Running

Honestly, couch to 5k is brilliant for getting into running, it eases you in and builds you up. And I promise you, no one stares and judges.

At your height and weight, you're a perfectly healthy size. If no one's staring at me when I'm doing C25k at 220+ lbs at 5"3, no one will even blink at you.

I had the same fear when I started running, largely because I was in my mid-50s when I started. I thought people would stare and I would look funny because I have never been athletic. The first few months I only ran on a treadmill at home. Then I decided to do a 5k for charity, so started to run outside because I knew it would feel different. When I looked around at the other runners at the race, I saw people of all ages, all sizes, some athletes, some wearing jeans (so probably not athletes), some serious runners, some recreational walkers. I had a blast. So I decided that if I wanted to get more serious, and do more races, I needed to run outside more often. I did. I had a few people honk at me, either friendly or not, and a few people make jokes ("who's chasing you?") but most people didn't pay any attention. I relearned a lesson I knew a long time ago, which is that most people don't really care what you're doing, as long as you aren't interfering with what they are doing. Of those who give even a passing thought to me, some are thinking (and often saying), "Way to go lady!" A few may judge, but why would I care about them? I don't know them. My neighbors already think I'm a bit crazy, because I walk my dog day and night in all kinds of weather. But I don't think any of them put me down because I wobble when I'm running. At least I'm doing something.

ETA: I did Couch to 5k to start running. That was 13 years ago. Since then I've done 5 marathons, including Boston. Not bad for a non-athletic old lady.

Another vote for Couch to 5k for starting off. And, if you choose to use it, always remember, you can repeat a week if you aren't ready to move up. And as others have said - when you get out there and start running - you'll see people of all shapes and sizes and ages out there trying their best. You got this!

Oh no no no no no! Don’t feel like that!!!!

The last time ran was when forced during the Presidents Physical Fitness Test in the mid 70’s. I couldn’t finish a mile. I was slow, overly endowed, anemia, self concious, all the bug bears.

Forward 40+ years and I decided I wanted to try again, just to see if I could do it. For some reason I couldn’t get couch to 5k to work, but got the jist of it and just tried it on my own.

The day I ran 5k without stopping was a total win!!!!

No one pointed, no one laughed. In fact, I actually had a couple of strangers hang their heads out their car windows and cheer me on. “We’ve seen you walking and running! Keep it up!!!”

Tips?

Invest in good running shoes, fitted at a running store that checks your gait and suggests models. That made a HUGE difference. I bought two brands to try out.

Don’t be too cheap to get rid of ones that don’t work. One popular brand fit me like clown shoes and I literally kept tripping over my toes (the running store suggest going up a size because of my flat feet and funny gait). The other brand was perfect sized up and I now own about ten pair I rotate for walking, and workouts. (My feet - and the rest of me- sweat horribly.)

Quality socks will rock your world. I’ve had eight pair of Balega in rotation for over five years now and they are still amazingly comfortable, and though expensive, are only now starting to show wear, versus my cotton Hanes or fruit of the Loom that I just wear around the house (constantly cold tootsies) and have to be replaced every year.

Don’t ignore blisters. A.) they’re telling you something is wrong- shoes, fit, gait and B.) they only get worse and more painful if ignored. Compeed brand blister patches are one the greatest inventions of the past century.

Good earbuds. Think twice about sound blocking ones if you have to cross busy streets, on a bike/walking trail or are in an area people can sneak up on you. I do not wear earbuds or listen to music or podcasts in the dark for that reason.

And similar reason, Apple watch with phone capability is 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. I’ve had a guy jump out of a bush and another out of a public restroom on our “Square” both claiming to have guns. I swear to the heavens above next time I’m going to yell at my wrist “Siri! Call 911!!!” as loud as I can. I’m done trying to reason with fools.

Also, I’d suggest to any woman to take the RAD (Rape Agression Defense) class if it’s offered near you by your local PD or university (it’s available to anyone). I took it after my two incidents and it was empowering. No “ grab them in this exotic martial arts fashion and flip them over your shoulders like so”. It was all about actually useful practical suggestions on defending yourself. I

got to fight two SWAT team members who were dressed like the Michelin man. That was the best thing ever. No more Miss Nice Guy.

Always get running jackets with pockets. 😖 I hardly use the ones without them.

Fold-over running belts are comfy and convenient if you don’t need a jacket. Amazon has them for cheap.