JOIN THE MOVEMENT

‘I’m too embarrassed’

Feeling self-conscious is understandable, particularly if you’re not comfortable with your body, but you’ll find people are too busy to notice you or can even be supportive. When Amanda Phillips confronted embarrassment head-on by wearing a T-shirt with ‘Fat Bird Running’ printed on the back, the responses were supportive. But if you’re not ready to be so direct, try running early in the morning, or after dark. Or find a friend or group to join you for support.

‘I’m too unfit’

You can ease into running using the RW First Mile plan (below). And don’t worry about being worn out – a study review, published in Psychological

Bulletin, concluded that exercise increases energy levels and reduces feelings of fatigue.

‘I’m too old’

You can reap the health benefits of running at any age. A recent University College London study found people who took up exercise in their 60s and 70s gained major health benefits.

‘I’m too overweight’

Too many people say ‘I’ll start running when I’ve lost weight.’ That’s a real shame, as running is a powerful weight-loss weapon. Annette Johnson made full use: ‘At first, I was so heavy I couldn’t jog so I had to power walk,’ she says. ‘But soon I was able to mix short periods of walking with jogging.’

In research from Cuba, overweight women who jogged three times a week for eight weeks lost weight, lowered their blood pressure and improved their cholesterol profile.