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

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  • imma_rosta
    imma_rosta Posts: 30 Member
    P.S. I took my dog out running with me once and she got spooked by a car, tripped my back foot, and I fell and rolled in front of a whole group of cars in an intersection! HA HA HA HA! I still go running but that was SUPER embarassing! I couldn't help but laugh with them, though. :)
  • Kissybiz
    Kissybiz Posts: 361 Member
    Just go for it. You're doing this for you.. not for their opinions of you.

    And how do you know what anyone's thinking anyway? For every one person who might have a negative thought, there are probably a ton more that will think.."Good for her.. you go girl!"

    So go out there and feel proud that you may be an inspiration to someone else who's just as scared as you are!

    YOU GO GIRL!
  • hippo11111
    hippo11111 Posts: 11
    I waas the same and only did my first run on holiday where I thought no one would know me. I suprised myself when I realised a) no one was wathcing and b) I was actually enjoying it. Two years later and I don't even think about it anymore and I'm proud of what I have done. Go for it!!
  • purplechic
    purplechic Posts: 15 Member
    1. Find a friend to join you in your runs. I find that running with people also helps to pace yourself (good ol' "Talk Test")

    2. Ignore those that judge and make snide comments - they are just jealous they can't do it. Real runners don't judge, we have respect to anyone that gets out there and just does it.

    ****Personal opinion ahead****

    I would strongly recommend AGAINST wearing headphones when running. It is fine if you are on a treadmill as you do not have to worry about hazards all around you. From a personal experience, I stopped wearing headphones after nearly getting into an accident as I was running across an intersection and did not see the car behind me making a turn. Other runners/cyclists can also be a hazard when outdoors.

    ****End personal opinion*****

    If you are running on roads at night, might pay to have some reflective gear on or light clothing.
  • divasoofly
    divasoofly Posts: 50 Member
    Sign up for a 5k, that's what I did, lol. It was the first time I ran outside and I was scared but I did it ;) and you can too.
  • nickyeatrunread
    nickyeatrunread Posts: 173 Member
    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 :)

    ^^This

    I was nervous at first about running outside because I didn't want people to see me stop/start--so I got up to a 10 minute interval on the treadmill and then took it outside--chances are no one will see (or if they do, they won't care) if you walk.

    I like passing other runners, regardless of speed, it's like being part of a little "check us out, we're running!" club.

    Also, I like to look okay when I run. It's vain, I know, but, in my opinion, if I look better, I feel better and workout better. I'm not saying makeup or that nonsense, but once I figured out that I was going to be a runner long term, I started (slowly) investing in nicer running clothes so I didn't look so sloppy (and didn't chafe!).

    My recommendation? Just get out there and try it--Conquering the fear and getting out there is the hardest part! Once I started running outside, it became even more torturous to have to run inside on the treadmill. I love seeing how far I went on a map (mapmyrun.com) vs. staying inside on a stationary treadmill and the scenery is relaxing and full of vitamin d! Good luck!
  • falsecho
    falsecho Posts: 81 Member
    When I see people outside running I am thinking "Cool, another runner to say good morning to" Running in the morning is best because everyone is happy. How can your day be bad if everyone is saying good morning to you?
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    Honestly, I think people are thinking about you a lot less than you think they are. (LOL!) Do you judge every person you see running? I know I don't. When I'm running out there with other people around I'm too busy focusing on my breathing, my pace and what not. Sure I notice them but not enough to think "That chick looks like a total spaz!" In fact, when I see someone who's overweight and running slow I'm more likely giving them silent kudos for being out there and trying to improve their health than judging their form or speed.
  • llllnn
    llllnn Posts: 18 Member
    what do you think when you see people running? only good things, right? why wouldn't the same go for you? :-) it's always impressive to see people running. shame is the last thing you should feel. you should feel so proud of yourself for getting out there and lapping everyone who's on the couch. it would take a really awful, unhappy person to think anything negative about you while you're out there working on yourself and doing a beautiful thing.

    nothing beats taking a run outside. don't rob yourself of that gift. :-)
  • Emabo
    Emabo Posts: 125 Member
    I just do it when it is dark!
  • Cheval13
    Cheval13 Posts: 350 Member
    Sweat, but don't sweat it. :) My brother is a super skinny runner who hates running during the day because he thinks he runs weird. But the truth is, most people out doing their stuff are really just thinking about doing their stuff, and most people admire runners of all shapes and speeds (though I have been told by lame teenagers that I was running slow, once) but in the end it's about you and not about them, and running is just so amazing. :)
  • Cheval13
    Cheval13 Posts: 350 Member
    When I see people outside running I am thinking "Cool, another runner to say good morning to" Running in the morning is best because everyone is happy. How can your day be bad if everyone is saying good morning to you?
    True fact. :)
  • chelsey202
    chelsey202 Posts: 24 Member
    I am very impressed when I see overweight people jogging. Good for them! Inspires me even more!

    ^^ this

    And I have to disagree with the people saying to run early in the morning or late at night. Be PROUD of yourself! or run with pepper spray on the offchance someone does stop to say something mean ;)
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    Run while the snarky teenagers are in school. :)

    That's what I tought the othe day, when I ran into an entire gym class out running the same trail as me! At least I was in a little better a shape than 2 or 3 of them :tongue:

    I was self conscious too at first. Bu I find the runners don't care, and I don't care about non-runners - at least I am doing something!
    One word of advice though: don't run past dogs :wink: many of them just can't help but try and chase you.
  • 99cherrypie99
    99cherrypie99 Posts: 205 Member
    The sooner you learn not to give a **** about what other people think about you, the happier you'll be. People are *kitten* - even if you were skinny as a rail and running like a winged goddess there'd be some **** munch saying something stupid....
  • DanTheRunningMan
    DanTheRunningMan Posts: 39
    I am very impressed when I see overweight people jogging. Good for them! Inspires me even more!

    Indeed. I don't speak for all runners, but if most runners were to be judgmental about someone, they'd go off on the folks at home on the couch watching TV, not someone who laces up their shoes and gets their butt out the door to try to accomplish something. The fast runners will whiz by and don't care about you. The middle of the pack gang will enjoy passing someone (and a surprising number will say hello on their way by). The slow ones are in the same boat as the rest of us. Don't sweat it.

    It happens-- some jerk may say something mean. Be ready if it happens, but don't let it dissuade you. Those events are, thankfully, rare. Mostly you'll be invisible, but the way you'll learn to look at yourself will make it all worthwhile.
  • leadoff
    leadoff Posts: 136 Member
    The running community is by far a very supportive group! I have experienced that at nearly every race I have ever run--from 5K to 10K to half-mary--the first ones to finish are usually the first ones to stand at the finish line and cheer you on to completion. Many even run back up the course to run beside and help encourage the slower runners on to finish strong.

    Just remember that every runner who is now "experienced" started from scratch much like you are doing now! Take pride in the fact that you are doing something positive for your health and well-being!!! IMO all the haters are just jealous of your motivation to hit the pavement!
  • monalissanne
    monalissanne Posts: 159 Member
    I promised myself today that I would not spend more time getting dressed for walking/running than I did actually going out and doing it. Remember everyone out there is concerned with themselves, and if they have time to look at and focus on what you are wearing or doing then they are not working hard enough on their own thing.

    Ever watch Friends? Run like Phoebe! It's freeing.

    tumblr_lz97fkJYPB1r1v7uv.gif
  • DataBased
    DataBased Posts: 513 Member
    Step one- Go to biker bar.
    Step two- Find angry biker.
    Step three- Slap biker.
    Enjoy!
    ^^^

    We have a winner! :laugh:
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    I feel the same way. Lol. When I actually get good at running it will be better. I just feel really self conscious now. All these people out there running who are in really good shape and can run miles and miles and then there's me, running for 60 seconds at a time makes me want to pass out. Lol. Oh well. At least I'm doing it.
  • RunningMama1276
    RunningMama1276 Posts: 15 Member
    Go to a school and use the track in the eve before dusk but after the teens are done

    I was going to say this same thing. Start on a track...I have been back into running for a couple years now and many times feel like a bafoon. I feel like I run very heavy on my feet and look lopey. But hey...I'm doing it. : ) And I second all the comments about the waves, thumbs up, etc. You will get acknowledgement from other people who are (whether they are running or walking). And for those that are walking, I tell myself "they are probably thinking 'wow! I wish I could do that". : ) Go for it!
  • DawnVanSlim
    DawnVanSlim Posts: 10,468 Member
    Thank you for this thread! I ran outside for the first time this past weekend and I was totally self conscious myself, but once I got going and found my groove I forgot about the rest of the world. Ended up running just about 3 miles with only walking for 1 minute half way through. I did have to wear a baseball cap. It made me feel like no one would recognize me. Now I need to find some nice outdoor running gear, this will be part of my life now :)
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