Running outside

[Gayle87]

How can I start ?

Want to run outside but I get nervous of other people any advice

Thanku

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

If you don't wish to be seen running, run early in the morning when there are not many people around. 😊 🏃🏾.

[nowster Graduate]

You know what? Most people won't even notice you. You're just another jogger to them.

[Lydia978 Graduate]

I used to feel exactly the same! Like the reply above I started running early when it’s quiet, around 8am. It’s quieter and sets you for the day feeling positive! Once you’ve seen a couple of people on your journey you’ll feel less anxious, and people probably wouldn’t notice!😊 good luck!🏃🏼‍♀️

[Feltip Graduate]

I would like to say, sod them, just enjoy what you are doing and that's something positive and good for you.....however I am very over weight and it took all my courage to go out in public and run (plod)

I go to the field opposite me, it backs onto the local park, at 8am, all I see are the early dog walkers

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

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.

When did you last look at a runner and have negative feelings about them.

Most people won't notice you and those who do will probably admire you.

What does it matter what others think when you are doing something so positive and life changing for you?

You can do this.

Enjoy your journey.

[Sniffy25 Graduate]

Firstly well done on your weight loss, you are doing really well 👏👏💐. I’m sure most on here would agree the hardest step is the first one out the door but it won’t be long before you look forward to each run. Feeling apprehensive is normal but as you would have seen there is so much encouragement and advice on this forum and we are with you all the way. One of the most useful pieces of advice given is keep it slow, it’s not a race, the goal is to be able to run for 30 minutes, distance and speed comes much later. Deep breath and give it a go, you’ve got this 👍

[Gayle87 in reply to Sniffy25]

Thanku

[Choirgirl2020]

I had the same worries but actually felt better once I'd done it once because I saw lots of people of different shapes and sizes walking, jogging etc. I just go for it now, sing the tunes to myself, smile at people, I very consciously try not to care and just enjoy myself

[juliemacd1 Graduate]

I still feel self conscious when out plodding. I run later in the evening and I walk my route on a rest day to see how busy it is before running it. Particularly with social distancing at the moment I like to pick a route with ‘safe’ passing places (no busy roads to step into etc etc).

Good luck

[NotAM Graduate]

I love running 🏃‍♀️ outside! Initially, I was super aware of the people around me and preoccupied about some negative judgment. The more you go to run outside the less all that matter! I run in the morning, some people don’t even notice me and some cannot wait to say/nod hello! The best advice is - just go outside and run! 🌺

[peglegs Graduate]

I know what you mean, so much so that I made my husband come out with me.

But you know what, once the run starts your not going to notice. Stick your headphones

in and just focus on how much good you're doing for yourself.

When I finish a run I look like a sweating tomato but I feel amazing.

You're going to love running outside. Go for it.

[nowster Graduate in reply to peglegs]

I definitely fit the sweaty tomato category. 🍅

[Irish-John Graduate]

If you feel self conscious, maybe a few things I learned might help

Unless they see you coming out your door, nobody knows if you've run ten metres or ten miles If you REALLY want to add an extra level - have a running shirt printed up with "Sahara Death Race 2019 Survivor" on it

Most people won't even think about your running. If they do I guarantee that the vast majority will be thinking along the lines of "I wish I could run" or "good for you, running takes commitment and dedication". The tiny percentage who try being funny - If they catch me at a bad moment I just imagine them having emphysema because of being lazy louts whilst MY lungs are nice and clear because I run

I will never be caught dead wearing running shorts and singlet. I know it would "improve" my running but I am what I wear and I'm very happy with my jet black tee shirts and tracksuit. There are times when the "Runners High" hit that I feel like the guy in the old "Because the lady loves Milk Tray" ads LOL Seriously though - I d feel like a total Wally wearing shorts, and I want to enjoy my running not "be better but uncomfortable' at it.

My first day, a woman passing by genuinely thought I was having a heart attack. Kinda embarrassing.

Two years later I did my first ten miles run very stupidly - jumped from 7 to 10, knew I was in deep difficulty the last mile but stubbornly ran on, got to ten miles, literally fell down when I tried to sit down on the grass and couldn't stand up for almost half an hour. My legs just wouldn't support me. When I was able to stand, I could barely walk without my legs giving way again and it took me ages to get home and several rest stops along the way - usually a 12 minute walk. Embarrassing.

Point is - it seems awful at the time maybe, but as your running improves so does your confidence in your ability and yourself. The last time some moron "heckled" me, it took me a few moments for it to register they were referring to me - and I could literally not have cared less, it affected me as much as if they had said "Look at the Eskimo" and pointed at me. Obviously, their perception is their problem - I no longer have any problem with how my running is perceived. As long as I don't have wear running shorts that is

Run for you, it's worth it

Wishing you many happy miles in you future

[nowster Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

I wish I could give this post more than just a single like.

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thank you nowster

[Hidden in reply to Irish-John]

OMG watch this space for my new T-shirt ..... hahaha

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Post a photo please

[Foxyblue in reply to Irish-John]

😂 love the idea of the T-shirt 🤣

I do say to myself though that people who see me don’t know if I’ve just ran 200m or 10miles and it helps!

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Foxyblue]

And just think! Some day you actually could be running ten miles I never in a million years thought I could

[Foxyblue in reply to Irish-John]

You never know 😉

[Couchphoenix Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Love the running shirt idea, that’s brilliant 😂

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

A few members went ahead and did it I'm thinking I might get one made for my next trip over - would be fun if another member spotted it and introduced themselves It could be kind of like our "secret handshake" LOL

[Couchphoenix Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

A Masonic type secret running shirt 🎽 👍😂

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

And a C25k trousers with rolled up leg

[Couchphoenix Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

I can see you’re a slave to fashion Irish-John 😂

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

Yep 😁

If you see me walking down the street, You'll know me by my 27 inch Bellbottoms and ruffed shirt 😎

😂

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

I felt exactly the same when I started Gayle87, set your alarm for 5:15am and go out at 6am, the air is fresh and clean and the streets are empty. Get a good upbeat playlist going and get out there, your confidence soon grows, trust me, and the truth is there’s so many people running these days that nobody really takes any notice of you. Watch the You Tube motivational video I use on my Bed to 5k post, it gets me up and out there every time.....Good Luck 👍

[nowster Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

Given the expected temperatures here on Friday (30°C by mid afternoon), I'm definitely setting my alarm early for my next run.

[Bluenos3 Graduate]

I started by running very early in the morning in the country side- I do live a 5 minute walk which helped, look for local cycle routes they are easy to follow and not many people around early in the morning.