A change in attitude

[Rarag]

Last night I completed week 2s final run. Each of my six runs so far have involved sculking out the house at around 8.30pm in the dark, armed with fluorescent running shoes and a host of disguises so nobody I know recognises me. My perceived loathing of running can be shown by just how many people sent me the hurrah for gin cartoon about couch to 5k which features going to greggs and drinking gin on the sofa instead. It's not that I hated running, but the last time I tried it which was 20 plus years ago doing cross country at secondary school I was so incredibly rubbish at it and just went red and out of breath with stitch. And I suppose I've put in the category of things I can't do since then. But possibly because of having children now and the idea of them just giving up on something because they find it difficult fills me with fury has made me reevaluate. I'm not convinced I have it in me to run 5k, or even run for 5 minutes come to that. But I'm pleased that adult me is prepared to try unlike teenage me who just put it in the too difficult box. So hurrah for me, we'll see what week 3 brings.

[51firstrun Graduate]

It does get better . No really it does ! Most people ignore you running past.

Just keep going out there ; it will improve .

[Rarag in reply to 51firstrun]

Ah thank you. I think they probably do ignore runners generally , I think its all in my head. And living in a small town where everyone knows everybody I think I just want a few weeks to get my head around it before I have to cope with people saying I saw you running last night 😂😂

[51firstrun Graduate in reply to Rarag]

I know most of us have felt a bit insecure about running in public . It does get to the stage that you do not mind what anyone may think . I am a over weight middle aged woman i never imagined i would be wearing lycra ! But i am .....and i am now (9 months later) a stone lighter and my high BP is normal . Just keep at it ...really does get easier 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Rarag]

... and then they finish the sentence with.. I think you're marvellous!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

C25K is one of the most empowering and life changing things that you can do for yourself.......... and your family.

Enjoy your journey.

[misswobble Graduate]

I laid low in the woods til Graduation and beyond. I didn’t “come out” until getting locked out the house and having to knock to get back in 😁

[Rarag in reply to misswobble]

😂🤣😂 That would be just my luck!!

[Lousylungs]

Me too! Being a lifelong asthmatic running was something I just didn’t do. Took me 63 years to break out of that so you have a head start on me! I live in a village where everyone knows me but I usually get encouraging smiles, or maybe incredulity! So get out there and be proud 🙌🏃‍♀️

[Charchat123]

Love this feed, I’m a Londoner these days so fortunately nobody talks - but I have had a case of an angry fox at night. I think we all can say we didn’t think we’d be able to run more than a few mins but it will get easier ( I’m only on week 4, still time to cry in a ball) good luck on the rest of your journey! ☺️ x

[Rarag in reply to Charchat123]

And good luck to you!! Angry fox, that doesn't sound good, motivation to keep running I guess!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Fabulous! 💪😁

Remember, nothing in life worth having or doing is easy. You get out what you put in and with the right attitude this programme will take you further than you could possibly imagine.

Trust me, I know! I would previously never have run at all let alone for fun! 🤣😁

[misswobble Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Very true. We are capable of so much more than we ever imagined 💪👍😃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

You sound to me as though you have got everything you need for success. 66 years old when I started running. I hated it at school, but then nobody was around to explain how to build up fitness over a period. I chased a football around a pitch with great gusto, but run 5k? ...never. Take it really slowly, you should not be getting out of breath, and just focus on running for the required time. Dead simple. Other people? Runners are virtually invisible so don't worry about how you look, or what they might think. Most people are lost in their own thoughts. And anyone who says or thinks anything detrimental.....the question is what is wrong with them, not you! Forget the gremlins, just go for it!😊😊

[Rarag in reply to Beachcomber66]

I completely agree about never being taught to build it up. It was a question of just running your way around the village, which included a cliff and a beach! It was so far beyond my ability I couldn't imagine doing it and set off far too fast because that's what the teacher made us do to all keep together. But in little chunks the first few weeks of this haven't been as difficult as I feared. Thank you.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Massive well done.. the 'now' you will do this... and you will have us supporting you all the way!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job... keep setting a great example to the kids. You were born to run... so you’ll do 5k no worries, just keep getting out there and running the runs, it will come.

[Tartancat Graduate]

PE teachers have a lot to answer for. I have spent 35 years of my life believing I couldn't run, just because I was never encouraged at school. If you weren't naturally fast at 100metres, you were ignored.

I hope PE lessons have improved since my time.

What I'm trying to say is, forget the past, you CAN do this, and what's more, I bet you enjoy it too!