Want to start running but I'm embarrassed

blondie3_04

I started the C25K a few months ago. I still have over 60 lbs I would like to loose. I work at a Universtiy and staff can use the workout facilities. We have an indoor track that overlooks basketball courts students use. At first I was a bit self conscious because of having to run/walk in front of college students (I have actually only been out of college 5 years but still was nervous). There are several avid runners who go and sometimes I notice some track team students practicing. I finally told myself that I could care less if they even thought of me (which I doubt any even notice because when I run I do not pay attention to anyone else). I was there for me. I started struggling with only jogging a minute, huffing and puffing my way through but have since improved. I know how hard it is to not worry if others are thinking about what you look like but once you start it is easy to forget. Good luck on your new pursuit.

catb58

I just downloaded the C25K app on my phone. I plan on starting this weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun) when I have off work. I live in a small redneck neighborhood and most of the people I know will wave and say "good job." To those who want to curl their lip and sneer at the chubby huffing and puffing down the street...well....who needs 'em? I'd probably just smile and wave anyway. Best tactic against hateful people is to be happy.

Awesome job on the weight loss!! :flowerforyou:

143tobe

I know just how you feel! I used to run when I was smaller years ago, and really missed it. I wanted to try it again, but the problem was I weighed over 200 lbs and I felt totally self conscious. I started to go really early in the mornings, before the sun came up and I used my dog as an excuse to go. Well, then summer quickly approached and I had to get up earlier and earlier. Finally one day I just said, screw it, I'm going to run even if the sun IS up. Well, since then, (in the last 11 weeks) I've lost 27 lbs and the occasional people that I crossed paths with, and felt self-conscious about are probably now looking at me with a whole new respect. I honestly don't know what they were thinking about me before, but now, 27 pounds later, I really don't care. I'm doing this for ME. I'm worth it, and SO ARE YOU! Just do it.

DEEDLYNN

I started with C25K. I weighed over 300 lbs. Take it slow...do what you can...and enjoy the benefits!

lisaanne1369

Last spring I was running and some kids (teenage girls) said, "I look scary!"
I yelled back at them,"See how you look at 44!"
They didn't think I could hear them.
Start out slow,listen to your body and maybe sign up for a 5-K in the fall.
You will see all walkes of life!
Have fun!

sammama5

Yes- if you want to run- run! When I see some "bigger" people running or cycling- my first thought is always - good for them! Who cares what anyone thinks. It is your body , your life and you get decide what to do with both! Run!

This!
Way to go and try to stop worrying about what other people think!

Candlelite89

Yes- if you want to run- run! When I see some "bigger" people running or cycling- my first thought is always - good for them! Who cares what anyone thinks. It is your body , your life and you get decide what to do with both! Run!

This is exactly what I was thinking! At least you are out there trying to make a difference in your body. Screw anyone who has anything negative to say about you running! =]

tturley

http://news.distractify.com/people/to-the-fatty-running-on-the-track-this-afternoon/

Calliope610

Do one of the couch to 5k apps. I originally ran at dusk, when I was about 240lbs, but as I met goals, I stopped caring what other people thought and was able to take pride in the action I was taking to be healthy. You can definitely do it, and it's totally worth it.

This. I started walking weighing 232lbs, wearing sweats and big t-shirts. Now at 185lbs, I walk, jog, attempt to run (C25K) and hike wearing running shorts and racerback neon tanks. I also take pride in my accomplishments to date and my improving physical (and mental) health when I hit the road/track/trail.

Live_To_Win

I have to agree with the C25K, I am in W4D3 and I do it. I don't care who sees what or what they think and I live in NJ where everyone has something to say

I say go out and let it jiggle and do it for yourself!!!

jsb76

Go for it! I used to have the same fears and still do a bit. I live in a rural area so not too many people see me when I'm jogging, but I just joined a running group that does a 5k every week and today is my first one. It's right in town and is giving me a bit of anxiety mostly b/c they take pictures of everyone and put them on facebook- yikes! I am most likely going to be the heaviest person there but I don't care too much- I'm proud of how strong I've become and I know the group atmosphere will push me and make me much faster. Things will stop jiggling so much and it's great fun, so just go for it

Kristina2k

If you do decide to run at dawn or dusk, please, please, please wear some sort of reflective clothing or strobe light so cars, bikers and others on the road see you. Be smart and safe!

On a positive note, Congratulations on taking control of your health and wanting to do more physically! Half the battle is just getting up and doing something. You are doing more than most Americans and you should feel so proud of that! Keep up the good work!

I also make sure when I exercise, its ME time. When I put my ear buds in, I turn invisible to others and I have EARNED this time to focus on myself and listen to my favorite music while relaxing. No one can take this time away from you.

Remember, the only person who can stop you from achieving your goals is - YOU! Focus on yourself and you'll do wonders. :-)

nic632

I'd like to get back into running too and used to quite a lot when I was married (cos ex used to look after our son), I just put the music on and went for it. People say take your son with you and he could go on his bike, but I'm now more paranoid about people seeing me, as well as the fact that my music used to keep me going and he'd be a distraction - but not in a good way.

centexhusker

To the Op:

I feel your pain. I've lost about 65 lbs and have worked myself up to running 3-5 miles a day 3-5 times a week. As I began running again I started on the treadmill at the gym. I remember being proud of being able to run again after barely being able to walk maybe 20-30 minutes at the beginning. I felt like I was really doing good running again. Until one day I caught my reflection at the gym and saw how stiff and poor my running form was. I looked like an old man moving really slow. I remember feeling very self conscious. You know what I did? I said the heck with it and I kept going and you can too! Hang in there it will get better! Take it slow but keep going! You got this!

marywilsoncline

Who cares what other people think, your body will love you for it in the long run! I am a runner who once weighed in at 210 pounds. I did it running in my living room in place and when the weight started coming off, I moved it outside on the road. Now I am addicted to road running. Even now at 115 pounds when a car passes the thought comes to mind I wonder what I look like to them then I realize I don't care b/c I do this for my body.

techgal128

Honey you just take your beautiful, awesome self out there and run whenever the heck you want!!! Take it from someone who runs and jiggles, shakes, and breaks out in a major sweat...but NO one can tell me that I am not a sexy, sweaty beast when I am hitting that pavement LOL!

Don't worry about the haters or what others think. Continue to focus on your goals and the amazing progress you're making. Run as fast or slow as you want. More than likely you are probably encouraging others to get up off their *kitten* and do it too as they see you running on the trail or in your neighborhood! I have been running road and endurance races for years, and there are a variety of shapes and sizes who run super fast, turtle slow, or just leisurely walk/power walk. When we are waiting in the start line, we all say the same thing "at least we're out here getting healthy and having fun"!

You shouldn't feel embarrassed...be proud of what you have done, and what you will continue to do!!! Keep telling yourself "yep, I know I'm fine" especially when you're in public...rock it girl!!!

You... I like you.

patti314

OMG I feel like I wrote this post.. I have the same fear about running.. I just started the gym last month along with MFP. I just became friends with the treadmill. I can only run ( jog ) for two minutes so I jog for two walk for two for about 30 minutes slowly working up my jog time. yes the gym is filled with smaller people but dont let that discourage you.. you are trying to better yourself .

kiniece

I've lost 23 lbs in the past 5 weeks and I feel terrific. In the past year or so I've lost 45. But I still have a long way to go. I walk 2x a day which equals about 1 hr. I just started weight training last week and I can already tell such a difference. I really, really want to start running. I know it burns the fat faster than walking. I love interval training when I walk and I know running would make a difference. Here's the thing. I still have 100 lbs to lose. Even though I feel smaller I know I look big to others. I can't see myself running down the sidewalk huffing and puffing with parts of me still jiggling around for all to see. Any thoughts or just words of encouragement?

Our self worth is NOT defined by what OTHERS think of us...never has been. This is a LIE we are told over and over and over from childhood to adulthood and it isn't long until we BELIEVE it.

STOP. BELIEVING. IT.

Want to run? GO RUN. Put on your headphones, put on some good tunes and just run. You don't even have time to notice other people, nor do you care when you're out running. Grab your ipod, get your fitbit on, put in your headphones and GO RUN.

YOU'RE RUNNING FOR YOU. NOBODY ELSE. Now go get it done! :happy:
:drinker: :flowerforyou:

czardastx

I've seen all shapes and sizes running. When you're out there doing it you won't care what anyone else thinks.

I'm relatively fit and even I get teased and looks and comments (positive and negative). But I don't care. I run for me, not for those other people. Get out there and run for YOU, and to h**l with what anyone else thinks of it. Know you're stronger then them, know you're more mature than them, and know that you are brave enough to do what you want to do to become the person you want to become. BE BRAVE, BE STRONG, LOVE YOURSELF!

BrianSharpe

The first time I wore running tights during daylight hours I wanted to put a paper bag on my head so no one would recognize me and then it occurred to me.......runners are part of the urban landscape, most people barely even notice us (other than other runners) unless you're wearing fuchsia tights and have a flashing neon sign on your head.

Find a beginning runners program you are comfortable with (personally I find C25K is a bit aggressive for some people but it may work for you) and get out there....most of the people who do notice you will think you're awesome for making positive changes in your life.

Have fun!

Veil5577

When I used to have a paper route I'd see all sorts of people, big and small, out running.

And I was jealous.... because I can't run.

a778c466

OP I have/had all the same fears you do. I am on week three of C25K and I run early in the morning at the gym. I am always the biggest person there, I live on a college campus and everyone else I see at the gym are super in shape. There aren't a ton of people early in the morning though. C25K has been awesome so far, I would really encourage you to do it. Once you are there doing it you worry more about your workout than what other people are thinking. Good luck!

daj150

Sorry, not sure if someone posted this or not, but if you want, I already see the C25K posted, but also check out Jeff Galloway. He is the king of run/walk. His training plans are online and I have some friends who have had success from them. Plus it's a great confidence builder. Good luck and you are already doing awesome! www.jeffgalloway.com

kiniece

I've seen all shapes and sizes running. When you're out there doing it you won't care what anyone else thinks.

I'm relatively fit and even I get teased and looks and comments (positive and negative). But I don't care. I run for me, not for those other people. Get out there and run for YOU, and to h**l with what anyone else thinks of it. Know you're stronger then them, know you're more mature than them, and know that you are brave enough to do what you want to do to become the person you want to become. BE BRAVE, BE STRONG, LOVE YOURSELF!

^^^^^^^^ this right here! you don't care when you're out busting your hump. :flowerforyou: :glasses: :drinker: :blushing:

nesto610

I admit that I had the same fear as you when I started so I bought an elliptical and set that sucker up in my living room.

I enjoy running on the elliptical while watching a movie so much now that I really don't have the desire run outside. I kinda think I would get bored running outside and looking at trees. LOL!

cuinboston2014

The only people who are rude and dumb enough to say something are usually irresponsible teenagers. This can, and might, happen. but, who cares. MOST people won't say anything. And 99.9999999% of people will think it's amazing that you are doing something to be healthy. Nobody, aside from my grandpa when he was alive who told me I was too fat to run cross country when I was 12 lol, ever say anything about heavier people running as everyone notices the effort. It's ahrd to run. Its' harder when you are overweight.

It also doesn't matter what anybody think sbut you. Your first run will probably be the hardest if you're nervous. It's all easy peasy from there Youll get in your groove and just not give a damn.

mackoulc

Try to give yourself credit for the efforts you're putting in to being healthier. It may feel awkward at first, but as you progress you'll find a lot of those spectators can't keep up with you.
This is about you, not them!

prettyfitchick

Start with C25k they have free versions of this app. It really works. I was heavy and a smoker huffing puffing just came w/ it when I started. Running 2 years ago. Now 6 months pregant and yes ppl turn there heads when they see me jogging down the street and I am not very fast anymore. I dont want to over do it. But who knows or even cares about what these ppl are thinking for all I know they could be looking thinking Wow she pregrant and working out maybe should I too or maybe they are thinking that I should be sitting in the house eating candy either way I really dont care I am doing what best for me. You should do the same you may really enjoy it.

The Journey of thousand miles starts with One Step.

Josh_2099

A lot of people nailed it - don't worry about those who will try to put you down. Embrace those who support you and enjoy the comfort in knowing that you are making yourself healthier. I always admire those who run (workout, eat healthy, etc) no matter what shape they are in. It's always a positive in my mind. Enjoy the running.

NiqkeemaPowell

I want to do the same and I feel exactly the same way....no matter how much motivation I try to build up to do it. But what I have come to recognize is that nobody is really paying attention we are holding our own progress down by fear