Hi, I’m stuck on week 1, run1. I cannot overcome my fear of going out and run. I used to run a lot but after my marriage collapsed , 4 years ago, I stopped and put on so much weight. I feel awful and totally ashamed I’ve let myself down. Now, I’m petrified to run and to be seen running.
Anyone felt like this at some point in their journey? Any tips? 😕
Loads have, it is not an uncommon fear, but walk and run it shows you have strength mentally, people may look and stare, but most will be looking and thinking wow somebody is actually bucking the trend and looking after their health, the other runners will look at you and remember where they started and be impressed that you have joined the club, get out there and show the world you will not settle for an ordinary life, that you can be a better fitter person.
Thank you for your kind words ❤️💪
I'm sure many of us have felt like that, Minou. I know I did. And I know my lovely young future Daughter in Law felt much the same at 26. I addressed my wish to hide by going out very early in the morning when I would see fewer people.
Reading from people in here about those older/younger, fitter/less fit, lighter/heavier than me helped me to get things in perspective. Also my own thoughts about seeing other people out running - how I envy those who are making it loook easy but ADMIRE those who are having to work at it. What courage and strength of character they must have.
You, too, have that strength, or how are you posting in here because of your wish to change things.
I'm sorry about the break up of your marriage - it's a brutal time - but you are clearly ready to take control and we will all be here to support you as you do it.
Good luck. Keep sharing.
Thank you so much for the kibd words. ❤️💪
as T2runner rightly says, half of the people that see you running are runners and wish they were running as well, and the other half are envious of you running.
But I had similar anxieties in the beginning. It does fade but can be hard to overcome.
My strategy at the time was to a) run early mornings, b) get my partner to accompany me for the first few runs, c) seek out less trodden trails.
But that self-consciousness and anxiety does fade quite quickly as you start to benefit from that famous runners high, that makes you just feel so happy after running that you don’t want to miss that feeling.
So the first step out the door is the hardest one. It gets easier after that.
Sending you loads of good vibes to make those first steps easier.
Thank you so much for your kind words! 💪❤️
Hi Minouminette
Life often throws some pretty crap curved balls at us and they often make us afraid, ashamed and loads of other negative feelings. But you know what you’ve taken the very first step if you ran years ago and you’ve decided to come back there must be something you valued in it and you to think about it.
I bet your bottom dollar there will be older, less fit and equally as frightened folk as you are now on this forum.
Some folk walk the C25k programme just to get started on walking and then move up to running.
Go early, go off peak, if need be go to an area where no one knows you, do whatever you need for you to be comfortable to start.
Seriously, when I started years ago I ran in my back garden for the first runs because I figured no one would see me.
Most people are kind and always impressed that you’re going out to improve your fitness. Frankly most people don’t even see you as they’re dealing with their own stuff.
In all my time running or learning to run I’ve not what once had a negative comment, it’s only ever been positive.
You’ve been brave enough to post about your fears, so please use that same bravery and just try W1 R1 and let us know how you get on.
We are with you every step silently wishing you the best
Thank you so much for your kind, motivating words! I’ll keep you posted 💪
So any news ? Hope you managed to conquer your fears
Just come back from my run, so looking out now for yours. You'll do it, when you doubt this place makes you believe. The nice social media place in existence. Good luck
It’s a reason I held back from starting, what would people say ? Well I will tell you they will say absolutely nothing nobody is watching so get out there as soon as you cam you won’t regret it 💪🏻
It's often getting out the door that's difficult for any run.
When I started, I ran near an industrial park and thought the people must be laughing as my running was so slow that they could probably outpace me with a brisk walk. I laughed at myself, too, but stuck with it.
Now I still run near the industrial park but make my way to the canal path and have run past them after 10K.
Take the first step. You'll be so glad you did...
I definitely felt like that; taking up running at the age of 66 following a fractured vertebra wasn’t easy. I used to get in the car and drive five minutes to the car park on the nearby walkway so neighbours wouldn’t see me in my running gear! But I found that as I got into the programme, I felt so much better for running. Being out in the fresh air with my own thoughts and feeling myself getting gradually fitter was a very special experience. I became hooked. I have run a couple of Park Runs recently too; I meet all sorts of kindly people there. The prize is great and definitely worth combating the initial lack of confidence. So, in you own time, at your own pace; just go for it and just choose not to care about the thoughts you think others may have about it. My experience is that nearly everyone is encouraging anyway, and the handful who are not? Miserable people who are not worth listening to 🙂.
I always feel like you even now, I so understand your feelings. However, you want to do this so don't let others stop you. It does get easier. When I am really struggling I remember my son's words, 'Keep going Mum, you are lapping all the people still sat on their sofas' . Repeat after me and get out into the sunshine, you can do it! Let us know how you get on.
Someone once told me this for going to the gym - think of how focused you are on yourself, everyone else is doing the exact same thing. As people we get so caught up in our own self criticism we think everyone else is staring at us and thinking the same thing, bur mostly they are thinking about themselves and how they need to be faster/thiner/stronger etc.Also if (and it's unlikely) people make a negative comment or think negatively of you it's usually a reflection of their own self criticism more than anything else. And someone that bitter isn't worth listening to.
Get out there! Do your runs! Be the inspiration for someone else to take the first step by taking yours!
Our bodies are for doing things with and we deserve to take up space no matter our shape size or aesthetic
You deserve better than you ex and you loved yourself enough to leave. So now love yourself enough to not treat yourself as badly/worse with your own self talk! You did what you needed to to manage in a difficult time don't beat yourself up for how you coped
I'm still like this after all the running I've done I find once I'm out the door I'm OK you just have to push yourself
I re-started running when I turned 70, so I'm and old fart shuffling down the street now. I'm still at it though, and my focus is inside, about what I want to achieve, and not about what anyone else thinks or wants. Whenever I see anyone else running, whatever their size, I think GOOD ON YOU, you're actually out there doing it. Maybe use the C25K app and choose Steve Cram as your mentor. He mentions overcoming his own fears about starting running in the 1970s. I would really encourage you to make a plan, date and time, get your running stuff on and get out there, Just walk and listen to Steve for the first run if you want to....you can always repeat it later. You can make a plan and post it on here so we can congratulate you when you've done it. This forum is great for encouragement, tips, an my own problem, injury prevention. Let us know how you get on. We're all on your side. Go for it!
Yes, many have been where you are, and many have struggled due to a variety of other reasons too. Myself included. You have a desire to run, otherwise I don't think you'd be here? Have you anyone to share your running journey, besides us? Maybe choose a time of day where you'd feel more comfortable, personally I started as early as possible in the morning, (before 5am is my personal record!) back then, to avoid people......nowadays? Because it's a beautiful time of day to enjoy the outside!And, most importantly, try to remember that to most people you'll be invisible, the only people taking any notice of you are other runners.....they've been where you are, and they're silently cheering you on. Take a deep breath, lace up your shoes, put your favourite tunes on......and get out there. You've got this, we're all here for you, and I can honestly say I've never, ever regretted going for a run......and I believe you won't regret it either. 🥰
Week 1 is the hardest of all the weeks - not just the 'getting started' but the pacing. Just think how triumphant you will feel when you crack it. My key tip for this is that when you reach a point when you can't continue running in a run segment, just walk the rest of the session and then try again a couple of days later so you have something to equal or beat next time. If you do stop and start it is a lot harder to get a sense of progress.
It could be that running in a group is for you so it is worth investigating the possibilities.
In the beginning I often chose places to run where I had a lot of route choice eg woodland with lots of criss crossing rides and paths so that I could turn and go another way if I spotted anyone else.
In most areas you can refer yourself to IAPTS for NHS funded cognitive behaviour therapy or similar. That could support you in facing all those 'what ifs' and mean self-talk... especially if it isn't just running that is affected (I would also say, beware running to punish yourself - it's very common and whilst it can get you started, it is not the route to success or happiness, you'll drive yourself too hard. Try to think of it as a well earned gift to yourself)
Another approach which is often helpful is to consider how you would talk to a friend in the same situation.
You can do this. Sorry to hear of your experience and its effects on your confidence which has taken a knock.
Sounds to me that you want to do this which is the first step to completing it. Don’t rush, baby steps and your confidence will return.
Good luck and happy running!
It took me a long time to get up the courage to go out in sports kit!
To most people you're invisible and indistinguishable from anyone else on the pavement. I only started noticing runners when I started running myself.
I am sorry for everything you have been through. Please do just go out and do it, really don't care. I too felt very self conscious but I very quickly realised everyone is pretty much preoccupied with themselves and pay very little attention to anyone else. I heard a podcast that said something about letting your future self down by not going out and doing it today. That really resonated with me and I just started, I am slow, look bright red, out of breath but I don't care, my future self will be glad! Good luck with your journey.
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