Anxious about people seeing me run, help me!

abyssfully

I've been so pumped up about running intervals in the park right in front of our home - but when it comes down to it I chicken out because there's probably going to be creepers like me looking out the window into the park and they'll see me running! I get kinda nervous. I need to overcome whatever this is because I'm missing some valuable workout opportunities! I used to not care who was watching me workout but since the baby weight it's like I get slightly anxious about it. Help me please!

bunnysone

Take it from somebody who started off barely moving, shuffling and looking pathetic.

There is always somebody out there who will look more silly, more hopeless and more unfit than you. ALWAYS. And some of the runners I see that run at all good pace also look a bit uncoordinated and like they just took up the sport yesterday!

Everything starts slowly. Everything has its own pace and everything improves with time.

Start a walk/run around your block, or walk from one tree and then run to the next in the park etc.

Everybody starts somewhere and it's your time to get out there and move xx

julslea

I just started the c25k program and I go to a local park to run. I promise people don't look at you while your running. I take my jogging stroller and that takes the looks away from me and puts them on my little girl. Go for it. I doubt anyone will look twice at you and if they do, who cares, your doing something for yourself that has huge health benefits. I say just do it!

outersoul

I was the same way but then it occured to me....when I see other people running I'm actually thinking, 'That's awesome!' I'm not staring at them for any other reason besides admiration for them exercising.

Shrek55

just do it. i have had construction workers laugh at me in my heaviest and taunt me while jogging. you can make it if you want it!

SarahRuth♥

When I notice people running I don't notice whether they look *good* running, I am usually impressed that they are out there running and I'm silently cheering them on. Go do it!!! You'll be glad you did!

Bwaryn

As they say - don't think about it; just do it. I used to feel the same way about doing cardio at the gym, especially when I'm in the front row with people working out behind me. But the thing is, nobody really cares about what others around them are doing. We're all doing the same thing: sweating like pigs trying to lose some weight. And as far as jogging outside goes, if creepers want to stare, they're going to stare; there's nothing that is going to stop them. But the thing is, the creepers that stare are idiot low-lives anyway so, who cares what they think? Just get out there, jog, and have a good time!

suzi67

Think of the positive influence, not only for your child, but possibly someone with the same doubts as you! Go inspire!!

julslea

I was the same way but then it occured to me....when I see other people running I'm actually thinking, 'That's awesome!' I'm not staring at them for any other reason besides admiration for them exercising.

Same here.

Hammie18

Wow, this totally just happened to me today! I was debating all day whether I wanted to run outside or not because I was afraid people would laugh at my jigglies. I got home, changed into my running clothes and just sat on the steps thinking about not running for a good 10 minutes. But I did it and it felt great. Don't let that fear prevent you from being your best self. Once you take those few steps outside, it'll all go away and you'll be glad you went for that run.

swaymyway

I felt the same when I started out but trust me, you soon get over it, like with most things it's the idea of something and taking that first step that's the hardest part.

When I run I wear a cap and I find it helps with me 'eeek, people!!!!!!!' moments as I can just put my head down to hide my eyes and it makes me feel like I am hidden from the world

MrsCon40

I totally understand! I started running intervals a month ago - and I couldn't even go 30 seconds at a time. A few days ago I ran 12 minutes straight without walking - and only stopped because I got a late start.

The only person you should worry about is YOU and you want to be healthier and fitter! If anyone looks at you, they will only be seeing that you are making an effort!

p.s. if it's safety you're worried about - get over that, too! I live in a major city and run in a wooded park at 5:30a, because if I don't I will make any excuse not to work out! HA!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

HolleeERL

You know, there may be someone watching who gives you a little word of encouragement. That has happened to me three times - got applause even! )

phenomeva

You can do it! I've only ventured into going outside my house once (I have social anxiety) but I survived. I spent about 10 minutes looking out my door, at the sun, the kids playing, the people walking their dogs... after your first minute you'll feel so great about yourself it makes everything worth it. I know some people use sunglasses and an mp3 player to tune out the world completely. Give it a try

ShandiH

Just DO IT! Do you really care that much what they think? Yeah, sure they may see you. Yes, they may think you jog funny. Yes, they may think all sorts of things . . . good and bad . . . but are you really doing this for them?!? HELL NO! You are doing this for YOU. Y - O - U!!!!!! So, **** 'em all and get your run on!

breakingthecycle

I am doing Cto5K and I plan my outings around what time of day I can get to the park. If its weekends, early morning,Im good, less people. If late evenings, any day, the park is packed!

My answer? I go to my backyard. Its very small and a little uneven, but private and I am very careful. I do a modified workout so I dont injure myself. Plus, I dont get to make excuses about why I cannot do my walk/run.

Good luck and like others said "JUST DO IT!" :happy:

idream2bgwen

I agree with most people that I admire people who go out and run. I have started c25k this week and can say that I was very apprehensive about it the first two times (I have only done it two times). But the second time I was more secure (and I wore sunglasses and that seemed to help). Just get out there and do it. Most of the people I see I will NEVER see again. Who cares what they think (besides you are probably in better shape than them)!!! Best wishes, good luck, now get out there!!!

Pebble321

Nope, not a good enough excuse to not run!!!
People might see you but they probably aren't interested enough in anything other than themselves to really notice or to make any comment.
Or they might, but will probably thinking "wow, wish I could do that!"
I saw a lady jogging in my park a few weeks ago and my only though was "wonder if she uses MFP!"

tannaleigh

I have never thought of a bad thing when seeing someone running outside... even at my heaviest I always thought..."wow, crazy runner....look at you go!" Or I would be secretly jealous of the nice little body some girl has... Now I am out there doing it for myself.. I listen to music so I never hear anything... I even run past a high school... I know there is judgement coming from there... but I used to be young and thin too... now I have to work at it to look good...

Just go and run. The endorphins will soon kick in, and you'll be the next to admit they are addicted to running.... I'm not even done week 5 of c25k and I am addicted!

stenochick

I'm still a new runner and was a bit freaked at people watching me, but in reality, they really aren't giving you more than a one to two second glance and they are on their way. Also, after having participated in a couple races since completing c25k, I can tell you that there are all sorts of different "styles" of running. Some people run on their toes. Some people run with very wide stances. I've seen people run with their arms literally flailing around them. I've seen foot shufflers and gazelles. I've seen butt-kickers and people who barely pick up their feet. I've seen folks running bobbing their head from side to side to make their ponytail swish. We all run differently but the moral of the story is we're all out to be healthy, so just get out there and own your run! You can do it!

abyssfully

Wow, thanks everyone! I can't believe the overwhelming response! I feel so much better now!

For the record - this park is a flat bed of grass DIRECTLY in front of my house. It's a rectangle with houses surrounding it! So I think the cap and/or sunglasses is a very good idea...

ahunkofmexican

You said it, CREEPERS like you. All of us are creepers. We all like to watch life as it happens. Every neighborhood has people bored or judgemental as well as people that see you trying. Those that will notice that you have lost weight are the good neighbors. Those that throw a smile at you are the ones that find it hard to speak kind words of encouragement. Those that look at you thru the windows and doors are envyus.If you want to be slim and healthy then put on your head phones and do it. Your not the first to have baby weight , but if you let the anxiety win then you lose. I know it's hard and i too have baby weight to lose, and im a man. Id say im 7 1/2 months pregnant myself. , So on the days when i feel self conscious i walk to another park where no one knows me and do it. After i lost 15 pounds i started walking around the park near me and my neighbors. Wouldn't you know it one of my neighbors noticed right off the bat that i lost some weight. That gave me confidence to still go to the park yet it was the other park. But at least i started to walk at my own park. maybe in a months time i will lose enough to feel confident to enjoy the convenience of my own park. Till then i go to an other park and just do it. If you don't have an other park near you and you can afford the gas or have the time cause your watching the baby , drive to another park or spend more time walking around the park near you. It's better to at least walk around the park near you in front of your neighbors than it is to let the anxiety win and you sit at home regretting that you missed another opportunity to burn off the baby weight. At first people will notice you, and yes some will stare. After a week or two you will blend in with everything else going on at the park. Only the new stuff is what we creepers notice. Start to blend in now so by the 4th of july you will be slimmer. Good luck, Sincerely Chunk !

sugarbeans

I know how you feel, I felt the same way!! I ended up calling up a friend to see if she wanted to go jogging with me and now we meet at least once a week to do so. I felt better I had someone I could talk to which kept my mind off of what others might think.

julslea

If you've ever seen the episode of "Friends" where Rachel and Pheobee are running in the park and Phebs is all over the place. I think one day (when i don't have the jog stroller with me) I'm gonna run like Phebs.

fromaquasar

I was the same way but then it occured to me....when I see other people running I'm actually thinking, 'That's awesome!' I'm not staring at them for any other reason besides admiration for them exercising.

I had this same realisation - I used to be crippled with embarrassment when I ran cause I was so unfit and felt like every car that went past was laughing at me. And then I realised that when I was driving and saw people running I thought "go you" even MORE so if they looked like they were struggling because I realised the guts and efforts it took for them and I also realised that sitting at home or in my car I was never going to judge anyone out exercising!

Be brave and you will forget pretty quickly about others watching

Actually the other day a friend said to me that one of their friends had seen me out running and was really impressed with my pace, they didn't know I was into fitness! So you can get positive feedback too! x

LonelyPilgrim

If it's really worrisome to you, can you drive or bike somewhere more private (although not TOO private, want to be safe) My 12 yo son is overweight and so when we run together we'll drive a few miles from our house and get lost in a little maze of neighborhoods/cul-de-sacs where there isnt' a lot of foot or car traffic so that he doesn't have to worry about kids from school seeing him.

not sure where you live, or if this is an option, but if you're nervous, modify your environment so there's no excuses left!

music_lover_103

i'm a runner, so im fairly thin already (just on here to loose a couple extra pounds : ) ) and when i run i almost always see out of shape people out running...and let me tell you that i think its awesome! it really inspires me and makes me so happy to see them embracing something new and healthy! i don't think "wow, they look awful" i think "wow, they look awesome!"

trust me, people arent going to make fun of you! you're inspiring!