C25K - Having the Confidence To Get Out There?

honeybeeses

Hey All,

I'd really like to start C25K. I think about it, get pumped, but then as soon as I go to get out the door, I just feel really self conscious and don't want to be seen running around. I live in a really small village... So I'll be seen by a lot of people I know.

How do people combat this?

PS I have no access to a treadmill. Only outside.

PennyM140

Do you normally walk around your village? When you start C25K it is mostly walking in the beginning with a few short bursts of running. If you are not already comfortable walking in your area why don't you try that a few times first to see how it feels.
Then it shouldn't be much different when you add a little running in.
Good luck and remember to have fun with it. :flowerforyou:

arrseegee

Just do it. Seriously, who cares if someone sees you? Find a field and run around and around it.

kbolton322

I just restarted c25k this week.. I hate running out side where people can see me even if I don't know them cuz I don't like to be judged by people ... but I get out there and get it done.. I put in my head phones and dont worry bout others... if you want friend me and we can do it together even if it is over the internet..

Bloomsday

I am not always the most powerful, self-confident person for myself, but when I start having these thoughts, I ask myself "Who is going to win?" Which "me?" The "little one" who keeps me small, or the "big one," who wants fun, joy, greatness, etc. Life is too short to not do what you want to do because of the thoughts you have about other people's thoughts.

Also, I am not in the best shape and am very slow. Frankly, no one seems to notice. People are in their own heads living their own lives. After I got out there a few times I was more concerned with runner-things -- like my pace and the crazy dog down the street. This may happen to you, too. Think how cool it will be to be running 30 minutes at a time in a few weeks! It really is awesome!

sevsmom

I felt that way when I first started running. But, now I simply can NOT run indoors. I love running outside. People I know will honk at me as they ride by. No one I know has said anything other than complimentary things to me. And, if someone is thinking something snarky....i have no way of knowing it. Don't let your own negativity and maybe thoughts you've had about others you've seen out running keep you from pursuing a healthy goal!!

sarainiowa

If you can, go find a bike path, a country road or something like that and start there. Find a way to do it. Don't worry about what others think. Remember you're out there doing it while they are sitting watching life go past. Just do it.

joakool

I seriously felt that way, too. Just get out there and do it and soon you won't even give it a second thought. Promise. Get out there!!

Mad4282

I am not always the most powerful, self-confident person for myself, but when I start having these thoughts, I ask myself "Who is going to win?" Which "me?" The "little one" who keeps me small, or the "big one," who wants fun, joy, greatness, etc. Life is too short to not do what you want to do because of the thoughts you have about other people's thoughts.



^^^^^^^^^^^THIS! Also, you never know who may see you running and get inspired by you! JUST DO IT!

p4ulmiller

Hey All,

I'd really like to start C25K. I think about it, get pumped, but then as soon as I go to get out the door, I just feel really self conscious and don't want to be seen running around. I live in a really small village... So I'll be seen by a lot of people I know.

How do people combat this?

PS I have no access to a treadmill. Only outside.

How many runners did you see today?
Did you count them?
Do you remember their faces?
How many were running?
How many were walking?
Do you really think you are so special that people will pick you out from a crowd?

Seriously though, once I realised that no-one gave two hoots whether I was running (or walking) I found I was far less self-conscious.

Do it once and see how you get on. Set yourself up some kind of treat for getting round (pour yourself a glass of wine before you set off - something like that)

fsucrack

People are not even paying attention to you, most of the time wont even notice you. You have to overcome that fear that everybody is watching you, and it will be worth it. Just do it... and that stigma will go away! Beside who cares who others think? Maybe you will encourage someone else to get heathy or give someone else the confidence.

scottysmith42

I understand your feelings. I really do. I started C25K eight weeks ago and I love it. I am running in my first 5k March 1. I run before the sun comes up, so nobody really sees me.

(Note: I also carry a flashlight to let cars know I exist.)

CrossFit_kitten

I echo everyone about but if it's really a problem, go stupidly early in the morning or really late at night

KaterinaTerese

I have driven myself over to a local land reserve (next town over) and run there -- it's nice because no one knows me there and very few people are around this time of year! Mostly it's nice because no cars!

SueInAz

I run around my small neighborhood all the time. There's no place else for me to run, either. I run and walk in intervals, just like you'll be doing when you start C25K (except I'm doing it for half marathons now!) because I'm happier with that method. When I do run, I'm certainly not fast. The most I get from people driving or walking by is a wave and a "Hello!" Think about how YOU react when you see someone running. Do you really notice them? Do you actually judge them? Or do you think "I wish that were me"? Most people really aren't going to think one thing or another. They're too busy thinking about where they are going or some little worry in their life, not the lady they just passed who is out there doing something they would never even think of doing.

eldamiano

PS I have no access to a treadmill. Only outside.

This is a good thing. Just dont care about what other people think.

ThriceBlessed

Just get out there and do it, who cares who sees? I can't imagine that anyone is going to think less of you because you run.

I am doing C25K also, I am starting on a treadmill, but not because I don't want people to see me, its just because I have a bad ankle (not currently injured, just very prone to injury) and I can't chance stepping in a pothole and being sidelined at this point in my weight loss.

I may move my running outdoors after I reach my goal weight, but right now I don't want any injury halting my progress.

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MeanderingMammal

Hey All,

I'd really like to start C25K. I think about it, get pumped, but then as soon as I go to get out the door, I just feel really self conscious and don't want to be seen running around. I live in a really small village... So I'll be seen by a lot of people I know.

How do people combat this?

People generally only see you for a short period in your run, they have no context for the rest of your session. I was thinking this the other day hen I was out, cars passing me see me for 30 seconds in an hour long run, they might see me fairly fresh and going flat out, they me see me in my recovery period when I'm panting and going what feels like very slowly.

It doesn't matter, I'm out and pounding the tarmac.

The first time people see you it's unusual, the second time you're setting a pattern. After that you become part of the scenery, they don't notice.

PS I have no access to a treadmill. Only outside.

Good... Treadmills are hatefull machines. Outside is far better for you, particularly once you're getting to the end of the programme and thinking about what direction to take next.

handyrunner

trust me people are looking at you way less than you think they are.

and really who cares what others think...your doing this for yourself..

i just read a good quote on Runners World..."excuses are the nails that build the house of failure"

SherryL0419

I totally get what you're saying...I used to be the same way about running in front of people. Then one day I just realized....they're probably not paying any attention to me at all but even if they are chances are they're not thinking the "bad" things I have in my head they're thinking....and IF by chance they are then they have a bigger problem than I do!! Once I got over that I absolutely love running now so just do it!!! And C25K is awesome by the way, I completed the program and I loved it! Good luck!!

HWeatherholt

I have tried several versions of it, and am currently trying the c25k app by zen labs.

I like doing the program (regardless of what version) because I don't have to watch the clock and can zone out both during the walk and run until I hear the chime then zone out again. I have cut time from my 5k speed but never fully run one or finished a c25k program, but that is because I get several weeks in and get sick, take a few weeks off, and then don't want to start where I left off.

I'm liking the app I'm using this time better than some other versions for several reasons including it will connect to mfp and upload 2 cardio exercises each showing amount of time you spent running and the amount you spent walking and your (estimated) calorie burn. However, it uses 4.0 and 5.2 as your speeds. I didn't realize that was the walking/running speeds "you were supposed to use" until after the first time I completed a training with them linked, several runs into it.

honeybeeses

Thanks so much for replying guys.

Ultimately I looked at photos of myself when I weighed 280lbs and I just got out there. It was an awesome feeling running around and I really surprised myself - I'm quite overweight and I just quit cigarettes 3 weeks ago so I expected to be a total mess, but I wasn't. I'm feeling so pumped right now, I actually can't wait until day 2.

Edit: I also concluded that a support bra will be a good investment, haha.

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SueInAz

Thanks so much for replying guys.

Ultimately I looked at photos of myself when I weighed 280lbs and I just got out there. It was an awesome feeling running around and I really surprised myself - I'm quite overweight and I just quit cigarettes 3 weeks ago so I expected to be a total mess, but I wasn't. I'm feeling so pumped right now, I actually can't wait until day 2.

Edit: I also concluded that a support bra will be a good investment, haha.

I'm so happy for you! Definitely invest in a good sports bra, probably 2 or 3 of them, really. I now own more sports bras than I do "regular" ones. :laugh: Some women find they need to wear two at a time to get really good support if the girls are larger than average. You also don't want to have to wash it every other day so you can wear it again for the next run.

melissamarah

I run outside, too. I'm on Week 4 of C25K and I run verrrryyyy slowly. I'm also officially obese, and I run in extremely old workout gear (nothing gross, but I don't have any money for new workout gear). Today, I had on an old sweatshirt and pants that were probably close to 8 years old.

I live in Hollywood, CA. There are always gorgeous people jogging in my neighborhood, so I was a bit embarrassed when I started. Today, at the end of my run, I was sweaty, my face was red, and I was huffing and puffing. Up ahead of me, I saw a woman who was probably half my size, in Lululemon gear, and fancy running shoes. It looked like she was about to start her workout. As we passed each other, both of us with headphones on, she smiled and nodded to me. It seemed like she was saying, "good job!"

So what I'm saying is, yes, people might see you. And if they notice what you're doing, they'll probably think, "she's awesome! Good for her!" And if they're not thinking that, well then they're jerks, and who cares what they think?

SouthernArt77

...However, it uses 4.0 and 5.2 as your speeds. I didn't realize that was the walking/running speeds "you were supposed to use" until after the first time I completed a training with them linked, several runs into it.

I'm so glad you posted that. I just downloaded the app and plan to use it today after work, but I was wondering what speeds it considered walking and running. Thanks!

MagJam2004

I am with you Honeybees. My decision to change my lifestyle started with an exercise session with my brother around the neighborhood where my mother lives. A run, with mixed total body stuff, finished with more running. I could just picture myself looking so foolish while people were out in their yards. We went out, and it was just like I thought it would be. Cars drove by, we got heckled once, and I was struggling at the end. My overwhelming conviction? See me again in a couple months and take note of the changes. Wait a bit longer and see me change even more. What started as me heaving through less than a mile, saw me complete a milestone last week of a 2 mile trail run.

Push yourself, challenge yourself, and let no one bring you down. It's more than enough we have to overcome ourselves, we don't need to let people add to that burden.

putdownthebiscuit

If you're concerned that people will be "staring" because you're larger and running, take a look at this post. It's very motivating and give s great perspective on getting out there and just doing it. I'm starting my Couch 2 5K training next week and this definitely gave me an extra boost!

http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=running_while_chunky_a_guide