Running outside for the first time can be extremely daunting mainly due to the fear of being judged by other road users. However, running has many benefits including improving cardiovascular fitness, maintaining a healthy weight and improving your mental health.
Here are some tips on how to overcome the fear on your first few runs
- Get a running buddy – This will distract you from other road users so that you feel less self-conscious and also motivate you when you don’t feel like carrying on. They can hold you accountable to your running goals and make the whole experience more enjoyable.
- Listen to music- Another great way to distract you and make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. Be weary though when crossing roads in order to keep safe
- Go when it is quieter – There will be less road users early in the morning or mid-afternoon before rush hour so you can feel more comfortable running at those times. You can also pick quieter, more secluded roads to build up your stamina and endurance so that you feel more comfortable when running on main roads.
- Wear running clothes – Wearing the right type of clothes and correct running shoes will automatically boost your confidence as a beginner. Remember no one knows you are a beginner except yourself so fake it until you make it!
- Remember no one is really looking – It is normal to feel self-conscious on your first few runs but try to reassure yourself that other road users are not focused on you. Pretend that you are the only person on the road and keep telling yourself that others are focusing on themselves, not you.
- Write down your running goals – this will help to keep you accountable and motivate you to carry on when you feel the fear of being judged start to kick in. There also some goal setting apps to help remind you of your goals and track your progress over time. A good example of an app is Stride, where you pick a goal and specify the action you need to do to achieve that goal and it will track your progress to hold you accountable.
If you feel that physiotherapy can help you with any running injuries, please contact Home Physio Group on 0330 335 1016 to talk to our team, or alternatively, please use the contact form on the website and we will reach out to you.