What has running done for you?

[JohnnyEnglish]

Last year I started running and alongside calorie counting lost 2.5 stone. I’ve put half a stone back on coinciding with a tough period at work. I really enjoyed running and eating well and need motivation to stick to it and get down to goal weight (a stone to lose). So wonderful MNetters tell me what running has done for you and inspire me please.

I started C25K in 2019 and finally completed it on the third attempt last December (various injuries stopped me - including a stress fracture in my foot). The first 2 times I loved it which genuinely surprised me, but I think I've been out running twice since I finished it. My self-confidence is in tatters and I genuinely feel like I'd be a laughing stock if I went out. It doesn't matter how many times my logical brain tries to point out the obvious, I just cannot get my head straight and I physically cannot brung myself to go for a run.

It makes me so sad that something I enjoyed now stresses me out so much but I don't know how to fall in love with it again? Any ideas/inspiration would be much appreciated.

What a lovely thread, thank you.

I'm 54, been running 3/4 years now, up and down, usually try for 2/3 times a week between 5 and 14k. I do other exercise as well - strength training, HIIT etc. I don't love running as much, but it is great for headspace, so convenient, wonderful for getting out and enjoying local parks, great when on holiday.....

@MyGhastIsFlabbered, what is behind your feelings, do you think? In the first lockdown, I wanted to build up running (as so few other options) but keen to protect knees and not overdo things. So as well as "proper" runs, I would do brisk walks, wearing gym kit, not carrying bags, getting properly out of breath and tired. These really help I think, low impact but good for general conditioning and stamina, and sometimes once I was properly warmed up, I'd feel like a little run and go for it. Might that make it easier to start again? The parks round me are full of people walking and running at all speeds, ages, condition and nobody bats an eyelid. And run slowly, really slowly.......build up distance first not speed and gradually you will get faster without noticing.

no one minds what you look like, it just makes me smile to see people trying and enjoying themselves for free. I wear my old Matalan gym kit and a High Viz harness with flashing lights ( seldom turn them on) which is utterly ridiculous to look at.

@ExConstance you’re amazing.

@Nonmaquillee

for my friend: knackered knees and suddenly very weathered skin as well as a permanently sunburnt neck. I'll stick to brisk walks, thanks.

I know plenty of walkers and hikers with 'weathered skin and sunburnt necks. As for knackered knees, if you wear the correct shoes, vary your runs, check your posture, have rest days, as well as doing strengthening excercise for knees and flutes, you are less likely to have problems. On the subject of knees, I often think that being hugely overweight and running is putting way too much pressure on them. I think it's better to start by doing low impact excercise first and once you've lost some weight, then start running.

Glutes not flutes!

As a really poor example of a runner and general lazy individual, I can say that running gets me off the sofa, out of the house. It gives me a bit of me time and a bit of bone-strengthening exercise for my peri-menopausal body. I can only run for 20 minutes but that is 20 minutes more than I have ever run in my life before. I don't know my distance and I am not sure I really care. It is something that I can do for myself at almost any time of the day and after the initial expense of purchasing trainers it is free. I wear some really odd running outfits, think sexy maternity leggings, band T and husbands gardening fleece combo.

I would like for it to help me lose a few pounds and to stop my legs looking like spam, but I think I need to give it more time.

Well done everyone! I’ll be running again tomorrow.