NSV: Fat Girl Does C25K - in Public!

sorcha1977
sorcha1977 Posts: 133 Member
in Success Stories
Yesterday, I decided to start C25K. I weigh 296 pounds, and while I don't mind walking around my neighborhood, I wasn't sure about actually jogging.

There is a little track at the intermediate school near my house. It's kind of hidden by the ivy over the fence, and the only people who can see are those who drive by one side and anyone who might be at the playground.

I waited until dusk because I was kind of a chicken.

When I showed up, there were three families on the playground, some maintenance workers on scaffolding along the wall of the school, and two people playing Frisbee with their dogs on the grass inside the track.

/whimper

Well, I figured, "Whatever," and started the walk portion. As it got closer and closer to the first "run" portion, my brain went, "You have to do this. I don't want to do this. They're watching. Oh, who cares? But I might suck. But they might laugh. But they might yell things. Big deal. You've lost so much weight. Ignore them."

Finally, the last couple of seconds ticked down, and my brain finally went, "Oh, EFF IT," and I started jogging.

And it was fun!

Nobody said a word or looked at me (and I probably wouldn't have noticed). I just kept at it, and if anyone was making fun of me, I didn't care. At least I was out there giving it my best and trying my hardest. I ran all of the running portions (slowly, but steadily) and tried to focus on my form and breathing.

Now I can't wait to start Day 2 tomorrow. :) I might even go before sundown. ;)
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Replies

  • sorcha1977
    sorcha1977 Posts: 133 Member
    Oh, and those dogs ran with me for parts of the running portion. It was pretty funny. :) Their owners kept apologizing, and I just waved them off. I love dogs, and they weren't getting in my way or nipping or anything. They were just having fun and playing.
  • bug1106
    bug1106 Posts: 31 Member
    good for you! I am about to start C25K!
  • zenyacleveland
    zenyacleveland Posts: 45 Member
    Stay encouraged!!!!
  • altygirl
    altygirl Posts: 57 Member
    Congratulations!! I'm starting/trying to run and would love to do a 5K. I do my interval running (plodding) at the gym and am very self conscious about doing it in public so a big WOOHOO to you. :)
  • missdibs1
    missdibs1 Posts: 1,092 Member
    keep up the burn!!

    Do not worry about others

    You do it for you

    wear headphones and focus on the music, there are podcasts that will help you train, with different tempos they are awesome

    or create your own (with positive music!!)
  • workaholic_nurse
    workaholic_nurse Posts: 727 Member
    Awesome work! :heart: running NSVs!
  • verptwerp
    verptwerp Posts: 3,628 Member
    Good for you ....... keep on truckin' !

    :drinker:
  • DFineMrsRicks
    DFineMrsRicks Posts: 66 Member
    W2G! taking the first step is the hardest. I started C25K about 3 weeks ago and my biggest fear was "being the fat girl running", now I am like so what I am off the couch and trying to correct my health. I actually enjoy running now.
  • sorcha1977
    sorcha1977 Posts: 133 Member
    keep up the burn!!

    Do not worry about others

    You do it for you

    wear headphones and focus on the music, there are podcasts that will help you train, with different tempos they are awesome

    or create your own (with positive music!!)

    I should have mentioned that. :) I'm using the C25K app. It lets me listen to my own music at the same time, right in the app itself, so I don't have to switch between the app and iTunes. I made a playlist of songs that fit the tempo I want to focus on right now, and it really helped.
  • grannykarla
    grannykarla Posts: 10 Member
    I felt the same way when I started C25K. I put on my sunglasses because I thought it might make me invisible. But no one paid any attention to me, they were enjoying the park. It was an awesome feeling when I finished it, No one could have wiped the smile off of my face. Keep up the great work! :wink:
  • sorcha1977
    sorcha1977 Posts: 133 Member
    Congratulations!! I'm starting/trying to run and would love to do a 5K. I do my interval running (plodding) at the gym and am very self conscious about doing it in public so a big WOOHOO to you. :)

    I decided to do it at the little track because I didn't want to fiddle with the treadmill every 60-90 seconds. Plus, if I need to slow down a bit or something, I can just slow down instead of hitting the speed button for the millionth time. Once I can run at a steady pace, I might switch to the gym. Being outside is so nice, though. I love the fresh air. :) If it gets really hot, I'll definitely head to the gym. I hate hot weather. Last night, it was around 70-75 degrees, and it was absolutely perfect.
  • seblagg
    seblagg Posts: 42
    Good for you! I'm around the same weight you are and I'm hoping to start C25K today. I hope to be ready for an actual 5K by September. Keep up the good work! :)
  • Wrenbot87
    Wrenbot87 Posts: 100 Member
    I started C25K and I was 289....I have my very last run on the program (that's right W9D3) and I'm weighing in at 263. Weight loss wise it was great! Self pride wise it is phenomenal!!! I'm running right under 3 miles now and my first 5k is in a few weeks. Stick with it, it is totally worth it. It has made a runner out of me. It won't always be easy, and some days it will be all you can do to just finish, just keep pushing! Good luck!
  • Colliex3
    Colliex3 Posts: 328 Member
    Good for you! At one point or another we all have that 1st fear of running in public. Moments like that I wish I was alittle kid again and had no fears. Keep it up!
  • Sassybmom
    Sassybmom Posts: 146 Member
    Way to go! It's awesome that you aren't standing in your own way! Get it woman!
  • Azkadelia
    Azkadelia Posts: 82 Member
    Awesome. I too am chicken to jog in public. I feel like everyone is going to stare at me. Thanks for posting!
  • marekdds
    marekdds Posts: 2,234 Member
    Congraulations! Be proud! Keep the marvelous attitude & you can accomplish anything. Anyone who would be negative in any way isn't worth the time of day.
  • pkinblue
    pkinblue Posts: 140 Member
    I know there are some very judgmental folks in the world but I know that whenever I see anyone working out--regardless of size, speed, age or sport I smile and think that they are setting a good, healthy example for anyone who cares to look at them. I hope that my huffing and puffing self inspires someone someday too.
  • dupaboo
    dupaboo Posts: 174 Member
    Yay!! I completely understand. I had that same "fear." Run on!!!
  • mandylgibbs
    mandylgibbs Posts: 185 Member
    Awesome! I'm at 262 lbs on week 8 of c25k. I really love it. At first I was shy and a little self conscious but I've gotten to the point now that I don't care at all what others think because I know I can do something that the majority of people can't. I don't know a whole lot of people who start their days with a 3 mile run.
  • carriespence1
    carriespence1 Posts: 70 Member
    Did c25k last winter. I too was nervous cause everyone else running was a cross country king. Just remember your moving and getting further than the ones still sitting on the couch.
  • 4ever420
    4ever420 Posts: 4,088 Member
    Good for you for starting C25K! I'm on week 6 and I have found the program to be amazing. I so know what you mean about being self conscious running with other people, I'm exactly the same way. Good for you for doing it anyway, I've found that unless I'm willing to get a treadmill that it will be difficult to not be seen by anyone but I like running outside so I tell myself to suck it up. It does get a little easier though as you feel more comfortable running. Good luck to you on the rest of the program!
  • 1princesswarrior
    1princesswarrior Posts: 1,242 Member
    If I would have seen you my thought would have been "wow, look at her getting out and exercising!":happy:
  • nellyett
    nellyett Posts: 436 Member
    YAY!! Good for you! You must feel so liberated!! NO ONE can or should hold you back!

    I am a C25K graduate myself....I never considered myself to be a 'runner'. I started the program last summer when I was a pack per day smoker....and completed it. I repeated a couple of weeks here and there, had a bad run that would leave me discouraged, then go out and NAIL IT the next time!! LOL The sense of accomplishment I get from running is hard to describe.:)

    I have since recently started the bridge to 10k program....I never thought that would be possible to run a 10k without stopping, but neither did I think I could do 5k. :) I was wrong! We are sometimes our own worst enemies!

    And for the record....whenever I see ANYONE running, whether they are seasoned runners, slow runners, new runners, old runners, whatever! I smile and think to myself " GOOD ON YA!! WAY TO GO!" Congrats on getting out there! Anyone who sneers, or makes fun of people going out and doing something wonderful for themselves is a miserable loser! :)

    Welcome to the world of runners!! They are probably one of the most supportive group of people I've ever seen!
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    Congrats on doing that. In the end, no that sees you is going to care one way or the other.
  • Chagama
    Chagama Posts: 543 Member
    That is awesome, congratulations. And I hope everyone who is afraid of running in public reads this and learns.
  • polarsjewel
    polarsjewel Posts: 1,725 Member
    Fantastic! I "should" start it again

    I'm proud for you :)
  • 5ftnFun
    5ftnFun Posts: 948 Member
    :drinker:
  • Pangea250
    Pangea250 Posts: 965 Member
    You ROCK! You can totally do this. Just trust in the C25K and let it get you where you need to be.

    I started C25K on a treadmill at 234 lbs. With a lot of encouragement from others, I started running outside. Now, I can't stand the treadmill. I run outside in sun, rain, wind, you name it, I run it, right there on the street. I never think of people looking and laughing. I imagine they are thinking, "Wow, look at her. If she can, then why can't I?"

    Keep it up!
  • meredith1123
    meredith1123 Posts: 843 Member
    Pay no mind to others during your work out. Use ear buds and jam out to music and stay in your own world ,be out there for you .. EFFFFFF IT!!!! (as you said)....

    congrats on your running accomplishment, now keep it up! enjoy it!

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