ashamed to run

road2peachtree

Hi all, I have been actually eating like a normal human being for the last 3 weeks! I am very proud because it hasnt happened to me in a very very long time. Now that I feel I have fallen into a comfort zone and can sustain this lifestyle until I lose weight, I think it's time for excercise. SO I used to love to jog....now the weather is so gorgeous and I want to run outside. But I am huge and am so embarrassed to run in the street. everyone I see running is so tiny and looks great. If I saw a 250lb woman coming at me while driving, I'd be scared! SO I want to run...but am ashamed....anyone else have this problem? I would love some support. Also is it safe to jog at that weight? ( I would probably start dying after 1 minute of a very light jog) but is even that safe? I'd love any ideas on how to get started?

You better run and don't look back. I was 240-250lbs when I ran my very first 10k. I'm now 237 and STILL hitting the pavement. Do you honey. Do you. It doesn't matter how big you are, just be safe and try it out. You never know what might happen. And to set yourself up, look into a 5k that's about 3-6 months away, put a C25k app on your phone, and keep it moving.

I run with a running group sometimes and sometimes I just run with my Running Partner In Crime. We don't push one another TOO far, but we push each other. Find a group or a partner and get out there.

NMJosephs

Whenever I see someone running my thoughts are "Awesome for them!!" and if they're a bit bigger, like me, I think "You go dude!" You shouldn't be ashamed to go running, you're doing more than all those people sitting in their cars judging you!

LuLuRunner1

Finally, lately when I jog, I'll smile at the person coming my way, and they give me a genuine "atta girl" smile right back. It really makes you proud of yourself. Try it... if they don't smile back, just stick out your leg and trip em!

i love it!! I finally talked a friend the other day into walking the trail I usually do so that he could possibly meet people. He told me later that he thought people were avoiding eye contact with him. I told him no, that I said hi, smiled, or at least raised my hand to wave to everyone who passed. Maybe try to be friendly first and see what happens. I'll have to tell him next time to trip them if they don't smile back! :drinker:

Ballybabe1

Do the Couch to 5K - it builds you up slowly and just don't worry about what anyone thinks. I am on week 5 and like you, suffer from embarrassment. It's not really a weight thing with me but I just feel embarrassed lol but to be honest, I have mostly got over it. Friend me if you like. If you do it, definitely use a podcast or app. I tried timing it myself to start with and it was very cumbersome and boring but now I use the NHS podcast and it's great. Not sure what I will do once I have completed the programme though - will have to find some other kind of app I think.

When I finished the 9 weeks I just continued with my 3 weekly runs and I try to go a bit further at the weekend on one of the runs, you could also follow the bridge to 10k if you wanted an app but I didnt want to extend my time running as I was afraid that I wouldnt have the time to fit it in and just give up, so Week 9 run 3 is working for me three times a week.

auticus

Wear earphones. Play music while you run. Don't pay attention to what other people are doing. Run. Profit.

turkeytrotter

Why run? Walking is great exercise. I started losing weight 3 years ago. For the first 8 months I only walked and increased my distance as I got in better shape. Then, when I was walking for an hour regularly and my heartrate was not going up during the walk, I started doing a little running with the walking. I lost most of my weight doing just that.

RMuske

When I see a heavier woman or a skinny woman running, walking, doing any form of exersice I am proud and impressed by it. I think it is great that people would take an active role in their own health regardless of the size they are at. You go do what you enjoy and dont worry about anyone who would say anything about it.

LillysGranny

I think if you start slow and very slowly add distance and speed you should be fine. And don't worry about what anyone else thinks. What they SHOULD be thinking is, "There's someone who's trying to do better." Who knows, you might even be an inspiration to others who think they're not in good enough shape to work out.

fitzie63

Never be ashamed of who you are. You took the first, best step in your life when you signed onto this free program. You're a WINNER! One of my heroes on here when I first started, Tami Shumate, (she's on the opening page...photo ... here) lost 187 pounds without surgery, without pills, worked out and RAN too, every single day for 15 months. You're a beautiful person and you WILL BE successful. Add me to your friends if you wish. You can contact me any time at all. Stay happy!

Claire

Metsfn4life

You are motivated...this is awesome. Now, you just have to get over your fear. Why do you care what others think? It's awesome that you want to run, and yes, running outside feels great. Just do it!!! Start at a very slow pace...almost like walking a little too fast for your own comfort....you can do intervals too at first...walk for 4 minutes, then run for 3. You'll feel great after...I promise!!!!!!

Tashry

The way I see it - you're going to be 250lbs today whether you run or not. I'd much rather see a 250lb woman running, than see a 250lb woman sitting on her rear.

And quite frankly, the majority of people aren't getting out and getting any exercise anyways. So if anything, fat or thin, the people out there should be admiring you, not judging you.

mummum2

Go for it, I run 4/5 days a week in the City (England, London), filled with tourists, people of all different shapes and sizes run, runners are not all 'skinny/thin' people, honestly I can truly say we generally nod or smile at each other in passing, I seriously don't think I have even though another runner wasn't 'suitable' to be running! In fact, I generally look at the person ahead of me and think how I'm going to catch-up with them, then hopefully pass! you'll have an internal battle which helps with pace/speed. Go out there enjoy and know that you're doing it for you and noone else! :flowerforyou:

Jellyphant

When I see bigger people running, I'm overjoyed. It makes me ridiculously happy because I know the feeling you get when you can run and feel your muscles moving and your body changing. Tune out the world and run for yourself. Just yesterday I saw a big girl running up a huge hill and she was going pretty fast! It made me smile.

bigprettygirl69

I would love to run or even be able to just go for a walk without having to use a walker or panting because I am so out of breath because of the heart failure. I say if the weather is nice and you want to and it's safe THEN DO AND KICK *kitten* WHILE YOU DO. The transformation is what you are looking for and who cares what you look like doing it. Put on some in the ear headphone to block out external noises and float on sister and good luck.

dida_57

Who cares what other people think of you, just go out there and run, you don't know them anyways. (",)

LastMinuteMama

OP, read this thread and feel no shame. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/517244-when-i-see-overweight-people-running

FACT! This is a great thread!

You both beat me to the punch! ^^^ that thread will give you the motivation you need : )

butterfly10398

I personally LOVE jogging.... And if I saw a 250 lb woman coming towards me jogging, I would think, good for them! They are trying to do something healthy for themselves.... As for the is it safe question, I know running is hard on the joints, no matter what size you are, so I would say you have to listen to your body and the warning signs it gives you... Start out slow, don't worry about other people or what they think or even say. People are cruel sometimes, do what is best for you and what makes you happy. :-) good luck!

TorridSkies4

I bought myself a mini-elliptical, and I do my "jogging" in the comfort of my living room.

BruteSquad

When I see a person that is overweight running or walking, I want to cheer them on. Due to our society and the way things are I don't simply because I fear it would be seen as sarcastic. The last thing I want to do is discourage. So I cheer them on inside.

leahalissa

I'm large and I run. I feel proud knowing that each time I'm out there, I'm smaller than I was before. People can see me transform. And frankly, when I see a big person running, I'm proud of them for making healthy choices, and it motivates me to do the same.

SirDoctorofTARDIS

As a certified athletic trainer my medical opinion would say to actually start to walk at a quick pace almost like a power walker. With the weight you are talking about it can have some negative consequences on your ankles/knees,hips. Try walking everyday for 20 minutes at least and when you start to see the weight come off then start to lightly jog.

tbellamy1

The only persons opinion that counts is YOURS!! If you feel like jogging DO IT! If you feel like dancing in the grocery store DO IT!! Its all about YOU! making YOURself feel good. So I say go for it. The people you see looking at you have issues to and are probably thinking to themselves "WOW I wish I could run like her" I know I used to think that before I started working out. And the tiny people are running for a reason also. They might be the "skinny fat" or just trying to stay in shape!! GO FOR IT!!! add me if you like.

WildFlower7

Hi all, I have been actually eating like a normal human being for the last 3 weeks! I am very proud because it hasnt happened to me in a very very long time. Now that I feel I have fallen into a comfort zone and can sustain this lifestyle until I lose weight, I think it's time for excercise. SO I used to love to jog....now the weather is so gorgeous and I want to run outside. But I am huge and am so embarrassed to run in the street. everyone I see running is so tiny and looks great. If I saw a 250lb woman coming at me while driving, I'd be scared! SO I want to run...but am ashamed....anyone else have this problem? I would love some support. Also is it safe to jog at that weight? ( I would probably start dying after 1 minute of a very light jog) but is even that safe? I'd love any ideas on how to get started?

I see heavier women running occasionally where I live and we notice them, not because of the fact that their heavier but because we're like, WOW, look at her go!! That is a motivated woman. If anything it'll get you even more respect (from the mature people) because you are taking initiative. Good luck and I totally think you should run, if you lived by me, I'd be your running buddy:happy: !! Who cares what people think, your not doing it for them, your doing it for YOU!! As far as wether it's safe or not, I can't imagine it wouldn't be, but that's def. a question for your dr.

m60kaf

One of my half dozen reasons for starting weight loss was wanting to be able to drive a convertible without feeling HUUUGGGELY self conscious.

Now I couldn't care less what people think - I live in my own little world of relative self confidence with only a few people I know who's opinion matters


So get running - don't feel self conscious, spot all the people who look at you jealous like they wish they could get the motivation. Any rude people ignore them ... you are probably fitter than they are!!!!

Lynnhealthpro

I understand and I too feel insecure at times. We all do. What helps me is to wear supportive clothes. Nothing that I will have to constantly adjust during my run. Then I listen to music that makes me feel good. At that point nothing or no one else matters. As for running. I would start with a good physical. If your numbers ( CHL, Blood Pressure, Diabetes) ... If you are healthy, beginning with a power walk is the safest bet. Then gradually a walk run until your walking sessions shorten and you can jog/run at a moderate pace. Good Luck! and keep me posted!

rtaddlowe

I think its great that you want to go out and walk or run. There should be no shame in trying to better your health. People for the most part are going to admire that you are out walking and or jogging. Judgmental people will always be there so don't bother with them or their judgments and do it for you. You will get more confident each time you go out and you will see progress. I don't know if you have a smartphone but if you do there is an app call C25K , where you start from just short runs and walk intervals to gradually building up to run a continual 30 minutes or 3.1 miles. Anyway good luck to you and conquer your fear of going out to run.

ccbing

I call what I do "Jalking" ...and good for you! One of my best friend's weighs approx 230 lbs and jogged 7 miles this past Saturday. She walked a little but not much. She's been walking/jogging for 2 years. Anyway...we all have to start somewhere. Jog a less traveled road or at a park where fellow runners may be....Runners are the most encouraging people I know!

JackieLM

Hi all, I have been actually eating like a normal human being for the last 3 weeks! I am very proud because it hasnt happened to me in a very very long time. Now that I feel I have fallen into a comfort zone and can sustain this lifestyle until I lose weight, I think it's time for excercise. SO I used to love to jog....now the weather is so gorgeous and I want to run outside. But I am huge and am so embarrassed to run in the street. everyone I see running is so tiny and looks great. If I saw a 250lb woman coming at me while driving, I'd be scared! SO I want to run...but am ashamed....anyone else have this problem? I would love some support. Also is it safe to jog at that weight? ( I would probably start dying after 1 minute of a very light jog) but is even that safe? I'd love any ideas on how to get started?

When I started running I was 248. I had to realize that it didn't matter what anyone thought and in fact I guarantee most people would be "wow... good for her"... and if they aren't thinking that then they need to be prayed for because they are insincere. I am not going to lie, it was hard, I was only able to run a VERY short distance, but I did what I could and GUESS WHAT... I am now down to 207 and I can run 2 MILES without stopping! I am running in my first 5K on Saturday and am so excited!

You can do this!!! Just do what you can and before you know it, you will LOVE running again! Even if you run (jog) 20 meters, then walk, then run 20 meters, you are still doing it! Just take it 1 day at a time and you will become a running machine!

7memyselfandI

You should go for it! So what if you start out slow...we all had to start somewhere! I am always so impressed when I see overweight people running or jogging because I am not a runner at all, wish I could be...I can workout for two hours strait high intensity cardio, but do not like to run, so more power to you!!

marie_2454

I don't like running in public either, so I go to a nature center by my apartment and run on their trails. I see a few people, which is actually nice, but there's no cars flying by me or anything like that. I also usually go with someone, which helps me feel way less conscious.