Embarrassed about people seeing me run

Ilovepeppers

I've decided that I'd like to start running so I looked into C25K and I'm really excited! Unfortunately I still feel really large and I live on a busy street where a college is also located (so it can get really busy). I'm really embarrassed about people seeing me jog since st first I'm sure I'll be super tired, etc... I don't want to feel this way.

How can I get over this? I was going to get up at 6am tomorrow and just go, but I'd really prefer to go on a happy note.

ninerbuff

I've decided that I'd like to start running so I looked into C25K and I'm really excited! Unfortunately I still feel really large and I live on a busy street where a college is also located (so it can get really busy). I'm really embarrassed about people seeing me jog since st first I'm sure I'll be super tired, etc... I don't want to feel this way.

How can I get over this? I was going to get up at 6am tomorrow and just go, but I'd really prefer to go on a happy note.

Part of the progress. Like anything that you take on that's new, you get better with repetition. You can't get anywhere without getting your feet wet. Get wet.



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
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AmyEm3

I just do it anyway.

I started running at about 170-175 pounds and I was really self conscious about it at first. I've lost 30 pounds more and sometimes I'm still self conscious. But I do it anyway. Just try to block out the people around you. I listen to music and that helps me.

ctalimenti

Start running when it's still a little dark but not too dangerous.

pucenavel

At 6am, there won't be anyone out there to see you! :happy:

But seriously - if anyone has a problem with you running in your own neighborhood, remember, it's THEIR problem, not yours.

lstnlondry

Get lost in music-becoming the bull by atreyu is not about grabbing the bull by the horns but being the bull! Godsmack's Alive really loud makes you run fast & strong!

hhcote

There are the ones who judge and those who are envious about your spunk! Run for the ones who wish it were them!

nursenikki829

I know how you feel! I still have 40 lbs to lose, and DDD boobs, so I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb when I run. I started the couch to 5K two weeks ago, and it was hard at first, but I figure that you have to start somewhere to get somewhere. I My running is getting better every day, and I can't wait until I can go for a 3 mile run!

jaynewould

I used to run through the inner suburbs of Sydney (all 180+ pounds of me; oh, spandex is not my friend). The only comments I remember were "wow, you're keen!" from people stumbling home from bars during my 6am run, and the occasional high-five. Most people are happy to see others out exercising And those who don't like it aren't worth worrying about! Good luck

the_fish_guy

Are there any other areas where you can run? We have a group that I run with here fairly often that is mostly new and/or self-conscious runners (mostly female, but a few of us guys) and we stick with trails so we are relatively private. We all stay with the slowest runner, no questions asked. It's great if you can find a supportive group.

Whatever you do, don't let the busy neighborhood stop you, and don't let any stupid things that people say or do get you down. Running in the early AM or at night might help, or finding an alternate (but nearby) location. If you run at night, buy a reflective vest and a headlamp . . . both can be had for under $10 if you shop around.

I started with the C25K about 4 years ago. I wasn't even able to do it. I had to do each week at least twice, a few times I had to go back a week, but I finally got there. One piece of advice . . . don't worry, at all, about how fast you go. I injured myself several times trying to run at a 10 minute mile pace because that's what I "thought" I was supposed to do. It wasn't until I figured out to run at my own pace that I was able to move through it injury-free.

Today I run 40-50 miles a week, at well under a 10 minute mile pace, so something must have worked.

While I disagree with Nike on many fronts, they got it right with "Just Do It" :-)

clankp22

I just finished C25K a couple of weeks ago and running that 3 miles is still tough! However, I have learned a few things. I, too, felt the way you do when I first started. I learned that no one else is really paying attention to you as they are all concentrating on their own running (or so it appears). Take encouragement from that fact that you are out there running! So many others are not! You will get better at it each week, and seeing progress being made is so very motivating that you will want to get right back out there and try again. Have fun!

CGradeCyclist

Hi ilovepeppers,

I used to train with a running group some years ago. There are pretty much two things people say when they see someone 'new' to running who is carrying too much weight:

either (a) "good on them - another runner in the making..."; or
(b) absolutely nothing, because they are so busy trying to get through their own run!!

Cheers,
cgradecyclist

paleoskittles

I get really self-conscious about running as well, but I've found it's good to take a buddy along with me and try to run/jog when it's dark outside already. Not too late! You mentioned you're in a college town; I'm sure their university track is still open and lit pretty late. Ours stays on until about 11pm. It's helped me.

KatieTee83

Everyone you will see is either a) also running and too busy worrying about their own jiggle to notice yours, or b) not running and feeling like an *kitten* because they wish they were.

Go you!

Pebble321

I can understand that. I was like this a year ago, I thought people would point and stare at my 200 pound shorts-clad behind and say "why is that fat lady bothering to run?"

But, I did it anyway and here's what actually happened:
- lots of people out walking their dogs said hello (and I panted "hi,....aggghhhh... morning" back to them.)
- many people completely ignored me
- runners smiled or waved as they went past. Or ignored me.
- cyclists flew past so fast I didn't notice where they were looking
- I found out that if I ran slow enough I could run a long way
- I started feeling in a better mood if I went for a run and a crummy mood if I didn't.
- I kept running longer and longer and last weekend I ran (slowly!) for 14 miles/22km.

The fact that I can run still completely astounds me and everyone who knows me. I am so un-athletic it isn't funny - I've never been good at any sport and my co-ordination is shocking (yesterday a 6 year old beat me at table tennis).
But, I can run. I bet you can too!

digit78

Even the fittest of people had to start somewhere.

Genie30

Totally agree with Rubybelle, this is my experience too and when I started running I weighed 245lbs.

Just to add that if caring what other people think will stop you achieving your goals, stop caring, It's your life, your health and your body. Do it for yourself. Who cares what strangers think anyway? Any negative comments say nothing about you and everything about the insecure, mean, jealous person who said them. Love yourself enough to feel the fear and do it anyway.

zombiefruit

I'm going to tell you the truth - I have had problems with this. I don't really seem to enjoy running but I used to cycle a lot and will be getting back into it as soon as my ankles heal.

I used to cycle 13k or so per day 5 days per week, and then I stopped because some people cat-called when I was out there and I felt awful. It was on a day when I was struggling because I'd had to stop for a few weeks due to illness and it was my first time back, so I just... Stopped. Ugh!

I've thought it all through carefully since and decided they can kiss my shiny behind. I've actually exercised in public since - I started C25K myself, and worked at it for a few weeks, but I really don't like running and as such I didn't do that for very long. However, you can go out early in the morning when most people aren't around. My youngest is in nursery now so I can go out during times when most people are at work or school (I work from home).

IronSmasher

Erm, do any of you lot actually judge people on their running?

I honestly don't have the time or inclination to care.

Unless it's someone that's huge, and then I think &%king good on them!

CarolynB38

Just go for it. You'll soon realise that many people don't even think about seeing you running other than maybe thinking "it's a runner". Of those that do think about it I think most are secretly impressed when they see anyone running, regardless of their size. Some will be thinking "I wish I could do that", others will be thinking "I should really do some exercise". Most will only have positive thoughts about seeing you running if they even notice. My immediate thought when I see someone large running is "WTG!!!" In fact I am far more impressed to see a larger person (like myself, lol) running because it shows so much dedication to be fit and achieve their goals. If anyone does have any negative thoughts about it then they seriously need to get a life. Be proud of yourself and enjoy the process. Don't worry about what others may or may not be thinking. Good luck with the C25k :flowerforyou:

kendrafallon

I felt exactly the same when I first started running and still suffer from feeling this way when I run - I've had the comments from people on the street when I puff and pant past them. But d'ya know what? I don't care. I enjoy running and what's more I get a huge sense of achievement knowing that I was gradually improving.

I've not been out running in a long time; I bought new running shoes yesterday and have planned on going out for my 1st run of the new year when i get home after work - whatever the weather.

If you want to go running, don't let what other's think or their comments when you are out on the street, stop you.

zombiefruit

Erm, do any of you lot actually judge people on their running?

I honestly don't have the time or inclination to care.

Unless it's someone that's huge, and then I think &%king good on them!

This is very much me. It's true that some people will be d*cks about it... But at the end of the day, I have known people to be d*cks about pretty much anything. I know a woman who thinks adopting children is a bad thing to do, fgs! So clearly... There's always someone looking to bag on what you're doing, no matter what you're actually up to.

Go out there and run, enjoy yourself and s*d the haters!

MaximalLife

I've decided that I'd like to start running so I looked into C25K and I'm really excited! Unfortunately I still feel really large and I live on a busy street where a college is also located (so it can get really busy). I'm really embarrassed about people seeing me jog since st first I'm sure I'll be super tired, etc... I don't want to feel this way.

How can I get over this? I was going to get up at 6am tomorrow and just go, but I'd really prefer to go on a happy note.

Part of the progress. Like anything that you take on that's new, you get better with repetition. You can't get anywhere without getting your feet wet. Get wet.

A person must do something poorly a few times to get good.

Just Do It!

aqua_zumba_fan

Thanks for this thread I really want to get into running outdoors but am very self-conscious. It helps to read about others' experiences. I used to be self-conscious just walking outside (not cos of weight, just anxiety issues) but I've overcome that by focusing on the fact that people are more focused on themselves for the most part than on anyone else so I need to channel that for running too! I did 'run' with a friend one Sunday morning and it was great but she was visiting and I don't really know anyone here who would do it with me (partner not interested, friends all elsewhere as only moved here a year ago and people at work don't live in my town). Good luck to everyone battling with this! I have bought a tracksuit and I intend to use it once it gets a little warmer!

Faye_Anderson

What's more important to you? Getting fit or feeling hurt about a snide comment that MIGHT happen?
Stick your headphones in, blast your favourite song and go for it, in 9 weeks when you can run somewhere you'll feel amazing x

charlotte66

go for it!!

i went on my first ever jog yesterday at 6 in the morning so was still dark and not many were up and out :laugh: and it was theest i had ever felt after it! ok only manged 2 and abit miles but felt so much better for it

i was very self concious almost didnt get out the door then made sure no1 was around before i set off then i past another person jogging and i didnt stop and start walking i kept going because once i got to it i didnt care :happy:

sweetheart03622

I started running last February and felt the same way! You have two options: 1 - just suck it up, realize you're doing something amazing for yourself and just do it or 2 - find a more comfortable place to run. Perhaps go to a local subdivision where most of the people are a bit older and more mature (I did this for a while). You can also try running at night, which I do now out of time constraints, just be sure you're safe about it.

Honestly, running is fabulous. It's done SO much for me and you should definitely find whatever way you need to to make it work!

rlwart

I feel that way too about getting out there and running. I wish I could, but truly I am a fast walker, once in my stride I'm really fast and confident. Running jolts and pains and I STILL wish I could do it comfortably. I do jog in my house along with my Leslie Sansone Walk at Home videos, and I've gotten to where I can jog in place about 5 minutes without any pain. Maybe starting out that way would help?

On the other hand, I really have only ever had one negative thought about a person out there walking or running and that was about this one lady who appeared to be attempting a speed walk however her arms would swing waaaayyyy out to the side in a mechanical robotic fashion, which according to my books on walking, flailing about is bad form. Plus, her extra long pony tail also swung out to either side as she pumped along and that bugged me too. Anyone else in the world out there at least making an effort, I generally bless their hearts and I wish I was out there too.

Keep in mind, an individual's opinion of you says a lot about them and nothing about you. If someone judges you negatively for your honest effort, should you really care about their opinion anyway?

meerkat70

You aren't still really large. You're smaller than I am now, and I run.

I do know what you mean - it's really hard to expose yourself to feared ridicule. We've all been the fat chick puffing away at the back of the exercise class, and we've all heard nasty comments made about overweight people. Realistically most people who see you out running, though, are either a bit impressed that you're getting off your bottom and doing something, or they're so preoccupied with what they're doing themselves that they don't notice or care.

I do think you should have a go. The C25k is a great programme - it makes you really believe you *can* do it. And you can. If I can, so can you. And once you're going you won't want to stop.

I must temper my enthusiasm with some realism. On New Years day, for instance, I ran past a young couple, and the bloke turned to his girlfriend and said 'god, she's a bit big to be doing that'. I just turned round, looked at him with all the hostility and pity I could muster, and said 'no, clearly she's not. I'm just finishing up a four mile run. What have you been up to today?' and turned round and sprinted as fast as I could, down the road. More commonly, you'll get people yelling a bit of encouragement. Take that as it's meant - as well intentioned, if a bit intrusive. I'm only mentioning these kinds of experiences because it's a good idea to be stealed against them. However, these are rare experiences, and you really shouldn't let other people's stupidity put you off.

vanessaclarkgbr

There was a large older lady on the treadmill at the gym last night - I smiled at her and noticed others do the same - because we all thought good on you, really easy to sit on the sofa and not bother!

I regularly get laughed at by the kids if I run on a Friday lunchtime. If I'm game I shout back because it makes them laugh, if not I put my headphones in. Kids are kids, they'll shout anything at anyone about anything if they think it makes them look good in front of their mates, I've never been cruel but I remember being a teenager ;-)

Get out there and don't worry about it, the biggest problem I have with them is that they are surgically attached to each other and I end up dodging traffic to get around them - they aren't that bad. Enjoy! :-)

vanessaclarkgbr

Also, what - you're not large at all!! x