The Ultimate Beginners Running Guide: The Key To Running Inspired by Robert Ryan

Author:Robert, Ryan [Robert, Ryan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-01-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 4: Confidence and Raising the Bar

Confidence and Self-Consciousness

We have decided to start a running regimen to benefit our minds and bodies. Went out and bought a brand new pair of kicks, as the kids say (known as shoes to the rest of us). We have looked at the different Running Schedules and decided which one will work best for us and even decided the day on which we’ll start. The snazzy new shorts or sweats are there waiting, right alongside the breathable shirt with more technological advances than most washing machines.

But something holds us back. Perhaps our day to begin comes and goes and we “forgot” to run that morning, or it was too late when we got home from work. We were too busy … or maybe, we admit to ourselves, we were scared. Scared we wouldn’t be able to run for even ten minutes, or scared how we would look, or scared to take time for ourselves when there is so much to do at work and around the house.

There are legitimate excuses (few, but some) to not begin running, or to miss a day of running, but a lack of confidence or being too self-conscious is never a good reason. Around the country there are loggers and fisherman jogging and running to stay in shape for the upcoming busy seasons, wearing jeans and long-johns to stay warm and looking ridiculous; gawky teenagers running for the next meet; senior citizens staying in shape for their grandkids’ sake … every shape, size, and speed of runner imaginable.

This is not a psychology text, but suffice to say here that we must be very careful not to project feelings we might have about ourselves onto other people; if we feel overly concerned people aren’t supportive, are looking down at us, or are watching our fat jiggle, in all likelihood it’s us projecting feelings we have about ourselves onto others. Exercisers in general and runners in particular are some of the friendliest, most supportive folks around, and chances are you will get more than a few encouraging head nods, smiles and comments like, “great job!” whether svelte or obese. Sweat and effort just seem to breed empathy and compatriotism.

Self-consciousness will always affect us to some degree, which is fine as long as we use it to our advantage. We can use self-doubt or self-consciousness as a reminder of why we wanted to begin running and exercising in the first place: for ourselves. Nobody else. We try to always remember two things: one— this ain’t no fashion show, and two— the people around us are just as, if not more, self-conscious than we are.

We should remember, too, the positive impact our presence and dedication will have on others. Perhaps a neighbor who has wanted to start exercising will be inspired by our efforts; often the more overweight or out of shape we are, the more inspiring our training becomes.

Or maybe our children learn from us that exercise and taking the time to take care of our bodies is a key family value.

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