I'm embarrassed to run...
madxwolf
Posts: 1 Member
I'm 265lbs but I've always dreamed about being a runner. I need to get my weight significantly down for a surgery I'm having in about a year. I know running will be a huge help to weight loss but... I'm embarrassed to run while being over weight. I feel like people will laugh at me on the street for being "that fat guy running". Does anyone have advice on how I can get over my anxiety?
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Replies
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We all had to start somewhere. If you like running get out there. Put on your favorite music and tune out the world. Watch out for traffic though.16
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Hop in feet first and get moving. Don't care what "other people" are doing or thinking. The only feelings that count are yours. You want to run? Run.3
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What other people think of you is irrelevant! You are doing this for your health and your future. Focus on yourself. Start by walking and add in jogging intervals. Gradually increase the intervals but first and foremost make sure you have good, supportive, well-fitting shoes. You can derail yourself quickly if you injure a foot or ankle.
I hope your upcoming surgery goes well! Also, remember, if anyone laughs at you for being "that fat guy running" then they need to take a serious look at themselves and work on their own issues.17 -
When I started weight training I was the only girl in my gym. I got weird stares and had people try to judge everything i did. I don't know about your local ymca but all the ones around me usually have beginners and older people in them. Maybe get a membership to your local Y and start there. Everyone's a begginer there. Once you get over what people think ( including those close to you) beautiful things start to happen. Good luck with your surgery !5
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There are a lot of obese runners. I know many who have lost 100 or more pounds and who have gone from couch to marathon or more in a couple of years. You can do it. Just take it slow and easy. (Google "fat girl running" a blog from one runner who runs ultras (50-100 mile races) at 250 pounds for inspiration.)
When I started running, I wasn't overweight, but I was older (55) and I was embarrassed at having people laugh at the old lady out there waddle/jogging. (I'm slow.) The first three months I only ran indoors. A few things changed that: 1) I stopped caring what others thought, I knew what I wanted/needed to do (run outside) and to hell with anyone who thought I looked funny, 2) I realized that most people weren't even noticing me for more than a few seconds as they drove by, if they noticed me at all, and 3) I considered that when I did see a bigger person out running, walking or biking, my main thought was, "Way to go! You're doing great." So I started to assume that the few people who thought about me at all were most likely thinking, "Good job grandma." Now I never worry about it. I figure I'm setting a good example for those who choose to see it and for the rest, who cares?26 -
I found a somewhat remote and very pretty area and started off by walking for a few months. Then I did C25k. I'm still really slow, but I don't care.11
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Don't worry about it. I'm sure there's always going to be *that* person that judges, but most people won't. When I see an obese person running, I'm in awe of them and think "look at that, they are trying to get healthy." I'm in the suburbs and, to be honest, I see a LOT of obese people jogging so it's not unusual. I understand your worries though. I think we are all worried about being judged for something in our appearance if we don't think we measure up to the athletic body type. I was pretty worried about jogging for the first time in my 50s. I thought I'd look like some old woman just learning how to run. But I just did it.5
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People may well laugh. [impolite verb] them. The most important voice is the one in your head, and if that voice is telling you to get moving, then get moving. And who knows? You could well end up being the inspiration for somebody else who's hesitant to start ... to start.
Finally, be prepared for running to be unpleasant, at least at first. Just about every runner I know (including myself), has gone through some variation of these stages:- I HATE running!
- I don't really enjoy running, but it's a means to an end.
- I actually like running.
- I LOVE running!
- I ... I sort of need running.
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I think you need to lose weight before starting to run or you'll damage your joints. Try biking or rollerblading instead, until you drop a few pounds. If weight- loss is your primary objective, your diet is a big factor.5
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I feel the same way about running in public, and if you're like me you are probably not helped by all the confident folks telling you to stop worrying about it and just be confident. You don't just put on confidence ... you have to have some victory first. Here's what I learned.
The fact is, as you run you're body will begin to get stronger, and your form will start to develop. It won't get perfect without some intentional practice, but you'll notice a difference. A big difference. Believe me when I tell you that eventually ... you won't look like such an idiot when you do it, and that is a great victory. Confidence will come.
True story.
In the meantime, run outside if you can. I started running in the evenings under cover of darkness. Early mornings are the same way. If you're stuck running at the gym, try to find one of those 24 hour places and go when no one else is there ... at least until your confidence starts to build. It'll happen, you just have to go out and get some victory under your belt.19 -
I'm 265lbs but I've always dreamed about being a runner. I need to get my weight significantly down for a surgery I'm having in about a year. I know running will be a huge help to weight loss but... I'm embarrassed to run while being over weight. I feel like people will laugh at me on the street for being "that fat guy running". Does anyone have advice on how I can get over my anxiety?
I'm super self conscious when I am running, all the time. Never when I am biking or doing anything else. Always just with running whether I run inside or outside. Sometimes I wear a hat, sometimes I wear sunglasses even if it's not super sunny (it's a security blanket thing I think). It might look crazy, but it works for me. The key is that you are doing something for you, and you should be proud of the fact that you have taken that step. I'm always hella embarrassed when I start, and then once I get going I am trying not to die, so my mind tends to focus on staying alive rather than being embarrassed. Couch to 5k is a great way to start because it's walking and jogging, so it can kind of get you started even though you feel weird.
I can't help you feel less weird, but I can tell you that we all feel pretty weird running, especially at first.6 -
You might consider a treadmill at first while you get comfortable with being a runner.1
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I'm 265lbs but I've always dreamed about being a runner. I need to get my weight significantly down for a surgery I'm having in about a year. I know running will be a huge help to weight loss but... I'm embarrassed to run while being over weight. I feel like people will laugh at me on the street for being "that fat guy running". Does anyone have advice on how I can get over my anxiety?
Man I hear ya! I felt like a lumbering buffalo when I started, and it sucked. Bad. I felt like everyone was laughing at me. The thing that helped me was the thought that I knew running would improve my health and help reduce my weight and that was less embarrassing than to continue being overweight. So, I gutted it out. Good luck!!9 -
I was 260 lbs a year ago. Honestly, I wouldn't start with running for weight loss. If you haven't been working out, a 5 minute jog will wipe you out, but not accomplish much in the way of burning calories.
I started with the elliptical, at 12 minutes, and gradually added time, working my way up to 60 minute workouts. Since it's in the home/gym, there's no judging from strangers. Plus, it burns far more calories than a short run. I hit 199 in Sept, and started running, and my knees thanked me for not doing it earlier. I still had to start at 10 minute runs since it's a different kind of workout, but I did complete my first 5K this year.
TL;DR version: use a longer low impact activity to start, and run later.4 -
Is your surgery related to weight loss? Has a doctor cleared you to run? Honestly I think you'd be better served with a lower impact exercise given you have a surgery in the horizon. Running isn't exactly a "huge" help to weight loss. Calorie counting is. If you want to feel good and get the endorphins flowing, a simple power walk is a great choice and you'll burn more calories than if you ran because you can do it 7 days a week for longer sessions. Good luck man... I'm rooting for you in whatever you choose!
P.S. There's no need to be embarassed about bettering yourself. In the grand scheme we all have a pretty short shelf life on this planet. Why not make the most of today? Whether people laugh or don't laugh doesn't change a thing about what's gonna happen in the end.
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I don't know if this advice is practical for where you live/plan to go running, but I was also self-conscious when I started so I ran at night. You have to stay alert to traffic and be safe about it. But it helped me to get started knowing that people couldn't get a good look at me.1
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The people on the street are total strangers. Why worry about what total strangers think? Their opinions are completely meaningless. The people who love you will understand what you're trying to do, and they - and YOU - are the only ones who matter. Good luck on your journey, whether you run, walk, or whatever.4
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One of the things I learned very quickly when I started running is that we're invisible, we become part of the urban landscape (one of the reasons we need to be vigilant around traffic). I can't speak for non-runners but you'll find that most other runners are supportive and encouraging of your decision to lead a healthier life.7
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I started running when I was 40lbs more than I am now. It's a great way to lose weight and feel better. When I started I did more walking than running but now I can do 5 miles without walking. My motto is do it for yourself and don't give a damn about people who want to laugh at you. They are the insecure ones
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Stupid people will laugh on you.
Thoughtful people will see a person who has the courage to take charge of himself
Why consider stupid people ?
Note : I started to run and swim @ 341 lbs >> so I am the best here to talk
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I'm a big guy runner, and never have received any negativity while running, even when I was doing it around 300lbs. Actually I think I have received a little too much positive attention, where I've had people giving me thumbs up while driving by, or yelling good job big guy. It's really weird the only time I ever get crap is when I wear this nike shirt while walking around that says "We run in Mass" on it, and I have had people comment saying "you run" and before I can say anything my wife is usually throwing them some shade.7
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My suggestion is to find a local running store or running group that offers a beginners program. Join them and you will quickly realize there are many others just like you. You will also find that the more experienced runners will go out of their way to encourage you, help you, and include you in the group.
Good luck. Don't give up.5 -
I started running when I was at 280pounds just walk and jog at first. I have to admit I preferred cycling as it was more comfortable. But if you enjoy it, do it. You'll be running laps round the guy sat on the sofa7
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What is your current activity level? Despite popular belief running is not something everyone can and should just start doing if they want to. I don't mean to sound harsh here....but being overweight and running (most likely with terrible form) can really damage your body and cause a lot of pain and injuries.
However - the good news is that there are tons of awesome things you can do to start getting ready to become the runner you always wanted to be. Diet is a HUGE impact on weight loss. Power walking is absolutely amazing at burning fat. Swimming and water walking are fantastic. These can help you start building muscles and an aerobic base. And then once you can safely start running, I'd recommend finding a running coach to help you start exercises to help with proper form.
As others have said - you really just have to disregard what you think others might think of you. No decent person would ever judge someone for making an honest effort to better their lives. Go get the life you want!6 -
I started running when I weighed 215 lb. I was self conscious too. But here's the thing: there are three types of people who are watching you:
1) Runners who are currently out for a run. They are most likely thinking something like, "hey, another runner! Good job!"
2) Runners who are not currently out for a run. They are most likely thinking something like, "wow, I'd like to go for a run right now! I'm jealous of you!"
3) Non-runners. They might be thinking, "maybe I ought to run too," or else they're probably thinking, "oh, there's a runner." It's possible they're thinking something mean, but if they are, screw 'em. You're faster than everyone on the couch.
Let me tell you a story to illustrate this. Three miles is my usual run, three times a week, and I add mileage to that if I'm training for something. I run the same route on most days. Back in the warmest days of July, coming out of the third of five miles, my body just did not want to move anymore. It was like swimming in molasses. I was running my usual route and distance, but maybe it was the heat or humidity. Whatever the cause, I was barely moving.
A car pulled over next to me, which made me nervous. It was in broad daylight in a populated area with lots of foot traffic, but I am a very small person (both short and near my goal weight) and physically exhausted. You never know what might happen. The passenger side window rolled down and the driver waved. "I always see you out here," she said, "and I just wanted to tell you what a good job you're doing."
It turns out that she works in the neighborhood where I run, so she's usually on her way to work while I'm running. She said that for several months, she had noticed how much more I used to struggle and how much weight I had lost. We chatted for a minute, and I told her how much her words meant to me.
So yes, people might be looking at you. But you might be surprised by what they're actually thinking.
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I was about 230 lbs. and started walking around my apartment complex. Just walking at a slow pace I was huffing and puffing and sweating. People would watch me and I could imagine what they were thinking. I became known as the old walker guy.
Now I can jog up to 5 miles and power walk up to 10 miles. Some of the same people who used to watch me back then now cheer me on, and I even see them walking from time to time.
Oh, and I've lost over 50 lbs. so far.
Don't worry about what other people think. just do it for you.20 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »
This, x100
I am happy when I encounter other runners out on the trails with me, regardless of size. In fact I can't remember the last time I even thought anything about a larger person running other than "hello fellow runner".
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Most all of the people I know who exercise regularly think, "Good on you!" when they see an overweight person working out because it shows that they've made the decision to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle.
Also, it's better to be "that fat guy running" than "that fat guy eating a donut".
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get in there and do it... I admire anyone that I see running.... once you start, you will love it!!, go go go!1
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