I want to go running but I'm scared.

[WunWabbit]

I don't know if I'm being stupid.

I 2ant to start couch to 5k. I think it might help with my anxiety as well as my health.
You need headphones and I'm scared to go running with them on.

I live near a large field which would be perfect but it's surrounded by trees so can be a little isolated at times.

I don't really want to run on the streets, I'd feel like an idiot (am very unfit/get very red when out of puff) and have had van men shout things when I've tried jogging previously.

But then I'm scared of running alone on a field.

Do other women feel like this or am I just being paranoid?

you don't need headphones - I never wear any while running.

I feel the same as you. Would never run somewhere isolated, with or without headphones. I do run, with headphones, on the street though, but only in daylight. You're not paranoid or weird to feel how you do. Not everyone feels this way of course, but you know you wouldn't enjoy it if you tried as you'd be nervous. Just stick your music on loud and go for a jog on the street, no one cares (and if they did say anything, you can't hear them anyway!)

You don't need headphones. Just have the app playing out load. It doesn't say much anyway, so you won't be annoying anyone. I think you'll get more benefits from running and doing it like this than not going because you don't want to use headphones.

Alternatively, can you drive to a popular running spot? Such as a park? If you go in the morning before standard work hours, there will be loads of solo women running. Again feel free to play the app out loud if it helps. Or get bone conducting headphones which don't obscure surrounding noise.

I'm the opposite, I HATE running without headphones. To the point I wouldn't bother running at all if I forgot them (like this morning)

I do C25K without headphones sometimes. I don't put background music on and have the volume just loud enough to hear the talking.

Have you taken a look at your local council classes/local running groups? Some of them do C25K groups.

Why don't you try to go out for the five minute warm-up walk and if you are too worried you can come back?

Firstly well done for thinking’s about it.

you don’t need headphones, you can carry your phone or put it in an armband, you just need to listen out for the beeps.

I can’t advise on the road running, other than get a good pair of trainers. You could wear headphones as an excuse to ignore van-man comments. And remember that for every idiot, there are twenty people envious that you are doing something, and another twenty really pleased to see someone taking care of their health.

There is a lovely moment in C25K , I think after the dreaded week 5, where there is a realisation that instead of ‘wanting to be a runner’, you actually ARE a runner.

I hope you manage to work through the anxiety and hear all about your Park Run.

You do need headphones for couch to 5 k as it’s run and walk and it tells you what to do plus encouragement as you go.
I tried couch to 5k on street. Didn’t like it. Felt self conscious then fell in road which really shook me up/hospital visit.
Restarted in gym in treadmill and it’s been so much better.
I walk miles in isolated fields but I wouldn’t fancy running - too muddy, hard going.

Just me who likes/needs the you can do this, only a minute to go! Week 4 was saying I love running.

We live rurally so my running is usually isolated and it is worrying. I use bone conductor head phones and share my location to DHs phone, letting him know roughly where I'm going and when I'm due back. I've only had one scary incident and usually run 10km-20km at a time so lots of time out.

It's really great you want to try it!

Can you explain a bit more about what you're scared of?

Is it typically a dangerous area, have many crimes happened there before?
Can you run during daylight hours?

Could you buddy up with someone?

Is there a park or similar. Near us we have a tarmac pedestrian/cycle path. So not isolated but no cars going past.

I definitely need music and encouragement.

Last time I attempted was about 5 years ago!

I don't drive so can't really go to a popular running spot, have to stay local, which is a housing estate with field to rear.

You don’t need headphones, you can play out loud. It works well enough..

i have done that, but what I usually do is just use the in—ear earbuds and put one in, leaving my other ear to listen to,what’s going on around me. I use AirPods now, but have just used,cheapo wired ones, and tucked the spare bit in my bra.

you can also get bone conduction earphones, like these uk.shokz.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw682TBhATEiwA9crl366K8-Z_J8PcbMkVKL6zstAW4cUJl3p1QgDOihNi_VO3HPDS-I4LxBoCz2UQAvD_BwE

a lot of organised events like you to use these so you can hear instructions.

I don’t run with headphones- part of the enjoyment and benefit for me is detaching from everyday life and being immersed in the outdoors, and sound is part of that. Safety is another thing and a valid concern. I didn’t do C25k when I first started for that reason. I just made up my own version- started with repeating 5 minutes’ walk, 1 minute run for half an hour, and a few days at a time increased the running time and reduced the walking. Worked for me and I think took 6-8 weeks to get to the point where I could just run for half an hour.
Please don’t be deterred by fear. I know it’s always there, but the benefit you get from running is really worth overcoming it for.

You can wear an earbud in just one ear, leaving the other free, or use bone-conduction headphones that don't go in your ears.

You could hire or buy a treadmill just to use for a few weeks while you get started perhaps? So that you have gained a little more fitness. I wouldn't bother with this but it might help you.

I run alone with headphones in all the time. Both in cities (including industrial estates and dodgy areas as well as crowded areas) and in totally isolated countryside. I am aware there is a risk but it's very small balanced against the huge positive uplift that my health is getting from running without fear. I acknowledge that it is possible I could be the victim of a predator one day. I will not let that possibility stop me from living my life.

Something that could reassure you is the "Live track" function that is a feature on some smart watches. With the right combination of buttons you can broadcast your run and text a link to someone you trust. They can then alert the emergency services in the unlikely event that something catastrophic happens.

YANBU.

My recent running magazine had a whole article on how to stay safe when running as a woman, including ticking your ponytail into your jacket.

Depressing!

Got a treadmill instead. If you have room, consider this option.

Ticking? I mean tucking.

I have just started c25k. I am self conscious of my running too so drive a short way to a quiet residential area and then run there. I feel safe as houses around (although set back off the road) but very few cars pass so don't feel embarrassed

You don't need headphones or an app. You need decent running shoes but sports trainers will do if you haven't got any and you need a high impact sports bra.

Set yourself a target, just a tiny one to start with, even if it's something like a slow jog between two lamp posts

The hardest part is getting out of the door

If people shout comments at you they're the ones with a problem

Not a great area, a woman with her child was stabbed on our doorstep last year. Alot of muggings etc

But more generally I just feel vulnerable when out alone, probably mostly down to my anxiety.

Another option could be your local Parkrun. Parkrun cater for all levels from walking upwards.You may meet some potential running buddies there and they would know of any Cto5K groups which could help. Parkrunners are usually very friendly and welcoming.

If you really want to listen to music and the timings for C25K, but don't want to block your hearing with earphones or play it out loud, look into 'bone conduction headphones'. There's a brand called AfterShokz but you'd probably want something a bit cheaper to get started with, or second hand/borrow a pair maybe. But you wear them in front of your ear and the sound is conducted to your eardrum through your head - it's weird but works really well! You can still hear what's going on around you, as long as you don't have drum and base turned right up to max.

And ignore the voice in your head saying people are looking at you or judging you for starting your running journey. We all start somewhere, when I see new runners I think good on you for getting out there! And most people ignore you, or look for a second then forget about you. Try earlier in the morning or later in the evening, or during school hours, quieter times for whatever the area you pick is.

Please don’t be deterred by fear. I know it’s always there, but the benefit you get from running is really worth overcoming it for.

^This. I guess you need to decide which is easiest to overcome - your fear of running around an isolated field or your self-consciousness about running in public on the streets. Decide, and just do it. I was overweight and terribly unfit when I started running. Couldn't do more than a few minutes at first. I (still) go horrifically red and sweat buckets out of my head. So what though?

If you get the odd shitty comment from some arsehole man, so what? You'll be getting fitter and healthier, he'll still just be some arsehole. Those comments really say everything about the arsehole and nothing about you!

Definitely go to a Parkrun if there's one near you. They are the most lovely supportive events, free, and you might even find a local beginner running buddy. There are always plenty of unfit people just starting out, and ones who walk it or walk/run it.

Walk the route first for a week or until you are comfortable

I've never been outside with music or ear phones

If you are not keen on the out doors, join a gym, some ate open 24 hours

Re the headphone issue - I only ever use 1 at a time tbh, especially when I'm out and about. I like to be able to hear my surroundings, especially when I'm out running.

Do you have a park run near you?