiding teensgers at least , or if you can afford it and have space get a treadmill..start on that until you feel more confident..

[Cheesypuff Graduate in reply to Sofabunny]

No I'm going to front it out. I'm determined to do this. Thanks

[littlerua in reply to Cheesypuff]

Go for it!!!!! I am on W6 and still end up beetroot faces but mostly smiling as never thought I could do this. No matter how slow you go you will be going a lot faster thN those still on the couch!!! Well done you and there is brilliant support on here. Go for it 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Cheesypuff]

That’s the attitude. This girl can. Sorry, I’ve assumed you are a girl. Put me right if I’m wrong

[Cheesypuff Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

This girl is definitely going to give it a good go 🤣

[Hidden]

We’re all with you Cheesypuff. I started out in the dark as I was so embarassed. I quickly learned that runners are ignored by everyone else. Remember the worst part is actually having the courage to start. The other key thing is to go slowly... and then slow down more. Being a snail is fine. Keep us posted - you can do it 😊🐌

[Penelopesimmons Graduate]

I really think that you will find that people are oblivious to what’s going on around them - too busy looking at phones! Or they will be in awe of someone getting out there and running whatever their size and shape - we all seem to imagine other people judging in a negative way - but most will just be respectful 👊👊 you can do this -enjoy your journey 💪💪

[Teddly22 Graduate]

Lots of people starting this programme feels the same way about being seen no matter what their size. For me I used to change direction if someone was coming my way but I'm on week 7 now and I don't change direction and do you know what? No one's interested in sweaty old me puffing and panting. Some people smile and greet you but mostly your invisible! You get out there and run🏃

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done for deciding to run and even better for finding this forum.

I can tell you are going to be a determined one - most of this running thing is convincing yourself you can do it.

We evolved to run and all those genes that make us runners are alongside the ones that make us store fat in case a famine comes from prehistory. You just need to swap using the one lot for the other.

Enjoy run one - the first step of the first run is the hardest you will ever do and yet the most rewarding.

Good luck!

[ancientrunner Graduate]

You'll soon learn not to be bothered. Have you read the "how to run C25K" guide - it's in the pinned posts on the right. Good luck.

[Slowrun Graduate]

Well done for starting! I tell people I don't run, I jog really slowly. No point exhausting yourself at the beginning, you want to feel comfortable and get into a routine. That way you are more likely to stick with it

My route takes me round a university campus residential area, very few people about whatever time I go.

People who see me are very supportive and we share a smile. There's some regulars who I see on route and we now share a few words of encouragement. Even the very fit fast ones!

And the best feeling is taking that very supportive sports bra off and jumping in the shower smiling about that days achicement.

[Gilliano666 Graduate]

Hope the replies so far have put your mind at rest, and you're up for the journey that is c25k. From a different perspective, I'm not overweight, but would never, ever look down or snigger at anyone who is. We're all in this together, and that's to make better of ourselves, so please, don't let your enjoyment be clouded by those thoughts, you can do this 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤗