W8R3 ✅

[Karis28]

I did it but it wasn’t easy for me 🥺 I run slowly but I know I’m carrying extra weight plus I changed my route and added a few slight hills in (not a good idea) I’m trying to eat healthier but last week I fell off the wagon 😢 So disappointed in myself but I’m now refocused and have 3 days to sort myself out. I’m so envious of other runners I pass who don’t look like a pig on a hot roast! 🥵 (My face gets very red lol) this forum has kept me going with the running and I’m not about to give up now so thanks again all! 🙂

[Penguingirl1 Graduate]

Well done Karis. I completed week 8 run 2 this morning so know exactly what you are going through at the moment. Keep going - graduation is in sight! X

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to Penguingirl1]

Thank you Penguingirl1 you’re absolutely right. We’re almost there!! 😁

[Whydothis Graduate]

You can do it - just keep going! But why not leave the hills until after you have graduated - work up to your 30 minutes so you know you can do it, and your legs will then be ready to start on hills. Once graduated, you can always have one run a week that is shorter but hilly and so challenging.Don't push yourself any harder than you need to!

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to Whydothis]

Thank you Whydothis good advice, noted! No more hills for me I shall do my old, very flat route Saturday 🙂

[backintime Graduate]

So close now!

you did really well if you've added in a hill or 2!

Those extra 2 minutes for week 9 will fly by.

You are not the only red faced person out there - I am red faced from about 2 minutes in and it just stays that way, I don't think that's going to change any time soon.

When I looked it up ages ago, it just said that it is your body's way of trying to lose heat fast and women / fair skinned people suffered more from it - it's a sign that your body is working correctly and dilating blood vessels to help you to lose heat quicker. It is very google-able

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to backintime]

Thank you Backintime I didn’t even think about googling it, (unusual for me I google everything) it’s good to know it’s normal and nothing to worry about! 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I have never been overweight so I admire anyone who is starting to run carrying extra weight as I know if I strapped on an extra couple of stones that I would really struggle.

If any run is tough, just slow down but preparation is key for all runners. Everything going on in our lives can impact on our performance as a runner. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables that need to be optimised to enable enjoyable running.

This post expands on the theme. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep going you are doing great.

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you IannodaTruffe you’re absolutely right re what you eat/drink. I will make sure I’m better prepared next run. 🙂

[mancrunner1 Graduate]

I’ve always been a skinny minnie and I’m reasonably fit but I also look like a tomato when I run, I’m very pale and blush easily so I assume it’s a similar mechanism to that, so try not to feel self-conscious about it! When I look at any other runner on the road I am always full of admiration for them and see us all as a gang, I’m sure anyone who sees you running thinks the same thing!

I am also in awe of people who run hills, especially pre-graduation, so well done you! Def take it a bit easier for your last few runs, hope you enjoy them, so close now!

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to mancrunner1]

Thank you 😊 I will definitely stop being so self conscious of my red face next time😀

[Maz1103 Graduate]

The bonus is (so I have been told) that going red keeps your skin young. I go red so hope it's true x

[Runningwithhoney Graduate]

I’m also over weight and started this to kickstart weight loss. I am literally dripping in sweat (and get sweat patches in some very awkward places!) and I just think that if someone of judging me for working out that tells me more about them than it does about me. Do not worry about not looking like other runners, next week you’ll be able to run 30 minutes 3 x a week and that is a testament to your fitness level, regardless of how you look on the outside. Good luck and keep going ☺️☺️☺️

[Karis28 Graduate in reply to Runningwithhoney]

Thank you. What a fantastic outlook! And so very true! 🙂