Anyone else fear running outdoors?

Yes, to some extent but only because there are mountain lions and bears (no joke).

... Well yes that would make me hesitant too ... Fair point.

I was a bit self conscious to start with, but am now training for a half marathon! I never would have even considered running that sort of difference if I'd stayed on the treadmill, but I've found I really love it. My advice for if you're a bit apprehensive would be to use headphones if you can - safely, while staying alert of roads etc. I've found that I feel much less exposed when I wear them, even if I'm not listening to music.

Beating a dead horse... but, really, everyone has to start someone.
I started running when I was overweight in very crowded areas. I'm sure I was self conscious at times. I didn't wear cool running gear and I had to take lots of breaks.
Now, I wear more appropriate running clothes and have run half marathons and now usually push a 100+ lb double jogging stroller. I love how strong I am now but it doesn't happen overnight. And maybe that small, fit runner you see out there wasn't always like that.

^this exactly!

I remember the first time I went for a 'run', wearing totally inappropriate shoes. I went around the block and was left panting ant thinking that I'd NEVER do this again! But then I did go again. Bought some real running shoes. Ran a little farther, tried to breathe more easy. And so on. Nowadays I can run 7 miles easily, got my bright blue running gear and shoes and just lose myself in the run.
Of course, music helps. I could never run without it and always make sure I've got a fully charged iPod with my custom playlist of the day with me.
As someone who had severe asthma when I was young, being able to run so far without having trouble breathing is an awesome feeling. I couldn't care less what people think about me, and hope that some will see the smile on my face as I run by and be tempted to get running too.

I really want to start jogging, but self conscious kills it the moment I consider it. I've been doing calorie programs on my elliptical and have been keeping up with the rpm at each intensity level but I really think jogging outdoors in the mornings would be fun.

If you ever felt this way, how did you overcome it? I would be going around neighborhoods and I think the part that hangs me up is knowing I'm going to suck at it, and people seeing me sucking air and nearly dying on their sidewalk.

I'm new to running outside as well, and I felt exactly like you in the beginning. I thought everyone would stare at me, and that more experienced runners would look at me with pity... Well, I couldn't have been more wrong! When I'm running, I'm so focused on what I'm doing that I couldn't care less what other people on the trail might be thinking. In fact, I usually get friendly smiles from walkers and runners! Once you break through that initial fear, the anxiety will slowly fade. Good luck!

My ultimate trick for a beginning running outside it to wear a digital watch. When you want to slow to a walk, turn around and head home or just look like a pro, look down at your watch, nod knowledgeably and do your thang. You'll rock this :flowerforyou:

Look up C25K (couch to 5K) for timings of said slowing to a walk!

I use to for sure. I didn't go for probably almost a year and a few months. I got goaded into going with some women I sort of knew, i was scared ****less. Even on the second and third run i was. Now they are my running buddies, almost sisters. I don't even know why I was so nervous, i guess fear of being too slow, looking foolish, what ever.

They, or for that matter all of the people I have met have all Been very welcoming and highly supportive and motivational. In fact I have never heard someone belittle or make fun of someone else who is running (other than in good fun, we trash talk each other all the time). I know many new runners can be defensive when they see other runners, but seriously don't over read comments. If a runner says hey, keep it up your doing great, they mean it.... they were there once.

I've never been in any other sport where you receive so much encouragement and support. For my first half marathon they all showed up with out telling me st the top of all the major hills with signs and banners cheering me on.... no way I would have finished it in my goal time if they hadn't been there.

Not wanting to hijack this thread, but seriously, has anyone ever come across another runner who looks down on you for not being a semi-pro?

I seriously cannot think of ever coming across anyone who didn't want to encourage me and thought it was great I was doing what they love. The only time I have ever heard people get funny is when other people are being dangerous and putting lives at risk (obviously other sports, not running)

I think the only ones who genuinely point and laugh are the lazy bones who don't actually do any exercise themselves (maybe more because they are jealous and wish they had the balls and motivation to get out and do it themselves).

I'm not a runner, but I was doing an interval thing --- a stride/walk, then a 1 minute job, then 3 minute walk recovery. I had a fall due to uneven ground and tore a tendon, which put me off any high impact stuff for almost 2 months. After that, I just did walking outdoors. I do all my high impact stuff in a gym with smooth floors. I'm even a bit cautious about walking long distances in the winter due to ice. Once you have a couple of injuries, you become paranoid about falling.