Running Scared

[Mosibyl]

Hello everyone:

My name is Mo! I am taking my health more seriously this year. To that end, I have decided to take up running. Which is kind of funny because I don't run. I am the kind who jokes that if you see me running, call the cops. Heck, my body type and feet aren't built for running.

But I want to change all of that and stop making excuses.

But I give up easily and I get frustrated easily. I am basically human.

So, I need help. I want to change my life and carve my body into a better mold.

I am based in the US and just reinstalled the Couch to 5K app to begin the program.

Specifically, here are my questions:

Are there any tips for newbies like me?

Has anyone else been where I have been?

How much has running helped you lose and maintain weight?

Thanks a lot!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

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

C25K was designed by Josh Clark to get his fifty something mother more active. I have no idea whether it worked for her but there are countless thousands, if not millions, who have transformed their lives for the good, by this simple little plan.

Enjoy your journey.

[Mosibyl Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I just joined that community and hope to reap its inherent benefits. Thanks for the kind words and encouragement.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome.

Everything IannodaTruffe said and linked!

Many of us arrived here almost anti-running, overweight, very out of shape, lacking confidence, and overly self critical... this plan changes all of that. You can do it. Enjoy the journey.

[Mosibyl Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I can't wait! Thank you!!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Follow those links....know you are not the first to feel like this and to ask those questions ... and know for sure you will not be the last!

Slow.. steady... link this with a healthy eating regime...Trust the plan... have confidence in yourself and just run...

Post your runs for amazing support and encouragement and... enjoy!

[Mosibyl Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much!!!

[deadandalive Graduate]

Don’t worry: you’ll soon be running, period! Just stick with the programme, take things slow and easy and remember the only way to fail is to go back permanently to the couch.

[Mosibyl Graduate in reply to deadandalive]

"The only way to fail is to go back permanently to the couch" - I should try to remember this. Thanks.

[Jundal Graduate in reply to Mosibyl]

Wise words daa. Wise words indeed.

[bizteach Graduate]

Well done you in taking the first steps. I think the app is brill so just do as it says and you’ll be fine. My tip is music. I blast music that makes me want to dance whilst I’m getting ready. I do a few stretches first to get my body ready. Running helps my weight stay where it is and because I want to do better at my next run I tend to avoid those ‘naughty’ foods. So it has a positive effect on my diet too. The endorphins you get once out there are amazing and this will help.

Remember we’ve all been where you are and we are all here for you now too. So good luck and enjoy! You can do it.?😄👍

[bizteach Graduate in reply to bizteach]

Sorry the ? Was meant to be ! Because I know you can do it you’ve already started 😀

[Jundal Graduate]

Advice? Don't give up. Eat your greens. Sleep well. Stop eating when your full. Don't buy drugs from a llama. Seriously, that last ones important.

As far as running is concerned... After week four, get your gait tested to avoid injury, stretch before and after each run, hydrate properly. And there's no such thing as a bad run if you learn something from it, even if it's as simple as 'don't step there'. But finally, you're a self fulfilling prophecy. If you think it will be good run, then it will. If you think it won't, then it won't. It's all based on what you decide, so make your decision well.

[Mosibyl Graduate in reply to Jundal]

Week 1 done and thanks for that other tip, I was able to convince the llama to give me the drugs for free instead (good thinking on my part, ey?!).

Thanks a lot. I will come back to this when I am nearing week 4. BTW, do I still need to get my gait tested again? I did one three years ago and got fitted with some running shoes based on my gait and pronation.

[Jundal Graduate in reply to Mosibyl]

It's up to you, tbh, but I probably would, to be on the safe side.