How to get over fear of jogging in front of people?

NatFromMars

Hi! I kind of have the fear of jogging in front of people in public. I walk all the way to the woods to do my running LOL
Id rather just do it locally instead of going ALLL the way to the woods(its time consuming)
Im chubby (obviously) so I fear being mocked or laughed at by passer-byers
I also live in an area where a majority of my old classmates live (Im kind of already over this though)
And my mother is rather... rude? She mocks me from time to time (which im also over this)
Im just overall shy and somewhat insecure
Id join a gym but im poor (wahhhh)
Im thinking of just jogging before the sun comes up, so no one can see me, ahaha.
Anyone have any wise words?
Or tell me if you've gotten over this fear or how you do it?
Thanks!

1PatientBear

You just go. No one is looking at you.

Akimajuktuq

My advice is: you will have a much better life if you stop worrying about what anyone else thinks of you. What you think of you matters. As women, we learn from all directions to think we are never good enough. There is nothing positive to be gained from that.. but it's done so that we spend all kinds of money trying to "fix" ourselves. Some of us snap out of it when we older, but imagine how blessed life would be if we learned to love ourselves right from the start.

Do what you want to do. Respect and love yourself. Perhaps distance yourself, or find away to ignore, toxic loved ones (I just cut them out of my life totally but I'm older than you). It's so much more fun to be a confident, happy woman and not give a *kitten* what anyone else thinks.

michael1976_ca

i'd say just do it put your head phone in don't worry about any one else. i admire seeing people run and at any size cause it makes me have hope to be there some day

jessicapk

First off, I DID NOT write this. Kudos to the writer but I don't know who it is. Found it on MFP and it needs to be kept alive. Changed my whole outlook.

=============================

Hey, Fat Girl.

Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on

the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re
slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you
cringe.

You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger

loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat
so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a
time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to

anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

You are awesome.

If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice

the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started
is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand
new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the

gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely
set yourself in motion, in front of others.

You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept

this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a
difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you
take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever

so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your
wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and
forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.

You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones

and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the
other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate,
stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are

coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up
running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs
alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to

come back again.

You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You

are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you
are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow,
you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your

own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up
for you. You are a true inspiration.

I bow to you.

dawnmcneil10

I can relate, I felt this way when I started adding jogging into my walks. I still am more comfortable jogging in the industrial park in the evening, it's quiet and no one has to see my bouncing body parts. I will say after about 3 weeks I actually jogged right in my own neighborhood the other day and you know what, I didn't care! I've been at the park and seen very heavy women jogging and part of me was so happy for them being brave and doing it and the other part was ashamed of myself for letting the opinion of others stop me. If you enjoy jogging I say go for it, let those riding in cars or watching from their recliners see you and be proud of yourself for getting out there and making a change in your life.

thepetiterunner

Honestly, no one is watching you. This may sound harsh, but realizing that you are (relatively) insignificant to the rest of the world is really quite liberating. Everyone is too busy worrying about their own crap to focus and belittle some random stranger running along the side of the road. Really.

Do whatever you need to, to get out there and run. Go early or go late. I used to run all the time between 4:30-6 am. It's actually quite peaceful and lovely, depending on your climate.

poohpoohpeapod

I was that way when I was young, I offer they are not caring about watching you. IF they make a remark, tell them to F*** off, and be on your way. No, do not actually do it, do it in your head. When you are super hot those jerks will be long gone. Do it for you! Liberate yourself, do not let this nonsense define you. :bigsmile:

JKDLady

I run a lot. I see all sorts of people running. I am running now with my husband, who is a complete beginner. It's funny because he is really fit with a six pack. He lifts weights a lot and looks terrific. However, he is not in shape aerobically. I, however, am in shape aerobically, but sweat profusely and am red-faced by the end. I actually carry a rag to wipe my sweat. I know when people look at us, they think he's the in-shape one because he isn't sweating or red-faced. I obviously still have issues too!

Today, we were running and an overweight lady was in front of us. We quickly passed her, but both my husband and I commented on the fact that she was working harder than either of us. I was actually envious of her. I wasn't pushing myself; she obviously was.

I've come to realize that we are all on a different journey with a different timeframe. It doesn't matter how you look; people are going to judge you. YOUR job is to feel comfortable in your own skin. The fact that you are out there says it all - you are trying. I always make eye contact with everyone. This is for safety reasons but also to show how confident I am in what I'm doing. Of course I'm exhausted, but I'm out there doing what I enjoy.

Weight loss is a journey to make us feel better. I think it's not the number, it's the self-confidence you get from succeeding. The same thing with running. It's not in and of itself going to make you happy and proud of yourself; it's enjoying the success of actually finishing the run.

I don't know your exact situation, but I think confronting your fear in this situation will help you in more ways than just running in front of other people.

I truly wish you success!

MireyGal76

First off, I DID NOT write this. Kudos to the writer but I don't know who it is. Found it on MFP and it needs to be kept alive. Changed my whole outlook.

=============================

Hey, Fat Girl.

Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on

the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re
slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you
cringe.

You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger

loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat
so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a
time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to

anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

You are awesome.

If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice

the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started
is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand
new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the

gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely
set yourself in motion, in front of others.

You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept

this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a
difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you
take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever

so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your
wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and
forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.

You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones

and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the
other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate,
stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are

coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up
running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs
alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to

come back again.

You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You

are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you
are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow,
you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your

own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up
for you. You are a true inspiration.

I bow to you.

^^^ True story!

StephanieMM2013

Blast your music! (Unless its unsafe/high traffic area)

And consider it practice for not caring what people think. It's HARD, but you don't get over something by avoiding it.

Good luck!

oldandhealthier

Look up Inspiration in Pink Spandex under motivation and inspiration. That guy has the attitude we all should have. I respect him.:drinker:

MarioLozano16

Just do it; don't worry about anything and do it, because you'll only start improving from there on

PinkNinjaLaura

I felt like that when I first started too. I'd drive to the high school track early in the morning and pray nobody else was there. Sometimes I was running through the sprinklers in the pre-dawn light but I was alone. I finally got tired of that and bravely set out on the roads by my house. Once I mustered up my courage to make eye contact what I discovered was that people either weren't paying attention to me, or when they were they were supportive. Other walkers/runners are friendly - there's a bond just by virtue of the fact that you're all out there, regardless of your age or fitness levels.

jlo0812

I think that you are doing better than 99% of the population by just going out in the first place. I think that most people who run respect what you are doing in trying to better yourself. Run where you want; the ones closest to us can be our worst and harshest critics, nevermind them!
In my area, the runners in the morning say hi and make you feel more welcome, perhaps you can do a run at dawn?

Soccermavrick

With no disrespect. Normally when I walk or jog, I am not thinking about others being out of shape, normally I am thinking mad respect for out doing me.

nelinelineli

That sounds like me 3 months ago. I had a big wobbling body that would jiggle even when tip-toeing, so I was self-conscious even about walking in public, not to mention running!

I used to see runners on the streets every day, especially before dinner time. Some of them were fit high-school athletes, some were very fit older people who were trying to stay in shape. They looked peaceful, confident and very intimidating.

So one day I decided it's time to start and went on short jogs at 5-6 am to avoid meeting anyone I knew. I felt paranoid every time I saw a car passing by, thinking it might be someone I know. I'd try to go around a corner every time some other human being passed me by to see whether they're looking at me behind my back and stare at my huge wobbly *kitten*. Guess what. No one did.

I started running a bit later every day because I'm not a morning person at all, and I started bumping into kids going to school - they can be mean and pretty brutal with their opinions - so I was simply startled to see that not only they don't make fun of me or stare at me, but they make room for me to pass with a nice, polite smile, and show me respect. In fact... everyone has shown me nothing but respect. I met colleagues, friends - everyone had nothing but a big sincere smile to show me and even say "You're a better person than me".

The vast majority of people want to run but are put off by a reason or another - vanity is one of them. Very few actually "make it". And when they see someone, regardless of their shape, doing it, they feel nothing but admiration. When they see someone who is OUT of shape still doing it, they can't help but commend you for it.

Now I'm confident. I've shown myself in my worst condition to the world, and they have been nothing but supportive. I had a colleague who's always mocked me for my bigger figure (he's not the nicest person I know...) and for the first time in 8 years since I've known him, he told me he wishes he were FIT LIKE ME!...

I can now run without losing my breath (just by going slow), and I try to concentrate on my form. And with good form comes that "professional look" people look up to. I sometimes cross those young athletic people I used to be intimidated by and notice they are doing it .. a bit wrong. Their clenched fists zig-zag in front of their body, etc. That in itself made me feel I belong on the streets just as much as they do.

So just try it out for a couple of weeks. You'll probably be amazed just how easy it is!

circesfire

I can certainly relate as well. I've lost the weight and am now at a healthy BMI, although I would still like to lose 20 lbs. My problem is I have asthma and my asthma is especially triggered by running, however I am determined to get in shape and be able to run 5k. I started out slowly and I mean really slowly, maybe 30 seconds at a time, because that was all I could manage. When it got too hot here and I had to start running on a treadmill at the gym I was terrified. I looked pretty fit but as soon as I would start to run my face would turn red, I'd start breathing heavy and would usually end up coughing. But I did it, and it made me realize I'm doing this for me. I want to make myself better and it truly doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

KANGOOJUMPS

I do most of mine at 4am, no one is out,

GymPoet

Jessicapk,
Thank you so much for posting that, it brought tears to my eyes. I think you inspired more than just the OP today.

janatarnhem

=============================

Hey, Fat Girl.

Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on

the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re
slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you
cringe.

You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger

loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat
so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a
time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to

anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

You are awesome.

If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice

the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started
is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand
new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the

gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely
set yourself in motion, in front of others.

You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept

this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a
difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you
take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever

so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your
wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and
forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.

You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones

and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the
other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate,
stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are

coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up
running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs
alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to

come back again.

You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You

are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you
are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow,
you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your

own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up
for you. You are a true inspiration.

I bow to you.

Thanks for this...it is me at the gym rather than the track...it has made me feel abit emotional!

KatManx

Don't care what people think about you, the majority of them won't be looking anyway, and those few that are, just jealous that you have decided to change your life for the better, so middle finger to them and just run girl

teamAmelia

I'm not even going to apologize for saying this. Your mom is horrible and has clearly scarred you. You said that you're over what she has said to you. This is probably easier said than done, but just try to think of other people as your mom. Don't pay any attention to what you THINK they're saying about you. I don't think that anyone who is out running for the sake of their health will mock a chubby (you said it) person for trying to get in shape. They will probably be proud of you. I know that I am whenever I see an overweight person running, even just walking. I wouldn't jog in the woods anyway. That just sounds too scary. Please stop doing that and don't run in the early morning or late at night just to avoid people. Being out on the streets at night by yourself is dangerous. You're putting your life in danger jogging through the woods and possibly in odd hours of the day just because you're afraid of what people MIGHT think of you. Is it worth it? Good luck you to.

ETA this link that I couldn't find before: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/956718-hey-fat-girl

dorisbunker39

My other half said I look stupid when I run but once I did it for a few weeks, I did not care. Sometimes I now dare to dance in public...not professional or anything I mean while I run! A few little hops and skips there and a sway of the hips and I am on my runners high xxx

StripedSmoker

I just... tried it! I went out and jogged, I looked so stupid with my red face and heavy breathing, but I tried it (remember 'yolo'? Sometime this slogan is actually right). And when I met people in the streets I didn't care- The fear is only there before, once you start it's all gone, for some weird and great reason. So my tip is (another slogan, this time of a company) : Just do it

janehen12

I'd love to be able to say something that'll help. I've read so many of these threads and posted my own, but still whenever I went for a run I've just not had the balls to do it.

Until last week, something clicked, and I just got on and did it. Weighed in this morning at 256lbs, so hardly the fittest haha


Don't stress if even after reading this it doesn't seem doable, eventually a penny will drop and you'll be amazing

igotabulletproofheart

Run past them. Seriously. And literally.

When I'm out running the same kids shout things like "go! go! go!" (not in a heckling way) but I just keep running because at the end of the day, who's body is going to be the healthy one that's functioning properly? Certainly not theirs.

First understand that you're doing your body and your mind the biggest favour you can by merely exercising. Next, accept that people will judge, criticise and ultimately, be jealous because they wish they could be "that girl you see out running all the time" because unless they're in your position, they'll never understand the amount of ambition, will power and confidence it takes to exercise in public. Lastly, and most importantly, just don't give a flying ****. You're doing this for you, not them. Take pride in the fact that you can run in public. Even the most confident people in the world can't even think about doing this. Believe me.

LongOak

I totally understand where you are coming from. I was the same way when I originally started running. What inspired me was seeing someone jogging down the street, in the rain. The person was by no means a marathon runner - and anyone jogging in the rain doesn't look that great - and I thought if she is willing to do this, in this weather - and I'm worried people will laugh? Then I realized - who's laughing? People in their cars? People sitting in their homes watching TV?

So I started running - outside rather than hiding inside. I eventually ran a 10K which was such an amazing feeling! And I always thought to myself - maybe, just maybe, someone saw me running and looking somewhat unflattering and thought to themselves, if she can do it so can I!

I must thank you for this post. I have found myself struggling with this again and being unwilling to be out there, have my neighbours (yes I'm Cndn!) see me - I hide in my basement to work out. It's time to get over this...

And I agree with most posts on here - this is about you. You have to do what's right for you. If you spend too much time worrying about what others will think, 10 yrs will go by and you will still not be out there. And where will these people be? Who knows and who cares really!

elyelyse

First off, I DID NOT write this. Kudos to the writer but I don't know who it is. Found it on MFP and it needs to be kept alive. Changed my whole outlook.

=============================

Hey, Fat Girl.

Yes, you....

Makes me tear up every time.

The source...
http://flintland.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

lacroyx

wait...there's people? I'm usually too busy running away from zombies to notice or care if about other people are around me.

kelsully

Hi! I kind of have the fear of jogging in front of people in public. I walk all the way to the woods to do my running LOL
Id rather just do it locally instead of going ALLL the way to the woods(its time consuming)
Im chubby (obviously) so I fear being mocked or laughed at by passer-byers
I also live in an area where a majority of my old classmates live (Im kind of already over this though)
And my mother is rather... rude? She mocks me from time to time (which im also over this)
Im just overall shy and somewhat insecure
Id join a gym but im poor (wahhhh)
Im thinking of just jogging before the sun comes up, so no one can see me, ahaha.
Anyone have any wise words?
Or tell me if you've gotten over this fear or how you do it?
Thanks!

The way to get over the fear is just to do it. Maybe start slowly and pick times where you will see less people but no matter, get out there and just do it.

On my drive to work each morning there is a woman who has recently starting walking. She is very obese. The young lady I drive to school and I look for her every morning and give her a honk and wave. We are inspired by her. A few days the schedules were off and we missed seeing the walker and I was concerned she fell off the wagon...but No we saw her a few days later and we cheered.

There will be people who say stupid **** to you. There will be people who doubt that you can do it or will keep doing it. There will be people who mock.........BUT MOST PEOPLE WILL EITHER NOT NOTICE AT ALL OR BE INSPIRED!