new to running

Yeah that's why I'm still a treadmill runner. Sometimes I don't get into my zone until mile 3 or 4.

I smile and wave. When I started running at 352 lbs I'm 100% positive people were going OMG look at that fat girl running, what's her problem. I run the same route, and pass the same people day in and day out. So I've been at this since June now, and people now, honk, wave, and yell keep going your doing great. Perspective switch. I love that they see me. They motivate me to do better.

Remember: You're still doing more than the guy that decided to sit at home on the couch.

When my wife and I go on walks with our dog we see people doing this all the time. We always give them a friendly wave and if we happen to cross paths just as they stop running/begin walking we give them a hearty "Nice job!"

Exactly my attitude.

I often see bigger guys than me running or cycling and think at least they are doing something about their weight and not just sitting on the couch or in the bar adding more weight.

I think it's pretty common for people when they start running not to want people to want to see them.

It soon passes.

You initially (incorrectly) think small children will point and laugh. The reality is people will be looking at you out running and feel bad that they are not being active. Hopefully, you'll inspire someone else to pick up the baton and do something active. You're actions will have had a positive impact on someone else as well as yourself - that's something to aspire to, isn't it?

I will be very honest here.
Ages ago (up to about 4 years ago I think) I would see all sort of people running, flushed in their faces, dragging their feet, running all wobbly, and I would think, "Damn why do they put themselves through all that! Can't they see they are doing it all wrong? I would never want to be in their shoes!" and other STUPID things like that. BUT.... I myself had never been able to run more than 100m (1 yard?) I was semi active but on the plump side of my body, I was full of excuses to turn into a couch potato.
Now? Now I have been running since April this year on a very regular basis, I have run my first 10k this September, and felt so proud with myself, I run at least 5k three times a week, and every time I cross people on my runs/walks I give them big smiles. And this time, if they are flushed, dragging their feet, running slowly, or wobbling around.... I give them a huge smile and the thumbs up, because NOW I know what perseverance, tenacity, bravery and courage it takes to go from lazy to aware and even only tentatively active! As my podcast coach says. A bad run is ALWAYS better than no run at all!

I doubt many people think anything, but if they do, and IF they think what I used to think... remember THEY are the stupid ones! Not you :-)

Thumbs up and good luck on your progress!!

And now I'm off for my own run :-)

I started off as a big, fat, wobbly wogger (part walk, part jog). The only time i really cared about what others saw was when my pants started to roll down (they were track pants and a little 'snug' in the beginning), and my guts fell out. Also, I had massive boobs and would watch them sway from side to side, so i'd run with an arm over them to keep them still. I honestly dont think anyone even cared to register my existence! it was more my self consciousness.
Then life changed. I got me a sports bra that kept my jiggly jumperlumps in place. I also fit my pants and stopped flashing my gut to everyone. And i kinda felt like i belonged running for 30 mins 5x a week.
My mate, on the other hand, was not quite so confident. She would drive 15 mins away to go for a run, to avoid bumping into anyone she knew out of fear of embarrassment. She would only go horribly early in the morning, or late in the evening-ie in the dark. to further reduce the chance of being seen.
FWIW, nobody else really cares that youre out there running, or wogging, or whatever. Other runners will offer you a smile and possibly encouragement, mostly because they know exactly what youre going through. Nobody else will even register you! Before you started running, did you often notice other runners? i never did.
these days i get the waves and honks from people. sometimes it's from pitying running peers who have watched me for a while, hauling my fat *kitten* around! mostly i think it's because i kinda represent the fat chicks who cant be arsed to get out of their chairs and start running, and i'm doing it for us all, iykwim! anyway, it's usually the chunky chicks who cheer me on. either that, or i'm a chubby lesbian magnet. who knows?

I totally understand. However, just do it you'll feel great afterwards! Good luck.

Funny to see this post today... I "started" running last week and just yesterday, I ran again for this week. While there were around 4 high school aged boys, they were making fun-- "yeah- we should start running to get fit" followed by lots of giggles and laughs. In my mind I was surprised that I didn't really care. But I did think to myself of how fit I actually was at their age-- and thinking to myself "yeah, at your age I was ~50 lbs lighter than I am now, so you should probably start now", it was probably mean to think that but they weren't in the best shape of their lives as I was at their age. Moral of the story if it's what you like, do it. What matters is your goals!