Embarrassed to be seen running!

What is the worst thing that could happen whilst your out running? At most someone could say something uncomplimentary and that's a reflection on them not you.

Imagine the different situations, work out your response and run with your head held high. You're doing a great thing, do not worry about anyone else!

PLEASE go do a search on "fatty running on the Westview track". I re-read it EVERY time I go work out in public.

Remember that most people are too busy worrying about themselves to notice you. Those who do notice you are most likely thinking 'good for you'.

Those 'fit and slim' runners you see had to start somewhere and if you keep going you could soon be one of them. Keep going, it'll be worth it. And in the meantime crank up the music and go for it and don't worry about anyone else. :flowerforyou:

Oh yes I feel like that all the time. I also feel like if I am walking people are thinking that guy needs to be running. Double whammy.

PLEASE go do a search on "fatty running on the Westview track". I re-read it EVERY time I go work out in public.

I wheeze and wobble my way around the park without caring......also do the C25k...

When I first read your post I thought you were embarrassed of people passing you. Then I re-read it and it sounds like you are afraid of passing others in the sense you are embarrassed to be seen by others. Either way you need to ask yourself why you are here. Are you here to get healthy and lose weight for those people that you don't know or are you here for yourself and your friends and family that care about you? Hopefully you said B. See if you can find someone that will do it with you and you can help motivate each other. Even if they are more fit than you they can still help motivate and encourage you. Have you had a bad experience in the past or are you just self conscious? Put some tunes on and crank it up and block the world out if you have to, just don't run in traffic. Soon you will be the fit and in shape person that others are worried about. Be proud of who you are and what you are working to become.

Welllll, if it's any consolation - I live on a very small island with very steep, very narrow roads. We have no pavements so I have to run (read: flap, waddle, jiggle, puff and pant) right there in the road and people have to swerve round me. We also have a custom to wave at EVERYONE that passes, which I love when I am driving, not so much when I'm concentrating on just getting enough breath in my body, nevermind having the energy to raise my hand and find a smile.... Everyone that passes me knows me, if not in person then almost certainly by sight... and running isn't really "in" here so everyone finds it simply HILARIOUS to watch the sweaty, beetroot coloured expat flapping down the road!

Now THAT's embarrassing, at least most of the people you see, you will not be buying your veg's next to the following day!! :blushing:

Even after losing a big about of weight, I still feel like "the fat girl running". I can't help it. I'm comparing myself to all those other gazelles I cross, who clearly run faster and look thinner than me. But then I remember where I come from, how I improved my health and my fitness level... and I feel much better.

Throughout the years, I didn't get that many nasty comments when running outside. One time, a little boy (who was clearly obese himself) asked me he I was running to lose weight because I was fat. I brushed it off and kept running. And another time, it was a bunch of teenagers hanging out outside a snack bar, greasy fries and burgers in hand, who burst out laughing and pointed at me when I passed next to them. I also just brushed it off and kept running. Why? Because in both cases, I was the one doing something good for my health, while they weren't. The teens might be skinny now, but I'd love to see them 20 years from now if they keep the bad habits. That little boy? He was probably projecting his own insecurities on me.

Just do what's good for you. If you enjoy running, keep running! Never mind anyone else...

I started out worrying about running in public, people may say things, people may look... But more often than not people don't notice me, I am just another crazy person running for no reason to the people who would make a rude comment....the other runners I have encountered from the first day of running have been supportive, nice and a great group of people.... Hold your head high and know that you are busting your butt and are just another runner out there in the wind doing it for yourself!!!! Enjoy it And enjoy seeing the changes in your body and confidence!!!! ????

Why embarrassed - why care what other people (whom you might not even know) think????? They may not actually think anything!

We tend to put too much weight on the possible thoughts and views of other people!

I have never met a mean runner that feels like commenting in a negative way. I would not worry ! mostly i find I get encouragement !!

Many of us started out in the same boat you did. I started out with the c25k program last March. I will be attempting my first marathon in November. My most common thought when I see larger folks out running is now: "Good for you! Keep at it!" and a quick thumbs up as I pass. So get out there and run!

I was there when I first started, too. I was running on an indoor track at my Y that goes above our pool, with windows around part of it, so there's the other runners AND the swimmers that see you. I could see my reflection, too. I struggled with that but I also knew that if I didn't do it, I was hurting myself. So, I decided I didn't care. Funny thing is, I know some of the lifeguards and they have commented to my daughter about my weight loss as they have seen me running my circles the past 21 months. It's all worth it in the end. Before you know it, you'll be slim and fit and encouraging other runners. I find that running takes the weight off the quickest for me, so when I need to jump start myself again, I run again (I also love to bike). Best advice is just do it. Most people really aren't paying attention, those that are really just do think that you're doing a great job, and those that have other thoughts aren't worth even a thought, they're just insecure jerks themselves. Best of luck, you've got this!!

It's all internal. They may not say it but they are impressed with you taking up the challenge!