Running in public- confidence issue

HappyathomeMN

Everytime I see a runner, especially a woman, I shout (ok, sometimes in my head) YOU GO GIRL!! I also give them a high five, even if it's only a mental one.

blynn2708

I've recently just started running outside, I felt the same as you do! I was so scared that everyone would laugh and point at me jiggling all over...but then I figured that well atleast I got my *kitten* off the couch and am doing something! I had myself so scared, and it really wasn't that bad, I had myself all worked over nothing:bigsmile: I got out and ran and let me tell you it felt wonderful! I felt like a"runner", I am a runner! And I saw my shadow, and I looked like runner too! As cheesy as that sounds it's the truth...my shadow is my running partner! :laugh: It's an awesome feeling! Get out there and do it, have fun:flowerforyou:

yoovie

Everyone I know that sees an overweight person slowly moving down the sidewalk (i live in brooklyn, we pedestrians are speed walkers and do NOT like being behind the slow eat-while-i-walk jerks) rolls their eyes nd gets vehemently frustrated and some of them even get mean and rude and push them out of the way.

Everyone I know that sees an overweight person jogging (even 4 mph jogging) is either

a: impressed
b: glad for them
c: inspired
d: feels guilty and decides to drop their excuses and go to the gym
e: oblivious cause they were only in their peripheral vsion for 9 seconds
f: giving them a smile and a thumbs up

Do NOT be embarassed or self-conscious about running in public - whether its the sidewalk or the treadmill.

Cause its a beautiful thing, not an awkward, ungainly, ridiculous humiliating thing.

Its a person owning their life and there is nothing more powerful.

RUN!

blynn2708

Everyone I know that sees an overweight person slowly moving down the sidewalk (i live in brooklyn, we pedestrians are speed walkers and do NOT like being behind the slow eat-while-i-walk jerks) rolls their eyes nd gets vehemently frustrated and some of them even get mean and rude and push them out of the way.

Everyone I know that sees an overweight person jogging (even 4 mph jogging) is either

a: impressed
b: glad for them
c: inspired
d: feels guilty and decides to drop their excuses and go to the gym
e: oblivious cause they were only in their peripheral vsion for 9 seconds
f: giving them a smile and a thumbs up

Do NOT be embarassed or self-conscious about running in public - whether its the sidewalk or the treadmill.

Cause its a beautiful thing, not an awkward, ungainly, ridiculous humiliating thing.

Its a person owning their life and there is nothing more powerful.

RUN!

I love that "It's a person owning their life and there is nothing more powerful" :flowerforyou:

spacecase76

Whenever I see a runner, I think "aww, good for them!" no matter what shape, size, gait, or speed they are going. I must say though, I usually check out their sneakers!

^ this

No one is judging you. And, if it comes down to it, run in a neighborhood, or try to find some trails (in a park or wooded area)

sc9576

I was too embarassed to go running and when I mentioned it to a friend it turns out she was too so now we try and go running together whenever the weather permits it - British weather sucks!

apparatus195316

(I once stopped running, looked at the person looking at me in the car - that had slowed down - and mouthed WHAT?! - they promptly flicked their head back to face the road - good.)

HAHAHAHAHAHA! I LOVE this.

I'm struggling with the same anxiety, here, and I haven't even started running yet! Day 1 is June 1st and my plan is to get up crazy-early (5am, most likely) and listen to loud music.

nvestli

Ok so an update to this GREAT thread - I have been reading through everyone's replies over the past week or so and am just back from my first outdoor run ALL BY MYSELF! '

So dear OP - believe me when I say that when hardly anyone in the busiest park in town at lunchtime on a rare sunny day here in Oslo town noticed me and NO ONE said a word! The only thing I got at all in 37 mins of slow jogging was a couple of smiles and a ton of sweat!

So GO FOR IT - I can't begin to tell you how great it felt to finally throw off the shackles and fear. Now I just have to make it a regular thing

Good luck OP!