I’m 28, previously lost 3at in weight by changing eating habits, but did not work on my fitness at the same time. I’m now determined to become fitter and really work on my overall health.
I’ve just downloaded the couch 2 5k app but am sat on my sofa with actual fear off leaving to complete it!!! I know I need to just grow up and do it.... but has anyone else felt physically anxious to get started? I’m going through in my head what’s the worst thing that could actually happen, and can’t even think of anything that bad!!
Right. Here goes.....
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sarahbeauty
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Go girl, you’ll enjoy it, and you have a whole forum of people behind you.
I’m not really too worried what (most) people are thinking about me as I proved to myself years ago that most people are not actually thinking about ME at all. You’ll find once you get out there that they are all worried about what YOU think of THEM 😉. It’s true, try it out. Oh and please be kind to them.
After having never done any running for about 30 years ( i’m 42) it was my New Years resolution to get doing some regular exercise. I have also lost several stone over the years and then put a few back on.. up and down it goes!
I’ve just got in from completing week 2 run 2 and never ever in my wildest dreams did I think I could ever do that! I only did week 1 run 1 last Friday and all that day I was psyching myself up for it thinking there was just no way I could run for 60 seconds. However, you CAN do it and when you get home you will feel so proud of yourself and you will actually look forward to doing the next one.
My advice...a good fitting sports bra, a top that has a zip or a bum bag to put your phone in whilst you run, download some good old 90’s dance music or some of your favourite songs to keep you motivated ( nothing like a good tune to run to its very distracting!, some good trainers, and a baseball cap to keep the sweat out of your eyes! Keep your pace just above walking, no sprinting and remember to breathe!!
You’ll not want to spoil your hard work by eating rubbish so that’s a good motivator too. Try to plan when you’re going to do your next 2 runs and make no excuses ( I went out on Friday evening after a full week of working, minus 2 degrees and it was snowing). I do Friday evening before I eat, Sunday morning before breakfast (now!) and either Tuesday or Wednesday evening before my meal( don’t run on a full stomach). You absolutely can do this and once you have done run one you’ll be
fine. The hardest part of any run is the very first run because you’re not fully warmed up. Don’t think about anyone you might pass by when you’re out, they’re only jealous!!!! Get out, stop overthinking and just do it!! GOOD LUCK GIRL YOU GOT THIS!
Hi Sarah. Welcome to the forum! I think many of us had anxieties about getting started - just going into a sports shop to buy a suitable top to run in nearly had me giving up on the idea altogether (ps - Matalan was my saviour!). I'm still a newbie and do all my solo running in the local park in the dark. Haven't plucked up the courage to run in daylight yet (except Parkrun, which is a different thing altogether). I wish you all the very best in getting started. Don't over-think it and don't give in to excuses. If necessary, trick yourself into starting... because once you do it's the most incredible experience. Trust the programme and trust your friends on here - we're all battling along a similar journey in our own way. But as you step out of your front door, we'll all be with you cheering you on!
The hardest part is getting off that sofa. Our subconscious puts so many barriers in our way both real and imaginary because it fears change.
What we here call our "gremlins" like us overweight and inactive so they have more to berate and belittle us with when we do get brave enough to try something new ("you're never gonna complete that, look at you, who do you think you are?" Sound familiar at all?)
The only way to stop them is to take control of your own body back. This programme is fantastic and teaches you more than just how to run.
Please do read the guide to the programme in the faqs. It's really important.
Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision to change things.
Now is time to act.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes a link to a post about mental approach.
This is one of the most empowering things you can do to yourself. Transforming you both physically and mentally. Your self esteem will grow remarkably quickly and you will not give a damn what other people think and you will be living life to the full.
Stepping outside our comfort zones is sometimes the only way to make a major change...............and this is so worthwhile.
I'm on week seven and have loved every single run! It will change your life and all in the good way! You have already done excellent with dieting and weightless so you obviously have great willpower to achieve your goals!
Plenty of good advice about bum bags and music above! Just go for it! You have nothing to lose and SO much to gain!
Wow... well I did it! And I feel great... what was all the worrying for?!?
Very nearly completely shunned the idea after realising I’ve recently thrown my headphones away... I thought well I definitely can’t go now! But gave myself a good talking to and a quick trip to the supermarket and found some cheap ones there to get me going.
I was surprised how (I won’t jse the word easy-) manageable I found the run. Maybe I’d been too hard on myself and underestimated my existing abilities!
Really really appreciate all of the support I received on my first post. Some very valuable tips on there- will definitely be kitting myself out a little more suitably; my hands were absolutely freezing today and I need a headband or something to stop the wind chill in my ears 🤣
I’m going to sit down now and plan my runs for the next couple of weeks around work- once I put them in the diary I know I will definitely commit to them! Just don’t want to be running too much once it gets dark in the evenings.
Once again- thanks to all who have supported- so glad I’ve found this forum!!
A "buff" or any similar neck tube is great to put round your head and ears on chilly days and neck when its needed too (I'm sure I'm not alone in having several!) 😁
Well done for getting started! If you're like me, you will come up with the most amazing array of excuses. Don't give in and try to find ways to motivate yourself. Mine is that I want to graduate on my birthday weekend and on my 10th parkrun. Therefore, if I miss a run, I miss my goal. It's worked for me so far!
Great advice. I’ve just looked at my calendar and it turns out 9 weeks from now is the week of my 29th birthday..... what great timing! So that’s now my goal.
I’m sure you’re doing great, you sound very motivated!
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Trust the programme and trust your friends on here - we're all battling along a similar journey in our own way. But as you step out of your front door, we'll all be with you cheering you on! 
W1R1
W1R1
W1r1 tonight 
W1R1
