Newbie

[DightonLaura]

Hey so I plan on starting my couch to 5k today but I’m so nervous about going outside to run if people see me ect 😩😩 any tips? Xx

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Hi and welcome! 👋👋👋

Really well done on embarking on this amazing programme. 😀 It will make a runner of you and you will have a blast doing it. You’ll hear the phrase ‘slow and steady’ a lot. You’ll grow to love snails 🐌🐌 and you’ll get tons of encouragement and helpful advice on here, as well as general chit chat. Everyone is super friendly and we love to hear about how people are getting on - and if there’s a pic, even better! 😀

So good luck! Ignore other people - if they’re runners, they’ll think good for you. If they’re not, they’re probably thinking they should be! Go out and have fun! 👏👏

[embobs Graduate]

Welcome! I’m now on wk 6 on the plan and I used to worry about people seeing me. Then I thought..what do I think when I see people running? I realised either I don’t really noticed them or think...I should be doing that! Really don’t worry about other people, just focus on what you are doing and be proud x

[ArthurJG Graduate]

Most people feel the same but it turns out runners are pretty much invisible, except to other runners and runners will respect anyone trying to run. Just go for it and if you’re like most of us, you might be self conscious today but a week from now you won’t care who sees you. The other key tip is not to go too fast - as long as it’s a running action and not walking it counts.

[loobsb2]

I started yesterday, and was a little worried too. as everyone will tell you the hardest step, is the one you make getting out of the house. Was your headphones are in, your music is on. You are to busy listening to what is being said. Worry or really notice if anyone is watching. You are starting on a great journey. Best foot forward x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Don't worry about other people, I was a little self-conscious at the start as well, I was "caught" running by a neighbour during one of my runs, however, when I returned home that next door neighbour was full of admiration for me, he did not call me any bad names such as 'you are too old to run', people seeing you running also will think "wow, that lady is out running, I might even try to do that as well"

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Yep I know a couple of people who have thought to themselves that if I can do it, and I’m older and more overweight than they are, then they can do it too. It’s like an infection but a healthy one

[Jell6 Graduate]

People don't really notice you, as others have said.

TIP. Find somewhere to store all that "I've got to have it" running gear that you will end up buying 😂

This is a great thing that you are starting, enjoy it.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your wise decision.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do this.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

I have only ever had positive feedback, concentrate on your long term goal rather than a thoughtless comment. Well done for starting you can do it. We are all in it together. 😀

[Hidden]

What do you think when you see someone running? Well done, I would love to do that perhaps. I have never had a bad reaction (apart from the tiresome “ooo running is bad for your knees”)

[jessm_01]

Don’t be nervous, once you have your headphones in you really won’t care about who is around you and people won’t notice you... I went running on a main road in a bright pink jacket and no one batted an eyelid 😂😂😂

Take it slow and don’t rush, and just enjoy it. Once you finish you will be buzzing and excited for the next run.

Feeling self conscious about people seeing you, I find is normal but like someone else said. Runners are practically invisible.

Good luck and keep us updated!

[DightonLaura]

Wow im overwelmed by the response, so it was raining but, I still did it and I felt amazing after to be honest my mood has been great since, next run is Tuesday, thank you so much for all he lovely comments!! your all amazing! xx