Want to start running but I'm embarrassed

I've lost 23 lbs in the past 5 weeks and I feel terrific. In the past year or so I've lost 45. But I still have a long way to go. I walk 2x a day which equals about 1 hr. I just started weight training last week and I can already tell such a difference. I really, really want to start running. I know it burns the fat faster than walking. I love interval training when I walk and I know running would make a difference. Here's the thing. I still have 100 lbs to lose. Even though I feel smaller I know I look big to others. I can't see myself running down the sidewalk huffing and puffing with parts of me still jiggling around for all to see. Any thoughts or just words of encouragement?

honestly, when I am running I am just trying to get through it myself, lol. Im not worried about what anyone else is doing. Sometimes I am literally just trying to make it to the end, ignoring other joggers and kids on their bikes in my way. Its hard work to run! I say go for it! Im pretty sure you will be respected for getting out there and at least trying.

Find a good playlist you can jam to, pop in the headphones and get lost in the music and enjoy the fresh air! It will get easier the more you do it.

I've started running outside for the first time ever this year. I put on my sunglasses and headphones and ignore everyone around me. I really don't care what other people think. I'm in my zone and having two young kids at home...it's "my" time. Enjoy yourself!

Edit to add more stuff.

I'm just gonna leave this right here.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running

And don't be embarrassed...we all have to start somewhere!!! :flowerforyou:

YES!!!! I was going to post this if I didn't see it. READ it and HEED! Great advice and I wish the mods would pin it already!

Just make sure you increase slowly so you don't get hurt-been there. Just to let you know, running sucks at first for everybody, not just those who have extra weight to lose. Don't give up :happy: :happy: :happy: :happy:

I felt the same way when I started to run, so I would go early in the morning or late at night. But as you can see from the other posts people are encouraging Just give it a go we are all cheering you on!

Another C25K vote. I started with that 2 1/2 years and many pounds ago.

You will receive more "Atta Girl's" than you will realize. People can be surprisingly supportive!

As a person who has lost over 100 lbs, I know it is do-able.

Good luck to you!!!

It IS worth it!!!

I happened to look out my back patio door a few days ago and saw a woman doing a half jog/half walk kind of number. She was a little on the heavy side, but I wouldn't call her fat by any means...I stood and watched her for a moment and all I could do was smile and tell her (even though there's no way she heard me) 'Good for you Honey, I like your style!' I have no idea if she was just starting running for the first time, or if she was just out for a jog, having an easy day, but I can honestly say I was jealous of her. I think I would love to start running again, but I'm not at the point where I want it bad enough.

If you're at that point where you want it, I say go for it!! If you feel self conscious, just visualize people cheering you on if they happen to look out their windows. Chances are, people are too busy living their own lives and won't even notice you, it's finally warm out and so many other people are out walking, running, biking, whatever, that it seems odd if someone ISN'T going by!

Enjoy your run!

I had a similar problem with starting to do squats in the squat rack at the gym. I felt like I was constantly being stared at by every single guy there (and I actually was - thanks to the surrounding mirrors, I validated that). But after a couple times, and seeing myself accomplish small victories, I began not to care anymore. Now I just put my headphones in and do my own thing. People can stare if they want to, but I'm working on bettering myself.

I didn't have that problem at my last gym. I just switched gyms and now there is a cute guy that works out when I do...Talk about getting distracted during squats which I NEVER have before...Tomorrow I put my headphones on and hope that helps.

I have a problem with being constantly stared at in my gym. It's kind of annoying but kind of cute. The thing is I train at home and it's my dog that's always staring.

Got a free treadmill on craigslist, hid it in my basement, and started jiggling along...

I did a RunDisney 5k with thousands of people and I weighed in the mid 300s. I did a RunDisney 10k in the low 300s and nobody was rude or anything like that. In fact I got complemented for my successes.

I will be running another RunDisney 10k in August. I am hoping to be in the 240s. And then I have a RunDisey 1/2 marathon in January. Never let your weight prevent you from doing what you want! Go out and run!

I like the suggestion of finding a nature trail to run on. No matter where you live, there is probably one nearby and if you go early in the morning or later at night, many trails are like ghost towns. I much prefer running along trails as then you can just run without dealing with car traffic or intersections.

Oh, I sympathize with you entirely! However, there are many things one must keep in mind: firstly, and probably most trite of all is, it doesn't matter what anyone sees or thinks. And if they think negatively toward you, will you know and, more importantly, will you care? Even if they think positively and admirably of you as you jiggle down the street huffing and puffing, you are running for your own health, not for their approval, entertainment, or recognition. Secondly, while totally understand feeling a bit embarrassed, I also, upon further examination of myself, have to wonder if I'm running for the right motives; if I'm out there for the purpose, even if it's a partial purpose, of showing off to people, then I'm running for the wrong reasons. Thirdly, and I think I mentioned it already, if people DO take notice of you (a less-than-perfect {is there any other sort of perfect?} body) running publicly, why I'd be inspired to get out there and run; I'd feel like I, another imperfect person can be free and empowered to get into shape and to pursue a healthy lifestyle, even if my body never looks like...well, I can't think of anything but a Barbie doll for some reason, which is the farthest thing from my ideal...a model's or an athlete's. I can be free to live healthfully without caring a toss about what anyone but myself thinks of my body. (This is coming from someone who has never run in public; I'm blessed to have a treadmill in the privacy of my basement!). So...if you can see fit to overlook my hypocrisy and just get out there and run, you've got me with you in spirit! (Or, you could always buy a treadmill and stick it in your basement).

Oh honey I feel you with that! I felt the same way (well still do to be honest). I am mostly embarassed but how crazy bright red my face gets. I honestly worry sometimes that people will stop to make sure I'm okay. I have just had to push through it and attempt to convince myself it does't matter. I even bought some real workout clothes (I used to avoid them for fear that wearing them would make people look at me even more). Geez I feel like a middle-schooler will all this "people are looking at me" stuff! The reality is, people really aren't looking. And if they are, who are they to us anyway?? Go for it! Couch to 5K is a super awesome program for the beginning runner!

I've lost 23 lbs in the past 5 weeks and I feel terrific. In the past year or so I've lost 45. But I still have a long way to go. I walk 2x a day which equals about 1 hr. I just started weight training last week and I can already tell such a difference. I really, really want to start running. I know it burns the fat faster than walking. I love interval training when I walk and I know running would make a difference. Here's the thing. I still have 100 lbs to lose. Even though I feel smaller I know I look big to others. I can't see myself running down the sidewalk huffing and puffing with parts of me still jiggling around for all to see. Any thoughts or just words of encouragement?

When I run and see a new runner or a heavier person running I smile to myself and remember when I started running (not to long ago)! I remember how hard it was in the beginning and how good it felt when I accomplished my mini goals! Most runners are good people and happy to see you out there too. Don't worry what everyone else thinks and do it for you!

You are not alone my friend! I read the best article a few years ago that quoted Joan Benoit Samuelson (gold medal winner, first Women's Olympic Marathon in 1984) as saying "when I first started running, I was so embarrassed I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd rpetend I was looking at the flowers."

Reading that made me feel like nothing could hold me back. If she could do it, why couldn't I? Screw what other people think - it's none of your business anyway. And if they make comments, that says more about them being classless idiots than it does about your appearrance.

I know it's easier said than done but stop doubting and do it!

I've lost 23 lbs in the past 5 weeks and I feel terrific. In the past year or so I've lost 45. But I still have a long way to go. I walk 2x a day which equals about 1 hr. I just started weight training last week and I can already tell such a difference. I really, really want to start running. I know it burns the fat faster than walking. I love interval training when I walk and I know running would make a difference. Here's the thing. I still have 100 lbs to lose. Even though I feel smaller I know I look big to others. I can't see myself running down the sidewalk huffing and puffing with parts of me still jiggling around for all to see. Any thoughts or just words of encouragement?

All I can say is go for it!! If your worried about what other think ...maybe try a treadmill or just say to hell with the others Im doing this for me. I have now dropped 21 pounds since Feb and its been due mostly to run/walk workouts. I had a heart attack a few years ago and worry about my heart rate getting to high but I get out there and do what I can. JUST GO FOR IT!! Your already out there walking an hour a day. Start off with the C25K app. Its a great program to get started with. Good luck to you.