Afraid to run in public (10weeks to train for first 5km Run)

I was the same way, always afraid of running in public. Turns out the only thing that got me over the fear was to push myself to do it, and now i have no problem running in public

I've discovered that hardly anyone even notices you're there, to be honest.

I remember a time I would not be caught running outside. However I began running in 2009, when a friend convinced be to sign up for Boot Camp at the YMCA. I have been running ever since. The Boot Camp was great in that there were people of all ages and fitness levels so I did not feel quite so out of place. Once you start running outside you will find that the treadmill is never the same. I am planning to run in my first ROC Race in August and a Mud Run in September. I wish you the best. The hardest part is starting so get out there and show them what you've got!

Runners are a friendly bunch. Every race I've ever run, the front runners have come back after finishing to cheer on those behind. People are just going to be glad to welcome a new runner to the fold. Don't worry. There's nothing to fear.

I say go out and do it. First of all, when it is time to run the 5K, you will be in public anyway! Might as well do it now!

That being said, I had to push past my fear of people laughing at me being the fat girl on the bike and I'm fairly certain that a woman was the other day. I got irritated and then was like "You know, I just don't care, at least my fat butt is on this bike and trying" so I stopped caring and just kept going . That was at a park...I rode on the road in "real public" the other day and felt the self consciousness again as people passed. I just kept going though and thought to myself that maybe if I just keep going one of those people looking at me will one day think, "look at her, she has lost a lot of weight on that bike"

i'm a runner and when I run outside I see people of all sizes! The point is if I see someone bigger - I have the urge to run with them and be like wow way to go!! I think you running outside is inspirational, not embarrassing! BUT people can only tell you that soo much - you have to believe it I think even if you run for a bit outside you will feel awesome. If you like to run, you are in the running club already! You're being healthy - ANYONE running (small or big) will be jealous of YOU! haha

Yes, I definitely think that 10 weeks is enough time to train. I am doing a 10 week couch to 5k program through a gym--but you can also look up couch to 5k schedule on-line. Most of those are 8 or 9 week programs. Good luck!

You have to get over it.... Focus on your running...forget the world.

What you have to realize is that nobody cares...nobody is sitting around watching you or laughing or whatever. That's all a figment of your imagination. People are pretty much oblivious to everything outside their own little world.

You can totally train in 10 weeks.
Here's the thing with 5ks:
*There are lots of people who are there to run. Most of them will be so focused on themselves or their group that they aren't going to look twice at you (or anyone else). Also, in the 5Ks I've run there are always plenty of silly people that draw attention -- I love that, because I feel like everyone's looking at the girls (and guys) in rainbow tu-tus instead of me!
*I've never run all the way through (though I'm going to try to with my next one at end of Aug) and I've never been the last one to finish.
*There is so much contagious "happy energy" from the endorphins, or too many energy drinks, or whatever, that you will be happy!!!

I have just started running in public. I've walked around my neighborhood off and on for a couple years. I have a friend that I walk with, but she (even though she's a cute size 4) does not run. I've started C25K in the past couple weeks, so I go without her so I can run. We still walk together on my "rest" days--which works great for me.
I run at night, before dark, but after dinner--it's just too hot during the day and I'm not a morning person!
I'll be honest, I've had teenagers cat-call while I'm running but I just ignored them and kept going. I've dropped 50+ lbs. and I'm happy with my progress, so...whatever!
One of my neighbors down the street (a man, probably near my parents age) actually stopped me last night and said, "You know, I remember when you started....You look great! You've really changed! Just keep up that persistence!"
I came home beaming! So, walking in public isn't all bad!!!
And 5ks are a blast! You will have so much fun!!! Embrace it!

I guess I'd like to know what kind of fear you are having before I answer. I know different books for different kinds. All good, but all very different.

the gift of fear--if you are actually afraid for your safety
healing back pain--if you are afraid of aggravating an injury or pain
anxiety phobias and panic-if there is some social element to your fears (which I'm guessing by your clothing statement)

I know people who have read all these books and they were helped significantly which led me to read them from curiosity as to how people fix their mindset about different things. That's always been of interest to me. How people get out of their own way.

Go and have fun!
We have a running club here. Great group. See if there is one in your area, there may be a beginners group or a ladies group to connect with. I walk my 5K for physical reasons, but I am working on my time.

So, lace up, get up, head out the door and have fun. Listen to the tunes, listen to the birds, see the sights.

I'm not a big running outdoors person. I run at the gym on the treadmill. However, I have no fears of running a race in public with other runners. I just doubt I find a love for running outdoors around the neighborhood.