want to run/ but think I look stupid

knovello82

You'll be fine, no one will be looking! Noone looks worse than me trying to run with my 2 dogs (the big one pulls me & the little one drags behind a little, so I end up with one arm in front & one arm behind me) while fidgeting with my ipod. But I don't care! People can suck it!

curvygirl512

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

This was my favorite episode. I, too, look this silly when I run. But like Phoebe, I'm having the time of my life. Focus on the fun. I bet you'll run farther and burn more calories.

pannacottayum

I have the same problem when trying a new exercise at the gym.
In addition to all the great advise above, i'd say run with intention. Which is to say, when you are thinking about how others are perceiving you, you should be thinking about your breathing, your form, your cadence...your running. Be present and run with intention. Good luck!

JohnnyNull

Have you ever seen Stephen Segal run? Wow, it's the funniest thing you'll ever see. No way you can ever look that bad.

But seriously, who cares? You're bettering yourself. Any that would mock you will most likely grow more overweight in time, as you're improving. Plus, they're probably just a-holes.

Melissaol

Thanks for all the advise. Im not sure on form, breathing part.

whiskyzee

When I first started running, I couldn't get over how awkward I felt. What helped me the most was turning on my ipod and investing in a pair of huge movie star sunglasses to hide behind. It worked wonders.

Of course, I forgot my "disguise" one day, and during my run a little weathered lady gave me a thumbs up and said, "Lookin' good!" Maybe people are looking because they admire you.

rachaelmariegee

I feel the same way. I feel I am to overweight to run, and I'm scared that people look and think badly of me.
However, when I see people run, I think good on them, and I wish I had the courage to do what they are doing.

fpsmoto

Don't worry about what other people might think. Just wear something comfortable and put some headphones on and get it done.

smelanie504

Think of it this way: If you see someone jogging down the sidewalk, do you drop everything and analyze/scrutinize them? Probably not. I don't. No one's looking at you, so don't let that hold you back.

dbmata

Good job crew, bumping a 3 year old post about someone feeling stupid.

lol.

PaytraB

To an extent, we all feel that way at first. The hardest outdoor run is that first one. But really....no one is watching you or anyone else.
Find a quiet trail or path and just do it. You'll find that you're a bit self-conscious at first but that goes away quickly as you feel yourself get stronger and better.
Give it a try. You can do this and it's a lot of fun.

PaytraB

Good job crew, bumping a 3 year old post about someone feeling stupid.

lol.

Someone posted just the other day. The concern is still valid for all new runners.

mundaycarroll

You can always start by taking routes that you know not a lot of people will see you running. When I first started running that's what I did because I felt like people were always staring at me when they would drive by. I do feel a little self conscious still when I'm running so I now try to take routes that I know none of my friends or co-workers live on. It's a working progress.

smelanie504

Good job crew, bumping a 3 year old post about someone feeling stupid.

lol.

Aw man!!!!! Bamboozled.

oremus1

it feels quite good, I wear baggy clothes and long pants so no-one can check out my body and I feel less self conscious.

be safe, carry alarm, tell parents where you are going.

OldManOfTheSea

I look pretty stupid when I run but I do it anyway. Maybe I'm too old to care or too deaf to hear them yelling at me but I haven't had anyone mention it.

lappyd425

Agree with the big sun glasses! I felt like nobody could see me if I had them on! Grab your Ipod and earphones and go!!!

TusTus

This post makes me think about the Friends episode when Rachel was embarrassed to run with Phoebe. ;-).

I see so many different running styles when I'm out for a run, and all I think about is how cool it is that so many peeps are out running. I'm sure nobody is judging you. Enjoy!

BramageOMG

HOLD ON!! I saw her running, and, well............

It was scary. I called my friends, and they came and watched too. A couple cars stopped too


OK, I don't have any friends, you caught me

Joannah700

Edited to add the second because...it's funnier.

And...I say go for it!