Want to run, but embarrassed

mbaker449

I was embarrassed as well. I wanted to lose my the weight I gained from having my baby and I knew running was the way to get rid of it the fastest. I started in August. I have never ran in my life. I started by seeing how long I can run. Barely hit a mile without panting. I was ashamed. But then I made it a goal to increase my mileage by 0.2 every week. Some runs are good, some not so good. Now, even though I am not as committed to it, I run for 3 miles, about 30 minutes nonstop (a mile is NOTHING to me anymore). When I go to the gym and run, I am SO proud of myself and feel like such a "runner" that I never was. People who are trying to run next to me, I outrun by 20 minutes. The feeling is irreplaceable, and I am so happy I stuck with it. I am now down to my pre-baby weight without even worrying about it because by running, it just shed off! I also run in the morning before work when many people are not there. That helped. Just remember, you have to start somewhere. But once you increase your time and mileage, it is SO worth the beginning embarrassment.

rdy2begin

Ok... You cant think about that. First when you are out there burning your fat away and they look out the window and see you take a break. Who is better? You are!, they aren't doing crap. They are in their house watching wheel of fortune or something. You're out there doing it and getting it done and in 3-6 weeks you will be running around there like a gazelle.

Never be ashamed of your fitness level its what makes people quit. Dont be a quitter be a winner!

Love this that motivates me .....Really makes sense I too am chicken to running so do it at night with my son occ.but this makes since while we are working on our goals they are being the "coach potatoes" So really we owe ourselves and maybe even inspire a neighborhood jog

PeachyKeene

At least you are out there trying. They may say that and think maybe I should get out there and try to run. I have to run to one light pole and walk to the next, but I plan and hope to build the endurance to run all the way.

Maybe if you are so self-conscious about it a treadmill would be a great investment.

ceebs9

Please consider watching this video. (I have to turn the music down. Cold Play...yuck.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQqbOoU&feature=player_embedded

backinthenines

There's nothing to be embarrassed about.

Personally I agree with everyone who said just get out there and do it. Most people will pay no attention cos they've got other stuff on their minds, and if anyone gives you a funny look - so what? Sod them!

And if you think you really really don't want to run among people at the beginning, then drive somewhere nice for a run!!

When I first came back from running after injury, I just wanted to run in peace & quiet and not be around people. So I drove about 45 minutes to the nearest seafront and ran across the clifftops... Just a few walkers around and their dogs.

Alternatively if you're embarrassed about having to stop because you're out of breath, remember no one knows whether you've been out there for 1 minute or one hour!!

You could get yourself a little interval timer which beeps at set intervals such as every minute and just start run-walking. So you'll walk because it's part of the schedule not because you're cream-crackered.

Ally_Clare

Go for it!

If anyone does look at you while running who cares? You are probably never going to see them again anyway. Focus on your breathing and bring an ipod with you so you don't get bored. Keep at it and i'm sure you will be running around the entire neighbourhood.

Good luck

blondie_0506

I suck at running too, and when I first started going outside, I started with walking and worked my way up to running. I still occasionally take breaks, but who cares what others think!! I live in a very populated neighborhood with alot of teenagers and they all stare, but I don't care. I'm trying to get in shape to live a better life!!

I know you can do it!! Just start off small and work your way up!!

bstamps12

I started running last summer and literally couldn't run 1/2 mile! I felt so stupid, lol, but I am so glad I stuck with it because I have now run 2 5K's and am training for my first sprint triathlon...something I never would have done if I hadn't stuck with running despite feeling uncoordinated and very slow!

micklepickle61

I agree with everyone else. Don't worry about what everyone else thinks. The ones that matter will think you are a winner for getting off the couch. The ones that will criticize are still sitting on the couch. I also think the couch to 5K program is a great way to start.

Mike

CatseyeHardcast

1. Who cares what others think.
2. You're out there doing it, you are already one step ahead of most people in our ever increasing obese society.
3. Most people are thinking to themselves "good on her" or "man I really should be doing that"

As for not being good at running, start easy. Say you go on a 20 min walk, run the last 2 minutes home. Do that for a week, then next week, run the last 5 minutes home. Before you know it you will be running the lot and looking at taking a longer route.

Good luck

Firewhirrrl

Yeah. I got some advice.

1. Run at dusk or dawn with a flashlight.
No one can see you but shake, or your thighs slap, or notice how your outfit keeps going up our *kitten*.

No one can tell how far you have gone before you walk.

2. Walking between your running has proven to help you increase your running, while providing you with recovery periods.

So: ( after your warm up) jog for 1 min, then walk for 1.5 min.

Alternate this for 8 repetitions. That's a workout.

Do this till it gets easy. Then lower your walk time to jog 1 min, walk 1 min.
Till this gets easy, then jog 1.5 mins, walk 1 min till it gets easy.

And so on and so on... Inch your way through it.

kayelkay

People will probably look at you, but it will be because they are thinking "good for her! I wish i had the motivation to do that!"

zorbaru

when i was playing under 17s cricket, the team used to call me chicken man due to the way i ran. so i know i look like a fool when i run. but i dont give a rats.

when i started running last year, the first time out i pumped out an entire 500m before i had to start walking and it took me 27:30 to complete 3km.

on saturday i pumped out 3km before i had to start walking (did 4km total) and my best time over 3km is 19:50.

TakeOne

I kinda feel the same way to be honest. I only like to run with my good friend who unfortunately lives 2hrs away now... Let's be running partners! :flowerforyou: We could totally motivate each other! I say the same thing about people not knowing how far you have run..lol

emchamberlain

I go out there and run in three bras because my boobs are so big...who cares? You can do it!

I just started reading "Running for Mortals" which is a great, inspiring body-positive book.