shy runner

aineqt

Hey guys I'm wanting to take it to the next level and start running I was wondering if you had any tips for me on that and also I'm a bit neverous to go running out in public . I'm shy about sweating and being red faced around others because of my weight .....

IsaackGMOON

No one really cares if you're out and running...

aineqt

That wasn't very helpful

codename_steve

I had these same concerns when I first started. Running outside made me feel like every person in the world was staring at me. But eventually, that goes away. No real trick for what it was, I just got in the zone and did my thing, and eventually it wasn't a concern anymore.

ohmscheeks

IsaackGMOON wrote: »

No one really cares if you're out and running...

Pretty much...

aineqt

Thanks

IsaackGMOON

aineqt wrote: »

That wasn't very helpful

Well that's it.

You either get out there and do it, or you don't. It's as simple as that.

As I said, no one really cares if you're running out in public.

aineqt

I know no one cares I ment any tips to over come being paranoid about it

IsaackGMOON

aineqt wrote: »

I know no one cares I ment any tips to over come being paranoid about it

Then go out there and do it.

ubxmonster

What do you think when you see an overweight person out running and sweating? I personally think they're awesome, so I pretend that's what everyone thinks of me. :-)

mbaker566

no one cares. its the truth.
I'm not good at running but i run in the morning so there are only a few of us out and about. we give each other head nods. one guy saw me struggling as he passed and said "keep it up"
i find the running community to be very supportive of each other
try clinics to help you learn good form and nutrition and to keep it fun
get good shoes after your gait is analyzed

aineqt

ubxmonster wrote: »

What do you think when you see an overweight person out running and sweating? I personally think they're awesome, so I pretend that's what everyone thinks of me. :-)

Thanks I liked that me myself I wouldn't look twice if someone was out running its just where I'm from people are very judgemental without meaning it. Is it better to stretch before or after running ?

Somebody_Loved

aineqt wrote: »

ubxmonster wrote: »

What do you think when you see an overweight person out running and sweating? I personally think they're awesome, so I pretend that's what everyone thinks of me. :-)

Thanks I liked that me myself I wouldn't look twice if someone was out running its just where I'm from people are very judgemental without meaning it. Is it better to stretch before or after running ?

That is the norm I've noticed. You'll get smiles and head nods and any judgment you perceive might just be you're own insecurities - everyone is focused on themselves.

As far as stretching, I always warm up by walking (usually for 5 minutes), do my run, walk to cool down and then stretch after. I know of others who warm up by walking, stretch, and then run. Whatever works for you, I just wouldn't recommend stretching until you've warmed up.

Have fun!

bbinoa

Do you have specific questions about running? I'm not fast, or graceful and never will be but I've consistently found most other runners to be super accepting! I guarantee that if you nod, wave or say a good morning to people you pass you'll be greeted the same way. The few who didn't are usually in a zone and probably wouldn't notice a polar bear running past. So no worries.

dawnmcneil10

What I used to do was find the quieter walking paths or paths shared with cycles. I found the cycles made my feel less alone and they were usually going at such a faster speed I could nod and move on without giving it another thought. After a while you'll realize no one is watching you until someone is because you're inspiring them only you'll not notice it because you no longer care.

aineqt

Thanks you guys

LKArgh

aineqt wrote: »

ubxmonster wrote: »

What do you think when you see an overweight person out running and sweating? I personally think they're awesome, so I pretend that's what everyone thinks of me. :-)

Thanks I liked that me myself I wouldn't look twice if someone was out running its just where I'm from people are very judgemental without meaning it. Is it better to stretch before or after running ?

1) If this is you in the photo, you need to work on your self esteem. You are not "fat" but I suspect you think you are
2) If you have been bullied, you need to learn to deal with it. Ignore it, confront the bullies, avoid them, but do not let them stop you from doing things you enjoy. Every place has some sort of bully, do not let these people have power over you. The average person really does not care if you run or not, if you are overweight or not. Those who are going to try to make you feel bad, they will find something no matter what you do. Your weight, your height, your hair, your clothes, your attitude. Ignore them.

PaytraB

aineqt wrote: »

Hey guys I'm wanting to take it to the next level and start running I was wondering if you had any tips for me on that and also I'm a bit neverous to go running out in public . I'm shy about sweating and being red faced around others because of my weight .....

We all start with this fear. You're not alone.
When I first started running outdoors, I'd look at the ground when other runners were approaching so that I wouldn't notice their looks of dismay at my huffing/puffing & red face. As I got more confident and looked around, I saw that no one was looking at me with dismay but with smiles and waves of encouragement. Runners are wonderful when they meet new runners in public. They know how hard it is to get out there and run. They are very encouraging.
A few runners are concentrating on their own training program and will look through you but they don't mean to be dismissing; they are concentrating on their own thing and don't see you. Don't take that personally. Just wave and keep running.
I suggest you put your shoes on and go for a run. You'll feel awkward & that's normal but that feeling won't go away until you've got some outdoor miles under your shoes. You're going to do great.

aineqt

Thank you

aineqt

aggelikik wrote: »

aineqt wrote: »

ubxmonster wrote: »

What do you think when you see an overweight person out running and sweating? I personally think they're awesome, so I pretend that's what everyone thinks of me. :-)

Thanks I liked that me myself I wouldn't look twice if someone was out running its just where I'm from people are very judgemental without meaning it. Is it better to stretch before or after running ?

1) If this LPis you in the photo, you need to work on your self esteem. You are not "fat" but I suspect you think you are

Thank you but that's an old picture I gained about 2 St last year when I was pregnant with my daughter

mwyvr

@aineqt When I was a fit distance runner 15 years ago and saw a heavy person out there running the only thought that entered my mind was way to go and I applauded them.

When I stopped running and got heavy (105 pounds too heavy) and saw a heavy person out there running the only thought that entered my mind was I wish I was them.

As for your concerns about being red faced and sweaty most runners are. I sweat buckets, always have. It's not an indication of fitness.

Don't let irrational fear stop you from doing something for yourself. Yes, I briefly worried about this but quickly realized that was more B.S. I was telling myself and I refuse to buy my own B.S. and got out there and ran. In short order I was losing a ton of weight and gaining a great deal of fitness and, ultimately, happiness.

Do it. Your future self will be ever so grateful.

BethAnnieT

Yep, just do it, as the saying goes! I suck at running, and I get very sweaty and red and it's just unpleasant to behold. But I have found over the years that truly, no one is looking at me. Everyone else is too busy with themselves and their schedules and kids and dinner plans and getting the trash put out (and probably the other runners are worried about how they look too) to think about you or what you look like while running. And honestly, when I see anyone, especially someone overweight, out running and sweating and getting all red, I think... "Good for you. Go get em!!" Because they are DOING IT. And that's what it takes. Doing it and getting sweaty and red. It's a badge of honor.

BethAnnieT

Also, I used to worry what people thought about my speed (read: lack thereof) while I was running. I am the slowest. Ever. Literally, ever on the planet. But then I tell myself, for all anyone else knows, I'm on mile 26 right now.

Stoshew71

While the following link is to an article which is about concerns for running "slow", I think it would help answer some of your fears.

http://runnersconnect.net/coach-corner/so-what-youre-a-slow-runner/

PaytraB

BethAnnieT wrote: »

Also, I used to worry what people thought about my speed (read: lack thereof) while I was running. I am the slowest. Ever. Literally, ever on the planet. But then I tell myself, for all anyone else knows, I'm on mile 26 right now.

This made me laugh because I have the same thoughts about my slowness. I'm the slowest runner ever. LOL! Just goes to show that we're all alike under our sweat and red faces.

JamestheLiar

I'm feeling the same way as OP about running in public. I don't like it. People can say "no one cares," but it's not about people. It's about me. I don't like it. So ... I run in the evening, and I love it. It's cooler and quieter. Peaceful. I'm usually heading out about 9PM or so. I've discovered that running in the evening is much the same thing as running early in the morning, but without all the "morning" (I'm absolutely no good at getting up earlier than I have to).

I also chose a route that follows "back-roads" that do not have a lot of traffic ... I spend very little time on main roads. As a bonus (from a "mental health" perspective), I'm learning to deal with my irrational fear of zombie attacks in the woods at night.

Stoshew71

JamestheLiar wrote: »

I'm feeling the same way as OP about running in public. I don't like it. People can say "no one cares," but it's not about people. It's about me. I don't like it. So ... I run in the evening, and I love it. It's cooler and quieter. Peaceful. I'm usually heading out about 9PM or so. I've discovered that running in the evening is much the same thing as running early in the morning, but without all the "morning" (I'm absolutely no good at getting up earlier than I have to).

I also chose a route that follows "back-roads" that do not have a lot of traffic ... I spend very little time on main roads. As a bonus (from a "mental health" perspective), I'm learning to deal with my irrational fear of zombie attacks in the woods at night.

I would not advise this for a woman unless you can run with a big dog. Or carry pepper mace.

dubird

99% of people won't notice. I see people when I'm walking or when I'm driving down the street, but I can't tell you anything about them, if they were fat or skinny or fit or tall or short or whatever. I know I feel self-conscious myself, but I've found that listening to music or Zombies Run takes my mind off what others might be thinking and I do a lot better.

mwyvr

If hiding from public works for someone, but at least they get out, then all the more power to them.

But if an irrational fear makes it difficult to find a spot in your daily schedule to run, then clearly that's not something that can stand and working on the root problem is called for, rather than seeking a work around.

Less seriously, here's another solution: run with a dog. People always look at the dog.

RavenLibra

I am a people watcher... most emu's are... anyway... I can see the most beautiful woman on the planet... then *poof*...a minute later I will have forgotten she ever existed... people don't commit each other to long term memory especially if no words are ever exchanged... any judgement you FEEL... is just karma... you feel judged because YOU judge... so... be more forgiving... and that "paranoia" will simply cease to exist...

as for pre-run ... always stretch... lower body... legs, calves, thighs, hammies... then... do a set of sit ups and push ups... to tighten up the core and keep things in place when you hit the trail...

don't let your insecurities hold you back... be brave... be strong... THAT is why you are doing this in the first place right? so you can be brave... so you can be strong... so you CAN stand out for the right reasons??? SO... just do it... (sorry Nike) ... so says the Emu

litsy3

Stoshew71 wrote: »

JamestheLiar wrote: »

I also chose a route that follows "back-roads" that do not have a lot of traffic ... I spend very little time on main roads. As a bonus (from a "mental health" perspective), I'm learning to deal with my irrational fear of zombie attacks in the woods at night.

I would not advise this for a woman unless you can run with a big dog. Or carry pepper mace.

I run by myself in the dark on back roads all the time. I think women can mostly judge whether the areas they live in are likely to be dangerous or not. I certainly am not going to limit the activities I can do based on an unfounded paranoia about potential attacks. I don't run the same route at the same time every day, and that is enough risk-management for me.

OP: it's better to stretch after running.