Still running

[Bebe22]

So a month on from graduating I just wanted to say that I think I might be a runner now. I run three times a week now religiously (still on a treadmill).I have lost a stone and my resting heart rate is down is down 12 beats to 62. I feel brighter. This Programme has changed my life. I just need to figure out how to brave it outside now 😀. Whilst I have not been a heavy contributor I have read every post and continue to do so ❤️.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Well done for keeping it up, and as to braving it outside, go for it, it’s a very different experience

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Congratulations to you! What an encouraging post. Running outside is great. It’s a nice time of year at the moment with all the wildlife and the flowers. It’s light for a long time into the evening too. Is there anything specific that’s stopping you?

[Bebe22 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I don't even know what's stopping me. I have some mental block. There is no logic to it at all.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Bebe22]

What about trying to find a good route and starting by walking? You could think about doing a bit of run-walk, and then run when you’re ready? You might find the thought of it is nothing like the actual experience. There’s nothing wrong at all with only running on a treadmill but if you’d like to try outdoors, it would be a shame to miss out on that.

[Bebe22 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

That's a really good idea and takes the pressure away. ❤️

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

As you say, you have a block about running outdoors. It was the same for many of us, feeling self conscious about being seen out running by strangers.......or perhaps worse, by people who know us.

Actually other folk will probably not even notice you and are highly unlikely to judge you.

Plan a nice quiet local route, through a park or on footpaths. Put your running stuff on and head out for a nice brisk walk. At some point you might well find yourself jogging.........

Getting your pace right might take a few runs, but the fresh air, closeness to nature, vitamin D, ever changing backdrop and the fun of exploring your environment will soon prevail.

Have you read the guide to post C25k running?

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Roxdog Graduate]

As a previous treadmill runner, when I started cto5k ages ago, I would say that whilst you might find that first outside run a bit tougher than the treadmill, you will get used to it quickly.

[Bebe22 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Fingers crossed x I am hoping to give it a got.his week.

[Chris--B Graduate]

I would say just go for it. I too did the C25k on a treadmill (this time) and have done 3 runs a week for a few weeks since completing it. Today was my second time outside and as has been said, it is a different experience. I would definitely recommend it. Good luck.

[Solor Graduate]

I completed c25k on the treadmill - I was at the gym, don’t know if you have your own. Like you I couldn’t envisage running outdoors, I think because it’s not a controlled environment - there’s weather, people, dogs, hills and so on. The first few runs were hard to get started on and even now I often have to make deals with myself before I go out. I say to myself just put the gear on, get out the door, walk and see what happens - even if you just get a short walk in the fresh air it’s worth it. Happily what happens is it ALWAYS turns into a run and I don’t even worry about having to overtake walkers at my slow speed any more, I care much less than I used to.

The real magic is the feeling of achievement and wellbeing afterwards and the fact that I’m practically back home in the time it would take me to get to get started at the gym. I think I’m even ready to run in the rain!!! If you don’t try it you’ll never know. Good luck and we’ll done.

[Chinkoflight]

Running, well fast walking/jogging for me, is free, you don't need to bring anything with you, it's liberating. Today a regular early morning walker gave me words of encouragement for the second time! Just great. I like the advice, start by finding a walk and then just breaking out into a jog. Just do it as they say.

Just had a warm up walk to my starting point here! Didn't need to bring my treadmill!