How do I get over the fear of running in the real world in f

cainie19

I am absolutely terrified of going outside on a jog. I don't want to be judged. But I know I need to do it to get fit! I know I already have stamina as I jog on the spot for extended periods indoors but I now want to branch out and actually RUN.

Any suggestions?

Thanks gang

liog

Take comfort that a lot of people feel the same way and they are out there doing it.

dinosnopro

do it? never know till you try. Focus on your breathing or stride, may help keep your mind off of the other people.

runnercheryl

Give it a go. I was the same until very recently. I have always respected people out running, but was scared to be judged for being so un-fit. Recently, I went for it. I got a few smiles, and I felt good to be out there being one of the runners that impress me so much. I can't run for more than a minute, usually much less, but nobody cares.

Sl1ghtly

Step one- Go to biker bar.
Step two- Find angry biker.
Step three- Slap biker.
Enjoy!

yesthistime

You could start by going out super early (there may be fewer people out and about, and it's darker). Then build up your confidence to go out in broad daylight. Shouldn't take too long to get over that initial fear

_JamieB_

put your head phones in, blast the music and enjoy yourself!!!

MrsM1ggins

I felt the same way when I started c25k. Fortunately it was January and by the time I was finished work and able to go out it was dark outside - I ran like a ninja...stealthy!

Even now when I'm out doing intervals or slow jogging to cool down it feels a bit funny when I see people looking at me. What are they thinking..."I could walk faster than that"..."she's not a very good runner"...

But I know what I'm doing and I don't give a *kitten* what they think. And I now run in daylight, so to them!

chuckiephudd

Don't worry i feel the same way, its different out there and now that i have shed 23 lbs. i feel the same, i can get 30 minutes on the elliptical and the same on the treadmill, but feel really up tight out in the real world, when I do go out it is dark, and it is just me and my tunes, I am slowly working on daylight adventures but not quit yet lol!!!!!

BrianSharpe

I've found that the reality is you're invisible when running, most people completely ignore you and those who may stare or make a snide comments are just manifesting their jealousy that you are making positive changes your life and they aren't. Don't be surprised if other runners give you a little wave or nod - you'll be joining a great club.

You wouldn't believe how self-conscious I was the first few times I ran in running tights (at 200 + pounds I'm not exactly svelte) and then it dawned on me......nobody (except my kids who still laugh at me) cares.

kstone70

My brother was very overweight when he decided to jog outside for the first time. A jeep full of teenagers drove by and threw an apple at him and yelled "RUN FAT BOY RUN!" He was devastated. How cruel those teenagers were! However, it gave him the fuel to keep running, and running, and running. In the last year he has lost 115 pounds and looks FANTASTIC. Don't care what others think. Think about how great you will feel when you shed those pounds. If someone does judge you, who cares? YOU are strong, and can do this. I run outside about 4 days per week. When I see other people out running, no matter who they are, we always give each other a smile or a thumbs up. Most runners are really supportive of other people

AwesomeSauce4

put your head phones in, blast the music and enjoy yourself!!!

This ^^^ and I think you will enjoy it more then running on a treadmill or in spot..
I know I do!!!! Good Luck Sweetie xoxo

Mdin1029

Wear sunglasses and hat, take music. You won't notice others. Good luck, running is great!

perfectlioness

I feel ya! I just started on MFP last week and started up an exercise routine. One of the things I wanted to do for awhile was add in some jogging to my walking. I was so embarrassed about running in public, I was going to ask friends/family if I could use their treadmills. But last week when I started, I thought, I am just going to go to the park and kick some @$$! I realized it doesn't matter how I look doing it, because I am doing it! No matter how slow you are, you are lapping everyone on the couch!! :-) Good luck!

Elizabeth_M

I am, too. I know now that my gym membership has expired, I can't rely on walks with dog and DVDs too much - or, I don't really WANT to. But, I am like that picture - what you feel you look like when you are running - and what you actually look like...like a fat, fumbling dork. Sorry, but it's how I feel.

I might try running at night, with my dog. Less people to see me, and not in the harsh light of day.

BrianSharpe

put your head phones in, blast the music and enjoy yourself!!!

*****Warning, my personal opinion only******

Wearing headphones is fine when you're indoors on your treadmill and you don't need to use your hearing to alert you to oncoming traffic, wearing your mp3 player - especially with the volume cranked up - while running outdoors puts you at risk (and don't get me started about cyclists wearing theirs.....)

While I'm on my soapbox, wear high visibility clothing while running outdoors - fluorescent yellow/green makes a real fashion statement but could save your life. You want to be seen.

photojunk

When i first started running i used to get dressed in my running gear and sit around the house trying to get the guts up to run outdoors before deciding that the washing up, hoovering etc was more important.

Then one day i got dressed for a run i stepped outside and my neighbour who was hanging out her washing (she's about 70 years old) said to me 'i wish i could still run' after that i felt lucky that i could run even if it was only for a minute or two at first.

I apply that quote to everything i do.
Might as well use the stairs while i still can.
Might as well ride my bike while i still can.

I think of all the people that can't do things many take for granted and that pushes me to make the most of what i have and what i can do.

I also realised quite quickly that the only people who stare are the envious ones, and if someone heckles from a car i give them a wave and smile cause i know i'm not a moron

ReverendJim

I am very impressed when I see overweight people jogging. Good for them! Inspires me even more!

Femtec74

Step one- Go to biker bar.
Step two- Find angry biker.
Step three- Slap biker.
Enjoy!

HA!!!!!

LuLuRunner1

II am much more self conscious on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym. Outside on the road, I am moving and so are other people, I feel I have more anonymity; in the gym, we're all just looking at each other. I am trying to get over myself, but I don't like to really get my sweat on in the gym, its so unlady like.

With that being said, I think it's awesome and I envy those women who are dripping with sweat, but for me, I feel weird sweating like that; I feel like I'm out of shape.

becoming_a_new_me

Go to a school and use the track in the eve before dusk but after the teens are done

RepsnSets

I dont mind running in public but sometimes I like to run around the perimeter of a park or a playing field. Nice and private

cricketannie

I just read a blog about this!
The only way I can get over my fear is to put on sunglasses and headphones to block out the rest of the world, and take my dog with me. Having her run beside me makes it a little easier...It takes the focus off of me a little bit b/c everyone I see always looks right past me and to my pretty doggie. I also remind myself that the people driving by are only seeing me for a couple of seconds and will probably forget that I am there by the time they make it to the next block. How many times do you remember seeing joggers out?
Good luck!

abhiforlife

Try to find a semi-public area where you're unlikely to encounter anyone beyond the occasional person or two. I walk around the community where I live or around the group of building where my office is.

And yeah, keep the music on.

PlasticPsycho

I think the trick is to look totally like you don't care

When you are out of breath and want to just slowly walk for a minute or two just don't look around like you feel guilty
Just go your way like "F**k that, I'm walking and that's what I want" and if you're confident in what you do, then nobody will judge you

And if you don't sweat and turn red during your run then you're not doing it right Besides, normally nobody can tell if you're running five minutes to be exhausted or half an hour

waterwing

Either go early in the morning when it's too dark to be seen or people are too sleepy to realize what is going on or wear a hat but the best thing to do is just to get out there. Go out there one time and you'll see it's not as bad as you've built it up in your mind to be. You know why you're out there and that's an impressive reason so hang onto that idea and run, run, run!

w2bab

Run while the snarky teenagers are in school.

Kateraptor

I run on trails where there aren't as many people. Also if you could find a running buddy that may make you feel more secure. I run with my boyfriend and we're both pretty shy about being seen running slowly, but he's a great support and it's fun to jog and talk with someone.

bitterfusion

Seriously, no one will care if they see you jogging past them, much less judge you. The only hindrance you have is your mentality. Why do you even care? You'll probably never see them again. Take the plunge, it's worth it

imma_rosta

Dude, I had to take a xanax my first time! Teasing... but that's what I felt like. I was SO terrified to go outside running and people looking at me. I also get extremely anxious if I go into a store by myself. I don't remember the date I actually sucked it up but I DO remember picking out a visor (Nike - blocked the sun AND my eyes so I didn't have to see anyone) I made a loud and upbeat playlist, I put on my shoes, and gave it a shot (took a few tries of putting my shoes on and actually stepping out the door). I am almost in SHOCK at how my anxiety has disappered when it comes to running! It was easy to build up a tolerance and then you notice other runners and they wave and smile as you pass. I now actually get a little nervous on a treadmill more than I do running outside.

Don't get me wrong, the first week or two I would get SO anxious but I just made sure to change as soon as I got home and walk outside. Once your out there, you start thinking, well, I'm already out here I might as well run. Now, I seriously LOVE going on runs! Good luck!

KJVBear33

The way I see it is this..........if they are looking at you, they are only looking at pure awesomeness as they probably can't jog for as long as you can nor as fast. If they can, its because they don't have the determination and strength that you do to take control of your weight here and now without tanking it. If they do have both of these two things and still stare, its got to do with their own insecurities and they have to deal with it and not you.

Bottom line is that you are out there jogging for you and you alone--no one else!! Same thing in the gym.........fat may jiggle and bounce, but who cares? You are there for you..........focus on yourself and what you are doing to be fit and healthy!