Nearly didn't do my run today...

[Gottamakechanges]

...cos I got changed, looked in the mirror and thought I looked a right state (strangely my leggings have shrunk somehow since their last one-off outing 18 months ago and getting them on was almost as tough as the run 🤣) - not sure what I wanted to see looking back at me but I certainly didn't feel like someone who should be out jogging. I did do it though - my download failed half way through so had to just use timer on phone - and felt good for it afterwards but really hope to get to a point where I can step out the front door with confidence. 🙏

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Massive well done to you on getting the run done with all challenges!! You deserve to be extra proud of yourself for that one. 👏👏👏

[Gottamakechanges Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

That's very kind of you 😘

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

You nearly didn't go but you did. Well done you 😁 be proud

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

"Confidence is the best outfit... wear it and rock it"!

When you look in that mirror... see the runner you are...out there, doing it and with nothing to prove. When I began I was, the original Grey Snail...Black leggings, grey jacket, grey hat!

I referred to myself as that until I realised, with the support of the folk on here,.. I was much more...now?

Funkiest, loudest gear, and loving every single moment that I am running! Just feel proud. We think you are awesome... now you have to believe that!

[Gottamakechanges Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you for the encouragement 💖. I used to run 20 years or more ago - never more than 5 or 6 miles - but last night I was lying in bed wondering what on earth I did with my lovely running gear. I can only imagine at some point I decided my running was behind me and took it to the clothes bank. I'm thinking, end of week 4, I'll treat myself to some new leggings -the ones I've got were bought sight unseen and they're not a great fit or look. Knowing I've got my carrot should help. Thanks for your lovely message. Have a great day 😀

[misswobble Graduate]

Ha ha 😁. Ruddy costume fails! Drat em. They happen and it’s to be endured til you either lose weight or treat yourself to new tights 😀

Many of us set off with no confidence at all, and even run at night or hide in woods 🥷. We all emerge blinking into the light a bit further down the road though. Like emerging butterflies 🐛🦋

Have fun out there 😃👍

[Gottamakechanges Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Oh yes, I was taking many a turn to avoid people. Be lovely to emerge like a 🦋 💞

[Trailslogg Graduate]

Happens every time I look in the mirror... Somehow I imagine myself to be young with long slender legs - the kind of person on the cover of Runner's World - when I'm slow jogging, and I wonder who is that wrinkled, pudgy woman?! Thank goodness there are no mirrors along the trails where I run 😂

[Gottamakechanges Graduate in reply to Trailslogg]

Yeah, no mirrors is much easier. I agree! 😜😊

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

Running gear has it's own set of challenges. I treated myself to new trousers from Decathlon the other week. The thing that sold them to me was the pockets, 4 in the front, 2 of which have zips and one at the back (never quite got the hang of using that one). I didn't try them on in the shop and when I put them on at home....I look about 10 sizes bigger than in my tight leggings. Never mind though, they are gloriously comfortable, nobody is looking at me and they have zipped pockets that are big enough for my phone and gloves!!!!!

Obviously when the pockets are full the apparent size of the wearer increases even more, but if I was gonna bother about that I definitely wouldn't be wearing my shorts in the summer either, and where would be the fun in that?

[Gottamakechanges Graduate]

Haha indeed 😜 I do need pockets for sure!!