Embarrassed, scared to start.....

[Greenmum2019]

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..

I run in the dark... hate running near. Yay roads and traffic fumes, prefer the park but hate all the chasing dogs so go after dark. It’s quiet and beautiful and I just meet the odd other runner and late night walker x

Fabulous! Well done! And now you are a runner! Welcome to a fantastic new world.

We all run and love seeing new runners out and about. Everyone is a beginner once and most runners are supportive of others. The most amazing runner in our club is always amongst the first to congratulate others achievements.

Exercise isn’t a beauty contest or a fashion parade, OP.

Everyone else who is exercising is getting on with doing their own thing, and nobody is thinking anything other than ‘good for you’ when they see someone who is starting to get fitter.

Start small & build up from there. You will soon start to enjoy it?

You can do this .

I would like to go back to running. Thinking of doing couch to 5k. I stopped running because I got terrible shin splints, tried to run again recently and same thing happened. Anyone got any advice? Sorry to hijack!

I get lapped by a man who runs on rocket fuel and he always talks to me like we are in it together. It’s a good community. Name change I don’t know about shin splints but I know I have to start slower than I think or buts of me go wonky after every break.

well done, OP
when all this is over, check out parkrun

Namechange - check your trainers, they could be the culprit. 6 months or 500 miles is a rough guide to how long they last.
If they are ok, there are a range of exercises/stretches you can try.
If they came back after a long break and it’s not your trainers, a sports physio would be a good next step. Try to find one who runs, they tend to be better with running injuries in my (extensive 😢) experience!

Thank you. If I do need new trainers then can I get them online or should I wait until after lockdown? So I can get properly fitted?

I'd get some basic, cushioned, running shoes now (I was just recommending the Saucony Triumph on another thread, as they're perfect for steady mileage) and then get properly fitted after lockdown ends. You really don't want to run in old or unsuitable shoes at all, let alone with a history of shin splints.

These are the Sauconys I'd recommend as a v good value, comfortable, all rounder:

www.sportsshoes.com/product/sau3357/saucony-triumph-iso-4-women%27s-running-shoes/

You'd want something sharper and faster to race in, but nobody's doing much racing at the moment!!

On shin splints - the other thing to do it build up time/distance really slowly. They can come on if you go for too much to quickly.

Trainers are a very very personal thing.

I suffer with plantar fasciitis and also got shin splints when I tried to do a 0-5k running course.

I ended up with several pairs of minimum drop shoes (i.e. little to no padding), which would be the last thing you'd think would be suitable! The thick cushioned heel type make my feet hurt more!

So its really hard to say that one pair will be good for another person's feet.

Good on you Greenmum2019.

You’ve done far better than me. I’ve started C25K three times as the first two times week one killed me! I’ve got some advice from other runners and listened to the advice from the ap and I was going too fast.
I’ve redone some weeks a few times but am now on week 6 and almost like running.

Thank you. I over pronate. So my left foot rolls inwards. Think that is part of the problem.

Hi @Namechange3007. Overpronation is v common, as I'm sure you know. You may not be able to fix it altogether but there's lots you can do to help the issue.

Cushioned shoes (not necessarily built-up support shoes) are important, as are glute strengthening exercises. Strong glutes can really improve your whole running form. But what mainly helped my overpronation was losing weight and running faster.
At 11st and a 60 min 10k I was a hideous overpronator and had bad knees and ITB issues to show for it. At 9st and a 40 min 10k, it's far less of an issue because I'm running lighter and less "ploddy", if that makes sense.

Thank you, that's really helpful.

So..... Little update

Week 1 run 2 and DID it. That last run didn't get me like last time. My son bless him cheered me on and counted me down 😍
And I feel so so so good!
I'm going to continue this for the good feelings like this.

Brilliant, well done! The hardest part is always putting on your trainers and opening the door; and you’ve cracked that. Keep going....

@Greenmum2019 brilliant! Well done. It gets easier each time you do it. You will continue to improve. Getting out of the door is the hardest part!

That’s amazing!!!
I’m really excited for you. Running is a solo sport but the community is huge and everyone is a champion.
Enjoy. The days you don’t feel you should are the days you need to make yourself .
You never regret a run .

Yay well done:)

Amazing. Well done!

So.... WAs very tired and low today but got myself out there and did run 3 of the week.
It's the only thing that makes me feel happy at the mo!

Getting out when it’s the last thing you want to do is the hardest , but you always feel better.
You’re a runner now .

Inspired me to start again. Allow I need new trainers first. Gonna order that pair suggested and hopefully start soon.

Started twice before but never go a 2nd time. Also asthmatic and panic when can't catch my breath. Never even thought above walking a running part until my breath evened out.

Great advice guys!

@Paisleycountry1985
Yeah get back on it. And defo to the second one. It felt much easier the second time x