how can I not be so self-conscious? I want to try out the couch-to-5k program, but I don't have access to indoor running anywhere. So outside it must be. I admit the only reason why I don't walk out that door right now and start it up is because I'm afraid I'll look stupid and other people will see me and think, "why's the fat girl running?" BAH. I know I'm not alone with these thoughts, how do you get over them? I have the drive and motivation.... I want to walk out the door.... But when I look outside, there's always some reason for me not to keep going. Gr.

denice - great job on getting that last day in. I still have yet to do mine I do not want to fall behind. I too am thinking of repeating wk3. I don't think I can squeeze in 4 runs this week 3 of them being the dreaded wk 4...

brito - You know I was self conscious too. No one ever showed me how to run so I thought for sure I was going about it all wrong and if any 'runner' that I passed saw me they would chuckle and think to themselves I looked stupid. But you just kind of have to get over it. Are there any places where there are not a ton of people to just kind of get used to it. Like not running in a neighborhood but running on a trail...or a high school track? Or a time of day where there aren't many out, like early evening or during the workday.

Jaime-I was also feeling really self conscious about the whole running thing like i was some unfit fraud trying to be a runner, but you know what? the place i jog/walk/run, there are people of all sizes and shapes out there walking and running, I think you'd be suprised, its not all super duper fit olympic athlete looking people getting into running. you might also inspire some others to get out there too! and i agree with Stephie, try and find a place that isn't as crowded and just get out there! Good luck! Also, the couch to 5K program is great, you should join us

Hi all.

Jamie I think everyone admits to being a bit self-conscious at first. Running certainly didn't feel natural to me when I started. I find that listening to music helps me to block out whats going on around me.

Stephie - im not sure why my 5k programme is 6wks. But its sure as **** working! I did my wk4d1 on monday which ended up being 4k. I didnt feel too tired at that point so i continued on to 5k. I was really really chuffed. Lets hope i can keep it up.

Thank you guys for your motivation and advice.... I think my goal today will be to walk around my neighborhood as much as possible to see if I can chart a do-able running path. People aren't the only problem in this neighborhood: it's also very, very hilly. Last thing I want to do on my first day trying to run is to hit a giant hill running! I also just don't know the area very well, it's not laid out intuitively, and I've gotten lost walking before. There could be a giant part a half mile away and I'd never know it.

I always feel happy whenever I see someone running who doesn't look like a super-athelete. Someone older, someone heavier... Good for them that they're taking control of their lives. Damn self-esteem keeps me from believing others will say this about me! But I'm determined! By the end of the week, I will put in my first run, I promise!!

Sad to say my run has still yet to be done. I had been feeling really under the weather BUT....I'M BACK! So count me in to get this thing done. God I miss it, I just could not bring myself to exercise - I was completely drained!

denice - I always think it is hilarious when I am winded after like 3 minutes and then someones grandma passes me on the trail running waaaay faster that I have, you can tell she has run her entire life. Just shows you what you can do if you stick to it.

bone idle - I bet you can keep it up. Sounds like you are doing great, 5k already after only 4 weeks. I am on my fourth week right now and not nearly as far on my progress.

brito - Get out there and chart a path hun, if the kills won't kill you they WILL make you stronger Maybe try walking/running intervals.

10-k tomorrow girls...wish me luck!

Good luck liz! you are an inspiration!

Stephie-i've been a total slacker this week, i'm planning on doing a w3 run tomorrow morning then moving on to week 4 on monday. how has your week been? I totally know what you mean by being passed up by a granny hauling ***, its cross between totally embarassing and inspiring

Could look Liz - let us know how u got on.

I think i did 5k again today. I did it outside and mapped it on the gmap pedometer. Is that pretty accurate? there was one hill that nearly killed me! But i refused to let it beat me and ran/crawled/dragged my way to the top.

I've been reading a lot recently about interval training and read somewhere today that you should even incorporate into your 5k training. Is interval training basically a few mins slow/easy pace followed by a few mins fast/hard pace repeated? Does anybody do this?

I cant believe i just wrote "could look" instead of "good luck"!!
Whats up with me today?!

Sigh... I was going to go for a run this morning, but woke up frozen and too tired to even attempt rolling out of bed. So no run. It's been more than two weeks since the last one. Maybe I'll go do some hills in the neighbourhood if the weather holds for the rest of the day. Why is it that the longer you delay, the harder it is to make yourself do it, always? I miss my running, but it's nearly impossible to fit it in right now - it's dark when I get up, and dark again by the time I get home from my (awful) temp job...

I did my 10-k girls! And I was doing great until the very end when this girl started talking to me...totally psyched me out but I am still very proud of finishing in 53:59. 2nd for my age group and 3rd overall female.

Liz-great job! congratulations! Was she trying to psych you out though, or just an accident?

Stephie-i got in my last w3 jog yesterday, i felt pretty good about it and am moving on to week 4 tomorrow, you with me?!

Great job on the 10K!!

Tonight was a GREAT run- I ran 2 miles with my boyfriend, and it was probably the first run that I actually ENJOYED because I wasn't feeling like I was going to die I felt great and not exausted when it was over...definitly motivating!!!

Ok so I have to be honest here...I have not been getting my runs in. I have been out of town a lot and when I am home I just cannot muster to motivation. But I am going to regain my control and not lose track of my progress! I mean 3 weeks done in a running program is a big step for me, I can't chicken out now! So I am doing wk4d1 run today no matter what. My life is not so busy that I cannot spare 25 minutes you know what I mean...

bone idle - I do interval training but I am not up to where I can run 5k yet. I do walking/running intervals to get me there.

denice - I am right there with you...it is like I was thinking since I am repeating a week anyway it was not as important

lizz - Congrats on your 10k going so well. Yeah some chick talking to me at the end would ruin it for me as well. Don't you wish you could just mute people sometimes?

sushi - I hear you about once something is put off the likliness of it being put off again increases - story of my life...You just gotta make the time hun. And I sooo need to start following my own advice lol. Have you thought of investing in a treadmill?

pilates - Running with someone sounds like so much fun. I hate that I have no running partner