want to run/ but think I look stupid

Melissaol

My son runs alot. I would like to run with him this summer. But i have been trying to run. But i can not stop thinking i look stupid. What can i do. I never did any running in school.

breezey77

I understand the feeling. But it's not about what other people think. How do you think you'll look when you start running and dropping the weight and feeling great? I think you will look awesome! For the record, I think I look stupid running too, me and all the other stupid runners out there. Good luck!

shellbell1993

Just do it!!! I am sure you look fine!! Do not worry what others think, just run for you!!!! Go for it

strandedeyes

9 out of ten times I bet you that no one is watching you run. Remember that you are running for you and not to show off. So just go run and don't worry about what anyone thinks. Everyone runs differently and it shouldn't matter how you run / how you look. Enjoy the run for what the run brings to you.

justaloozer

I know what you mean! I am really obese at 288lbs (as of this morning!) but I *know* I can run a little. I just feel like people will look at me if I run on the treadmill like Im going to break it.

Plumpqt

I was like you as well, I didnt want to work out or run infront of anyone. You just have to let it go, not only is it totally freeing but when you start seeing results you just dont care anymore. We are our worst critics im sure nobody is going to be watching you. so go enjoy and be healthy

therobinator

Just picture that episode of Friends where Phoebe was running through Central Park flailing like a maniac. You could never look that silly! :laugh:

fzyfrog

Dude, who cares how you look. Think about all those people who are sitting on their butts watching tv eating chips. You are out there running. Screw anyone who says anything. I've been heckled while I plod along but I didn't let it stop me. I've run 8 (9 after tomorrow) half marathons. Not many people in the world can say that. Get out there with your son and have a GREAT run. You'll feel better for it!!

kristiek7

I've started running, and I look like a complete freak. I get up before the sun and run in the dark...............when I am suitable for viewing, I will run during the daylight...LOL........

Kirsty_UK

I went to get analysed for running shoes after just a week of jogging. The guy in the shop said my running "style" was "unusual". I think that was code for "you run like a freak" :laugh:

But trust me, it's not important how you run (as long as you're not doing yourself an injury) it's that you're doing it at all

here's a clip for you - hope you find it funny!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_0Ta_DIWuU

pearlof69

That is exactly how I feel. I have just downloaded C25K which I want to do in my lunch hour but the looking stupid is holding me back too. I need a big injection of "confidence".

bka8

Ya know, everyone looks silly running. (And if you don't think so, try watching people run upside down! Trust me!) But it is about the feeling!! If ya feel good doing it, go for it!

lovemyhellokitty

like nike says... JUST DO IT. I was big my whole life. anytime i tried to run, my side would hurt, my hips would hurt, my chest would hurt, blah blah blah. I stopped caring about how others would view a fat girl working out/jogging/skipping/whatever and just did it. Today, for the first time in my whole entire life, I jogged for 30 minutes straight. OUTSIDE! where people could see me!

xAmyHerex

yeeah I understand, every time I take my dog for a walk I probably don't lose as much because I feel like an idiot when I run. But I used to be pretty good at running but I feel silly when people r watching me.

BigBoneSista

Oh I know I look stupid when jogging but the more you get out and do it, you tend not to even think about how stupid "YOU" think you look. It doesn't even matter to the next person. Just think about how good you will feel when the breeze is touching your skin.

I'm so addicted to jogging now. Everytime I tell myself ok today is just a brisk walk day I can't seem to stick with it. I start jogging. It never fails.

So with that said, get out there and JUST DO IT!! Also go at your own pace. You probably won't be able to keep your son's pace without getting tired quickly.

Erica1965

If you really run "funny" dress in a clown costume or something funny, then everyone will think it's part of your act.
Seriously, no one is looking and your health is more important than what you look like. Best of luck, now RUN!

skylar1907

I was inspired to take up running because a mentor started in 2010 and now, 18 months later is WINNING 5K and 10K races.

I know I look silly running right now - I'm 60lbs over my target weight and I carry the majority of my excess weight between my waist and knees. But - I've been training C25K for 4 days now... and while I don't weigh in until Sunday morning, my jeans and dress pants are ALREADY fitting better from when I started on Monday.

If you want to tone/lose in the area between waist and knees, running, jogging & walking is the proven quick, sustainable and healthy method.

Just think - after a period of running regularly, you will look GREAT. Everyone starts looking silly & feeling uncomfortable - we all have to find our stride & breathing (yea runner's lungs) but its worth it - promise.

Sonofabiscuit2

Just picture that episode of Friends where Phoebe was running through Central Park flailing like a maniac. You could never look that silly! :laugh:

I was thinking the same thing, also I run at 6am, whoever sees me at that hour deserves a good giggle.

FL_Nettie

Instead of thinking that you look funny, maybe people are thinking, "Good for you! Keep on moving."

But honestly, I don't think most people running will be thinking too much about anyone except themselves and thinking: "Do I look stupid?" or "How much further?" or what I usually am thinking "I hate running!"

noexcuses1218

Just run. I see people running/jogging these days and want to give them big woo-woo's on the way by them, but I don't want them to take it the wrong way

Honestly there are some of us out here who used to run but can't for one reason or another (mine is knees), so we do other things - walking, other low-impact cardio, etc. But some days I really really miss it. So if you can run, then run, and know that NO ONE is going to think you look stupid. Fact is, you'll be doing it, and even more experienced runners will give you a nod of respect, because they remember how hard it is.

JessPaul93016

Just get out there and do it!! I thought I would not look so hot running either. My friend and I are doing the weight loss together and both 200+lbs. We started slow and built up our endurance to run/jog. A few weeks ago we were running on the sidewalk when a group of teenage boys in a car past us. Naturally I thought "oh boy, I just know they're going to say something:... Sure enough the one in the passenger seat stuck his head out the window and yelled "Good Job!!" and gave us a thumbs up!!! I was shocked that someone litterally off the street was encouranging us! It was a fantastic feeling and we ran longer that day than we had in the past. So, even if you may think you look stupid, there are people out there who look at you going, Good for her!!

bethrs

Oh dear. You probably will look weird- have you ever watched a race, or see a bunch of marathon photos? Check out this link- We all look like doofuses. I can't post my own photos (the people at sport photo are serious about me not using them with out paying them $15.00 first) but they are equally bad, I promise.

http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2011/04/ah-spring-when-horrible-race-photos-blossom.html

http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2009/05/race-photo-redux-brightroom-hates-me-too.html

But you will eventually feel like a million bucks, and you won't care what you look like. It will make you feel like a goddess, or a wild animal, powerful and free. You will eventually feel like you were born to run. In truth, we all were. We are designed for it. So get some good confidence boosting tunes and get out there.

nerdyandilikeit

I went to get analysed for running shoes after just a week of jogging. The guy in the shop said my running "style" was "unusual". I think that was code for "you run like a freak" :laugh:

But trust me, it's not important how you run (as long as you're not doing yourself an injury) it's that you're doing it at all

here's a clip for you - hope you find it funny!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_0Ta_DIWuU

i love that episode! actually, i love all the episodes

fitbot

i definitely look like phoebe from friends when I am running.
and I still do it ALL THE TIME

mummum2

I say go for it! in fact you'll become to see familar faces and although you don't stop and chat! haha! you start acknowledging other runners and agree with the lady who said that you sometimes get very encouraging words from passes by, as least I do, here in London, UK! There's no nicer feeling than running in the open air, it almost becomes like a drug! so go do your thing, and please believe me, people are not watching you to judge! in fact might be the opposite, they might be thinking I wish I could run, etc.

:flowerforyou:

Melissaol

I have had 2 knee sugery on my left. and 1 on my right knee. So im hope that it will be ok to start running.

SpaceMarkus

Don't let what other people think stop you from doing what you want.

As for your knees, go talk to a doctor or physical therapist before you start. My girlfriend has a bad knee and they helped her out. Now she runs half marathons with me

bethrs

Well- okay, then in all seriousness, I suggest you do a few things first.

1) Talk to your doctor.

2) Go to a professional running store- not a ****'s or Foot Locker or Sports Authority, but a Fleet Feet or a Ken Combs or a Blah Blah etc. Running store- Tell them you are new to this and talk to someone in there about getting the proper pair of shoes for your gait- ask for a free gait analysis. Ask about what insoles or inserts they might reccommend. Ask them if they suggest any sort of knee brace for a beginner.

3) consider a plan- such as a relaxed c25k or another structured plan for beginners- too much too fast can lead you to injury- and you do not want that, considering you may be at higher risk anyhow.

**I am not foul mouthed- that's the name of the Sporting Goods store- I can't help it they didn't go with Richard's sports.

chrisyoung0422

I will also echo the numerous JUST DO IT's!

I stopped caring what people thought back when I first joined the gym. It takes a bit but once you are 3 mi into a 5 mi run little else matters than the run itself :glasses:

healthyjen342

HA! I was thinking about this the other day...I KNOW for SURE that I look like a lizard running on water when I run! I think I run wrong! I just recently started running and I'm slowly getting over this...It's more about "the jiggle" for me...EVERYTHING jiggles when I run....but it's okay..I know it wont go away if it doesn't jiggle..LOL

fitnessjch

I run in some fields near my house so as no-one can see! lol

If there are none near you, is there a park you can drive to and then set off from the car?