Hi guys
I'm fairly sure this is a common issue experienced by everyone who wants to start exercising outside!
Unfortunately it is exacerbated by my severe social anxiety and generalised anxiety. I'm finding myself with a lot more energy now that i'm almost 50lbs down and I want to start getting into a regular exercise routine. I want to eventually run, but walking will suffice for now!
I'm lucky enough to live by the sea, and we have a great 5 and a half mile long completely flat promenade that would be perfect to walk/run along and practise. On most days its deserted except for the odd dog walker.
The problem is getting there. It's literally a 5 minute walk down to the seafront but my area is so dodgy. There is a train bridge that needs to be walked under, past an alleyway car dealership and past an indoor car park of a block of flats which is mostly derelict but it has a bad rep.
I walked down there the other afternoon and was fine on the way down, but on the way back home, as i was walking under the bridge, a white van was parked by the car dealership. As i went past he reversed his van all the way up the hill as I walked past, keeping up with me. I kept my eyes forward and pretended not to hear (had earphones) and he eventually drove off. This was the first time I did the walk. Not exactly reassuring
There's another route i can take but its 20 minutes instead of 5. That's half of my walking time at the beach!
As you can probably tell I am a very nervous nelly, extremely anxious and not used to being outside on my own
I can't really afford any home gym equipment and there's no room for it anyway. As far as i know my local gym does not have a running track... They have a tennis court, maybe I could use that?
Does anyone have any tips for being safe exercising outside in a dodgy area?
Thank you!