Feel low and disheartened today

[JessPix]

Just caught sight of myself as I struggled down the stairs again today and feel really disheartened. I'm still old, fat and unfit. Now I know this programme can't perform miracles, but I long for the day I could wear a mid length skirt or cropped trouser without being ashamed and embarrassed by the size of my legs. Will it ever happen?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Running is one of the best, if not the best way to tone up your legs, so stick with it, make running a part of your life and in time.....there are no quick fixes........you will definitely see the difference, especially if you combine exercise with a good broad and healthy diet.

[JessPix Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you all the advice and links you have given are helping me a great deal.

[Newbie59 Graduate]

Hi, you've only just started the programme but you have taken a HUGE step, so well done. Please don't be disheartened, keep following the programme, but listen to your body, and if you need an extra day of rest, have it.

There are no miracles but if you keep at it you will make slow steady progress and I can guarantee in two months time you will be amazed at yourself!

Good Luck!

[JessPix Graduate in reply to Newbie59]

Thank you for your kind supportive words. I agree there are no miracles...I was just hoping 😂😂 Really appreciate your encouragement

[Hidden]

You are new to running

You haven't given up

You will complete the programme

Lots to be positive about. Running will certainly enhance your fitness and stamina. No need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. You can only control what you can and you are doing it. Puzzle pieces; bit by bit it will all come together. We can't go from a to z without going through the alphabet so worry less and be kind to yourself more. Honestly, each time you step out of the door it is a victory. Whatever the run looks like or however it went matters not. Keep going, keep going out and running supplemented by diet, sleep and other forms of exercise will help. I noticed you said in your first post how much better you felt. You'll feel this more and more as you go on. Believe in you as we on here all do.

[JessPix Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for such a thoughtful and encouraging reply. It makes a lot of sense what you said. Think I’m just angry with myself where it’s yet another summer where I’m still feeling like this. I really like what you have said about each run being a victory and I will try to keep this at the front of my mind each time I step out of the door. Thank you!

[Hidden in reply to JessPix]

You are welcome! We all have moments like this. The past is there and can't be changed but today can so keep going and you're on this crazy ride now. Hold on tight and don't let go!

[JessPix Graduate in reply to Hidden]

🙌🙌🙌🌈

[Sandtheplodder Graduate]

Please don't feel disheartened. I'm old and fat too but managed to complete the challenge just over 2 weeks ago. In week one I could barely manage the 1 minute runs and wondered how on earth I was going to complete this crazy challenge. Just take it easy, go slowly and then slower still and if you have to stop to catch your breathe do it and then carry on. Never beat yourself up if you don't complete a run, just repeat and carry on. You're winning and changing already by getting up and out there but you have to accept its not an easy challenge and you won't get results overnight but believe me if you persevere the benefits both physically and mentally are well worth the hard work. I never managed the 5k in 30 minutes during the challenge but today for the first time I've managed a 5k jog even if took me 52 minutes to do it, its slow but it's my speed and I'm very proud of myself at having done it. Keep on in there and keep us updated on your progress.

[JessPix Graduate]

I’m really inspired by what you have written 😊 thanks for taking the time to reply and huge congratulations on what you’ve achieved. Hope I can get there too one day.

[Coffee18 Graduate]

Aww jesspix, we all have days like that! Some days I feel like a svelte superhero and other days just like you’re feeling today - like, who am I kidding? But let’s try and carry on, little by little we must be doing good and creating new healthy habits. Just getting out the door is a battle, the rest will follow. I hope!

[JessPix Graduate in reply to Coffee18]

That’s such a lovely reply, thank you! Let’s hope together for more svelte superhero days 😄 Thanks for your encouragement and you sound like you’re doing great with the programme 👍

[Coffee18 Graduate in reply to JessPix]

I’ve astonished myself with my progress - just finished week 8, really no idea how, it’s still a mental battle to get out the door and put one foot in front of the other! Sometimes I feel slower than walking pace but I am determined 💪

[Coffee18 Graduate in reply to Coffee18]

Ps if I can do it, you can!

[JessPix Graduate in reply to Coffee18]

Ah love your positivity! I’m slower than a snail but you’re right, at least we’re getting out there 🙌

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

Aw Jesspix 😕- put on your big girl brave pants and stick with it - I promise you that you can do it and will feel more positive about yourself. You have started on a very exciting journey that will change you in ways you never even knew! And making that first step is the hardest - so give yourself a pat on the back and we’re all here to support you - you’ve got this💪🏻

[JessPix Graduate]

Love your reply, thanks so much! I can’t wait for the day when my big girls pants are slightly smaller 😂😂 Thanks for the encouragement, really appreciate it

[SweatyHettie Graduate in reply to JessPix]

Yikes I’ve just realised that my “big girls brave pants” might have been taken the wrong way, I’m so sorry! Thank goodness you didn’t though 😅

You will definitely be in some smaller ones before you know it !

[JessPix Graduate in reply to SweatyHettie]

🤣🤣🤣not at all!! I thought it was hilarious 🤗

[Nilsam Graduate]

Sorry you are feeling low JessPix. Well done for posting and you have received some great replies. A year ago I was almost 1.5 stone heavier and seriously fed up. I found the simple (not so simple maybe) idea of deciding not to eat dairy made a huge difference to my stomach, legs and overall health. I realised women of a certain age don't need it.

Combining the healthier diet with the exercise really helped my frame of mind. The community forum allowed me to read all sorts of tricks and trips. It is not an over night education but learning to be kind to yourself is a first step. Take care.

[JessPix Graduate in reply to Nilsam]

Thanks for such a thoughtful response. I think you have hit the nail on the head as my diet needs a complete overhaul. There’s so much advice and support in here that I think is really going to help me make a lot of changes. 🤗

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to JessPix]

Big this is you are not alone, JessPix. Take care. Hope you are feeling ok today. 😎

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

Of course it will happen, it will just take time, unfortunately weight doesn’t fall off as quickly as it climbs on. This time next year you’ll be buying all the dresses you want 😊

[JessPix Graduate in reply to Dtay1978]

I will honestly be doing cartwheels on them if so!!! 😂 thank you for the encouragement, here’s to next summer’s dresses!