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!

This is a good topic to bring up because I think this is something that we all kind of feel in some way. I know I felt it when I first started running , and a couple of months ago, when I was running at dawn like I had been doing I passed a couple of younger ladies that were barely awake, and a sarcastic "ya, you run, good for you." came out of one of them. I didn't really think much of it except a , "well, when you get to my age you'll see." but it still affected me.

The good news is, the majority of people will be supportive, even if they are not the exercise type themselves. When I first started my wife's friend texted her as I ran by the ice cream shack after kids' baseball game when I decided to run home rather than drive. Its the "attaboys" and "attagirls" that may keep you going.

Now .... I just bought a reflective vest with flashing red lights on it, and showed off as I ran back from kid's soccer practice the other night, and I know I got a few laughs out of people from that, but I don't want to be roadkill. I think this has been holding me back from running at night, but I just need to get over the self consciousness.

Yes, people make stop & look , maybe even comment... But it isn't anything that stays in their thoughts for more than 5 seconds, so don't let it bother you for more than that. Remember , we're in a world where everybody has a low attention span... Hey, look! A squirrel! And then we're done.

Yes, people make stop & look , maybe even comment... But it isn't anything that stays in their thoughts for more than 5 seconds, so don't let it bother you for more than that. Remember , we're in a world where everybody has a low attention span... Hey, look! A squirrel! And then we're done.

I loved this one! And totally agree. Whereas the benefits and great feelings that come after a run... well those last much longer ;-)

I love to see people running, and I especially like to see beginners running. It's fantastic to bring new people into the sport. I could care less about how fast they are going or how much they weigh -- I just want to see people OUT THERE getting fit! Keep it up!

I time 5K races and there's nothing better than seeing a runner complete their first 5K, whether it took 25 minutes or 55 minutes; just seeing that expression on their face as they say "I did it!" is absolutely fantastic.

I have been running for over a year now. I'm still slow. I'm still heavier than I would like. But this is something I found when I started running. I loved it (and still do). I think most of us feel like you do.

(This is a blog entry from flintland.blogspot.com)

Hey, Fat Girl.

Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the
running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy.
You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make
you cringe.

You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops
on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so
much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes
at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You
never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

You are awesome.

If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the
reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is
tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a
brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will
far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face
your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.

You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this
physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult
decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take
is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so
slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were
in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is
stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is
possible.

You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and
put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that
the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so
inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people,
know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so
many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health,
“starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from
deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.

You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are
relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and
you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe
tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will
not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a
new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.

I bow to you.

I started by walking over 300 pounds and gradually transition to running still in the high 200s and I looked everyone in the eye and gave them my biggest smile as I wogged (walked jogged stumbled by) and most of the time most people smiled back. The key for me was I was morbidly obese and severely hypertensive when I started and even at 275 pounds when I was starting to run I was so much healthier being able to "run" I was thrilled. I didn't really care if they laughed or not. No runner ever laughed some didn't smile back or wave but alot did so I kept it up. 2 years ago in Virginia a very hilly area on vacation in July over 90 degrees I was a wet sopping mess when I runner came by and low 5 me and then gave me a thumbs up, that alone can keep you going.
Moving forward to now about a month ago I was running in the park and I came up alongside a young lady also wogging along and she looked at me almost fearful and I gave her my biggest smile and I said great job keep it up I was 370 pounds when I started " you got this"
So don't project what you think people are thinking you go out and do what is good for you and enjoy yourself and those that you meet will sense your joy and those with any sense will appreciate you.
Good Health and Good Losing