Embarrassed to be seen running!

Every time I run past someone who seems to have more body fat than I do I think good for them at least they are trying. I am far from the most muscular physic in the gym but I sill hit the free weights where most of the people are more muscular. sure I felt intimated at first but now I do not. I will admit the first time I started running outside I was nervous also. You get over it.

First of all, that letter to the fatty really, really rubs me the wrong way. It makes me SICK as a fat person who runs. If anything, it makes me feel worse that someone could actually look at me like this.

Second, YOU CAN DO THIS! I started Couch25K last year and couldn't do a light jog for a minute, swear to god. It gets so, so much easier. I didn't shed the weight like I wanted (diet, you suck) so I'm still a running fat person. And you know what, not once in the past year has anyone said anything.

Third, try and get the most out of your run! Focus on your form, good tunes, and the environment, not the people - and you'll be so much happier.

Fourth - This may take more than 9 weeks and that's ok. Life gets in the way. Take it slow, redo weeks if you have to. I tried to start at the next workout if I took a week off - I do not recommend that. My pace still sucks because of it, but I still ran a 10k back in June - it just took 1 hour 40 minutes

Good luck, it can be addicting.

get out and do it

walking/jogging/running works

I too feel self-conscious when running past other people. I work out in tight clothing because I get distracted by the feeling of a bunch of extra fabric clawing at my body everywhere, so my fat rolls are on full display at all times. But -- the awkward feeling doesn't last long, and I think to myself: "Even though I'm sure I look ridiculous, fat, and galumph-ish right now, at least I'm working out. If I keep doing this, I will look better and better as time goes on." And you will. And then one day, you will run past someone who looks like you imagine you used to, and you will feel akin to them and smile at them because they are AWESOME, and you will also be able to celebrate how far you've come.

my biggest challenge seems to be getting over the embarrassment of running past people,

This made me laugh. I don't mean to belittle your concern in any way. As a runner myself, I can say that if you are running past people, you are doing great!! They usually run past me and I've been running for 2 years now. I'm such a turtle when it comes to running. LOL!

But to be serious, this is a common concern when first starting out. Just remember that all other runners are encouraging you. They really are. Smile at them, raise your hand in greeting, and run right by. They will be encouraging and they will mean it. All runners remember their starter days.
You will only improve and get stronger as days go by. Keep running. You will do this.

Good for you, 4stone! I'm doing C25K myself, and it's super duper intimidating. This is what I've found.

Clothes can help make you or break you. Clothes that fit well, that don't cling to the lumps and bulges that you'd rather hide, that make you feel svelte and ready to climb a mountain. I know the gym is not a fashion show, but all that means to me is that other people are missing out on my awesome workout attire. I know that the temptation is to say to yourself "I don't want to get new clothes until I've lost some weight", and it's hard to get over that. But you're unlikely to lose the weight if you never go, and you're unlikely to go if you feel bad.

Please also do your poor knees a favor and invest in some good running shoes if you haven't already. Make sure that you think they look dynamite, too. Belieeeeeve me, it makes a difference.

Good luck.

Absolutely agree....looking good makes you feel good!

I live near a public beach, and I often see people of all sizes and ages running. I'm so impressed that they are out there getting heatthy. My husband is envious of all runners regardless of size. He has said (more than once) how much he wishes he could run. Unfortunately due to a disability, he'll never be able to run or even walk long distances.

When I run outdoors, I have sympathy for anyone that may think (or say) something about my weight....I know I have the power to change my weight. Unfortunately, those people can't change "ignorant". "

So glad to read everyone's reply - I had gotten up to "3 miles" on the elliptical in 30 minutes - I thought wow, I'm gonna run a 5K! So I signed up and a friend told me I might want to try actually running. O. M. G. What a difference. I couldn't go a quarter of a mile before I had to walk and catch my breath! I was so disappointed - when I started on the elliptical in April I could only go 6mph for 7 minutes and here I was going for a full 30 - I thought I was getting into good shape and a 5K would be no problem!

So now I'm taking it out of the gym and running 3x a week on a local park trail which means I do pass people (headed in the other direction!) and I was so embarrassed about doing the run/walk/run/wheeze/walk/run thing that I only ran when I was in a wooded area. I'd like to think they are thinking "good for her!" - and now I see that's exactly what people are thinking.

I'm going to run/walk/run/wheeze/walk tomorrow all 3.15 miles without hesitation.

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I started running at just above 300 pounds, and needless to say, I've never had any issues with people staring or being mean, quiet the opposite actually. I've noticed almost every other runner (wait, did I just refer to myself as a runner? weird) smiles at me, and when I treadmill run at the gym I've been treated just as good. When I first started I also felt embarrassed then I started noticing that there are a lot of runners that do not have the typical runner body.

I'm slowly working through c25k and I'm around 285 pounds now. I'm signed up for a 5k in November, and I don't really care if I'm the largest one there, because dammit, I'm there for myself not anyone else. I'll most likely be around 275 at my 5k, so there is a good chance I will be the largest one there, even if I finish last, I still did more than everyone sitting at home.

So screw everyone else and get out there and do what you need to do!

I am fat and wouldn't call what I do "running" - but I am on my feet trying to be better, and whoever is looking out the window at me is probably sitting on their butt!!

I run too and yes I'm over 200. I usually feel like a bear waddling to the next beehive, but lately I've had moments when my legs feel like they understand what running should be. I've noticed that people who actually run and are in good shape are actually very encouraging when they see you trying.:happy: