Support

[SamNotSammy]

I’ve been doing c25k for 8 weeks. I’ve just completed wk2 but I’m sticking at it for a little while. I find it tough with carrying extra weight. I’m find the whole this quite embarrassing truth be told yet anybody I’ve spoken to about it have been so encouraging and supportive. Their lovely comments and tips have been really lovely. Now this morning I’ve passed another runner coming in the opposite direction. I’ve seen her before a few weeks back. On both occasions she made me feel a bit crap. Whenever I’m out running or even walking the dogs i tend to say hello or give a smile or even a nod to people I see. This woman made eye contact with me and just stared at me. No nod, no smile nothing just a cold stare. It’s hard enough with people like her making me feel worse than I already do. Am I being to sensitive?

[Maz1234 Graduate]

I don’t think you’re being to sensitive but truth be told some people are just like that. I’ve been out run a few times by different ages there is always someone who is faster and stronger than us . Most people I see are lovely and friendly and always say morning. Don’t let someone make you feel down and don’t be embarrassed about your body or your ability to run. Your doing c25k for a reason. Maybe the lady you passed just has a lot on her mind. Good luck with the rest of your c25k journey .

[bethiam Graduate]

She probably meant nothing by it.

You’ve just got to remember:

This is something you’re doing for you - and you’re doing it the best way for you.

You’re lapping everyone on the couch - anyone who isn’t trying at all.

Keep up the good work and forget anyone else!

[Hidden]

I’ve seen so many runners out and about that don’t even acknowledge me or crack a smile! Just keep your head held high and carry on. It’s their problem not yours 😊

Keep smiling

[Granspeed Graduate]

I have a cute postcard I’ve kept for years. It says: “Don’t worry what people think. They don’t do it very often.”

I think that’s what we all have to remember - folks may look like they’re concentrating on us, but actually they’re wrapped in their own lives and problems. It’s likely that woman didn’t even “see” you in any real sense. Maybe she was concentrating on her cadence, or worrying about her dog, or just lost in a daze. We can never know. So don’t take the stare to heart, and DO keep on with running your own run. You’re getting there, and you’re not on the couch. Hurray! 🎉👍🏃🏼‍♀️💕

[Archerygoddess Graduate]

May I ask why you're feeling embarrassed? Although you may feel a bit conspicuous while running it wasn't until I started C25K that I noticed how many other runners are out there. I must have driven or walked past dozens of runners and simply not noticed them.

If it's because of your weight there are communities that will support you. Click on 'my hub' and join another group of members who will also give you lots of support.

If it's because of your speed then trust me, there are plenty of us snails out there🐌

[SamNotSammy in reply to Archerygoddess]

Yes it’s my weight but also a massive lack of self confidence. It’s lovely when people show there support and I understand not everybody is supportive but why make eye contact at all? She could have easily just looked ahead. It’s very surprising being as everybody else has been so supportive.

[Archerygoddess Graduate in reply to SamNotSammy]

Well, running is so good for the self-confidence. Each time you move on to a new week you get such a sense of achievement, and when you graduate (as you will eventually) it makes you feel so good.

Try not to overthink other people. The other runner may have just been checking whether she knew you or not. Why not smile or say hi? Well she may be cripplingly shy or she was too knackered! Whichever, just keep posting on here and your Virtual Running Buddies will always pass the time of day with you xx