too scared to run outside?
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:Absolutely not! I started the couch to 5k on the treadmill during the winter months. As spring came along I ventured outside, and yes, I had the same fears. I'm slow as all get out and can only imagine how horrible I look when running! But who cares. Everyone I've passed has been all smiles and encouragement. Runners truly are open and encouraging to anyone willing to give it a try--no matter how slow or ungraceful we are! And yes, running outside is VERY different but I love the mini challenges I make for myself--making it to the next corner, then the next and then the next. So much better than a treadmill!
:laugh: I agree....I used to fear that as I was "running" (actually I call it puttering) down the road, a vehicle would pull up beside me, roll the window down, and the person inside would say, "ma'am....please don't do this in public". :laugh: BUT I was totally wrong! My neighbors all wave and give the most encouraging words. I don't worry what anyone thinks anymore. I'm just so proud of myself that I'm actually outside and MOVING!! And on a personal note, wear a thin protective pad for added protection and peace of mind. :-)0 -
No, go outside if you can'tdo the treadmill thing. I used to be nervous about running in front of a zillion parents because I live by a grammar school and people were always there, so I ran as soon as it was dark out and I carry bear mace (I live in suburban bear country) it works for dogs too. I had to get a running belt but it's worth it. Can't help you with the pee.
Hmm I would do this but I can't haha,
we've had 4 kidnappings on my street on the past month
Ummm I think you're being a bit dramatic. This is Australia, and we live in the same city. There have not been kidnappings here, and certainly not 4 of them.
And if you need ideas where to run PM me. I run everywhere from 5-20 Kms 3-4 times a week all over Canberra. I know where the lights are good, where it's bad and also where the joggers hang out. And if your focussed on running, you won't notice people or traffic and oddly, no one cares. We live in the most active city in Australia, you running isn't a novelty to the average Canberran I assure you.0 -
Well you are probably safe from Magpies as they usually only swoop during spring to defend their nests.
I never realised that Canberra was such a hot bed of crime. I thought is was just public servants and the occasional politician.I am surprised that travel warnings haven't been issued for the other states.
I am as shocked as you. Here we are, sitting in our quiet corner of Queensland, in complete ignorance of this lawless wasteland that is our nation's capital. Channel Nine has clearly missed a trick, letting this crimewave go unreported.
I can assure you Canberra is not full of crime. This is BS and I'll call it out publicly as such.0 -
Is there someone you can jog with? It would be awesome if you could face your fears, this would bring wonderful confidence and most likely boost along on your progress. Go for it! Just remember, you don't have to do it alone. = )0
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Is there a school nearby that has an outdoor track? Most places don't care if community members use them. Maybe a gym or other facility that has an indoor track. It can be a pain to drive somewhere to run but if you want to run outside and aren't quite up to running on the street, those are other options.
I've found that most people that see others running whether its on the street or road are more supportive and thinking "good for them" or "I wish I could be out there". Others that might be running too are usually there for the same reason.0 -
Haha four kidnappings on a single Canberran street in the last month! Man, and I thought the bikie crime blitz on the Gold Coast was bad!
Lay the blame for your failings wherever you want, but the state of your health is up to you.
No need to be a rude so and so. Geez.
by the way I meant *nearly kidnappings. SORRY i'm tired and my brain is dead from studying0 -
Hey! Face your fears - everyone is scared of something and all those people you are worried about staring at you are worried about the same thing. Trust me, the only person who matters is you. I used to worry about other people staring then I did a race after breaking my ankle and walked the entire thing - I had people yell mean things at me, organizers give me a hard time, etc, etc but in the end I was doing it for me and now I remind myself at least I'm out there doing it.
So get out there and enjoy it!0 -
Face your fears! Running outside is awesome.
If there is really NOWHERE to pee (restaurant, store, construction port o let), you must really be out in the middle of nowhere. In that case, pee behind a bush.
I'm not in the middle of nowhere, it's one of the main roads leading onto the highways..0 -
I'm super duper big and I'm just starting to run outside again! I wear a 16W so... I just found really well-fitting running clothes that don't let anything "jiggle" too badly, it definitely boosted my confidence.
Yeah, someone MAY stare and laugh at me, but the way I see it is I'm doing it. Most likely, I'm getting more exercise than them. I find that most people who genuinely care about fitness, no matter healthy or unhealthy weight, is they don't make fun of others for trying. The other people don't matter, because they are not on a healthy, positive path to begin with.
At the end of the day, I feel amazing and proud of myself, and the other person is still caught in a cycle of laughing at overweight people making a lifestyle change.
I used to run cross country back in my healthy weight days. I wouldn't have batted an eye at someone going slow. Out there doing it is more important than any time or distance.0 -
No, go outside if you can'tdo the treadmill thing. I used to be nervous about running in front of a zillion parents because I live by a grammar school and people were always there, so I ran as soon as it was dark out and I carry bear mace (I live in suburban bear country) it works for dogs too. I had to get a running belt but it's worth it. Can't help you with the pee.
Hmm I would do this but I can't haha,
we've had 4 kidnappings on my street on the past month
Ummm I think you're being a bit dramatic. This is Australia, and we live in the same city. There have not been kidnappings here, and certainly not 4 of them.
And if you need ideas where to run PM me. I run everywhere from 5-20 Kms 3-4 times a week all over Canberra. I know where the lights are good, where it's bad and also where the joggers hang out. And if your focussed on running, you won't notice people or traffic and oddly, no one cares. We live in the most active city in Australia, you running isn't a novelty to the average Canberran I assure you.
Just because you haven't heard about them, doesn't mean they haven't happened..
And I meant *nearly happened btw0 -
Well, at least give it a try. If you hate it then you never have to do it again. Conversely, you may find that nothing bad happens and you enjoy the fresh air and change of scenery.0
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No, go outside if you can'tdo the treadmill thing. I used to be nervous about running in front of a zillion parents because I live by a grammar school and people were always there, so I ran as soon as it was dark out and I carry bear mace (I live in suburban bear country) it works for dogs too. I had to get a running belt but it's worth it. Can't help you with the pee.
Hmm I would do this but I can't haha,
we've had 4 kidnappings on my street on the past month
Ummm I think you're being a bit dramatic. This is Australia, and we live in the same city. There have not been kidnappings here, and certainly not 4 of them.
And if you need ideas where to run PM me. I run everywhere from 5-20 Kms 3-4 times a week all over Canberra. I know where the lights are good, where it's bad and also where the joggers hang out. And if your focussed on running, you won't notice people or traffic and oddly, no one cares. We live in the most active city in Australia, you running isn't a novelty to the average Canberran I assure you.
Just because you haven't heard about them, doesn't mean they haven't happened..
And I meant *nearly happened btw
Trust me, where I work, I'd have heard about them.
And so now it's 4 kidnappings have nearly happened in your street this year.... From 4 kidnappings have happened this month. Try jogging around the lake, any of them, you'll be safe and there are toilets. If not, wait until after winter and stick with the treadmill until then. Although paranoia can increase the HR so you might burn more calories outside from that alone...0 -
do it. no one stares, no one laughs, because they are all doing the same thing you are. think about it, when you are driving your car around and you see someone running/jogging/what have you, do you EVER think twice about that person? and why would someone laugh at you while running outside as opposed to running at the gym on a treadmill? just do it. its soooo much more fun than running indoors.0
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NAH FACE YOUR FEARS! put on music and jam out that way you focus on the music and not all the craziness around you- u can zone out! The fresh air will feel wonderful! I NEVER run on a treadmill... ick even when snowing I run outside soooo worth it!
THIS! ...except I do run on treadmills when it's snowy
I actually had the same fears as you OP -- I started off only running in the neighborhoods of my old town too afraid that someone I'd know would see my fat *kitten* running. Then I faced those fears slowly...and was able to expand my horizons. Same in this new town - being new to a VERY small town I didn't want to make a bad impression and give people a reason to talk about me before getting to know me -- then I decided 'screw it! If they wanna talk about the way I look when I'm out making myself a BETTER person, go for it!" It just shows how low they feel about themselves anyway. I don't dress inappropriate for running - in my own opinion, and I'm out there pounding the pavement.
As far as needing to go to the bathroom - I have had that problem and I always try to go potty before I go and then I run on a path that I cross restrooms or friends' houses! 0 -
and be safe, know your surroundings, wear reflective clothing, carry a road ID and mace.
edited to say: always tell someone where you will be going and when.0 -
I was terrified to run outside my first time. I even wrote a blog about it. I had much the same fears.
I ended up giving in and running outside & i fell in love with it
you will too. Nobody will laugh at "how slow you're going" and if they do, they are the people in their CAR while you're out there running. Most people are very encouraging. When I am in my car driving and I see someone running, slow or fast, I wish I was out there doing it too.0 -
Face your fears. You will be amazed at what that does for your confidence. I used to stop running every time a car was coming or I saw some. Over the weeks and months, as I really started to get my head in it, I stopped caring. I also realized that all other runners are totally supportive and the only ones who would be smart alecs are those who are still on the couch. Do it! You will love it so much better than a treadmill!0
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Definitely head outside! The only reason people are going to be starring is because they KNOW they should be doing the same thing - think about how many times seeing a jogger has reminded you that you need to get on the treadmill or head to the gym? You can do it! 0
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Funny, I find it harder to run on a treadmill!? It makes my hips hurt plus it's so boring. I also hate the elliptical but as I have 4 kids that are with me pretty much 24/7...I can't run outside consistently so I say go for it!!!!!!!! I would join you if I could.... 0
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I say when you are comfortable with it do it~ I have epilepsy and sometimes a little worried about the "what if's" - so that is why I stay in the gym where I know there are people around. I did walk outside one evening last week.
I say do it as you are comfortable- maybe lead up to it in short distances- or like others said- maybe start in the park where there are restrooms nearby to help with the fear.
Good luck in your decision!0 -
YOU CAN DO THIS! People will stare because they're jealous. I mean, it takes work, dedication and commitment to keep moving. YOU WERE BORN TO RUN!!! 0
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I can completely see where you are coming from! Im the same way. Have an ipod?
Make a playlist of your fav tunes. When it comes to people looking at you, that's just something youre going to have to force yourself to ignore because if they're thinking anything at all, Im sure it's "She's getting in shape, good for her!"
What they think doesnt matter tho, it's all about YOu and how YOU view YOU. :0)
I had to learn that and fast, otherwise it was going to become a big obstacle for me.
The best part of all this is when you get out and get moving, MAJOR CONFIDENCE BOOST!
Good Luck!! xoxo0 -
I honestly don't know one person who would laugh at someone running outside.
Is it harder? Sort of, but you don't really notice it. Time does go by faster, it's less boring, you have a realistic idea of distance rather than just a number the treadmill tells you. It's also easier, because you don't need to constantly worry that if your legs stop moving you'll fall off the pavement
I am also self-conscious about myself when I run. I found a place near my house that has relatively little traffic and I made myself a circuit, now it's sort of my happy place!0 -
Definitely head outside! The only reason people are going to be starring is because they KNOW they should be doing the same thing - think about how many times seeing a jogger has reminded you that you need to get on the treadmill or head to the gym? You can do it!
I totally agree! Every time I see people out running, I am reminded that I should go for a workout, too!0 -
I am in the same boat as you but think i am going to give running outside a try and face my fears and think you should too! If you can't do it, then you always have the tredmill to turn back to! To start getting over my fear i have started walking in my neighborhood area and have realized there are bigger, skinner, younger and older people all running and getting exercise. I don't think anyone would judge you. When I see others running outside, especially people who are more out of shape than I am, I do not judge! I think damn, I wish I had their strength and courage to be out there! Good luck! You can do it!! 0
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I used to feel the same way, but my biggest fear was tripping, falling and breaking my ankle, then tumbling down the bank and ended up in the creek, hitting my head on a rock, and drowning in two inches of water, then having my face eaten by feral cats.
I'm not helping, am I? :ohwell:
I started off running laps in the park near my house. As I got more confidence, I ran further. If you're concerned about needing the loo, map out a mile long route so you're never far from home.0 -
Get outside and face your fears! Outside is more fun! I walk 1 mile from my house then run most of the way back. I always take my dog with me... he wears a doggie backpack and totes water for us, my cellphone and a poncho in case it starts raining. Nobody has bothered me so far. I started wondering if I look stupid when I'm running but I really don't care! 0
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I used to feel the same way, but my biggest fear was tripping, falling and breaking my ankle, then tumbling down the bank and ended up in the creek, hitting my head on a rock, and drowning in two inches of water, then having my face eaten by feral cats.
YOU NEVER KNOW!! 0 -
I saw another post similar to this and a couple people suggested wearing a hat and/or sunglasses to avoid awkward eye contact. I know most people wouldn't care about that, but when I venture outside that's what I'll be doing. I'm also terrified of dogs (and creeps), so I'll be carrying pepper spray for outside runs.0
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I have a tiny bladder too, but running seems to help. When I run it's like my body heats up and my functions (bladder, etc) just chill until I'm done. Make sure you use the toilet right before your run. And no one seems to laugh at me going slow. If people do happen to say anything tell them at least you're off your *kitten* doing something and all they do with their lives is pick on people for bettering themselves!
As for the animals, you're on your own. However in my area the owners are really good about tying up their dogs, and I don't have other animal issues besides swallowing the occasional bug. 0
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