New to running

[Sparkle1963]

Hi I am just starting couch to 5k. I am trying to gain my confidence back and lift my mood. I feel very self conscious. I hope I can do this.🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🤞🤞

[Roxdog Graduate]

Please don't worry about what other people think. They're not looking at you and you should be proud you are taking this step. Good luck. This forum will support you in so many ways!

[Sparkle1963]

Thank you so much.😀👍

[Comfortnotspeed]

Well done 👍. I think most have felt like that. Once you’ve done a couple of runs you’ll focus on yourself. This is for you.

The people staring and pointing? In our imagination only. Go for it 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Welcome aboard Sparkle1963! 👏👏You’ve made a fantastic decision, and you can definitely succeed. The programme is challenging, but very doable. You won’t know yourself. You’ll stop feeling self conscious and you’ll become a runner. 100%! And beware, you’ll probably become addicted, like lots of us have. 😅

Take it slow (really slow - pace comes later), and most of all have fun! Tell us about your runs, ask questions. This forum is second to none and very friendly! 👍😀

Good luck, and enjoy. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Nilsam Graduate]

You have made a fantastic start joining the group and just starting. Have a read of the pinned posts. There is certainly some great tips in there. We are all behind you. 🏃‍♀️👍

[Reluctantrunner40 Graduate]

You can definitely do this and you will amaze yourself at what you achieve. I am at W3R3 and I can’t quite believe how much I’m enjoying it. I also wanted to do it to lift my mood and take my mind off worries, it has certainly helped, I feel great when I’m out and when I’ve finished.

Keep posting and reading this forum there’s some great tips and encouragement. The best advice I got at the beginning was to go slow and steady, I kept saying it in my head!! And please don’t feel self conscious, nobody is looking, just feel proud that you’ve got started. I felt self conscious for the first 2 runs but don’t at all now, I’m too focused on the run!! Good luck 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Welcome... well done you... please read the essential post linked

You can and will do this and we will be right beside you every time you run

Slow and steady is the mantra... take it gently, keep posting and enjoy!

[Maz1234 Graduate]

Hi sparkle . Congratulations on starting c25k this program will definitely lift your mood. I know it’s easy to say and harder to do but try not to be to self concious a lot of us have been there and realised there’s nothing to be conscious of. Good luck with c25k.

[Sammie1968]

You can do it I thought the same now on week 3 which I never thought I would get to ..good luck x

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

If we can you can, this forum is wonderful, there’s loads of advice and encouragement and support so post about your runs and have fun

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Welcome, great decision! You can do this!

I used to run in baggy joggers and keep my head down. Now I run tall (well, 5 feet tall) and wear snazzy leggings. You might be surprised what people are thinking when they see you, some of them will actually be jealous that you're making the effort!

[Johnnylewis Graduate]

Excellent and well done on taking the 1st step. The hardest run will be your 1st. You will love it and as you chalk of them runs your confidence will be going through the roof. Do not think about what other people are looking at or thinking , they're probaly thinking what are they looking at. This is all about you. Good luck and do not hesitate to pop on here and ask a question or even a rant. Lol

[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.

[Alast]

Well done Sparkle1963 for deciding to start C25K and for joining this community, two excellent decisions. When I first started I thought I was the only person who was too self conscious about how I would look as a runner (someone who at the age of 63 has decided for the first time in his life he would try and run), and I do admit that I'd still rather not be seen. It's not a be all and end all thing for me now, a while ago I even chatted with a dog walker during my 5 minute cool down run walking home! Keep at it and keep posting on here, you will get nothing but excellent advice and encouragement.

[Dowat Graduate]

Congratulations for joining this fabulous community of support. You’ll love the running I’m sure. Like others have said, I’ll say it too; if I can, you can and will. Enjoy your runs. Keep posting with your progress.

[Jerichomile Graduate]

Hello Sparkle1963, welcome to C25K. Well done on getting started-take it really nice and slow, and absolutely congratulations for doing something so good to look after yourself well. You’ll get so much encouragement here on this forum, we are all totally cheering you on 👏🎉Trust the programme, it’s brilliant, it will guide you through safely and gently and you’ll be amazed what you will discover about yourself along the way. You’re braver than you think, you’ll see

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Lots of fantastic advice given already but just to say welcome & to add, we always enjoy a little bit of Sparkle on our forum!! 😊 Enjoy & keep posting!

[Redvic97 Graduate]

Welcome to the gang. This is a great place to hang out. Most of us probably begin by worrying what we look like but I know I always looked at people running and was impressed that they’re out there giving it a go and it’s what encouraged me to start.

I now find running (or more accurately slow jogging) gives me some clear headspace which helps my general well-being so it’s definitely a win-win.

Good luck and keep posting. We’re here to cheer you on 😊

[Sparkle1963]

Thank you all so much for your kind words and encouragment. I have just done week W1R3. I feel so proud of myself I didn't think I could do this. Thanks again to everyone. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍👍

[Pam_Joan Graduate]

Congrats! I felt self conscious too, especially when I have to run around people walking on the pavement, but now I’ve started smiling at people as I dart around them and most smile back! ☺️