Public exercise fear!

Givingitagdgo

Hi
I really want to start running but Im very self conscious (I go purple when I exercise - its quite impressive and Im embarassed about my appearance). Its been a dream of mine to be able to run and one of my private goals is to complete a 10k event in Feb/March next year. The only thing is I hate running on a treadmill as I find it disorientating and uncomfortable so Im going to have to go out into the world.
Has anyone felt the same? And do you have any tips on getting going and overcoming this?
x

rose313

If you run outside no one will know that you're purple, they will only be looking at you because they're driving their cars and don't want to hit you. If you pass someone on the street walking just take a sip of your water or something and ignore them.

One time in school I wore two different sneakers by accident, and I thought everyone would notice and make fun of me, but no one did. People aren't as criticizing of you, as you are of yourself.

camiah

People aren't as criticizing of you, as you are of yourself.

This.

I understand where you're coming from. I've tried couch-to-5K programs in the past and felt like a giant lumbering hulk that everybody must be staring at and horrified by as they drive past. And then I finally decided not to care. Other people probably don't, and those that do, are morons with nothing better in their lives than to care about some stranger who is exercising. That is really more pathetic than lumbering along or turning purple, if you ask me. You can't control how others respond, so let it go. Focus on making your goals and dreams happen instead.

bigbrownbear123

People aren't as criticizing of you, as you are of yourself.

This.

I'd also agree with this. Nevertheless, are there not any quiet residential areas near where you live?

litatura

That's why I love the treadmill - it's just me and my iPod. LOL! I attend the occasional Zumba class out in public, but I mostly stick to my house for exercise. My issues stem with the fact that I don't like people to see me sweat (nor do I particularly like other sweaty people either!) and I have asthma so my breathing makes me self-conscious. However, I plan on running a 5km race in September, so I'm going to have to suck it up because I'll be both sweating and huffing and puffing!

third_time_lucky

I HAVE JUST BEEN HAVING THIS FIGHT WITH MY OTHER HALF!!!
i want to start running, have for a while! but a tredmill is not really an option at the minute with space or money....running in the real world is free after all
i feel i have too many wibbly bits to run in public and use the "ill be able to do it once ive lost weight excuse! catch 22 eh

i figure ill give it a go im ALMOST certain its just my own insecurities and they will pass with time
good luck

vsecret921

I felt the same way too. I just started running again and I cringed every time a car went by. But then a car passed me with a few very heavy ppl in it eating ice cream and I thought "I'm doing something about my weight and not riding in a car eating!" Ever since then I didn't care.

And i know I was being judgmental, but I needed that to kick me into "im doing this for me" attitude

astrampe

The only people who cares about what a random runner next to the road looks like and will comment on it, are the rare breed of idiots with no life of their own.....
Nobody will look at you, and if they do - they probably won't care....so neither should you....Wear a baseball cap to keep the sun out of your eyes and think why you are doing this - for your own health or to amuse strangers? (only in your head anyways....)

Go for it - I started running at 227lbs, and never heard or seen a single weird look/comment - (might have been cause I was to busy trying to breath and stay upright, but that's OK!:laugh:

mlb929

I run in places where there are none around: irrigation ditches, early early AM, long lonely roads. I don't make eye contact and when anyone mentions to me that they saw me running - I just respond with "Did I look fast" - or "Hey at least I'm color coordinated". It's still very embarrassing to me and I avoid local races like the plague, I'll drive long and far to avoid seeing anyone I know.

AddieOverhaul

I stick to the back alleys because i find I come across less people there. And to the person concerned about jiggly bits - whenever i see someone bigger than me running I think "Good for them" and "if they can do it, so can I!"

Go for it!

jcmartin0313

Look at my profile picture...it does not get much worse than that lol. I used to be very self conscious but what I found is that other people simply do not care and for the very small number who might, they are shunned by those who are supportive.

Runner50266

I started running 2 months ago outside and I weighed 267 pounds. I decided to not think about it and just do it. I've since lost 35 pounds, gained a healthy respect for myself and found out that the runners I have met are some of the nicest people I have ever met. In fact during my run today some woman passed me on my route (she was running the other way) and she high fived me! I don't get that at the gym! :-)

Linbo93

Somebody posted a link to this blog about a month ago and it went as viral as anything can go on this website. It really hits home for these types of insecurities!

Give it a read. It is VERY worth it!!!

http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

Ke22yB

look out world here I come I started walking outside and slowly jogging over 300 pounds and was just happy to get home and not collapse mostly people ignored me now I am all over town and people honk wave and say hello
When people start looking at you honking etc you know that means you have gotten hot and the hounds are barking so appreciate the attention when it comes

Get out there and enjoy yourself

Givingitagdgo

Thanks everyone for your comments, they've really helped. I think Im going to have to give it a go, Ive downloaded the NHS podcasts for the c25k thingy so Ill let you know how I go on.
I like the baseball cap comment "to keep the sun out of my eyes" am considering adapting this into some type of full body suit/balaclava disguise.
I do have the added bonus that if anyone who knows me sees me they wont believe its me! No-one but everyone on here knows Im doing this whole life change diet and fitness thingy.
xxx

Givingitagdgo

Somebody posted a link to this blog about a month ago and it went as viral as anything can go on this website. It really hits home for these types of insecurities!

Give it a read. It is VERY worth it!!!

http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

Thank-you for posting this. I may sellotape it onto my trainers for when I finally get out there as my head will most definitely be down!!

manderson27

If you love something you will overcome anything to continue doing it.

Keep running.:flowerforyou:

megleo818

Glad you feel better about it! Be careful not to smother yourself in your head wrap, should you decide to go that route ... :-) BTW, I say you can't let strangers who might judge you keep you from doing what you want to do for yourself -- who cares about what strangers think, anyway?? The people who love you will love knowing you're getting healthy, regardless of whether or not you're purple -- they're the ones who matter.

Givingitagdgo

While Im at it and feeling the love can I also say how inspiring you all are and if that isnt a kick up the backside then I dont know what is.
Got a chest infection (and I have asthma) at the mo so will try and start in a day or two. Its easy to be this positive about cracking on with this running lark when its midnight! I shall be praying for rain as I figure thatll give me some cover and fewer people will be about!!

direwolfprincess

Somebody posted a link to this blog about a month ago and it went as viral as anything can go on this website. It really hits home for these types of insecurities!

Give it a read. It is VERY worth it!!!

http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

I did not expect to have such an emotional reaction to that! Bravo, beautiful, YES!

sunnykb

My face turns red by the time I'm done with my 2 mile run. There is nothing I can do to prevent my face from turning red, its just something I have to accept. I was embarassed by it at first but I have learned to overcome the embarassment.

After all, they say if you still look cute after your workout, you probably didn't work out hard enough and I sure don't look cute by the end of it!

bluefox9er

I run with the grace and elegance of an elephant with an acute case of haemorrhoids.

Believe me, no matter how we look when we exercise in public, awe are ALWAYS miles ahead of the couch dwellers.

Blank out the public, and focus on finishing your workout and know and believe you are in a HUGE minority of people who can have the drive and application to get OUT THERE and do IT!!

sunshine_gem

If you love something you will overcome anything to continue doing it.

Keep running.:flowerforyou:

I have no words for the emotional reaction I had to this pic. Inspiring to say the least.

512cheangela

I read this sometime last month and had to share - http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

sheri02r

I always find it inspiring to see people running. It doesn't matter if they are overweight or look like they've stepped out of a fitness magazine, I'm still inspired! Go for it and I'm pretty sure you're going to fall in love with running Good luck!

512cheangela

Oh wait, someone beat me to it :-). Much love, you can do this!

TXGirl821

I'm the "fat girl" at the gym. I'm always the biggest one there. I don't have cute workout clothes yet, I am sweating by the time I walk in from the parking lot. I can't move as fast as others.

But I go. I work. I sweat. I smile at people, and they smile back. They talk to me and support me in ways that they're probably not even aware of. Because, you see, I'm THERE. I'm working, just like them. If some of them want to judge me for being big and sweating and all that, I'd rather they judge me in the gym where I'm giving my all rather than judge me as I stand in line at Popeye's fried chicken waiting for food.

So my advice? Just do it. Just go and do your thing. It's for YOU, not for anyone else!

kwbernardo

It also helps to remember that the people passing you in cars are driving to their destination -- you are running to yours. They may get there faster, but you'll get there healthier (and probably happier). If you are panting and purple, you've earned it; that's a GOOD thing.

I find that it helps to run early in the morning. There are fewer people on the road, and the runners that are out there are focused on their runs. And, as someone said above, runners tend to be very friendly and supportive of each other - at least in my experience.

Good luck!

coloradocami

Somebody posted a link to this blog about a month ago and it went as viral as anything can go on this website. It really hits home for these types of insecurities!

Give it a read. It is VERY worth it!!!

http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

I did not expect to have such an emotional reaction to that! Bravo, beautiful, YES!

Please check it out if you have not read it...and YES it did make me cry! Don't let your fear hold you back, you can do this!!!

kaymarie78

My face turns bright red when I workout! I just keep on keeping on and try not to let it bother me that I look like I dipped my face in red paint lol. I do have a funny story though. Two guys passed me on a long jog/walk, and when they went by I heard one of them say, "Is she sunburned?" to which the other guy replied, "I hope so." It actually made me giggle! And I'm sure I'll never see them again, so no worries! Just gotta focus on the fact that you're out there making yourself a healthier person....everything else (even embarrassment) seems less important after that!

KathieSwenson

I started running 2 months ago outside and I weighed 267 pounds. I decided to not think about it and just do it. I've since lost 35 pounds, gained a healthy respect for myself and found out that the runners I have met are some of the nicest people I have ever met. In fact during my run today some woman passed me on my route (she was running the other way) and she high fived me! I don't get that at the gym! :-)

THAT IS AMAzING that another runner would do that for you! I should try doing that as I see people and im out on the track running. any encouragement is good encouragement right! I run on a treadmill most of the time but my shelly girl (border collie) loves to go running. she would much rather be running than doing anything else. SO I do take her to the running tracks and run with her when its not 106 here in texas. 106 Is a little warm so I use the treadmill on those days.

Regardles OP no one is going to be paying attention to you and if they do they are either idiots that could use some exercise themselves and are jealous or they are other runners and hopefully they are encouraging like this one person stated. I have had to get over my insecurities of exercising infront of people and honestly the only way I did that was to get into my martial arts class. Dont have a choice but to learn to be comfortable with it when you are in a formal setting like that. Anyways, I hope you do well and you get out there and you do it.