I did it!

[JOP66]

Morning all,

Nervous (why?) of my first outdoor run after Graduating again from C25K last week on the treadmill....but I did it this morning in Wandsworth Park at 7am - it was tough but after the first 10-15 minutes I started to really enjoy it - will continue to do these outside as much as possible and shall try to get rid of the nerves and try a parkrun for the first time ever - I registered years ago 2016 I think but have NEVER taken part - Sat mornings are for sleeping in but I'd love to achieve a Park Run providing I can build up the nerve to attend one!!

BTW all these joggers are so slim and regardless of my diet, why doesn't the weight just fall off me as it does with others? I've told myself feeling and being fit is better than being a skinny jogger but it's not as if I couldn't benefit from losing a couple of stone - and please don't say it will come off - I've heard that far too many times over the years

Thank you for your support and well done to all graduates this weekend and those who like me have experienced (again!) the sweet taste of the great outdoors!

😉

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Congratulations on a great run! So many of us get nervous before runs. Being able to give it a go anyway is so important and you nailed it! 🏃‍♀️💪🎉

A couple of things in your post stood out to me as interesting. What makes you think all joggers are slim? There’s a real range around here. If you look at some parkrun photos, you’ll see that’s common to all the parkruns and big run events too. If you’re not comfortable at your weight, it’s easy to assume that you’ll be the only one there of your size (whatever that may be) but I can almost guarantee that that won’t be true.

The other thing that’s not quite right is that weight falls off others easily. For most people, it’s a long and slow process that’s a hard and comes with ups and downs. You’re most definitely not alone in struggling. Have you thought about looking up the Health Unlocked weight loss forums where you’ll find many virtual buddies who can share their challenges and successes? There’s the same sort of support there that there is here with running.

Hope you’re celebrating that fantastic outdoor run. It’s such a great feeling! ❤️🏃‍♀️🎄

[JOP66 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Many thanks for your very helpful response. I shall take a look at those forums.

Unfortunately, I see I'm in the "its all one thing or another" mode of thought and yes of course you're correct - I'm probably comparing my 57 year old bod to that of a twenty something - I know I'm VERY VERY lucky with my body and health status - we're never satisfied are we?! THANK YOU 😉

[MissUnderstanding Administrator in reply to JOP66]

I absolutely know that mode of thinking well! Our rational brains know we’re talking nonsense but it’s hard to shake “everyone is fitter than me”, “everyone is slimmer than me”, “everyone is better than me at this” when those gremlins strike.

Today you’ve got some amazing ammunition to fight them off with that brilliant run. We’re all cheering you on 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to JOP66]

healthunlocked.com/weight-l... here is a link to the site MissUnderstanding mentions.. loads of chums from here are on there too... well done you for getting out there.

We do all have our little or large worries and we are, many of us struggling with different running battles... I am desperately trying to put weight on! I get a few lbs. on, then they go again!

If you are comfy in your own skin, fit and healthy, that is just great and if you feel that you want to shed a lb. or two, that is fine also.

We are all so wonderfully different and you will fins at Park Run how obvious that is ! All runners/ or walkers and all loving what they are doing and supporting each other

[JOP66 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Excellent response and referral , thank you so very much, kindest regards 😉🙏

[JOP66 Graduate]

😉👍🙏

[Cmoi Graduate]

Congratulations on your run JOP66 ! But who are all these slim joggers from whom weight falls off?

That's certainly not me. Weight doesn't fall off just because you run. The only time I've ever been able to eat what I wanted and still lose weight was when I was marathon training. And when I was injured after a fall I gained several kilos, because I wasn't running and was comfort-eating. Yes, I'm now back into what is considered normal BMI weight range. But, despite my lack of height, I will never be a dainty skinny little thing because I'm just not built that way.

If you're genuinely not happy with your weight, whether that's for health-related or other reasons, then follow the excellent advice from MissUnderstanding and take a look at the weight loss forums. But please forget about comparing yourself to others. I know from experience how soul-destroying that can be. Concentrate on being you, and enjoy your running! 😀

[JOP66 Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you so very much🤩

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Congrats on your first outdoor run - definitely the way to go, if you ask me. 👍Also, I can assure you (having attended lots of running events) that runners really do come in all shapes and sizes and running is probably the most inclusive activity you could have chosen! Good luck with Parkrun - they do a talk for first timers each week and you can take it as fast or slow as you like. 🙂

[Running_at50 Graduate]

Well done on graduating 😁 I have just graduated for a second time and I know exactly how you feel as regards to the size issue. I'm 51 and a size 16 so I'm no skinny jogger 😂 I am slowly coming to terms with my running body, I consider myself strong and I am definitely feeling the benefits of running. I know it's easy to say don't worry about those slim 20 something's (I was one once!) but it's your journey and yours alone.

I have done parkrun 8 times over 7 years 😂 and everyone is so supportive. I'm one of those near the back but hey I did it. Good luck with your running journey x