Anxiety when running in crowds of people.

[MacDrools]

Hi Everyone, so I completed C25K on the treadmill in March, and now I am taking the program to the road. I can only run 20 minutes continuously outdoors because it is completely different to indoor training - that being said I am extremely pleased with the level of fitness I've built up!

My issue is running alongside other people. I really want to start entering in races (when the covid ban is lifted) but I've found the only way I can run without getting totally stressed out is to go out at night when the streets are empty. Its not just the social distancing thing that's causing anxiety, I'm just massively distracted when I have to run across the street or around other people.... I don't know why but I just lose my focus and it stops being fun.

Has anyone else experience this, and how do you get past this? I am still very much a beginner runner, but I am very dedicated.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Many runners who have trained and run only on the treadmill while doing C25K also find running outside a little awkward, especially to begin with, as time goes on you will be able to run outside more comfortably and once the present restrictions are over you may even want to run a 5K event or sign up for a parkrun.

[Beads Graduate]

When park run starts up again go to one that's close, not necessarily the closest one, but a smallish one. Turn up a smidge before 9am and hang around at the back. You can run as fast or slow as you want, if you are not much more than walking pace then you'll have company in the form of the tail walker, but generally when I've done that role it's only been me and one other, you may have to chat to them. Otherwise you can turn up and interact as much or as little as you want, you can chat while waiting for the start or totally ignore everyone, same goes when running and at the end you again have the choice of chatting/going for a tea or getting your barcode scanner and running away!

If you find a parkrun that does a separate first timers briefing (our one includes it in main briefing) then you'll automatically find other people in the same boat as you.

But don't get too stressed, that feeling of butterflies in your stomach is totally normal when starting to run with others, with familiarity it wears off and you will realise one day that the butterflies have gone without you noticing.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I'm not keen on running with a pack either, I think some people like it, some don't. I have balance issues and I'm scared someone might trip me up, or worse, I might trip them up! I do go to parkrun, and I do races occasionally, but I always start at the back where there's a bit more space. It's not obligatory to do races or parkrun, many many runners never do either, and you might be one of those, and just find you're happier doing your own thing. To me there doesn't seem much point in doing something that isn't fun or causes you anxiety.

[Granspeed Graduate]

I wouldn’t worry about this now. It’s a natural anxiety but, in fact, you can’t do group running now so why worry? 🤔 Take your time in getting used to running outdoors. That in itself is a big change. And then you’ve got the general weirdness of the times. That’s enough for now! Enjoy what you can do now. Build up your stamina in your own time. And later you can find out if you like groups or really prefer to keep to your own company. There are many ways to run happily; you will find yours. Just keep trotting along in your own time. 👍💕🐢

[Moochkins]

When I first started (due to start week 6 on Monday) I felt I was going to be v self conscious.... However I think most people don't either notice or will at some level appreciate what you are doing. May be easier said then done but just keep going and don't worry what other people think (as virtually all won't be thinking anything).. I'm finding no issue with the 2m distancing... Either I move across or others do... There's not much traffic or people around anyway tbh so that helps!!

Good luck.

[MacDrools]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate you all taking the time to reply. You're all right I need to find my own groove and its going to take time. I'm the fittest I've ever been and I get so much enjoyment out of running on my own... I love that its my 'me time' and I'm not wanting to share that at the moment. Ultimately I do want to enter races, and my ultimate goal is the Great North Run. I'm finding my feet still, but I'm running a bit faster and a bit further every time I go out which feels so good. I think once my confidence grows I won't be as bothered about running with other people (or in front of them) but for now I just need to do my own thing for as long as it takes xx