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

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Replies

  • RunnerElizabeth
    RunnerElizabeth Posts: 1,091 Member
    Compression clothing to hold the jiggles in, both for asthetics and comfort. I used to get pain from the excess stuff around my abdomin pulling when I ran so I started wearing a spandex body shaper when I ran. Ran so much I no longer need it.

    As far as the other part, when people notice me when I run, it's to call out a friendly hello, tell me I'm doing a good job when I'm running with my 3 yearold in tbe jogger or ask me a question about my equipment or clothing. Or tell me I'm about to be run over by a garbage truck. All positive things.

    I used to think people were judging me when I ran, thinking I have no business doing it, but after doing it for awhile I realize they aren't thinking about me at all. Good music helps. Also I like the zombie run app, completely keeps me from noticing anyone else.
  • bert16
    bert16 Posts: 726 Member
    Just get out there and do it! As others have said, honestly, no one is really looking at you in the first place... and, if they do notice you, they'll certainly be impressed that you're out there busting your butt to get fit. And, to echo what others also said, you'll be amazed come race day at all the different sizes and shapes your fellow runners come in; and they all had to get out there and train, too, so you're certainly not alone!

    What, really, is your alternative? Don't train? Quit the run based on a fear that everyone in your neighbourhood is just sitting around waiting to judge you? I believe you said you're training for cancer research (which I do for a lot of my races, too); I say you make yourself some training T's that declare that you're in training for that purpose, then wear them proudly as you run up and down the streets, getting fitter with each step while helping other. Honestly, you'll be an inspiration!

    Happy running and let us know how it goes!!! :flowerforyou:
  • kar328
    kar328 Posts: 4,159 Member
    I"m new to running, just finished week 8 of C25K. In the beginning I would go around the lake by my house and try test runs when I was in the area no one could really see. Then doing the program, I'd have to run more in the open, depending on the intervals. I'd cringe if there was a person ahead of me on the trail, but it was either stop doing it because of some stranger, or suck it up and run past them. Other than a dog on a leash not being happy, I've never had a problem with anyone. Now since the running is longer, I'm going straight down the main road in my subdivision with the cars, walkers, runners, landscapers and some geese. I'm not intimidated anymore and love it. Being less self-conscious is a bonus in addition to the running.
  • hjeubanks
    hjeubanks Posts: 18 Member
    i remember trying to get out and 'jog' for the first time after having my second child. i had been walking for a few weeks and decided to see how jogging would go... i didn't get a quarter of the way around the quarter-mile track before i had to stop... it felt like i was wearing a fanny-pack and i remember thinking, "what the heck is this thing flopping up and down?"...it was my wonderful dun-lap (my belly done lapped over). i was litterally like Adam Sandler from Click when he lost all that weight and was like ' its my flap and i'll do what i want with it'. anyway... the more i got out there, the smaller the flap got and easier it got to run. and i didn't care who looked at me...well, actually i did care. i am still like you, wondering who is looking at me and my muffin top...but i think like others on here who say 'if anyone wants to criticize, at least i know i am out here trying to get healthy".

    one of the best things i ever heard was: no matter how big you think you are or how bad you think you look, there is someone else out there that probably wishes they were your size

    go get em!
  • mjoshua87
    mjoshua87 Posts: 50
    Just get out there and do it! As others have said, honestly, no one is really looking at you in the first place... and, if they do notice you, they'll certainly be impressed that you're out there busting your butt to get fit. And, to echo what others also said, you'll be amazed come race day at all the different sizes and shapes your fellow runners come in; and they all had to get out there and train, too, so you're certainly not alone!

    What, really, is your alternative? Don't train? Quit the run based on a fear that everyone in your neighbourhood is just sitting around waiting to judge you? I believe you said you're training for cancer research (which I do for a lot of my races, too); I say you make yourself some training T's that declare that you're in training for that purpose, then wear them proudly as you run up and down the streets, getting fitter with each step while helping other. Honestly, you'll be an inspiration!

    Happy running and let us know how it goes!!! :flowerforyou:


    Thanks for the idea and your words of wisdom!!! Love it !!!! :)


    MFP has the best supporters i've gotten so much great feed back I wish i was home now so I could just get up and go for a run. I will probably have to read all these again come monday when i make my first attempt out doors. :)
  • kbmnurse
    kbmnurse Posts: 2,484 Member
    Suck it up and just do it. Nobody is looking at you and if they are so be it. Who cares what other people think.
  • poseyj88
    poseyj88 Posts: 140 Member
    When I'm running I'm so focused on what I'm doing (and trying to breathe) that I hardly notice anyone else running, never mind what they might be wearing/what might be jiggling.

    Just focus on taking one step at a time. I promise no one is judging you.

    If you feel self-conscious about your running just remember: you are 100% lapping everyone who sitting on their couch.
  • hkmurphy83
    hkmurphy83 Posts: 262 Member
    I used to be afraid of what people would think of me if they saw me jogging in public. Especially because I'm not a runner, I was sure that the entire world was going to judge me for my jogging/walking intervals (I'm using C25K). Then I got over it. If there is someone out there petty enough to judge me, go ahead. I won't know about it. There are very few people in this world who will actually heckle you. Also, I think, let them judge me, at least I'm doing something for my health. I'm doing more than the millions of people sitting around right now. Stop worrying about what others are thinking; odds are they aren't giving you a second thought. Do your run and be proud of yourself.
  • Mercedespony
    Mercedespony Posts: 162 Member
    fwiw, I use my 5 min warmup walk to get the heck out of my neighborhood... and then I start the jog.. go for 40-50 minutes, in series, and then use my cool down to come back into my neighborhood..

    I actually drove it beforehand weeks ago, to make sure I had the miles/route mapped out correctly. I'm in a small town, so it gave me the opportunity to choose some concession roads that I thought I would enjoy running.

    Good luck, like the rest of the posters, i really don't think people care!
  • hjeubanks
    hjeubanks Posts: 18 Member
    was wondering how your run went today? :smile:
  • mjoshua87
    mjoshua87 Posts: 50
    Well i did it! hated to leave i was enjoying it, I have some work to do forsure but my recovery time got better further in and I started to find my pace.:) going again tmr ...weather permitting ;)
  • aairs1
    aairs1 Posts: 53 Member
    Great job! I'm glad you did it! I am on week 4 of the couch to 5k program and I was worried about what others thought at first too. Now I look forward to my 3 days a week of running, I absolutely love it! (except for the awful shin splints)
  • mjoshua87
    mjoshua87 Posts: 50
    Awww no shin splints here. guess im lucky *knock on wood*. Just wanted to thank everyone for the awesome advice and ive been uot there running using the trails and taking my daughter along with me and now i have officially run a full 5km well actually alittle more and im just under 35mins so im gonna work on getting that time down still 5.5 weeks til my big run :)
  • bert16
    bert16 Posts: 726 Member
    Awww no shin splints here. guess im lucky *knock on wood*. Just wanted to thank everyone for the awesome advice and ive been uot there running using the trails and taking my daughter along with me and now i have officially run a full 5km well actually alittle more and im just under 35mins so im gonna work on getting that time down still 5.5 weeks til my big run :)

    Wow - that's great news to hear and a really excellent pace!!! So happy to know that you've been out there, hittin' the trails and getting it done. And to share that with your daughter - well, it doesn't get much better than that! Hope you're really enjoying it and best of luck to you in your big race!

    Happy running! :flowerforyou:
  • muamontreal
    muamontreal Posts: 109 Member
    I started C25K last week...And I was very conscious on how stupid I would look puffing for 1 min then walking for 1 min30 :bigsmile: But then I realised I was doing it FOR ME . More, I don't think anybody cares about my running :bigsmile:

    Good luck on the training, I am registered foir a 5Km in October too :flowerforyou:

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