Looking for inspiration

[Redboy38]

I’m thinking of starting the couch to 5k, not necessarily for fitness but more for my mind. For the past 18 months I’ve suffered with chronic anxiety. Horrible symptoms, constant dizziness, headaches, trembling, loss of appetite.. it would be quicker to list what I haven’t had! I’ve become such a negative person, but there seems no end to this. I’ve tried meds, CBT which taught me a lot but I know I’m keeping me stuck, I can’t let it go. Would appreciate any help/inspiration greatly. Thank you

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Welcome Redboy ! I’ve had several periods of clinical anxiety too. In fact I even became a school phobic, which was unfortunate since I was a teacher at the time ! You’ll find this a very positive forum and a really helpful programme. There’s nothing better when everything is dissolving into jitters than getting out into the fresh air and just doing exactly what you’re told for half an hour or so ! Take your time and enjoy your journey x

[Redboy38]

Exactly the response I was hoping for! Really struggling at the moment, feeling like this everyday is a grind. Heard so many good things about exercise being the best thing you can do to help yourself, but when you’re low on energy it’s hard to find the motivation! Thank you for the reply, much appreciated x

[Runip Graduate]

I think that many of us here would say that C25K is one of the best things you could ever do for yourself, both mentally and physically. Just take your runs slowly, and be prepared to feel incredibly proud of what you can achieve.

Good luck, and let us know how you're getting on. We'll be right there running with you.

[Irish-John Graduate]

This running is a lifesaver - and a life changer - when it comes to Depression.

Running isn't "easy" - but it sure as heck is "doable" and wakes up your mind, energy and life like the sun shining on a tropical beach.

Wishing you well and happy + come join us here and start living rather than just making it through each day.

[Redboy38 in reply to Irish-John]

Thanks Irish John, means a lot. Life has been exactly like you say for the last 18 months, just trying to make it through each day. I’ll post my progress when I start. Lovely to know people like yourself have found some peace x

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Redboy38]

June 1st 2016 having literally never run more than a hundred paces in my life I did day one of the programme.

Never had run because of two forms of asthma and also born with deformed foot bones.

Did day one because desperate. Had lost a thirty year career that had been unbelievably hard won, was far away from any family, because of former career had few "anchors" in life, was killing myself slowly by over eating and hated it and could see no real future where I would be anything but lonely and miserable. I was under no illusions how close to eating my sidearm I was - but also know only too well what harm a suicide does to the people around one, and how it can all to easily encourage another poor SOB to do it also.

So - just to DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING, that would be "different" and "laughably STUPID" instead - that would literally make that day NOT the same as every other one... I tried day one.

It damn near killed me. I was bent over double, my lungs felt the size of deflated balloons, my face felt like it was going to fall off my skull and a random passed by was fumbling on her phone to call the paramedics because she saw all that and "a blue tinge around your eyes and lips".

But - I had "run"

For a few months after that, literally all I had was the programme. Then I found this forum. Between both I am having a ball now - I can honestly say I have never just simy enjoyed life as much. A lot of peace and satisfaction and any depression that crops up (also have pretty significant PTSD) fades rapidly and is more a "nusiance" than the former crisis.

I am entered for a half marathon in April. I've been invited to run in a full one in October. I used to DREAM of being able to run non-stop to the 3/10ths of a mile marker in my local park. I just ran a ten Mile event a few weeks ago in under two hours and it felt "comfortable".

"If I can do it, anyone can" is a very hackneyed phrase - but in my case, you can believe it.

Talk to your Doc about meds for Depression - feel no shame, I have a few medals and awards for being a "tough guy" and I took anti depressants for years - and just to make sure you have no good medical reason not to run...then go out the door and follow the programme and join us lot here.

You might run on your own at first - but around here, you never run alone.

Wishing you many happy miles in your future ☺

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

That's a heartfelt reply Irish John.

Best wishes to you for Christmas and New Year(s!)🎄🎅

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Thank you J6 and a happy Christmas and New year to you as well ☺

[Redboy38 in reply to Irish-John]

I’m totally blown away by your reply Irish John😢. What a lovely message. You should be so proud of yourself👏🏻 Thank you for taking the time to reply. Merry Christmas x

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Redboy38]

Have a good one R38

[Redboy38]

Thank you so much. I plan to start after Xmas. Will update my progress!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

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

The mental benefits of running were a great and unexpected surprise to me............hence my tag line........... keep running, keep smiling.

Enjoy your journey.

[Redboy38 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Much appreciated! Will read the link tonight, working at the moment 🙁. Thank you for taking the time to reply, today being on here has perked me up!

[Letty111 Graduate]

C25K is brilliant so is this forum - very positive. Give it a go. I love it x

[Hidden]

Well you have found the right site for endless information and support, welcome.

Go for it I would say, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain! Exercise is great for our mental wellbeing, go for it! 👍👍👍