new anxiety running outdoors

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  • calaz84
    calaz84 Posts: 72 Member
    From my experience in running out doors most people all are very nice and always say nice things like good job, keep it up or even a simple smile.

    I run a paths made for running, walking and biking is there one around you?

    Also try running at night. I love running at night not cause I worry what people say but because its cooler and for some reason I run better at night.
  • p0kers0ph
    p0kers0ph Posts: 250 Member
    Thankyou for all being so lovely. It's good to know I'm not the only one having these issues. I know I just have to do it, the hardest part is getting out the door.
    I will try tomorrow night to go out. I know it makes me feel better in myself when I'm running regularly, I just need to have a stern word with myself I think.
  • jenelizmin
    jenelizmin Posts: 47 Member
    I agree with the other posters about turning up the music and just getting out there. But, I have a little trick that helps when my confidence is low. Buy a new piece of workout clothing that makes you feel really good. Maybe there are some shorts that fit "just right". You know that 1 special pair that doesn't ride up or feel too short. Or maybe it is a special tank top that has "just enough" stretch that it shows all your good curves. It really can help. If you buy something special then you'll want to try it out (which means you have to run). And extra confidence never hurts.
  • p0kers0ph
    p0kers0ph Posts: 250 Member
    I agree with the other posters about turning up the music and just getting out there. But, I have a little trick that helps when my confidence is low. Buy a new piece of workout clothing that makes you feel really good. Maybe there are some shorts that fit "just right". You know that 1 special pair that doesn't ride up or feel too short. Or maybe it is a special tank top that has "just enough" stretch that it shows all your good curves. It really can help. If you buy something special then you'll want to try it out (which means you have to run). And extra confidence never hurts.

    I like this idea. I could do with some new running tops for sure. I guess if I can find something I feel good in it will make me comfortable and less anxious. Thanks for the tips
  • 1223345
    1223345 Posts: 1,386 Member
    I'm sorry to hear that you feel this way. I had the same fears when I first started running. I had never been a runner and I just knew I would be the laughing stock. The boyfriend I had at the time was very good at making fun of pretty much anything I did. I think had he not done so much critical judging of me I would have never thought to worry about it. I say if you are only comfortable running in the dark then that is a great starting point. Just inch your runs in to daylight by just a minute or so each time. Perhaps that will help.
  • CallMeCupcakeDammit
    CallMeCupcakeDammit Posts: 9,377 Member
    This is how I've been feeling ever since my 15 yr old told me my butt looks funny when I run. I have to keep telling myself she's only 15, what does she know?! I do most of my running at night, too.

    You need to stop running in the dark because we love the way your butt looks when you run. =)

    :heart:
  • sammyneb
    sammyneb Posts: 257
    I have this also, I generally don't like to run in neighborhoods and try to run mainly on trails, parks, lakes, etc. I have a lunch run I do, and about .75 miles until I hit a park I'm running on a street. I tend to run faster to get it over with :) then I cruise around the park and then book it again the last .75 miles. But it has never stopped me from running. I will get honks on occasion and I just tell myself they are honking because I look so good.. :) Got to think positive. But running outside is the BEST!!! I won't let anyone force me to run on dreadmill! :)
  • CharRicho
    CharRicho Posts: 389 Member
    I literally have to force myself to get up off the couch, get my running clothes on, and go. And then I start running and remember, oh yah I love running!

    Whatever the issues are, the hardest part is just starting. Once you start, you'll be good. You just need to muster all your willpower and courage and motivation to get yourself out the door. Once you are out there you'll be fine. Concentrate on getting out the door.
  • SusanZsoldos
    SusanZsoldos Posts: 2
    yup - I put in my head phones & listen to music. It's a great buffer. I highly recommend it.

    If you are anxious about others watching or judging you, just remember it's better for you to be doing something than not doing anything at all. Focus on your goals! They are the most important thing.

    Good luck!
  • HypersonicFitNess
    HypersonicFitNess Posts: 1,219 Member
    First - What is the issue? You might want to delve into that....seriously; what are you afraid of? That someone will "see" you running? Would they care that you are running? Are you afraid they will make fun of you by yelling something rude? You have to first figure out what is causing the fear..pinpoint the exact fear you are having. Then you can deal with it.

    If you are concerned someone might make fun of you: 1) if they are driving by...who says they are more fit than you and have any qualifications to say you are NOT fit? You are running they are riding or driving; 2) if they are running...well, if they are running they wouldn't make fun of you for running...they would give you a thumbs up if anything; if not they're just plain stupid and not worth your time

    I highly recommend listening to some rockin music and rockin out to it while you run...ignore everyone around you (of course don't be oblivious or unsafe)

    Keep one thing in mind (an awesome article in Runner's World I believe); unless you are Usain Bolt, the fastest runner in the world there are going to be people who run faster than you...but guess what? There will also be people who run slower than you....just go run and enjoy it.
  • danilynn2
    danilynn2 Posts: 47 Member
    I totally understand your fear. I am so glad I am not the only one that is self conscience running outdoors.

    I have recently started running a 2.75 mile trail 2-3 times a week. At first I would walk fast when I saw someone else coming toward me...now it pushes me to run AT LEAST until I pass them before taking a walking break.

    The biggest thing for me that seem to help...I remind myself I am doing this for ME. I am doing the best/fastest that I can. I will not allow someone else "possibly" judging me to stop me from doing something I enjoy.

    Also...I haven't passed by a runner that wasn't friendly. We are all in this together. There is always be someone faster than you and there is always be someone slower than you! You got this!!!:tongue:
  • sunglasses_and_ocean_waves
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves Posts: 2,757 Member
    I totally understand.
    I never used to have an issue with it, I would read the threads about people being self conscious while running outside and I was like "who cares, it's probably worse in your head than it actually is, I'm sure people are cheering you on if they are looking at you"

    UNTIL

    last week I was running and I had my headphones in, and there were these guys on their balcony BBQing and having some beers and they started shouting something at me and holding up their beer and then laughing and I FELT AWFUL. I couldn't hear them and honestly if they were saying "Run Fatass Run" or "Good for you! You're awesome" it would have felt just as bad, because when i go for a run, all i want is just not to be noticed.

    Did it make me want to run outside again? Hell no. Am I going to run outside again? Hell yes.

    You know, it was probably something disgusting that had absolutely nothing to do with you, like "the next chick to run by is a spitter." Drinking guys say the grossest things to other drinking guys. Of course it's acceptable to treat women like meat but no one would (or should) do that to a minority.

    I'll take a stab at the OP's newer problem, I think when you were over 200#, the fat hid you. Now you feel exposed, and that's making you feel like people can really see you now when you run. It's still the same. There's really no time to get a good look anyway if you're moving. Push through it. It's another one of those destructive inner voices telling you you're not good enough to feel good about yourself.

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