Hi All I am a newbie to both excerise and self care as well as this community

[Gothgirl89]

All my younger life I was a size 6 to 8. I could eat what I wanted but when I was 23, I was put on medication for my mental health that increased both my weight and appetite. My weight began to balloon immediately. I also started getting up in the night and raiding the house for food. I would eat anything that I would come across. I would have no memory of this and it can get dangerous, as on occasion I have also cooked. Once I woke the next morning with burns down my stomach. After investigating it turned out I had been boiling pasta. This has caused me to have a unhealthy relationship with my medication, with me coming off it on my own on a few occasions. This would always cause my mental health to get worsePlus the last few years, I have been suffering with extreme social anxiety with bouts of agrophobia caused by PTSD from past trauma. So I have not been getting enough exercise and I suffer with a vitamin d deficiency from how little sunlight I get due to my agrophobia.

I am now 33 and am determined to get healthy by exercising, changing my diet and working to change my mindset. This will all involve fighting back against my illness.

But the realisation that I need to make these changes is because I feel so much older than I am and after toxic relationships over the last decade I have developed extremely low self esteem and self hatred I hate to look in mirrors and take photos (though I do try to keep a Instagram running as I enjoy my intrest in bargain hunting and alternative clothing jewellery and accessories and want to be the type of person who.can post a selfie without getting very upset by the process)

I appolagise for my long post and any bad grammar or spelling I over explain a lot and the app a use to help with my dyslexia sometime seems to be more dyslexic than me 😆

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Welcome to the couch25k community! We’re primarily running focussed here. Lots of our members have talked about how running has helped them with their mental health as a side effect of the programme. We absolutely love chatting about all things running related here and if you’ve got questions or want cheering on with that, you’re in the right place.

Have you been for your first run yet? Are you planning on using a treadmill?

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! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Gothgirl89 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Yes one of the main reasons i am interested in jogging and then running is the benifits to my mental health. Plus I find it easier going out with my dog and I know he will really enjoy the faster pace. So I have ordered a running lead for my dog and some trainers running close for me and I have started doing a fast walk round in the local area getting my body used to it do its not such a shock. I have also been finding apps to help me with my goal and found this community after gettingbthe coach to 5k app

[MissUnderstanding Administrator in reply to Gothgirl89]

Sounds like you’ve got some sensible plans! It’s a good idea to be comfortable doing a thirty minute brisk walk before you start c25k.

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate]

Oh, wow, my heart goes out to you, Gothgirl89 , for all you've been through! And I admire your determination, heck, your courage to turn your life around! Hats off! (A running hat, of course!)

You'll find this community very helpful in cheering you on - at least that's what I've found!

I wish you luck with your journey and looking forward to being a little part of it as you start sharing here about it (at least your running/jogging/walking part of it...).

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

Good luck with the start of your running journey Gothgirl89

Take it slowly (don't expect to run much faster than walking pace to begin with) and let us know how you get on. This is the most positive and supportive place I've found on the internet, so you've come to the right place.

[KathBils Graduate]

We're all rooting for you! You're in the right place. My advice would be to take it slowly, not be hard on yourself and pop in here for support regularly. C25k is a life-changing programme and you'll soon start seeing the benefits.

[OldManRunning Graduate]

Well one thing you'll get here Gothgirl89 is great advice, encouragement, and friendly faces. All the best with C25k and your personal aims. I think that was more than 'one thing' 😂 😂

[Hidden]

Welcome to the community and to running. You are clearly a determind person and I wish you all the very best.

Check in here regularly and log your progress, it really helps!

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate]

First of all - welcome. You won't regret your decision to jump on. The Formum is a great source of information advice and support.

I am no expert - but I think you need to get your medication reviewed? I sounds dangerous.

Running is great for your mental health and I reccommend doing it outside witht h fresh air and nature, if you have acce3ss.

Running won't actually take weight off, but will increase fitness and health. This, in turn, will help you develope a more sympathetic attitude to food.

Stick with it. Go slow. Stick to to program. Follow the advice and repeat if neccessary and hydrate.

[nowster Graduate]

Welcome! Best of luck. 👍

And I've found that people don't notice you in running gear... unless they're also runners.

[Rungranny Graduate]

You are very welcome here, and I admire your courage to take back control of your life. Follow the couch to 5k plan as best you can. Keep slow and slower still until your legs and breathing and general fitness catches up. It won't be long until Spring is in the air and the days are warmer and brighter which is so good for lifting mood.As a dog lover myself I love that you are including your dog on the journey. He /she will love the exercise and get used to the running lead very quickly.

Best wishes on your new goals.

[Foxredrunner Graduate]

Lots of love to you and congratulations for making such a positive step. I've just finished week 3 and have a well lit green space near me that's ideal for my runs - apart from some of my circuit being quite steep! It's definitely doing me good, and at the moment, I'm running when I get up, before dawn. As an alternative type of person too, I find this really fun and I get to listen to whatever music I fancy as I go. Maybe I should have a week of the Damned, as a lot of their songs are at a really good pace for walking or running! I definitely feel stronger and more resiliant, and finishing each run and having a shower feels like bliss!