Anxious about running

[Tynec1]

Hi everyone I’m sorry I haven’t posted here for a while. I’ve been trying to not be absorbed by screen time which is difficult.

I wondered if anyone else is feeling anxious about running. I’ve only run twice in three weeks and both times I just didn’t enjoy it. The last time my feet became so swollen while running I had to stop (never happened before).

I’ve been going out daily for a walk but I really want to run.

My son has to come with me (he’s 10) he’s not a fan of running but on those two occasions has brought his bike along.

I even feel anxious while out walking at the moment. I’ve really drummed into him we must stay 2 meters away from others and he’s really good but the problem is the other people aren’t keeping to that. He now gets so annoyed he actually told a runner off who came past us from behind on our walk and was right next to us before we could cross over.

The I’m worried about cars, we live in a rural area there’s not a huge amount of traffic but drivers seem more aggressive at the moment.

Is anyone else struggling to get out and run? Any tips on how to stop my brain from going into overdrive so I can enjoy our 1 trip outside would be most appreciated ☹️

Stay safe xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Morning

It is a pity you have not been posting , as this can help terrifically with this situation .. have you been reading the posts. They are helpful and supportive and you would know..that you really are not alone.

The last Off the Couch posts have reflected what we can do to run and support our running, and offer ideas for running safely and comfortably.

I myself have foregone running in the wider world... I am using my garden.... for me this is hard... I love running and rambling about my adventures, but unfortunately, some folk in the slightly wide area are not taking the advice of social distancing seriously enough!

Could you run just in your immediate area... have you a garden, where you can devise some intervals and different runs?

I have found one pathway where I can do short sprints...

I can get about 1.5 K in by running one lap right around my whole property, including a trail section ( Ha ha) over a rough meadow strip and a rockery in the making

We need to run for us.... and we need to run happily... if you are not happy.. time to rethink it.

Do take a look at the ideas on the forum, there are some fantastic ideas... and new ones appearing all the time..

Do post how you are going on too, we are all in this together

[Tynec1 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you oldfloss I haven’t read anything but I will. With working from home on the PC and little man doing his school work on the laptop and all the messages coming in on the phone I was trying to steer myself away whenever possible but sounds like coming on the forum will help me.

My garden is quite small but perhaps I could try doing some laps. We have been doing Joe Wicks PE class in the mornings but I really miss running.

I promise I will keep coming on a posting. It can feel a bit lonely at the moment xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Tynec1]

We are here...most of the time...and even small gardens can be used.

I watch the updates first thing and early evening. Then no more.

It can be too much otherwise.

You are doing brilliantly...just take it gently and do what is right for you..xxx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As Oldfloss says if you find running makes you anxious then it is best avoided or adapted to a form which doesn't raise your anxiety levels.

However, most on this forum are finding that their running is giving a respite from thinking about the global situation and providing peace and calm. I run in the early mornings and today I saw two dog walkers only. No doubt if I went even earlier I would see even fewer people.

While there are idiots around, in my personal experience, people are considerate and respectful and maintaining their distance often with a smile and a thank you.

For me being out on a run is balm in a troubled world.

This HU forum called Positive Wellbeing during Isolation may be helpful to you healthunlocked.com/positive...

Posting in any supportive community should give you reassurance.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Sound advice... I wish a few more around the slightly wider area would be as considerate...I did however spend a pleasant 10 minutes on a 1K around my property this morning... I have some very good shrubs which I forgot about!

[Tynec1 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you I will have a look at the forum.

I had hoped running would be a balm too but perhaps it’s not the running making me anxious but actually just going outside.

I’ve decided today I will try going out much later or perhaps wait until very early tomorrow morning and try a short run.