Finally bit the bullet

[MudChugger]

Registered on here a while ago but only today completed my first "run". My main worries today were perception of others and what I state I must have looked but I guess we all have to start somewhere. Didn't struggle too much except for my calves/shins feeling like concrete towards the end, I hope this gets easier!

[deadandalive Graduate]

That's normal. I started my first few runs in the early morning (about 6 am) to avoid people until I realised I should probably go later so I could get as much sunshine as possible. But I've come to realise: most people really aren't seeing you. Given the attention we get when running, we might as well be trees! But you won't find out until you try, which you have, so well done! Try to keep it slow, too: going too fast was my biggest mistake from my first couple weeks. You are meant to enjoy this, and I hope you continue to! See you around!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Dont worry about anything or anyone around you just concentrate on your running you'll enjoy it more keep coming back and let us know how your doing you'll get all the encouragement you need on here 😊

[Deepestblue Graduate]

It does get easier, and I’m too focused on my run to worry about what others think, and I came to that conclusion by facing the fear that people were watching and may make judgement.

Walk, run/jog ‘through’ the fear 😁😁

At the end of the day I’m making an effort to improve my physical and mental well-being, that’s a good thing right!?

😁😁😁 ‘you’ are amazing! X

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well done... don’t worry what people think... my perception of a new runner is always positive, if I’m running or walking I cheer them on. Runners won’t be negative, almost all of them were in your shoes once, the tiny minority ran from being very young but have seen so many beginners that they’re over it now. Non runners... well, there’s always judgemental idiots out there, not a lot we can do about that... but here’s the thing... we don’t look like runners when we start out, and some people will see you and think “I could do that” and maybe you just inspired someone else to start... how great is that?

Keep the pace down, stay on top of hydration, land your feet flat and under the body, and the calves should get a little easier to manage.

[Bethmad]

Something I'm finding really helpful is running somewhere interesting/beautiful (though I recommend avoiding taking a jog round a cathedral on a Saturday afternoon). I'm luck because have a cathedral and then a beautiful open area near me (at the top of the hill, the walm up walk for me is started when I get to the top cause its stairs up the hill from my house) and it actually makes you want to go out on the jog just to be in those spaces. I'm just about to do the last jog of week 3

[Empem Graduate]

When I see beginners out and about I want to hug them but instead tend to grin like a crazy woman trying to relate to them" yes, come on in, the water's lovely!" Congrats on your first run.Brilliant.

[Deals1 Graduate]

well done ... you've done the hardest bit. you got out there and started.

enjoy the journey

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

Enjoy your journey