Too shy to run...

Dani_wants_to_be_fit

I really want to start running but I think getting over my shyness is going to be difficult. I would rather run outside than at the gym since a) It's free and b) scenery and several other reasons. Yet as I have said I have been putting it off because I am too shy! Running with a friend isn't possible since they don't enjoy it and I don't have a car to drive to the middle of nowhere and do it. I'm paranoid people will look at me. It's been a long time since I ran and I doubt I could do 2 minutes now without needing a break and I'm nervous of being judged as weak and unfit.

I know all runners out there started somewhere, and hoping someone can advise me how they got over being shy and just got up, out and did it. Any advice for just not caring what others think?

alexandra0690

who gives a **** if ppl stare....ur out there doing your thing. get over it. have some balls. good luck.

Dani_wants_to_be_fit

who gives a **** if ppl stare....ur out there doing your thing. get over it. have some balls. good luck.

I know I need that attitude it's just hard getting it XD

IveLanded

That's funny, I JUST wrote about this in my blog.

http://hereivelanded.blogspot.com/2012/07/you-got-this.html

I look REALLY dorky when I run. But you know what? A year ago I couldn't run a quarter mile, and as of today I've completed a 5k (with pretty decent time) and I'm training for a half marathon.

YES people will look. The people who don't have the guts to get out there and run themselves. They might even judge you or think mean thoughts in your head or they might even turn to their friend and laugh at you. YES! That might happen.

BUT!

1) You don't know them and will never see them again.
2) In 5 minutes they will be making snotty comments about someone else and forget you exist.
3) REAL athletes will NOT be looking at you or if they do they probably won't be judging you.
4) No matter how many people see you, nothing will make you feel better than looking back a year from now and realizing that you felt like this and you overcame it and did something awesome.

Kara_xxx

I used to run... then stuff happened and I put on 40lb.

Did I relish the idea of running outside and some people looking with me shuffling at some pathetic pace jiggling around?
No. Of course not.

Initially I ran just woodland trails where you hardly ever encounter anyone... but at the end of the day, you just have to get over yourself.

Let's face it most people have enough of their own life and stuff and in their heads to be getting on with to pay you any attention. Nobody is the centre of the universe. And in the event that some smart@rse shouts something out of a car or whatever, these things happen and he is just a sad **** who needs to get a life.

runnercheryl

Just go for it. I was too shy to work out in public for a long time. In the end, I forced myself to get out there and to ignore the stares. Once I was out, I actually found I felt confident thinking that once I was better perhaps I could inspire people who see me out there as they're driving past in their cars, or are walking and I run past them. Runners are friendly people, too, which helps. You see a fluorescent figure coming towards you, and you're always going to exchange smiles or a little wave as you run past. It's surprisingly social even if you're running alone.

Im_NotPerfect

I really want to start running but I think getting over my shyness is going to be difficult. I would rather run outside than at the gym since a) It's free and b) scenery and several other reasons. Yet as I have said I have been putting it off because I am too shy! Running with a friend isn't possible since they don't enjoy it and I don't have a car to drive to the middle of nowhere and do it. I'm paranoid people will look at me. It's been a long time since I ran and I doubt I could do 2 minutes now without needing a break and I'm nervous of being judged as weak and unfit.

I know all runners out there started somewhere, and hoping someone can advise me how they got over being shy and just got up, out and did it. Any advice for just not caring what others think?

Can you get up early when there aren't many people out there? I'm usually up at 5:00 am to run for that main reason (the other one being it's cooler outside!). There are a few other runners/bikers out but that's about it. I get it about being shy. But you know what? At least you're out there. Doing something to make yourself healthy! That's the important thing. And to get started, check out the C25K program. AWESOME program!!

shaxnax

I felt the same way. I started by going disgustingly early in the morning while other people were still sleeping. I had a hard time doing two blocks without feeling like doom. It's been about a month and a half and I now go later in the morning and can run for over a mile straight before I feel like doom. Sometimes I still feel weird about doing it while more cars are driving past, but I know when I'm driving the only thing I think about runners is, "gotta move over so I don't run that person over" you can do it!

georgeinthecord

That's what I have started to do... I just go as soon as the sun comes up and everyone is asleep. Go for it, it's really rewarding!

FitnFabMichelle

You just have to force yourself to do it. And do it knowing you're going to start off with 1 minutes of running followed by 1 to 2 minutes of walking...and then just build on it.

And trust me - if anyone is looking at you what they'd be thinking is "man, I so need to do that too!" There's no reason for anyone to think anything negative about what you're doing.

You have to start somewhere. Just do it. You'll be happy you did.

Dani_wants_to_be_fit

Thanks for all the answers and they make a lot of sense, it's just trying to get that into my head. I'm going to ask around and see if there are any places to run that are more secluded than the ones I know about. Failing that I just need to just get up and do it. Hopefully with every run completed, my confidence will grow.... I just have to start believing what I just said >.>

Lisseth03

I have been in your shoes as i'm sure most of us have. Actually the first time I ran outside I got a smart *kitten* rude comment and guess what I realized? I didn't care! who cares what people think, you're doing this for you and no one else! go out there and have fun, you'll find it becomes addicting!

JustJennie1

You just have to do it.

I guarantee no one is looking at you when you run be it in the gym our on the road. So what if you need to take a break in the middle of your run? No one is going to stop the car and yell at you or point and laugh as they drive by because frankly no one cares that you're out there doing your thing (and I don't mean that in a nasty way either. They just don't!).

Kim_BUFF_Fox

I also felt the same when I first started out. I was paranoid that other people would see me and think I wasn't running fast enough / I was running weird / I was wobbling about etc the list goes on!

Admittedly, I just had to get over it. The more I went out, the easier it got. Don't be afraid to walk or slow down. Just do what feels comfortable and maybe just aim to reach a further landmark each time (for example, I used to use the lampposts as my markers for how far I'd gone and try and beat it on my next run)

Music is also a good distraction. I also found that if people were staring in cars going past I could just feel smug in the fact that I was exercising for my dream figure and they were sat on their *kitten* getting from A to B. I also signed up to my first 10k as a way of making sure I HAD to force myself outside to run. NO EXCUSES!

Best of luck with it. Taking those first few steps are sometimes hard but it's worth it long term. Think of the benifits xx

cinemafromage

It is daunting to start, but it's still doable! Get yourself a program to get yourself up to speed and soon your 2 minutes will turn into 30!

I started Couch to 5k at 299 lbs. Wasn't pretty . Did it anyways! Today, I finished week 8 doing a 28 min run. Two things that I've noticed in the 8 weeks I've been doing it:

1.) Other runners, cyclists and walkers: Almost *every single time* you pass another running/walker/cyclist? They will give you a smile, a thumbs up and a wave. Especially the other runners. I've learned that none of them are judging, they're just happy to see you started. If you stopped to say, "I can only run for 2 minutes", I gurantee they'll see "that's a great start!"

2.) With everybody else you pass out there that see's you running? I've made it a mantra in my head that they might look at me funny from their lawn chair in their driveway; I'm running a hell of a lot father than they can. Even if it is only 2 minutes.

So that is to say, it's not so bad!

Dani_wants_to_be_fit

Thank you all for being so motivating! I have decided I am going right now to do a run and stop making excuses. Rather than plan and put it off I really need to get up and do it now! If I'm not back in 20 minutes, I did it >=3 thanks again!

MtnKat

Every time I see another person out there running, big or small, I think "*kitten* Ya! Look at them. Way to go!" It just inspires me any where I go. I'm sure I'm not the only person who thinks like that.

If you are out there doing it, you are inspiring someone too. There's nothing to be ashamed of....only something to be proud of.

Good luck with your running. You can do it.

kalaharirose

I tell you what, I love seeing people new to running getting out there and going for it. Becoming a runner is HARD WORK. Every time I see someone who looks like they are new to running, I want to shout out to them "GOOD JOB!! YOU CAN DO IT! JUST KEEP PUSHING!" So, for every person that looks at you, just imagine my comments as their thoughts. Be encouraged, because for each day you run a bit further the better you are going to be!

fatgirlslove

I used to be too shy to run b.c of my big boobs ...but screw everyone else!

SofaKingRad

Don't worry about people staring at all! Besides, no one really looks "cool" exercising. They just think they do

szuszanna

Not sure if its an option for you, but I do my runs through the graveyard. Its a mixture of gravel roads and paved, and very large with lots of different sections. I see a few people from time to time either running or walking, and if I do see a service going on I just move to a different section and keep going. For me, its just peaceful and beautiful scenery, but also a good reminder that I'm doing it so I don't end up there before my time. And who knows, maybe someone will see you and you can be their motivation to start being a healthier person also!

MarkAWhipple

You don't have to run. Go out and walk. Walk for 45 minutes at a good pace. If you get to a clear area, jog for a bit. I was also freaking out about being judged. I decided it wasn't worth it. Of course, I still walk really early in the morning. It's ok to be shy, you can overcome it.

dward2011

You can always start with intervals. Walk 4 mins/jog 1 min for either a certain time (30 mins for example) or a distance (2 mile route for example). I started running years ago with intervals and it really helped me. I was so focused on my watch to keep up with my interval, that I forgot to care about everyone else out there.

danacr73

There is a episode of Friends where Jennifer Anniston was embarrassed by the way Phebe was running (like a child). Then she tried it and found out how much fun it can be. The first step is just to do it. Since you are starting out set goals for yourself and focus on that - most other runners are focusing on their personal goals as well. That is one of the beauties of running - it is about challenging yourself.

still_crafty

this helped me . . . taken from http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

Hey, Fat Girl.


Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you cringe.


You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.


You are awesome.


If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.

You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.


You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.


You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.


I bow to you.


don't be shy about what others think . . . they just might think you are awesome for what you are doing.

rosarenee1

Honestly, do not care what other people think. I was a little self conscious in the beginning but once you are actually runnin/jogging it doesn't matter. People who will also be out running are too focused on their own activity to judge you. Plus there are going to be people of different levels running! AND if someone in a CAR is judging you, then they're just secretly jealous they wish they could get out and do it too!

Really though, don't let that reason stop you. Outdoor running is great. Just run around your neighborhood, I do that sometimes or if you can get to a park that is ideal also! Good luck!!

cavewoman15

i've totally been here. nothing to be ashamed of for being nervous - i bet a lot of people feel this way. all of my friends run (most of them anyway) but i've always been too embarrassed to run with them, even when they said they would take it slow for me. but after a year of running, i did a 3 mile run with a friend and it was awesome. i have two pieces of advice:

1. couch to 5k. seriously, it's great. i went from 'can't run at all' to running 3-4 miles. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

2. until you get to weeks 9-12, when you are running miles without stopping, run in your neighborhood. i just ran around my neighborhood backstreets where not many people would see me. then when you can run a couple miles, head out into the world.

good luck!

bodiva88

That's funny, I JUST wrote about this in my blog.

http://hereivelanded.blogspot.com/2012/07/you-got-this.html

I look REALLY dorky when I run. But you know what? A year ago I couldn't run a quarter mile, and as of today I've completed a 5k (with pretty decent time) and I'm training for a half marathon.

YES people will look. The people who don't have the guts to get out there and run themselves. They might even judge you or think mean thoughts in your head or they might even turn to their friend and laugh at you. YES! That might happen.

BUT!

1) You don't know them and will never see them again.
2) In 5 minutes they will be making snotty comments about someone else and forget you exist.
3) REAL athletes will NOT be looking at you or if they do they probably won't be judging you.
4) No matter how many people see you, nothing will make you feel better than looking back a year from now and realizing that you felt like this and you overcame it and did something awesome.

Excellent response. As for #3? Real athletes are so supportive of anyone trying at any level. They all started at zero and know it takes hard work and commitment to be fit. They do it every day. Anyone else? Who cares what they think. They aren't living in your body.

Giraffe33991

I just put in my headphones and zone out. (Trust me no one will be mocking you, they are all envious that you are doing what they can't.)

Yesterday, just when I thought I was getting away with being unnoticed as a runner, a neighbor I never spoke with stopped me to say how he's been seeing me run for months and thinks it is awesome! He said he can see how much I've improved and its amazing!

That really made my day. :-)

ACEgirl1

I'll be back to see if you did it. I'm rooting for you (and I used to feel the same way!)

gpstrucker

I started out being very self-conscious about getting out and jogging. I just knew people would think it very funny to see a 50 year old man with a big gut out jogging. I just did it anyway. I have come to realize that most people don't pay it any attention at all, and the few who do are likely thinking "I should do that". I have even had a couple of people give me the "thumbs up".

I think once you just get out there and do it a couple of times you'll realize it is no big deal. I travel all over the country and daily see people, ALL sorts of people, out running, jogging, or just walking briskly to get their exercise. I think it's great.