Hi!

[zainabalam24]

Hi! I’ve just recently downloaded the app having been recommended to me by a friend. Any tips for a beginner like me? I need to get fit and toned up before graduation in November! My weight has always knocked my confidence and I need to sort this. How do I not feel self-conscious of running along the streets panting and trying to make myself not feel like a fool?

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Take the running bits very, very slowly and you'll do great. Finishing each podcast is the name of the game, not distance covered or speed.

Try not to feel self conscious, honestly nobody will be paying attention to you cruising along. And if they do, well they'd be panting too.

Happy running. Keep us posted on how it goes.

[zainabalam24 in reply to runswithdogs]

Thanks for the advice ... I will definitely keep you guys posted 😊

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Hi Zainabalam

You’re in for an amazing experience! Well done for joining the forum, it’s the best! You have lots of support and cheerleaders! There was no one on earth more petrified of running outdoors looking and feeling like an absolute fool! But I decided that this wasn’t for anyone but me and when circumstances made me have to go outdoors, I went out telling my anxious mind, protest as you like, you’re doing it and in rush hour, I did it! I’ve never looked back!

As has been said to me, anyone looking would only be admiring you for doing it and wishing they had the guts to do it too. Don’t forget, we’ll be admiring and supporting you too! Just remember you’re not alone. You’ve got your coach and your running buddies, with you all the way!! ❤️

[Eiralas Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Couldn't have said it any better! Take it slow, keep the walking parts brisk and the running parts barely faster than walking pace. You're doing this for you, so it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks - and as Fabulous says anyone who does notice you will either be thinking 'wow, well done you!' Or 'I wish I could do that/ I should really do that'. Give it a go, and come back to tell us how you got on

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

To avoid feeling self conscious about panting, go slow enough to avoid it, as detailed in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy the journey.

[spscollins]

Take it slow

[Berksrover Graduate]

Keep your initial motivation at the front of your mind and in no time you will be earning that graduate badge, you have taken 2 great steps, starting the programme and joining the forum, welcome to the club!

[JacquiAM Graduate]

Hi - welcome, I’m fairly new too (week 3) but just wanted to say don’t worry about anyone else or what they are thinking. Ask yourself what you think when you notice someone running? (Note I said ‘notice’ - most of the time we don’t even notice them!) I know I think - ‘good for you, you’re up and doing something, that’s brilliant’. You’ll find others will be thinking that too 😊. Oh, and the advice about keeping it slow is spot on!