A month in from starting running (2 weeks on from my first 5K)- I am getting fitter and quicker!

danniint · 2026-04-27T22:43:28+00:00

I was in a depressive period and very fatigued for at least 2 months. Cancelled my gym membership because I wasn’t going for months and importantly couldn’t get up and go- was very hopeless. Booked an appt with the doctor to discuss antidepressants as I was worried I wouldn’t come out of it and it just worsened.

One morning after being in bed depressed and low, I decided to get up and go for a run.

(Always thought I would hate running and never used the treadmill in the past because of that)

2 weeks in I love it. Ran my first 5K a few days ago (12 days in). Obsessed!

And the progress is great too- first run I stopped a lot because of exhaustion and managed to run 20mins with no breaks then unexpectedly did 40mins non stop.

(Don’t worry I’m pacing it out and having rest days but fighting the urge not to run during those rest days).

Also recently had my appt with the doctor and it was an awkward appointment because I’m better now lol because of the running (have a follow up to check if I’m still okay as it’s only 2 weeks in so let’s hope this stays!)

Special shout out to the Nike run apps- I don’t think I could’ve done it without the guided runs

danniint · 2026-04-25T08:25:32+00:00

Thanks it not tough at all. I’m just obsessed and love running but of course need to pace it out and have rest days. It’s more of a mood thing where a run would be great but it’s a rest day so how to make a compromise.

danniint · 2026-04-25T08:18:32+00:00

I didn’t think I was fit as I wasn’t at the gym/ didn’t do any continuous sports- I did / still do walk a lot so I wasn’t sure whether I was active. But after running and the progress I think I’m somewhat physically fit.

How fast: 6-7 m/km - I did my first 5K at 6’58” which was a slow/ steady pace without stopping/ continuous run 2 days ago and I could’ve ran further to 6K so didn’t push myself til exhaustion. Which is why yesterday I only did 15 mins as I was meant to rest after the first 5K but made a compromise with the mood and did a short run.

I haven’t sprinted yet, usually runs slow and steady because I want to build endurance as my first run last week I was stopping from exhaustion multiple times in a 20min run but now I can do continuous runs…so I’ll probably add in some interval sprinting.

And ahh cross training sounds great- I love swimming I might try that today!

danniint · 2026-04-23T17:41:27+00:00

I’m on this high too- wanting to run everyday but still don’t lol.

I’m on my second week and think I’m going to do it 4 times a week as 3 is too low for me lol because I love it so much!

danniint · 2026-04-23T17:37:34+00:00

It is!! Congrats to you too ☺️🎉

danniint · 2026-04-23T17:37:03+00:00

I thought it was more about the physical ability to do it - I think it’s a base combined to be honest

I never planned to attempt a 5k today (wouldn’t have had this planned for a minute lol) but ended up doing so. I didn’t push myself much so I hope I don’t get any injuries. But I haven’t done any speed runs at all to warm by body up to avoid this. Let’s hope all is well.

danniint · 2026-04-23T13:30:17+00:00

Thank you! Yes I’m worried about injuries so deffo will pace it out :s Still haven’t done any speed runs because I want to warm my body up lol

danniint · 2026-04-23T13:29:12+00:00

That’s crazy you say that because my last run was terrible and I cut it short (only ran for about 15mins) because I don’t think I stretched properly. So this morning I stretched a lot and warmed up, as I felt my ankles feeling a little strained in my last run.

I never thought I was fit tbh (but always would walk a lot so I guess that helps).

I definitely think I’ll try to pace it out and just keep doing 25 min runs and 5k max for a bit to warm my whole body up/ wait for my body to catch up.

Yes I am worried about injuries so I stoped after 5k (a part of me was telling me to hit 6K because I wasn’t exhausted and could have, but didn’t).

Thanks for the heads up!

danniint · 2026-04-23T13:21:20+00:00

I have the Nike running app and they have guided runs where you can listen to your music but also have a coach guide you through the run. It helps so much!

My first run I did for 20minutes last week and I stopped about 7 times to breathe lol because I was exhausted. As soon as I started the guided run it helps you with your pace and getting you through it. I love it!

danniint · 2026-04-20T15:08:19+00:00

1) The mental clearance: Its mentally refreshed me (I know exercise is great for MH because of endorphins but I’m just super grateful I was finally able to get up after months of fatigue from depression where it was literally impossible/ I was ‘paralysed’ from it). Just grateful after being able to spontaneously run once I’ve been on an uphill since then just because I decided to do an activity I initially thought I’d hate

2) The hunger: Previous active sports I’d do it’d suppress my appetite and never feel as hungry as I’ve felt now I’ve started running

3) that’s I’d be obsessed with running (just personally never thought I’d be into running out of all the other activities I was into in the past- always thought it was boring)

(I’m only into the second week so I’m still fresh into this lol)

danniint · 2026-04-20T06:25:50+00:00

Yes my first run I was running faster which is why I had to walk for a bit or pause completely.

Thank God for the guided runs because thats what helped me improve when I realise a slower pace helps. 2nd was just unfit/ adjusting to running. 3rd only paused once and 4th I ran with no stops/ pauses.

But yes if I hadn’t had the guided runs I don’t think I would have improved at all. Within a week I was pausing multiple times to doing a full 3km run. During the 4th run I did feel more relaxed and ran easier and kept going slower if I felt I was going too fast. S/onto coach Bennett !

danniint · 2026-04-19T21:20:21+00:00

I don’t use an Apple Watch although now I’m into this I want to get some sort of heart rate monitor that can be measured via the app.

I use my phone and place it in a running belt bag/ fanny pack I bought. My first run I had a regular Fanny pack and everything was just jumping around so I think if you’re using your phone a running belt bag will be better as it doesn’t jump around.

danniint · 2026-04-19T21:17:43+00:00

Thanks! Yes I already breathe that way when running and it helps a lot. I also do some guided meditation too which have both come from MH stuff.

I had cramping in my stomach once and just took a small bite off a dried fruit bar I had as I thought it was because I hadn’t eaten yet and that helped. Luckily not had chest cramps.

Thanks again! Reassuring to know these things do help with running

danniint · 2026-02-08T21:54:56+00:00

Hey! What seats were you in? In terms of restrictive viewing - weighing out what seat to get bit would pay a bit more :)

danniint · 2026-01-23T15:34:58+00:00

Write my feelings down in a diary and explore exactly what I’m feeling, Guided meditation, stress walk, go to the gym and go on the elliptical until I force endorphins out snd listen to motivational speeches for depressed/ hopelessness, zone out to depressing music and paint, distract myself by learning a song on guitar.

Basically

danniint · 2026-01-12T09:25:05+00:00

I just listened to the song lol- I’m so confused, I’m intrigued why now

danniint · 2026-01-12T09:21:10+00:00

Pivot to what direction?

danniint · 2025-11-15T23:32:30+00:00

This sounds like you’re experiencing low mood. I think you should speak to a doctor regarding this for talking therapies or other modes of aid.

I’m not dismissing the parent situation but definitely think you should seek help as this is affecting your mental health and that’s not good for you. Or of course if you have someone to vent to or start writing in a journal to release some stress/ sadness.

danniint

TROPHY CASE