How do I get enough confidence to go runnning?

Hello everyone!
Well, I would love to go running through my neighborhood, but just don't have the confidence to. The thought of kids I went to school with seeing me and frankly anyonr who will look at me, terrifies me. I'm a very slow runner right now and everything bounces lol. But it's embarrassing.
Does anyone have any advice??
Thank you!!

I was like that, the first week I went out in a baggy teeshirt and leggings, a baseball hat and sun glasses...I said no one will recognize me. Then after about the 4x out and a bout i felt myself getting stronger and faster, people would smile and give me looks like you girl I instantly became proud of what I had accomplished and I wasnt so embarrassed anymore

Try finding your local high school track. They are often rubberized which is better on your joints and usually void of people. Then when you feel more confident then hit your local streets. Plus, the quarter mile track makes it very easy to track progress and improvement.

Whenever I see someone - anyone - running outside, they make me feel lazy and motivated to go running, so if you are feeling self conscience, think about the people you are motivating as they drive/walk/etc by you!

I don't think another runner would judge you because we all had to start somewhere! And if someone IS judging you, they most likely don't run, or exercise for that matter, and in that case, who gives a flying f***k about their opinion! I know it's harder to make yourself actually believe this, but you will begin to once you do it once or twice. I'm not exactly overweight, just looking to get in shape, but still struggle with running. There's nothing wrong with doing intervals and working your way up. Everyone has to start somewhere and you're a much better person than anyone who would ever judge you for taking your health into your own hands.

Couch to 5K!!! You start by "running" 30 seconds, then walking 14:30. Even if you run is more of a quick shuffle, as long as it's more strenous than your walking, your fine. And it works. I started last October and could barely get to 1:00 without feeling like passing out. My best 5k now is just over 28:00. It CAN be done!

Go out and do it. You'll have a lot more confidence next time.

I see in your pic you wear glasses. take em off and go for it!

When I workout I don't wear my glasses, I can't really see.

I mean, I can see well enough; I don't run into things or anything, but if I look at someone, I can't really see their face.

SO I end up in my own little world. Put on some headphone and blast some tunes and just chug along.

I bet peeps who see you will be more like, "damn, i wish I could run." I hear people of ALL SIZES say that all the time.

I used to be really embarassed when my workmates would see me running outside at lunc (our old office was on the harbor that has a path) anyway. I worked with a bunch of hot guys. Damn I was so self-concious. But they run too so they were like, "awesome! you run!" and one guy even started running with me even though I was way slower than him.

im about to start week 3 of the couch to 5k app!
i never thought id start jogging..... its taken me since january to start it and feel so good about myself for doing so....

Honestly like others have said just go for it... listen to ur favourite music and Gooooooo!

Good luck xxx

Most people who would think bad thoughts of you out there running are those who really should be out there with you! So just remember you are taking the steps needed to improve yourself, go out there and enjoy yourself. Don't worry about what others think; the only thing that matters is what you think.

Now go get some!

everyone basically said what i have to say! but i'm gonna say it anyway. i'm just nearing the end of the couch to 5k program. when i first started, i would get out of breath so quickly! it seemed like i would never get to the point of being able to run for long periods of time. but i'm telling you, it totally works. every week you will notice changes in your endurance and breathing and everything. some tips: if you have a larger bust... find a good bra that keeps them locked down, find pants/shorts/capris that will stay in place... because it's so annoying having to pull them up all the time while running, listen to music... it helps the time pass way quicker, pace yourself! you don't have to go fast... start slower and build up your speed whenever it feels right... then slow it down again whenever you need to.
and yes, what everyone said, nobody is looking at you thinking bad things. the people who do notice you are people who know how hard it is to get out there and get fit. they are mentally high fiving you! they are cheering you on! trust me, it's soooo worth it. i didn't ever think i'd get to where i am... and i still have a ways to go until i'm where i wanna be! it gets addicting though. you'll be sitting there one day and you will just WANT to run.

I can't help you build your confidence. I can just tell you to get out there and do it.

I am a very beginner at running (week 2 in C25K) and I huff and puff like crazy and my face gets blood red every time I do it.... but I still do it.

I was always given 2 pieces of advice: It doesn't matter how slowly you go, as long as you go. And no matter how slow you are, you are still lapping the people on the couch.

I run on a popular exercise trail here in Houston (Memorial Park)
Whenever I see someone newer than me or someone who is struggling I always think "yayyyy....keep going".....it's extremely motivating to see people busting through their uncomfortable-ness (is that a word LOL)

How about seeing if there are any running groups in your area? Where I live we have Parkrun, three running clubs and a free running group which goes to the pub afterwards. Running in a group is great motivation as the running family are close-knit and keen to help any newbies!

I have a Nike picture on my phone (can't post here tho) and it says

"If no-one thinks you can...then you have to"

Defy the odds Hun, prove all those naysayers wrong, have faith in your body to do what it's ALWAYS been able to do, and discover the joy. Running has changed my life, don't wait a minute longer! X

I kind of hate the attention (any attention that is) when I'm out running. So, I go extremely early when there is no one out during the weekdays and on weekends, I'll hit the local trail.

I hate running on the street too. I find it better to go to the elementary school across from my house in the evening and run around the field instead. I take my dog and let her run beside me off leash when no one is there. I used to do interval training to get into it.

This^^^ was actually how I got started, not too good on running in the neighborhood, but at the kids school or a nearby park with headphones is all good!