First Run

[No7runner]

I have health anxiety and have been worried about running incase I have a heart problem or something terrible happens (sounds silly I know) but it feels so real and I worry so much about it..I have just completed my first run today and I feel much happier that I’ve gotten the first one done! Quite proud of myself

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Well done, 👍 I would suggest if you have worries about your health consult your GP and ask if you are ok to run

[T2runner Graduate]

My wife is 54, just completed wk 1 and repeating it, 5 months after open heart surgery, she knows from being told the best way to avoid heart issues is exercise, we have to get the heart rate up to keep it fit. I have recently finished c25k, about to be 56, my dad died at 60 from a heart attack and I ain't going the same way!When I started c25k my resting heart rate was 67 beats per minute, it is now 58, my heart rate variability has also improved, my oxygen levels in my blood is around 95% regularly. I don't tell a lot of people this, but I have a massive fear/phobia of dieing, had it from my teenage years, so like me you are doing the right thing, you will feel better for it, you will improve your heart and lungs, the muscles you will have forgotten you had and when a bit further in the plan you will probably get a feeling of exhilaration when after your sessions your body produces a hormone that make you happier and feel the joy of what you are achieving.

You will have struggles along the way, but take them as a lesson, you will prove to yourself that you are capable of so much more than you could ever believe.

Keep posting, positive or negative, we are all in this together and help each other along the way. Your story will inspire others along the way. Well done for starting and being brave enough to post your story here, that has already shown that you have more courage than you realise.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome and well done, but there would be no harm in getting an expert go ahead?

If in doubt, get checked out!

It will relax your mind for all the wonderful runs to come. Slow and steady and on you go!

Do please, check this out too... essential reading to keep you on the right track !

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Bravo!

The fact that you are using the term health anxiety suggests to me you may have already had some sort of consultation or know what's what in this area. Of course if you do think there might a heightened reason for a 30 year old to be concerned (eg family history, specific medications) then a consultation has merits. We can (with the best of intentions) be a bit casual about 'see your GP' - it's not a no-risk strategy for someone with health anxiety, they are not exercise specialists, and 'not running' has risks too.

It sounds to me as though you are managing the anxiety well. In many areas you can self-refer to IAPTS (Improving Access to Psychological Therapy) for this sort of issue, if you feel that professional support might be useful. You've already picked a safe way to get into running with a carefully structured programme which has been used by many who have physical health issues and risks, and by using this forum.

The week 1 session is a toughie, but in some ways what feels to you like a disadvantage may prove to have some advantages because you won't be all gung-ho and trying to push harder than you need to.

I'm going to be really interested to hear how you get on. Keep us posted!

[Rabbit561 Graduate]

You are right to be proud off yourself! Well done on starting. C25k is designed ti be gradual and is a very safe way to start running. Running is brilliant for mental health, especially if you are outside in the fresh air. Look forward to hearing how you are getting on - the support from the forum is a real boost so make use of it.

[CBDB Ambassador]

Well done! I had similar worries when I started, just simply based on the anxiety of running and what it would do to my body. (I am hypothyroid / Hashimotos, so did struggle with weight)

But I’m so glad I started with running. It really was one of my game changers (I have a couple of others, as well, like indoor rowing, yoga, S&F)

But I did persuade my hubby to accompany me on my first few runs until I realised my body could cope. It took me ages to admit to that in itself! 🤣🤣

So hugely well done for getting out there, and may you find ways to keep on keeping on.

So woohoo!!!! Huge congrats for that first courageous run!

[Gthants]

First - really well done!!

Second - you are a 30 year old woman and it's really unlikely that there's anything wrong with you. But I have other forms of anxiety so I absolutely understand your reluctance to run. Go and see your GP and get told it is okay. Hold that thought in your heart and in your head.

I started running (at 60) to aid recovery from a slipped disc. But I also have an abnormally fast (but healthy) heart. My resting heart rate is dramatically lower after 18 months of running. Exercise is GOOD for you.

I would strongly urge you to see your GP for that reassurance.

And I repeat - WELL DONE!!

What you've done is both brave and brilliant and your courage in getting out there should not be underestimated.

Good luck with your next run. And your next. And your next ...

[MintT]

Huge congratulations — the first one is the hardest. As others have said, if you’re concerned seek reassurance from your GP. Take it steadily and I think you’ll surprise yourself about the positive effects the running will have both on your anxiety and heart health. It’s never silly to be open about anxiety, it’s something we all have to varying degrees and at it can become accentuated at various times in our life. Being able to articulate is the courage part!

[Chester04]

Well done you, I fortunately don't have anxiety but couldn't face running in public, so do my runs on a treadmill, will be w9 run 3 on Friday so glad I found a way, so pleased for you, bit jealous you get to go outside. X

[drl212 Graduate]

Awesome!! Yes, I agree with the folks who recommend visiting your medical provider for clearance.

Best of luck..

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Massive congratulations on getting that first run done! Being fit and active can help with health anxiety…you can focus on all the good you’re doing for your body and what you’ve proved it can do by completing the runs.

I wonder if posters recommending a trip to the GP are mixing up “health anxiety” and “physical health problems”? Health anxiety is a such hard thing to struggle with, but there’s no reason to think it will stop you physically getting through the programme if there’s nothing else going on with your health.

Wishing you all the best! Hold on to how good you feel after getting that first tick! You’ve made a brilliant start and that’s something to be really proud of. Good luck with the next run! You’ve got lots of cheerleaders here 💪

[No7runner]

thank you everyone! All your comments helped a lot and I have been checked by a doctor..my symptoms I get are down to anxiety and reflux (viscous circle). I’ve done my second run yesterday..scary but completed it!

[No7runner]

thank you for all your lovely comments Nd taking the time to reply to me🥰