nervous about running?

rsclause

I think your interval method is a great way to start. I would always get knee pain when just went out and hit the street. I started slow and built up without the knee pain this time. I am in my own world when I run, I love it. If you have a smart phone get an app like Runtastic or RunKeeper. It will help track progress and motivate you to increase distance/speed. If you get an armband you can listen to the music on your phone and hear the distance and speed on the fly. Don't worry about anyone else, get in the zone!

Mewcenary

JFDI.

WhatMeRunning

I find if I think at all about others around me, I either increase my pace, or my running form suffers. You have to run for yourself only. I find just focusing on the path ahead, your form, and breathing, that the other stuff is not so much in my mind and it helps.

Best of luck!

Please start running if you want to. I never thought I would be running after a knee injury in my 20's and being so overweight. Now I am running, loving it, and looking forward to increasing my runs to start distance running.

amelialoveshersnacks

tbh I walk, then when there's no cars/people around I run, and then walk when I see someone. I call it interval training lol. Maybe find a not so busy trail?

JenAndSome

I have a lot of anxiety about doing new things. When I decided to be more active I went through the exact same thing you described. I decided to start out on the trails just walking. I did that for a while until one day when I was alone and I decided to run...just a little bit. I did that for a few days when I realized how silly I was being. I saw so many people of all ages, sizes and speeds out running and I was acting like a chicken, so one day I just decided to run whether anyone was around or not. It worked. When I passed by someone and they gave me the little "hey we're runners" head nod, I didn't disintegrate or anything. My advice is to not let your anxiety get the best of you. There is nothing wrong with taking baby steps to get where you want to be as long as you are taking steps.

shmulyeng

Actually, I don't necessarily agree with that. When you start, you're doing so little running that specially fitted running shoes aren't really necessary. I ran in an old pair of cross trainers when I first started running in 2011. I didn't notice any issues until I was regularly running more than 3 miles and that had more to do with my toe nails turning black than anything else.

I'd suggest starting in a decent pair of trainers (sneakers, running shoes, tennis shoes, whatever you call them) and just keep attention on how you feel during and after the run. If you start to notice any kind of pain in your toes, feet, ankles, shins or knees then you'll want to head to the nearest store dedicated to running to have your gait analyzed and get a great pair of running shoes.

I agree that you don't need it day 1. But there's no telling when you need it. Most people that push it off only notice they need new shoes when something starts hurting. The only thing I regret in my whole fitness / exercise activity over the last year is that I waited too long before I bought new shoes.

SueInAz

Actually, I don't necessarily agree with that. When you start, you're doing so little running that specially fitted running shoes aren't really necessary. I ran in an old pair of cross trainers when I first started running in 2011. I didn't notice any issues until I was regularly running more than 3 miles and that had more to do with my toe nails turning black than anything else.

I'd suggest starting in a decent pair of trainers (sneakers, running shoes, tennis shoes, whatever you call them) and just keep attention on how you feel during and after the run. If you start to notice any kind of pain in your toes, feet, ankles, shins or knees then you'll want to head to the nearest store dedicated to running to have your gait analyzed and get a great pair of running shoes.

I agree that you don't need it day 1. But there's no telling when you need it. Most people that push it off only notice they need new shoes when something starts hurting. The only thing I regret in my whole fitness / exercise activity over the last year is that I waited too long before I bought new shoes.

I can tell I need a new pair when I get that niggling feeling in my right knee later in the day after a run. It's why I suggested that the slightest pain should be reason to get thee to the running store. It's amazing how many new runners come in here complaining of full blown shin splints or other pains that pay attention to right at the start. Running shouldn't hurt other than the occasional muscle ache that goes away quickly.

SJKirk51912

When I first started running I weighed 285. Was I concerned with what other people might think? Yes! Should I have been? Absolutely not!

If people want to think nasty thoughts then that's on them and I'm sure there are some who do. However, what I have discovered that people are more thoughtful and encouraging than I expected. Also, when I see someone who is not the "typical runner" but trying their best in my head I say "good for them!" I'm sure others do the same, and then there is going to be a whole group of people who don't even notice or think twice.

I started with C25K and loved it. However, I did not finish it in the time as I had to repeat a few days or weeks.

Also, remember that when you are running your head tries to give up way before your legs do! So don't let your head convince you that you can't do it because you can!

bwogilvie

I still have plenty to lose before my goal weight, so when I go running, I feel like people are snorting with laughter and thinking "That fat woman is no runner!" But I run anyway. I put on my headphones, power up some motivating music, and remind myself that this is my workout, not theirs, and the only person I need to worry about right now is me.

If you're running, then you're a runner!

If anyone thinks otherwise, they are pathetic and insecure.

OP: get a good pair of running shoes (ask for advice at a running store) and go for it!

bootssowhite

When I decided I wanted to start running, I told everyone I possible could that I was going to start running that week and to ask me about later. That provided enough social pressure to get me out the door that first time and once I had done it once, it was much *much* easier to motivate myself to run the next time. I just needed a little help to get started. And for the record, I was 270 pounds. I'm sure I looked ridiculous (and still do), but no one has ever said anything to me while I've been running.