Scared

[Ermintrude77]

Hello! So I’ve always said I want to be able to run. I’m 43, overweight and going to make a start. I am dressed for it right now and ready to start w1r1 but I am so scared of stepping out the front door. I’m tempted to do this first one inside- walking up and down my small house! Did anyone else do this?

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Why are you sacred? What are you fears? What's the very worst that could happen?

[Ermintrude77 in reply to John_W]

Ok so it sounds daft- I can’t remember the last time I jogged. What if I’ve forgotten to do it. I really worry about what other people think and if Ill see anyone I know. Yeah does sound daft!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Ermintrude77]

Nobody will give a flying **** what you're doing to be honest.

As for how to jog ...

youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2kh...(Not working as expected?)

[Ermintrude77 in reply to John_W]

I did it!

Ooo I watched this last night. I used it too- it worked!

[olderrunner Graduate in reply to Ermintrude77]

Hi Emma, I'm 58 and overweight and felt exactly how you feel right now. I have never run, even for a bus! The very first steps are the hardest, but you can do this. I went early in the morning to start with in case anyone saw me, but you soon realise,nobody is taking any notice. I've just done w6r3 this morning, so genuinely if I can do it, so can you. Go for it!

[Ermintrude77 in reply to olderrunner]

Well done that’s brilliant. I did it 👍

[Guru10 Graduate]

Hi Emma.

You’ll not be alone in feeling anxious about doing this. Actually stepping out the front door can be the hardest part of the challenge.

I say go for it, this is about you and you only. Blinker out the rest of the world and when ready hit play on the app.

You’ll have all the support and encouragement from this community but only you can open the door to start.

Good luck, you can do this. 👏👏.

[SofaJockey]

Yep. I hadn't run since school (and then reluctantly). Find a quiet lane / park, path and go for it. If you are uncomfortable running past someone, take it to a walk for a moment, but believe me, give it a few runs and you won't care. 😄

[Ermintrude77]

Thanks everyone! I did it! Feel exhausted and felt like every step was a thud... feel glad and will definitely do run 2 on Thursday. What a difference an hour makes! X

[-slowjogger Graduate in reply to Ermintrude77]

Well done! Starting is the hardest part. Be proud of yourself for taking positive steps (literally) to improve your overall health and wellbeing. As the saying goes, a year from now you'll be glad you started today. Don't feel you need to rush, just take it steady and trust the programme. I graduated a while ago and still don't run 5k in 30 mins, its more like 35, but it really doesn't bother me as before christmas I couldn't jog for 5 mins let alone 35

[Mum2N Graduate]

Well done for getting started - I completely understand the being scared bit. I'm lucky that I have some woods less than 10 minutes walk from home, so the first week, I did my brisk walk to the woods and then spend the running time dodging dog walkers because I didn't want anyone to see me (which resulted in some very scribbly 'routes' on Map my Walk).

I am in week 2 now (so not much further on) and already, I don't care about people seeing me. I figure I'm out, I'm making an effort, and I am going to be better for it.

You dont' say what you are scared about but I have every faith that you can do this, take it easy, rest when you need to . . . . and enjoy it

[CaptFrey Graduate]

You sound like alot of us. The first run is the worst in terms of taking that first step. I am doing it so you can. There will be ups and downs, Channel your inner Dory and just keep swimming.

[Ermintrude77 in reply to CaptFrey]

Love that! Going to print a pic of Dory off!

[ary88]

im clapping for you Emma, for your thinking and planning. After being isolated not due to flu but not sure yet, for jan, feb and half march, I was in your position, and I had somewhere to go and it was just after ;lockdown.' so I reassured myself about how I going to manage, and decided to count my steps in my head, and to start with I was really slow, but it gave me a focus, and when I got to 20, I paused. couple of minutes, stretched leg ect, and then started counting to 20 again, and where I was going took me twice as long as usual, but it helped because it was early lockdown, there was no one on road or pavement, only occasionally. Anyway, counting helped to stop the feelings of anxiety ect, and also its boring walking alone, double edged because, you are achieving a lot, compared with not doing it. Any way that was 10 weeks ago, I progressed from 20 to 40 100, and then still counting but not pausing. Im now back to ok with timing, and alternate 100 faster steps 100 leisurely, shall we say, and if the sun temp is up, or carrying shoping alternating fastish and slowish, stops the boredom, keeps you going, and I found I liked the counting which not so when istarted and I can now think of other things whilst out walking. It may be that the cause of your problem obviously not the same reasons as mine, which was housebound and quite ill 12 weeks, and doing 'stuff' on your own takes more courage. Sorry if its longwinded. and good luck.

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

I’m 41 and overweight and I just started week 8, you’ll be fine, you’ve got this 😊