Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

Embarrassed, scared to start.....

99 replies

Greenmum2019 · 11/04/2020 19:14

This is lame, I'm just so scared and nervous to start exercising. I'm craving it so much, and I know my mental health needs it. I'm depressed I'm sure.

I have a fit bit and would love the confidence to go out and start doing couch to 5k.

Need a push.... Support advice..

OP posts:
Tuliptulip · 11/04/2020 19:18

I’ve started couch to 5k with the lockdown - I really like the structure and I don’t think anyone is looking at me as I trundle around! I’m on week 3 and am already seeing the benefits and finding the running bits easier. I also feel a sense of achievement after each session is finished. Everyone seems to be taking more structured exercise than usual at the moment for obvious reasons so it is a good time to start. Why do you think you are scared and nervous?

Moltenpink · 11/04/2020 19:20

Wear a hat & dark glasses & just do it, couch 2 is brilliant. I never thought I’d manage it but it felt great.

SlothRunner · 11/04/2020 19:45

I did c25k last year, at first I thought everyone was looking at me, but they weren’t! When I’m driving around I don’t stare at people running, so why would anyone be paying any attention to me? Give it a go, you might really enjoy it, i did 😀

Original poster
Greenmum2019 · 11/04/2020 19:54

Thanks both.
I think the first time will be the hardest

OP posts:
Beerincomechampagnetastes · 11/04/2020 20:04

Please don’t be embarrassed op.
Just do it. I feel the same every time I need to reboot and it’s not a patch on how great you’ll feel once you’ve done it!!

Scarydinosaurs · 11/04/2020 20:06

Once you’ve done two weeks you won’t want to stop.

The more you run the more you realise no one gives af what you look like.

Good luck and I bet you love it!

resipsa · 11/04/2020 20:07

Go for it! I started on 13 March. Loving it! Now on W6R1. Just do it (not an ad for Nike!).

resipsa · 11/04/2020 20:08

If you can, go early (6/7am). No one is around!

resipsa · 11/04/2020 20:10

@Greenmum2019
There's a support thread already running (again, no pun 😁) if you'd like to join us!

whattodo2019 · 11/04/2020 20:11

I'm so fat I can't run.... I too really want to exercise. We did however go on a big walk today and I did over 1200 steps. I just need to do this everyday

StillWeRise · 11/04/2020 20:12

go for it OP and let us know how you get on
it really is the best thing
I started with C25k years ago, when I had to print it out and stick it to the fridge, then go out with a stop watch....think how easy it'll be with modern tech!
there seem to be a lot of novice runners out at the moment, I really hope they all keep it up once lockdown ends

WinterSunshine101 · 11/04/2020 20:12

I did c25k last year and was totally convinced everyone was looking at me. Then I developed a strategy where I convinced myself that no one knew how far I'd already ran, so if I looked terrible they probably just assumed I'd just finished a marathon or something and I was therefore amazing. It sounds bonkers, but it totally worked for me! Also, get some music on and enjoy yourself!
I'm about to start again after a bit of a relapse (dislocated my knee) and am actually looking forward to it this time!

FATEdestiny · 11/04/2020 20:15

There are absolutely tons of brand new runners out there at the moment. So now is a great time, you won't be alone.

As a seasoned runner, I run daily on a flat off-road path that is perfect for C25K. On average I might see one, sometimes two new runners in a month. I absolutely love seeing new runners. I almost burst with pride on their behalf (without wishing to sound condescending in saying that) because I can sooo remember being in their position and know the massive pride in oneself that will come in the next 9 weeks.

But whereas I normally see 1-2 new runners per month, I'm seeing around 10-15 new runners out every day at the moment. I normally wouldn't see 10 runbers of any description in a day - if I see 2 other runners I'm lucky. At the moment there are loads and loads (and loads and LOADS) of runners out there. And a huge proportion of them are obvious new runners or C25Kers.

Great to see running participation increase. Long may it continue after lockdown!

OP - do it!

topcat2014 · 11/04/2020 20:16

Loads of people are rrunning now so you won't sstick out.

You can do this

Honeyroar · 11/04/2020 20:17

I was like that. I signed up for a (long) sponsored walk this summer (sadly has been cancelled now). I had five months to prepare. I started walking three or four times a week. I tried to include a hill, to push myself. I also cut out chocolate and sugary snacks. I started mid Jan, and puffed my way through the walks, but I kept going and it got slightly easier. By mid May I’d lost a stone, a dress size and two inches off my waist, thighs and ankles. I feel stronger and fitter. Now when I’ve puffed up a hill I feel like I recover quite quickly. I actually feel like I could run now. I’ve got a lot more weight to lose, but I think I can get there (;still chipping away with a daily walk while furloughed). So that’s a long winded way of saying you don’t have to even run to do some good..

OneHippoOnThePhone · 11/04/2020 20:21

You can’t look as daft as me. I’m wearing what I think must be my SILs maternity leggings and husbands gardening fleece. I have a bum bag. The trainers are the only proper thing about me, I got them from NB before lock down and I loves them.
I am on week 6 of Couch to 5k and started in October...but I’m not giving up! I love running to Sarah Milligan and two episodes of the Archers!

AHintOfStyle · 11/04/2020 20:24

Just do it! I swear no one is looking at you and if they are, all they're thinking is 'good for her out running' while they're going past in the car or having to walk because they've got a dog and can't go a run AND a dog walk.
Go for it!

Doje · 11/04/2020 20:25

OP - GO FOR IT!!

Do not worry about what other people think. As a runner, if I see a newby out, my only thoughts are "go on, girl!!" It's great to see new people on the scene as you know how much they'll get out of it, as you do. It gives me a warm and fuzzy feel, and makes me smile.

I'd suggest getting up and getting your stretchy stuff on first thing. Go out about an hour after breakfast. Mist people I think are going out after lunch, so it'll be quieter then, plus you'll get that kick ass feeling all day long, coz YOU DID RUN!

Come back tomorrow and tell us how you got on. Trust me, you'll be so proud of yourself after day 1 of C25k.

Anthilda · 11/04/2020 20:33

Go for it. Get out there, it's the only way.

TwistyHair · 11/04/2020 20:36

I’ve just started it. I don’t even have the right gear. Just normal black cotton leggings - not the trendy sweat wicking ones with patterns on. I feel a bit silly as I also don’t have earphones so just have to hold my phone and listen to the talking. Anyway, it’s a bit cringe when I go past someone and my phone starts talking. But I’m doing it anyway. I decided that any reason for not doing it was just an excuse. What are people gonna think that is bad? It’s so nice to hear that other runners are happy to see new runners out. That makes me feel loads better.

Original poster
Greenmum2019 · 11/04/2020 21:04

@resipsa thanks I will join that thread.

@StillWeRise that made me chuckle... You are right. With the technology it is so accessible.

Ok.... The rest of you leggings, fleece bum bag wearers. I've just set my alarm for 6.30am and I WILL report back.

Thanks.... This support was needed. X

OP posts:
FlowerArranger · 11/04/2020 21:14

You'll find running much easier if you also invest in general fitness, particularly leg exercises, and especially strengthening your glutes.:

Summersunandoranges · 11/04/2020 21:19

I really recommend the App Verve. It’s got me off my arse.

It’s got loads of short videos on Hiit, running, stretching, yoga ect ..

I started off with a nine min yoga one through it wasn’t so bad so did another 10 min one. Then those gradually turned on to an body core one and one day I was up for a fast walk which then turned in to a stagger/jog/limp 😂😂

It’s doable because it’s in as small bites as you want it as I had ZERO appetite for just going straight in to breathing out my arse Grin

zippyswife · 11/04/2020 21:26

Please don’t be embarrassed. We all started somewhere. I’d put on 6 stone after dc3 and was nearly 40. Nothing fit me! I wore dhs t shirt and old maternity leggings with holes and literally forced myself out to run. I could barely reach the first lamppost before stopping. I stuck with it. I read about Jillian Michaels 30 day shred on here. I ordered that and did it religiously for 3 months. My fitness went through the roof, I started really enjoying it and also started enjoyed running too. I very quickly got fit, toned up and really enjoyed the boost it gave to my confidence and mental health. I can’t say enough positive things about it. Focus on what you’re doing. Who cares what anyone else thinks- you’re doing this for yourself. The best of luck!

resipsa · 11/04/2020 21:28

@Greenmum2019
Come on over. No idea how to post a link from the app but it's the thread entitled C25K first run done...