I began running in January with the C25K and completed it in March. I did the whole program on the treadmill at the gym and have since worked up so that I can complete 5k in just under 40mins.
I've signed up for my first 5k on the 3rd July and so have been trying to add in some running outside to get me used to it. The first few times I went out I found it so much harder than the treadmill, and I only managed a few short intervals.
Then one day I went and ran circles around the local football pitches and managed 24mins non-stop and was SO proud of myself although the boredom was immense. A few days later we went to visit family and I went for a run along the promenade and it was so different to be able to run SOMEWHERE, and although it was SO hard I managed over 35mins running non-stop and felt invincible.
Due to being sick and family commitments I've not been able to run outside again til yesterday, when I had to go down to the football pitches again, and I only managed 10mins. I was so annoyed with myself because I felt like the 24mins and 35mins must have been a fluke.
I realised later that I hadn't taken my ipod with me and I usually use my music to motivate me, by saying I'll run just one more song, and so on, so that will have contributed I know, but not sure if it was the whole reason.
Another reason I think is the boredom. Running around in circles drives me mad.
So I've decided I really need to start running somewhere, but I don't know how to start.
I've been using some of the map it sites and working out distances to some places etc, but I'm scared. My main concerns are:-
1. How do I choose where to run when I still don't know how far I really can comfortably run outside? I don't want to set off somewhere and find I don't have the energy to get back. I know I can walk back if I run to somewhere, but it's still worrying. Around where I live is also very hilly so I have to account for the fact that I've not done hills. The route I'm thinking of trying today is approx 2.5k out and then obviously the same back. Out is downhill and level, then back is level and uphill. I've thought if I could try to run all the way there then I could possibly run the level bit back then walk the uphill bit. I so wish I could find a flat route of 5k but don't know where to start.
2. I'm scared of running in public. I still have 40lbs or so to lose and so don't look like most of the runners I see, and I'm really scared of catcalls and people seeing my beetroot red face and sweating buckets.
3. What if I suddenly need to visit the toilet? On the football pitches if I need to I can be back home within 5mins, but if I run somewhere there aren't public toilets at regular intervals. So what do I do?
Sorry for such a long post and all the questions, if anyone can help with advice and experience I'd really appreciate it.