When’s best

[Gc97]

I’m on week 1 run 3 and have been Running in the forest as didn’t want to be seen, but it’s too muddy to run through lately, when’s best to avoid being seen as very self conscious

[welsby1967 Graduate]

You know I think you are already out there now, and anyone passing you believe me will be green with envy - thinking I wish I could have the courage to do that ! so I say don’t think about what others think too much, just focus on how much you want to do this for you

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Lots of us felt very self conscious when we started. I was about to hit 53, hadn’t run since school, carrying several stones of excess baggage, but I’m not an early riser, and don’t want to run in the dark (afraid of tripping over!), so I had to run in the local park in daylight. No one’s really paying attention, I get the odd friendly thumbs up & smiles from other older and newer runners. You’re doing something amazing for your health and your body. The physical transformation may take time, but the health and mental benefits are very quick to feel. I run very slowly too so I probably look very funny if anyone bothered to notice!

I suggest this to a lot on this forum but search Japanese slow jogging movement on youtube - it shows you how to run slowly and without injury but with all the health benefits. You can then focus on running technique rather than being self conscious. It’s also very helpful for learning how to run slower than your brisk walk. That killed me at first (as my brisk walking is quite fast) and I would be bright red and panting in my early runs as I was just going too fast.

I don’t wish to push if you don’t want to share, but why don’t you want to be seen?

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

Brilliant reply, I must take your advice on board too and just get out there. Although I like my early morning runs....as the days get longer (and I start running further) part of my run will be in daylight.....eek!! I’m 53 too and wrote my own notes to get out of pe at school!! The Japanese slow jogging helped me too. I still struggle to do 1k in under 10 mins but I’m out there running and getting fitter 🏃‍♀️😂

[Shelley2310 Graduate]

Well done for starting this great programme. The hardest part is getting out the door, so you’ve passed the first hurdle 🌟. I really know where you’re coming from about not being seen. Although I have run ‘in daylight’ and been seen, I do like running very early in the morning. This time of day I find I run my best. I’m not sure if it’s because not many people around and very few cars, or whether it’s purely easier for me to run (but of both probably). I graduated last month. I’m classed as obese (working on it), very very slow plodder and do feel self conscious. I’m getting a bit better with getting out there regardless of people and I’ve taken the step to pre register for the 10k London Winter Run next February so I’ll have to get used to being seen!! Good luck with your journey.

[creativesquirrel Graduate]

Be proud to be out running! I started like you and now I run on a main road without a care in the world! Be proud that you are out running, no matter how fast or slow you are going, because if you are completing each run then that is one massive accomplishment, something to be very proud of!

I find going out first thing in a morning is good if you're an early riser I only do this when I am off work as I don't like to run in the dark! I go running around 4pm and it starts to get busy but is probably quieter than most times!

Keep your head up, you are doing something a lot of people don't have the guts to do, so they may be jealous! And it is your journey, they can all look in shock in 9 weeks time when you're slimmer, fitter and happier with your running

Good luck!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Just run when it suits you to be honest the only people looking are the ones saying to themselves I wish I could do that the reason I know this is because I was one of those people so I got out and ran good luck with c25k 😊

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Dusk tends to be quieter, but be very careful if you’re around traffic. Once your head gets into this you will honestly feel less bothered, but I’m shy too and I still tend to vanish up side paths if I can when I see someone coming 😄 In the end, which looks worse: you running or you slobbed on the sofa ? In your own head, I mean, because ultimately, what other people think doesn’t matter x

[Granspeed Graduate]

As you can see, we’ve all been with you in that headspace. 😄 For once the Nike slogan is right: just do it. Never so bad as the first time, so once that’s over you’ll be on your way. And do look up the Japanese slow running that DiscoRunner mentions so helpful. 👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

1am will be fairly quiet 😂

Here’s the thing... there are other people just like you who don’t think they can run... go and be seen... inspire someone else! The more of us “can’t run” lot that get out there and be seen doing this, the less intimidating it is for others to start... lets outnumber the athletic types.

Ok... so one day you’re gonna be seen, may as well get it over with.