Am I nervous? Well . . .

[ButtercupKid]

Hi everyone. I’m doing this to encourage my kids to get and stay fit. Genes and habits on both sides are against them, so if I can change it’ll give them hope. Two worries: I have literally no memories of running which are not deeply humiliating; and I live in a village so all the neighbours will come out and make comments as I galumph by. Tips gratefully received. Think of me as I take on 1:1 this evening !

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You’ve made a great decision. Yes, your neighbours may be surprised, they may giggle at you. Let them. They will maybe have a couple of minutes of amusement, but you’re the one that’s going to put years on your life expectancy and that of your kids... a few minutes is insignificant. So I’d get my brightest t-shirt on just to make sure that nobody didn’t see me. Walk proud from your front door, do the warmup and relax, then go slow. Villages are also pretty supportive, and when they find out what you are doing and why, then see you actually doing it, a few of them may lace their shoes and come out to have a go.

You can do this.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks, UNM. I never thought of taking such a heroic attitude. I’ll definitely try that 😀

[Hidden]

Hello and welcome .. you have made a huge decision to do something positive for you and your children. That is highly commendable and something to be proud about 😀😀

I wouldn't pay any attention to what people may say or think in reality they may not even pay much attention..

So take a deep breath. Shoulders back head up and take that all important 1st step out of your door ..

We are here with you .. good luck you CAN do this 😀😀

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you !

[Johnnylewis Graduate]

Hello and welcome. I hated running and I'm only in week 3 and I love it. I can't wait for my next run. I too love in a village, I used to drive to the shop that was woo yards away. You know what see the amount of people asking me how I'm doing it and when I show them the app they are so supportive. I've seen 4 neighbours out running now. Run/walk with your head half high and when You get round corner then keel over. Lol only joking. Just keep at it

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Johnnylewis]

Thanks Johnny. I too shall spread the word - if I ever get my breath back !

[AnnieW55]

Congratulations on starting . Some info that will help you below

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to AnnieW55]

Thank you !

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your wise decision to change your life........... C25K will definitely do that for you.

Do check out the guide to the plan linked to by AnnieW55

Enjoy your journey.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks 😊

[MVBrown Graduate]

Welcome on board, what a good decision to make and try to lead by example. I’m sure they will take note. Do enjoy the programme and the recommendations from mentor is very sound advice. Happy running🏃‍♀️

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to MVBrown]

Thank you !

[RuthMargaret Graduate]

What a wonderful inspiration you are for your children. They are lucky to have someone who is willing to show them that life is what you make of it, and change is something that you have to do for yourself.

I, like you, began running after a lifetime of thinking it wasn't for me. I hated running at school, was always overweight and was always really conscious of how I looked to other people.

Now I realise no one cares, and anyone who comments negatively about this wonderful thing you are doing (and you will feel wonderful, trust me!) is just jealous that they don't have the motivation to get moving themselves!

Just remember that you're lapping everyone standing at their garden gates and give them a big smug grin as you whistle past 😁

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to RuthMargaret]

Thanks for that ! Not really that extrovert, but I shall practise internal smug grins from now on 😃

[sunshinefish Graduate]

I work in a local school and I use the local running track... I see the kids and parents from school there (usually the kids sprint past me!) but I tell them that I am doing couch to 5k, I hope it motivates them and shows them that us adults have to work at things too, and that fitness is important. Also, it kind of holds me a bit accountable and no one has laughed (outright) at me yet, all comments have been supportive.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to sunshinefish]

I was a teacher for years. People like you, who will risk their dignity to set the right example, are worth more than any money.

[sunshinefish Graduate]

Ah, that's such a nice reply, thank you. I'm not a teacher but a teaching assistant but I will assume the comment applies to us as well

I also had no good memories of running, in fact I was one of the kids who had extra PE lessons at school once a week so anyone who went to school with me who knew I was doing this would be amazed!

Stick at it, I think (hope) that the good and supportive comments will far outweigh any less good reactions by a long margin.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to sunshinefish]

In my experience, TAs are great influences in schools because there’s a sense of distance between teachers and pupils that TAs avoid. Never think you’re a lesser being !

It’s funny you mentioned school PE. I’m going to tackle 1:2 this evening and I have had exactly the same feeling of sick dread all day that I used to get on PE days !

[sunshinefish Graduate]

Thanks ButtercupKid! I hope your second run goes well. It's such a sense of achievement when you do these runs, I never felt that in PE lessons. Keep on plugging away and what you thought was impossible becomes possible.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to sunshinefish]

You’re so right !