NSV: Fat Girl Does C25K - in Public!

sorcha1977

Yesterday, I decided to start C25K. I weigh 296 pounds, and while I don't mind walking around my neighborhood, I wasn't sure about actually jogging.

There is a little track at the intermediate school near my house. It's kind of hidden by the ivy over the fence, and the only people who can see are those who drive by one side and anyone who might be at the playground.

I waited until dusk because I was kind of a chicken.

When I showed up, there were three families on the playground, some maintenance workers on scaffolding along the wall of the school, and two people playing Frisbee with their dogs on the grass inside the track.

/whimper

Well, I figured, "Whatever," and started the walk portion. As it got closer and closer to the first "run" portion, my brain went, "You have to do this. I don't want to do this. They're watching. Oh, who cares? But I might suck. But they might laugh. But they might yell things. Big deal. You've lost so much weight. Ignore them."

Finally, the last couple of seconds ticked down, and my brain finally went, "Oh, EFF IT," and I started jogging.

And it was fun!

Nobody said a word or looked at me (and I probably wouldn't have noticed). I just kept at it, and if anyone was making fun of me, I didn't care. At least I was out there giving it my best and trying my hardest. I ran all of the running portions (slowly, but steadily) and tried to focus on my form and breathing.

Now I can't wait to start Day 2 tomorrow. I might even go before sundown.

sorcha1977

Oh, and those dogs ran with me for parts of the running portion. It was pretty funny. Their owners kept apologizing, and I just waved them off. I love dogs, and they weren't getting in my way or nipping or anything. They were just having fun and playing.

bug1106

good for you! I am about to start C25K!

zenyacleveland

Stay encouraged!!!!

altygirl

Congratulations!! I'm starting/trying to run and would love to do a 5K. I do my interval running (plodding) at the gym and am very self conscious about doing it in public so a big WOOHOO to you.

missdibs1

keep up the burn!!

Do not worry about others

You do it for you

wear headphones and focus on the music, there are podcasts that will help you train, with different tempos they are awesome

or create your own (with positive music!!)

workaholic_nurse

Awesome work! running NSVs!

verptwerp

Good for you ....... keep on truckin' !

:drinker:

DFineMrsRicks

W2G! taking the first step is the hardest. I started C25K about 3 weeks ago and my biggest fear was "being the fat girl running", now I am like so what I am off the couch and trying to correct my health. I actually enjoy running now.

sorcha1977

keep up the burn!!

Do not worry about others

You do it for you

wear headphones and focus on the music, there are podcasts that will help you train, with different tempos they are awesome

or create your own (with positive music!!)

I should have mentioned that. I'm using the C25K app. It lets me listen to my own music at the same time, right in the app itself, so I don't have to switch between the app and iTunes. I made a playlist of songs that fit the tempo I want to focus on right now, and it really helped.

grannykarla

I felt the same way when I started C25K. I put on my sunglasses because I thought it might make me invisible. But no one paid any attention to me, they were enjoying the park. It was an awesome feeling when I finished it, No one could have wiped the smile off of my face. Keep up the great work!

sorcha1977

Congratulations!! I'm starting/trying to run and would love to do a 5K. I do my interval running (plodding) at the gym and am very self conscious about doing it in public so a big WOOHOO to you.

I decided to do it at the little track because I didn't want to fiddle with the treadmill every 60-90 seconds. Plus, if I need to slow down a bit or something, I can just slow down instead of hitting the speed button for the millionth time. Once I can run at a steady pace, I might switch to the gym. Being outside is so nice, though. I love the fresh air. If it gets really hot, I'll definitely head to the gym. I hate hot weather. Last night, it was around 70-75 degrees, and it was absolutely perfect.

seblagg

Good for you! I'm around the same weight you are and I'm hoping to start C25K today. I hope to be ready for an actual 5K by September. Keep up the good work!

Wrenbot87

I started C25K and I was 289....I have my very last run on the program (that's right W9D3) and I'm weighing in at 263. Weight loss wise it was great! Self pride wise it is phenomenal!!! I'm running right under 3 miles now and my first 5k is in a few weeks. Stick with it, it is totally worth it. It has made a runner out of me. It won't always be easy, and some days it will be all you can do to just finish, just keep pushing! Good luck!

Colliex3

Good for you! At one point or another we all have that 1st fear of running in public. Moments like that I wish I was alittle kid again and had no fears. Keep it up!

Sassybmom

Way to go! It's awesome that you aren't standing in your own way! Get it woman!

Azkadelia

Awesome. I too am chicken to jog in public. I feel like everyone is going to stare at me. Thanks for posting!

marekdds

Congraulations! Be proud! Keep the marvelous attitude & you can accomplish anything. Anyone who would be negative in any way isn't worth the time of day.

pkinblue

I know there are some very judgmental folks in the world but I know that whenever I see anyone working out--regardless of size, speed, age or sport I smile and think that they are setting a good, healthy example for anyone who cares to look at them. I hope that my huffing and puffing self inspires someone someday too.

dupaboo

Yay!! I completely understand. I had that same "fear." Run on!!!

mandylgibbs

Awesome! I'm at 262 lbs on week 8 of c25k. I really love it. At first I was shy and a little self conscious but I've gotten to the point now that I don't care at all what others think because I know I can do something that the majority of people can't. I don't know a whole lot of people who start their days with a 3 mile run.

carriespence1

Did c25k last winter. I too was nervous cause everyone else running was a cross country king. Just remember your moving and getting further than the ones still sitting on the couch.

4ever420

Good for you for starting C25K! I'm on week 6 and I have found the program to be amazing. I so know what you mean about being self conscious running with other people, I'm exactly the same way. Good for you for doing it anyway, I've found that unless I'm willing to get a treadmill that it will be difficult to not be seen by anyone but I like running outside so I tell myself to suck it up. It does get a little easier though as you feel more comfortable running. Good luck to you on the rest of the program!

1princesswarrior

If I would have seen you my thought would have been "wow, look at her getting out and exercising!":happy:

nellyett

YAY!! Good for you! You must feel so liberated!! NO ONE can or should hold you back!

I am a C25K graduate myself....I never considered myself to be a 'runner'. I started the program last summer when I was a pack per day smoker....and completed it. I repeated a couple of weeks here and there, had a bad run that would leave me discouraged, then go out and NAIL IT the next time!! LOL The sense of accomplishment I get from running is hard to describe.:)

I have since recently started the bridge to 10k program....I never thought that would be possible to run a 10k without stopping, but neither did I think I could do 5k. I was wrong! We are sometimes our own worst enemies!

And for the record....whenever I see ANYONE running, whether they are seasoned runners, slow runners, new runners, old runners, whatever! I smile and think to myself " GOOD ON YA!! WAY TO GO!" Congrats on getting out there! Anyone who sneers, or makes fun of people going out and doing something wonderful for themselves is a miserable loser!

Welcome to the world of runners!! They are probably one of the most supportive group of people I've ever seen!

billsica

Congrats on doing that. In the end, no that sees you is going to care one way or the other.

Chagama

That is awesome, congratulations. And I hope everyone who is afraid of running in public reads this and learns.

polarsjewel

Fantastic! I "should" start it again

I'm proud for you

5ftnFun

:drinker:

Pangea250

You ROCK! You can totally do this. Just trust in the C25K and let it get you where you need to be.

I started C25K on a treadmill at 234 lbs. With a lot of encouragement from others, I started running outside. Now, I can't stand the treadmill. I run outside in sun, rain, wind, you name it, I run it, right there on the street. I never think of people looking and laughing. I imagine they are thinking, "Wow, look at her. If she can, then why can't I?"

Keep it up!

meredith1123

Pay no mind to others during your work out. Use ear buds and jam out to music and stay in your own world ,be out there for you .. EFFFFFF IT!!!! (as you said)....

congrats on your running accomplishment, now keep it up! enjoy it!