Afraid to run in public (10weeks to train for first 5km Run)

mjoshua87

Hi all,

Need some advice or a motivational push. I entered to run in my first ever 5km run it's in Oct and i'd like to be able to run it all. I've been working out and getting fit since Jan of this year aand only started running on a treadmill about a month and a half ago. I did run once outdoors with my sister who's also learning but that was also in town I don't live in and with a friend. I don't have any running friends here they quit soooo i'm on my own which is how its been for my whole weighloss journey thus far! I'm still dealing with self-esteem issues of course getting out for the first run on my own is a big deal especially since Ive broadcasted to all of my work and friends and family that i entered in this run and planned to run it all so I can't back out. I just always wonder is this or that jiggling when i run are ppl looking..... I mean I watch extreme makeovers with Chris Powel and I admire them so much here they are 300-400 lbs running and here I am under 200lbs and I can't seem to step foot outside. HELP ME!

ncmedic201

I walk and ride a trail near my house. I've never once looked to see what's jiggling on a person. In fact, I watch all of these people pass by and think "yay, look at everyone getting in shape!"

If you are worried, buy some compression type shorts. I always double up with a sports bra and an exercise shirt with a built in bra so nothing up top is to bouncy

You'll love the feeling of accomplishment when you're finished. Go for it!!

chesleaxx

I was the same way, always afraid of running in public. Turns out the only thing that got me over the fear was to push myself to do it, and now i have no problem running in public

jayrudq

You have two choices. Just buck up and do it. Put on the sunglasses and your headphones with some great music and run.
Or get in your car and drive somewhere where no one will know you and run. Make sure it is safe though...

Having just overcome this hurtle myself - yesterday being day 2 I can relate. But you know what? **** it and them if anyone judges me for running?

LearnFromTheRed

I've discovered that hardly anyone even notices you're there, to be honest.

berriboobear

Just ran this morning for the first time! Of course I'm a normal treadmill fanatic, but I'm up for a 5K in a little over a month, and just went for it this morning. At first you feel awkward and self-conscious, but honestly, you stop thinking once you start running. I love my neighbourhood, no honks/catcalls/whatever... although I also ran at 7:00am. Even passed another runner and we barely acknowledged each other (not rudely, just out of concentration).

In short, go for it! You're doing it for you, listen to music if you feel comfortable doing that, and remember that you are amazing for taking the initiative to exercise and to put yourself out there like that! Work it!

dwabs7

I remember a time I would not be caught running outside. However I began running in 2009, when a friend convinced be to sign up for Boot Camp at the YMCA. I have been running ever since. The Boot Camp was great in that there were people of all ages and fitness levels so I did not feel quite so out of place. Once you start running outside you will find that the treadmill is never the same. I am planning to run in my first ROC Race in August and a Mud Run in September. I wish you the best. The hardest part is starting so get out there and show them what you've got!

thegilly6

My daughter has the same awareness of herself. She's content running at the high school track.

grimendale

Runners are a friendly bunch. Every race I've ever run, the front runners have come back after finishing to cheer on those behind. People are just going to be glad to welcome a new runner to the fold. Don't worry. There's nothing to fear.

LorinaLynn

Anyone who sees you will be seeing you for about five seconds, tops. No one is putting as much thought into how you look than you are.

lswatson111304

I say go out and do it. First of all, when it is time to run the 5K, you will be in public anyway! Might as well do it now!

That being said, I had to push past my fear of people laughing at me being the fat girl on the bike and I'm fairly certain that a woman was the other day. I got irritated and then was like "You know, I just don't care, at least my fat butt is on this bike and trying" so I stopped caring and just kept going . That was at a park...I rode on the road in "real public" the other day and felt the self consciousness again as people passed. I just kept going though and thought to myself that maybe if I just keep going one of those people looking at me will one day think, "look at her, she has lost a lot of weight on that bike"

mjoshua87

Thanks sooo much for the feed back. I know the hardest part is stepping out that door. Im starting my days off tomorrow and hoping to get up really early before my fiance has to leave for work so I can be home with our daughter. Problem in this town everyone is up at like 4am for work. I even bought meself "nice workout clothes" i've been saving to wear outside. Ugh just gotta get out of my own head for this.

10 weeks is enough time to train right?

jeda1231

i'm a runner and when I run outside I see people of all sizes! The point is if I see someone bigger - I have the urge to run with them and be like wow way to go!! I think you running outside is inspirational, not embarrassing! BUT people can only tell you that soo much - you have to believe it I think even if you run for a bit outside you will feel awesome. If you like to run, you are in the running club already! You're being healthy - ANYONE running (small or big) will be jealous of YOU! haha

Colbyandsage

Trust me when I say this! Runners love when they see new runners out there. Most of us were there once and if I see someone doing the walk run thing, I think back to everything I have been through to get to this point... The shin splints, IT band issues, plantar fasciitis. I admire ANYONE that is determined to make a goal!

My advice is find a trail or heck run on the paved paths in a cemetery. ANYWHERE! Load up the iPod with music and go have fun and zone out.

Feel free to friend me for advice. I have been running for about 2.5 years. I look back and try to figure out how I overcame half of the crap and didn't give up, but I did and now I run about 100 miles a month and am training for a full marathon this fall.

mjoshua87

I say go out and do it. First of all, when it is time to run the 5K, you will be in public anyway! Might as well do it now!

That being said, I had to push past my fear of people laughing at me being the fat girl on the bike and I'm fairly certain that a woman was the other day. I got irritated and then was like "You know, I just don't care, at least my fat butt is on this bike and trying" so I stopped caring and just kept going . That was at a park...I rode on the road in "real public" the other day and felt the self consciousness again as people passed. I just kept going though and thought to myself that maybe if I just keep going one of those people looking at me will one day think, "look at her, she has lost a lot of weight on that bike"

The run in Oct 6th its for Breast Cancer.

Koodo's to you!!! I guess I will just have to ignore the outside world.

shutupandlift13

Most people are actually impressed by people they see out running. But a good way to ease into it might be finding some trails to run around you? It gets easier the more you do it. And maybe it will make you run faster too

10 weeks is definitely enough time. Since this is your first 5k and not knowing anything else about your fitness level, finishing it is usually a pretty good goal. That sets a benchmark and motivation to train for the next one to beat your time if you find its something that you enjoy.

For me personally, I hated treadmill running. It was only when I started running outside that I really enjoyed it. I use the treadmill still for interval training but longer runs are always done outside now.

opportunitylf

Yes, I definitely think that 10 weeks is enough time to train. I am doing a 10 week couch to 5k program through a gym--but you can also look up couch to 5k schedule on-line. Most of those are 8 or 9 week programs. Good luck!

MzzNkki

10 WEEKS IS PLENTY --- USE COUCH TO 5K -- TRAINS FOR 5K IN 9 WEEKS!! I WAS DOING IT AT MY LOCAL TRACK N I FELT SILLY!!! WHAT MADE ME FEEL BETTER WAS OTHERS THERE RUNNING SAME PASSING ME UP MADE ME WANT TO WORK HARDER! I DIDNT GO LAST WEEK OVER 100 DEGREES TIMES I WAS ABLE TO RUN BUT I AM GONNA START GOING AT A LOCAL BIKE TRAIL WHICH IS BETTER SCENERY AND ALSO NOT EVERYONE WATCHING ME AT ONCE. :-) GOOD LUCK

SoViLicious

You have to get over it.... Focus on your running...forget the world.

bumblebums

Run on a treadmill then. Or find a better excuse to avoid exercise

cwolfman13

What you have to realize is that nobody cares...nobody is sitting around watching you or laughing or whatever. That's all a figment of your imagination. People are pretty much oblivious to everything outside their own little world.

BrianSharpe

The truth is that we runners have become such a part of the urban landscape that we're practically invisible.

You've got time to get ready for the race, if you can get out running early in the morning. it's cooler, there's less traffic to contend with and you're more likely to see other runners (and we come in every shape & size); if anything you're going to get a friendly wave or encouragement, runners tend to be very supportive of other runners.

mom2dzbnwe

You can totally train in 10 weeks.
Here's the thing with 5ks:
*There are lots of people who are there to run. Most of them will be so focused on themselves or their group that they aren't going to look twice at you (or anyone else). Also, in the 5Ks I've run there are always plenty of silly people that draw attention -- I love that, because I feel like everyone's looking at the girls (and guys) in rainbow tu-tus instead of me!
*I've never run all the way through (though I'm going to try to with my next one at end of Aug) and I've never been the last one to finish.
*There is so much contagious "happy energy" from the endorphins, or too many energy drinks, or whatever, that you will be happy!!!

I have just started running in public. I've walked around my neighborhood off and on for a couple years. I have a friend that I walk with, but she (even though she's a cute size 4) does not run. I've started C25K in the past couple weeks, so I go without her so I can run. We still walk together on my "rest" days--which works great for me.
I run at night, before dark, but after dinner--it's just too hot during the day and I'm not a morning person!
I'll be honest, I've had teenagers cat-call while I'm running but I just ignored them and kept going. I've dropped 50+ lbs. and I'm happy with my progress, so...whatever!
One of my neighbors down the street (a man, probably near my parents age) actually stopped me last night and said, "You know, I remember when you started....You look great! You've really changed! Just keep up that persistence!"
I came home beaming! So, walking in public isn't all bad!!!
And 5ks are a blast! You will have so much fun!!! Embrace it!

SyntonicGarden

You have two choices. Just buck up and do it. Put on the sunglasses and your headphones with some great music and run.
Or get in your car and drive somewhere where no one will know you and run. Make sure it is safe though...

Having just overcome this hurtle myself - yesterday being day 2 I can relate. But you know what? **** it and them if anyone judges me for running?

This and the post immediately after it. People really don't notice, as much as we'd like to think they do.

The other thing is, when you get to the 5K, you'll see ALL sorts of people there. Tall people, short people, athletic people, non-athletic people, old, young, people at all different skill levels. They're all there for one thing and that's to run. Just go do what you need to do.

And if you need a little extra push, remember that all of the people that you pass on your run aren't running, so you're that much more ahead. I live on a road that has a constant flow of runners. I'm too darn busy with my own life to sit there and comment on how slow this one is or how heavy that one is. (Ain't nobody got time for that.) If they're running, kudos to them and maybe I need to put my shoes on and run too, instead of sorting the recycling.

mjoshua87

Awesome advice from everyone!!! as long as weather is good Monday morning will be my first run. there's a cute little storm pond just down the road from my house with a paved trail and surrounded by house. I got some tunes but anyone got any suggestions that'll really rev me up, I run better with music for sure.

BeachIron

Two pieces of advice:

(1) Find running friends through social media or clubs and talk only to THEM about running. That's a huge common interest and runners love to talk about running. I only talk about fitness with similarly situated people as, with few exceptions, no one else wants to hear it. Stick with people who love it.

(2) Stop being afraid to run outdoors. Running outside is one of the highlights of any day I do it. Fresh air, sunshine, the freedom of disappearing into myself and "meditating." No one else is going to notice. You may get an occasional comment if a friend sees you but that's pretty unusual. Just enjoy it.

MyChocolateDiet

I guess I'd like to know what kind of fear you are having before I answer. I know different books for different kinds. All good, but all very different.

the gift of fear--if you are actually afraid for your safety
healing back pain--if you are afraid of aggravating an injury or pain
anxiety phobias and panic-if there is some social element to your fears (which I'm guessing by your clothing statement)

I know people who have read all these books and they were helped significantly which led me to read them from curiosity as to how people fix their mindset about different things. That's always been of interest to me. How people get out of their own way.

rachseby

Usually when I see anyone running I just feel guilty that I'm not doing it and admire them to for getting out in the heat/cold/rain etc.!

mjculbertson4512

Go and have fun!
We have a running club here. Great group. See if there is one in your area, there may be a beginners group or a ladies group to connect with. I walk my 5K for physical reasons, but I am working on my time.

So, lace up, get up, head out the door and have fun. Listen to the tunes, listen to the birds, see the sights.

froeschli

the only people i notice when running, are the ones who don't smile or wave at me. if you don't want people around - 9am seems a good time, or during a rain storm :bigsmile:

anyhow, i think people are much harsher on themselves than others (ok, usually on sundays there are some made up stickfigures on my trail, that turn their noses up at me, but it's probably because i don't wear matching fashion colors ).
runners will usually be polite, turning to totally nice if you see them more frequently.

mbrtron

I'm not a big running outdoors person. I run at the gym on the treadmill. However, I have no fears of running a race in public with other runners. I just doubt I find a love for running outdoors around the neighborhood.