getting started

[Blondeskater]

ive just got the app to try and sort myself out! I was a strong athlete and i lost my way and gained a lot of weight, im now extremely self conscious after being told i was too fat and im finding it hard to get the motivation to start my journey! I don’t really have any friends as ive moved from home and mentally ive been struggling for a while. Any advice ?

[SkiMonday Graduate]

Having experienced restarting from scratch (after an illness), I know that building back can take a frustratingly long time. However, by keeping going and being patient, I’m sure you’ll be able to regain your fitness.

Have you considered looking at local running clubs? There’s also plenty of support on here!

Best wishes for your journey!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Hi lovely, you've come to the right place if you need a little hand hold and a lot of cheering on. I had never run when I started, and I felt ridiculously self conscious. I felt a complete fraud the first time I stepped outside (in running gear which I had cobbled together from stuff I already had).I found it helped if I posted on here first before a run, then I felt like I had committed myself! My best trick though was to decide which days I would run, set the alarm, get up and into running gear and out the door. Just getting into the leggings (and a decent running bra, very important) seems to flick a switch in my head and once I'm dressed, I never back out. If I faff about in my dressing gown, making tea and worrying about the weather, I might talk myself out of it.

Oh and I also found a running group that runs c25k courses. There might be something like that in your area, it's a great way to make friends.

So keep posting here, we'll provide the support. You know you can do this💪

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

Sorry I missed this! Welcome to the forum. We’ve got lots of posters with stories like yours who’ve gone on to become regular runners again and regained their love of the sport. It’s hard feeling frustrated. You’ve made a really positive choice to start exercising again and you’ll soon feel the benefits. You’ve already had some great advice from the previous posters. Building back from a break or an injury can be mentally tough. I found it helpful to focus on the improvements I was making on this new journey and not look back too much on what I used to be able to do. There will be loads of moments of success-essentially every time you start a run that’s a win. Take time to celebrate that.

There’s a brilliant little guide to the programme here with lots of helpful hints and tips.  Well worth a read.  Most important is keeping it slow and steady at a pace where you can talk in full sentences without gasping.  Most of us go too fast! Recovery days between runs are absolutely essential too.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Really good luck to you. You’ve now got a whole load of virtual run buddies who are here to cheer you on! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Blondeskater , and welcome! Please do read the programme guide linked in MissUnderstanding 's post, and all the helpful tips from other posters too.

Also, "Boo!" to whoever told you you're too fat, even if it was well-intentioned or came from a health professional. However it was meant, it's clearly not helped you. Sure, carrying excess weight isn't recommended, but you know that already, you don't need to be shamed or made to feel that your appearance is unacceptable into the bargain.

You've downloaded the app and you've posted on here, so that's a great start. The C25K programme works, so just put on some suitable clothes and footwear, and give the first session a go. You've nothing to lose.

Please keep us posted, believe in yourself, and have fun!

[nowster Graduate]

You're starting with an advantage over those of us who never were athletic (not even at school), only coming to running in our middle age.

Now if a desk-bound guy in his early fifties could go from zero to 30 minutes over the course of a few months, it should be possible for you to get back into it.

All it needs is a commitment to follow the programme, not overdo things, and gradually reignite that belief in yourself.

And don't worry how you look when out running. Wear your most garish colours as camouflage and nobody will even notice you. 🤣

The hardest step is the first one.

[CocoabeansandOllie]

this could literally be me, you’re not alone. We can do this 🥰

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate in reply to CocoabeansandOllie]

Glad you’ve found us too! Have a good read around the links and come back with any updates and questions. We’re ready to cheer you on!