I felt much the about walking in that I worried people would judge as I’m a larger person, unfit and easily red in the face. Getting a dog changed all that for me. Waterproofs are never flattering, woollly hats don’t suit me, windy weather tends to draw out red in my cheeks - but I don’t care, the dog needs to be walked (& I need the exercise).
Exactly this. It's so easy to get caught up in what others think isn't it, when the reality is that they are probably mentally compiling a shopping list in their heads or worrying about sending an email.
And everyone loves to see a faithful dog-guardian out with their friend for a walk! No matter what the human looks like, if the dog looks happy other dog lovers will be glad to see you both.
Well that’s a relief, I thought it was just me who hated every sweaty, dragging, mind numbing minute! Hurrah. I am also doing same Couch 25k and am getting through it fairly easily as I have a couple of friends, and a work colleague group, to make me accountable. My choice but it’s working. I know I have to do it or slip into decrepitude so I’m on a ‘suck it up and get out’ mindset! Come on, we got this.
Keep going! I did it back in 2018 and got to be able to run 4 miles, then I stopped. No idea why, but regretted it ever since. Slowly working my way back up to it, but it’s a little harder now I’m older!
I really got into this and fortunately we have a long Promenade which is flat. The first time you manage to run for 20 minutes is such a game changer. Well done on getting yourself up and out. You deserve it!
Keep up the great work Louise!! When I was running I'd often look at others and admire their running style. I was conscious of how I looked but like you say, no-one really observes in any great detail others around them. I go bright red with exertion and I can't change that. I recognised I was running to improve my health and prove something to myself, that I could run!!! And I was determined not get caught up in listening to that little negative voice, who never had anything helpful to say :) Once I became fitter, the pure rush of endorphins that I experienced was glorious.
I go really red too - it's just how I am. And I've always been really conscious of it. Interestingly my son is the same and being forced to tell him repeatedly that it's just 'one of those things; has helped me to deal with it a bit better.
As someone with a recently diagnosed condition that explains my life long aversion to exercise I’m having to re-evaluate my attitudes. I thought I was lazy but it turns out that POTS does actually explain why most strenuous exercise makes me want to be sick or pass out. I’m lucky, walking is fine for me so I’m not totally unfit. Still I need to take reconditioning my body in hand. I’m starting working through a recommend programme and reframing it as ‘me time’ is really helpful. Thanks 😊
I am doing couch to 5k at the moment. I have just got back from the last run in week 4. I did complete it a few years ago but then stopped running during one of the lockdowns. I have enjoyed reading your c25k posts about how you are getting on. I feel I am not alone!
I used to force myself to run and always hated every second of it. Then I discovered power walking and everything changed. It’s much kinder on my joints and there is time to take in my surroundings and the birdsong (I do it early morning). It’s been a game changer for me and helps me focus for the rest of the day. Good luck with your 5k run.
I’m walking….. running is no longer an option with a replaced hip. Walking is something I couldn’t do without pain for two years so the novelty hasn’t worn off yet. I’m hoping to build it as a habit before it does, so a daily walk is part of my recovery.
I started getting serious about my health a few years ago because I wanted to do everything I could, to be here as long as possible for my daughters. I felt guilty about taking this time to do it (the mom guilt never ends) but in my head I reasoned that the "me time" to work out and exercise actually translates into "we time" in the long run.
I think your best bet is to pick an activity you actually enjoy and there are plenty of choices. Personally, I like yoga and walking and occasionally playing tennis. Most of the time I don't have to talk myself into doing it. If you pick something you have to psyche yourself up for, you'll burn out and quit.
This is my approach, too Monica. For one thing, it is not safe to either walk or run by myself where I live. So, I mow my lawn ... huge yard! And as the weather warms up spend more time in the garden, which I always enjoy. I have taken to doing 5 minutes of slow exercises and stretching while I am still in bed in the morning and 5 minutes of easy yoga when I change into my night clothes before bed. This is pretty easy to make a habit of, and it does make a difference in how I feel, both mentally and physically.
There are lots of Haruki Murakami quotes about running, but the one that sticks with me, and is definitely part of the reason I run (though not every day!) is 'When I'm running I don't have to talk to anybody and don't have to listen to anybody. This is a part of my day I can't do without.'
This is so realistic! I am so bored of seeing people say they "got the bug" with exercise and now just love it. Admittedly, I do love running, but I'd always rather be in bed 😂
I don't agree about conserving energy, I think that we are meant to move just like we are meant to create things. Doing nothing either with your body or your mind is not a path to contentment. I only started running 6 years ago at the age of 52. I've done a couch to 5k every summer and I have the intention of keeping it up all year but so far I've always stopped and had to start again the next summer. (I don't have to start at week 1 though.) But I did get to the point that I sort of enjoyed it. Not as much as I would enjoy reading a book, but I wasn't always hating it and longing to stop. I have podcasts that I only listen to while running so that is my incentive.
I've run on and off since high school so here are my completely unsolicited and feel-free-to-ignore tips for making it enjoyable and building a solid habit 😂
I bought a running backpack and often combine going for a run with some kind of chore - buying milk, dropping off dry cleaning, putting something in the post for example. It makes it easier for me to prioritise it, knowing that by the time I get home I've ticked something off my to do list, as well as done some exercise.
Similarly with exploring a new area, like when I'm visiting family or on holiday somewhere new, I like to look up places in advance that I would want to explore and then plan to run there. It feels like you've ticked two things off your holiday list, exploring a new area and exercising. Plus stopping to take the odd picture is a good opportunity to catch your breath! I've used this in my home town as well, as an excuse to explore an area I've never visited, so it doesn't always have to be done on holiday or in a new place.
I save special podcast episodes to listen to on runs, for added motivation to get out of the door. And I have the same running playlist I've listened to for 20yrs, give or take the odd song, so once I get that going, my body feels excited to run (a kind of Pavlov's dogs response is my hypothesis!)
If all else fails, I promise myself I'll just go for 10mins and no longer. Generally that helps take the pressure off that 'it doesn't count' unless it's at least half an hour/5km/whatever arbitrary goal I've set myself. I tend to find once I get going I'm enjoying myself and go for longer than 10mins anyway!
Buying new-to-me (I buy most stuff secondhand from Vinted) running kit is also always a good motivator!
I felt much the about walking in that I worried people would judge as I’m a larger person, unfit and easily red in the face. Getting a dog changed all that for me. Waterproofs are never flattering, woollly hats don’t suit me, windy weather tends to draw out red in my cheeks - but I don’t care, the dog needs to be walked (& I need the exercise).
Exactly this. It's so easy to get caught up in what others think isn't it, when the reality is that they are probably mentally compiling a shopping list in their heads or worrying about sending an email.
And everyone loves to see a faithful dog-guardian out with their friend for a walk! No matter what the human looks like, if the dog looks happy other dog lovers will be glad to see you both.
And you realise other dog walkers look equally unfashionable/in their ‘Sunday best’!
Well that’s a relief, I thought it was just me who hated every sweaty, dragging, mind numbing minute! Hurrah. I am also doing same Couch 25k and am getting through it fairly easily as I have a couple of friends, and a work colleague group, to make me accountable. My choice but it’s working. I know I have to do it or slip into decrepitude so I’m on a ‘suck it up and get out’ mindset! Come on, we got this.
Cheering you on! I love the feeling I get after a run. Before and during - not so much.
Keep going! I did it back in 2018 and got to be able to run 4 miles, then I stopped. No idea why, but regretted it ever since. Slowly working my way back up to it, but it’s a little harder now I’m older!
I really got into this and fortunately we have a long Promenade which is flat. The first time you manage to run for 20 minutes is such a game changer. Well done on getting yourself up and out. You deserve it!
Keep up the great work Louise!! When I was running I'd often look at others and admire their running style. I was conscious of how I looked but like you say, no-one really observes in any great detail others around them. I go bright red with exertion and I can't change that. I recognised I was running to improve my health and prove something to myself, that I could run!!! And I was determined not get caught up in listening to that little negative voice, who never had anything helpful to say :) Once I became fitter, the pure rush of endorphins that I experienced was glorious.
I go really red too - it's just how I am. And I've always been really conscious of it. Interestingly my son is the same and being forced to tell him repeatedly that it's just 'one of those things; has helped me to deal with it a bit better.
That's great you can help your son out too in a move towards acceptance of things we just can't change :)
As someone with a recently diagnosed condition that explains my life long aversion to exercise I’m having to re-evaluate my attitudes. I thought I was lazy but it turns out that POTS does actually explain why most strenuous exercise makes me want to be sick or pass out. I’m lucky, walking is fine for me so I’m not totally unfit. Still I need to take reconditioning my body in hand. I’m starting working through a recommend programme and reframing it as ‘me time’ is really helpful. Thanks 😊
Absolutely agree. Time for ourselves is never wasted I don't think.
I am doing couch to 5k at the moment. I have just got back from the last run in week 4. I did complete it a few years ago but then stopped running during one of the lockdowns. I have enjoyed reading your c25k posts about how you are getting on. I feel I am not alone!
I'm partway through Week 4 too - taking my time this time around and trying to focus on building running as a habit.
I'm sure we walked past that house in the lakes. It was near our campsite
This was in Borrowdale (I think) a few years ago.
I used to force myself to run and always hated every second of it. Then I discovered power walking and everything changed. It’s much kinder on my joints and there is time to take in my surroundings and the birdsong (I do it early morning). It’s been a game changer for me and helps me focus for the rest of the day. Good luck with your 5k run.
I’m walking….. running is no longer an option with a replaced hip. Walking is something I couldn’t do without pain for two years so the novelty hasn’t worn off yet. I’m hoping to build it as a habit before it does, so a daily walk is part of my recovery.
Cheering you on Louise! 🧡
I started getting serious about my health a few years ago because I wanted to do everything I could, to be here as long as possible for my daughters. I felt guilty about taking this time to do it (the mom guilt never ends) but in my head I reasoned that the "me time" to work out and exercise actually translates into "we time" in the long run.
I think your best bet is to pick an activity you actually enjoy and there are plenty of choices. Personally, I like yoga and walking and occasionally playing tennis. Most of the time I don't have to talk myself into doing it. If you pick something you have to psyche yourself up for, you'll burn out and quit.
This is my approach, too Monica. For one thing, it is not safe to either walk or run by myself where I live. So, I mow my lawn ... huge yard! And as the weather warms up spend more time in the garden, which I always enjoy. I have taken to doing 5 minutes of slow exercises and stretching while I am still in bed in the morning and 5 minutes of easy yoga when I change into my night clothes before bed. This is pretty easy to make a habit of, and it does make a difference in how I feel, both mentally and physically.
There are lots of Haruki Murakami quotes about running, but the one that sticks with me, and is definitely part of the reason I run (though not every day!) is 'When I'm running I don't have to talk to anybody and don't have to listen to anybody. This is a part of my day I can't do without.'
This is so realistic! I am so bored of seeing people say they "got the bug" with exercise and now just love it. Admittedly, I do love running, but I'd always rather be in bed 😂
I don't agree about conserving energy, I think that we are meant to move just like we are meant to create things. Doing nothing either with your body or your mind is not a path to contentment. I only started running 6 years ago at the age of 52. I've done a couch to 5k every summer and I have the intention of keeping it up all year but so far I've always stopped and had to start again the next summer. (I don't have to start at week 1 though.) But I did get to the point that I sort of enjoyed it. Not as much as I would enjoy reading a book, but I wasn't always hating it and longing to stop. I have podcasts that I only listen to while running so that is my incentive.
I've run on and off since high school so here are my completely unsolicited and feel-free-to-ignore tips for making it enjoyable and building a solid habit 😂
I bought a running backpack and often combine going for a run with some kind of chore - buying milk, dropping off dry cleaning, putting something in the post for example. It makes it easier for me to prioritise it, knowing that by the time I get home I've ticked something off my to do list, as well as done some exercise.
Similarly with exploring a new area, like when I'm visiting family or on holiday somewhere new, I like to look up places in advance that I would want to explore and then plan to run there. It feels like you've ticked two things off your holiday list, exploring a new area and exercising. Plus stopping to take the odd picture is a good opportunity to catch your breath! I've used this in my home town as well, as an excuse to explore an area I've never visited, so it doesn't always have to be done on holiday or in a new place.
I save special podcast episodes to listen to on runs, for added motivation to get out of the door. And I have the same running playlist I've listened to for 20yrs, give or take the odd song, so once I get that going, my body feels excited to run (a kind of Pavlov's dogs response is my hypothesis!)
If all else fails, I promise myself I'll just go for 10mins and no longer. Generally that helps take the pressure off that 'it doesn't count' unless it's at least half an hour/5km/whatever arbitrary goal I've set myself. I tend to find once I get going I'm enjoying myself and go for longer than 10mins anyway!
Buying new-to-me (I buy most stuff secondhand from Vinted) running kit is also always a good motivator!