Total newbie

[Reevyrob]

Hi everyone! Just completed my first run of week one. Confess that I did it indoors jogging up and down the hall- couldn’t bring myself to go outside. Next time I will try my park. So nervous of doing this in public as I am really overweight and it’s not going to be a pretty sight! However super proud I got through the first workout. I’d be grateful for any tips 😊

[Staceyxxxx90 Graduate]

Firstly I want you to give yourself a massive well done for making the decision to start. That will always be the biggist hurdle you'll face and you've done the first workout so well done you!!

I find when I run I sort of become invisible, people only notice me to move out of the way. If you focus on what is around you like cars, houses, birds etc you won't have the headspace to even think about what others are potentially thinking about you. These thoughts are almost always intrusive thoughts that hold no value what so ever.

Be kind to yourself. Be excited about this new journey you are on. Pace is never important. You are always so much more than your weight.

Some tips I can give are

Go slowly.... Very slowly

Drink water

Smile!!! Even if your struggling just smile it releases loads of feel good feelings

Change your route when your further into the programme so you don't get bored.

Hope this helps. I have every faith in you!!

[Reevyrob in reply to Staceyxxxx90]

Thanks for such a lovely supportive message! I will venture out next time, headphones in and some good music for distraction!

[PurplePanda42 Graduate]

Just keep going!!! And really well done. I'm on week 8 (can't believe I've actually just typed that) - didn't believe I would make it through week 1 run 1 but I did and kept going!

I've been going to the park really early in the morning (often before 6am!) - partly due to shielding but also so I don't meet anyone!! I lost loads of weight through Slimming World a few years back but it's piled back on in lockdown - embarrassed to go back to my group as used to be an inspiration to others. However, running is something that I can control - it's not always easy but it's down to me, and no-one else, to keep putting one foot in front of the other!

[Reevyrob in reply to PurplePanda42]

Thanks- going early is a great tip!

[Diamondshoes Graduate]

Well done for starting. Don't worry about what you look like - people really don't notice, believe me. And anyway, you're out there running. I used to pretend I'd just done a marathon!

[AgingMetalHead Graduate]

Congratulations on starting, that's the hardest part done! Great job. As others have said, take it slowly, remember your rest days, and make sure you're well hydrated before you go out.

As for what others think when you run outside? They'll simply think you're awesome for getting out and running. I did my first C25K run in an old black cotton t-shirt, dark blue tracksuit bottoms and black trainers. I hid from everyone and chose places I knew would be quiet. I soon realised nobody, nobody, was taking the slightest bit of interest in me. These days I run in a bright red or blue top, orange running shoes (or my blue ones or my orange and blue ones or... yeah you get the picture!) and shorts. And still nobody cares!

Good luck with the rest of your runs.

[Reevyrob in reply to AgingMetalHead]

Thanks - that makes me feel a bit more confident!

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

Well done!! Cap down tunes on 😊😎 One run at a time. Your confidence will soon bloom 👊👊 Be proud, you are actually doing this!!!😀

[Reevyrob in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thanks!!

[topton]

Newby here too, I've just started week 2. You have just taken the biggest step--getting started, super well done for that. I'm 58 and haven't excersised for at least 25 years. When I started last week, I was feeling awkward and embarrassed whenever I was running towards someone or catching them up, wondering if they were laughing at me for being such a crap out of breath old guy runner. After 3 runs of week 1, I decided to say to myself when meeting anyone " laugh if you want, at least I'm doing something, you aren't you lazy so and so. " Made me feel better lol. So take your time, get out there and laugh at all the lazy people (under your breath of course ). You'll also be surprised just how many people are actually impressed of what you are attempting. I am !!

[Reevyrob in reply to topton]

Thanks so much!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

Yey for starting the programme it’s MAGIC! I’m on week 6 run 2 and I’m addicted , have run before but never without walking breaks and always on a treadmill in the gym. I run as early as poss to avoid nosy people and love the quiet, the birds tweeting and my gasps for breath the only noises around x bliss! It gets easier quite quickly too, I’m not saying it’s easy to run, not at all, but the pain lessens and you begin to look forward to it and the time goes by a lot quicker. Well

Done for starting and I can’t wait to see you finish and graduate!

[Islandmacmum Graduate]

Just saw your post - well done on your progress. I’m also overweight and self conscious; the best thing I’ve discovered is wearing a sun visor. It blocks out the sun (which is why I bought it) but I then discovered it narrows my field of vision so I don’t notice people - it sounds funny, I know. I’m aware of figures but I don’t catch their eye so am able to ignore. I probably sound a bit mad but it honestly helps me.