running...afraid i'm going to look stupid

The only way you'd look stupid was if you didn't do what you needed/wanted to do to be healthy. Trust me, the whole world isn't going to stop to watch you run - it's all in your head

I think that anyone that is running is really smart! Working out in any way is great for you physically and mentally! I think that if you start out by walking outside and slowly start doing some running when you can you won't care what other people think soon. Maybe you could think about all the other people you are inspiring to get out of their houses to do a little running themselves!

so i've always wanted to be a runner, but i'm afraid i'm too heavy to run. i'm mostly afraid i'm going to look completely stupid and idiotic when i run. i'd prefer to run outside, but right now the weather is fickle and i spent most of my time in the gym. i have the couch to 5k program on my iPhone and i'd love to start using it, but i'm afraid that there will just be too much of me moving in ways that i shouldn't (i'm 5'9" and around 298).

advice? how did you get over this fear? i should also mention that i am totally okay with using the elliptical, bike, etc at the gym and i'm fine with walking on the treadmill.

To be perfectly honest, if you are confident enough to go to the gym and exercise there, then I don't see how running in public can be so hard for you! What I'd do is, try and run at a time of the day when not many people will be about, eg in the morning or at night, BUT if you can't fit that around your schedule, try find somewhere quite private, but not completely far away from houses etc to run! If you live in a big city, or a place with not many tracks, try and map your way around the nicest streets, or maybe even if you live in an estate, go and run in another estate - so you don't feel unconfident if you see someone you actually know!

I too am afraid of looking silly, even though I am a healthy weight, but that is because when I tend to exercise my face goes extremely red - and I look as if I'm on fire haha! I managed to overcome this by finding a quiet place and going running at about 9 in the morning!

Once you start running - believe me you will gain confidence. And you will probably have more fun than if you were just in the gym all day.

What I'd do is, sign yourself up for a charity run thats happening in about 3-4 months time (eg race for life, moonwalk, there are millions out there!) - and work up to it. It will give you motivation to reach your goal and will give you something to look forward to!

I can completely relate to this...I started out doing a variation of Couch25K on the treadmill at my apt. complex fitness center because it wasn't used very much After about 2 weeks, I moved it into the gym I actually pay money for and no one has ever said anything about how goofy I look...I'm very self conscious, I run really slow and sweat like crazy...but I'm doing it and that is what's important to me. Generally the other runners nod, smile, we all put our headphones in and no one comments on anyone else I think you will find that people will be supportive. The trainers and employees at the gym always say hey and ask how I'm coming along--I've gone from jogging 15 second intervals to jogging 4 minute intervals in the past month--

I think you should try it...especially if you are already doing the other types of machines/exercises at the gym. You just keep focus on your goals and know that you are doing something healthy for your body...if someone else doesn't like it, screw em

Feel free to friend me--I would love to talk to some other people who are beginning runners...

Oh gosh. You won't look stupid. You will look like someone who is taking control of their fitness. If I saw you out there I would be cheering you on!

I understand the anxiety though. I felt it too when I did the couch to 5k way back. I thought, "everybody's going to laugh at the fat boy running". But the desire to to do it was bigger than the fear (which is an irrational fear by the way). Just know that the feeling is pretty normal. Try to ignore it and get out there. You'll be SO glad you did

I so completely understand where you're coming from. I started out over 90 lbs heavier than now and actually cried the first time I ran because I was embarrassed of how I looked running, but I didn't let it stop me and I'm sure glad I didn't because I would have never known I was capable of loving running and it changed my life.

YOU CAN DO IT!! I've been addicted for a long time, and I'm not a small runner. Who cares? I've had people look at me, honk, wave, scream gibberish, etc. while I'm running. Many folks may look at you, but how many are thinking: "Wow! She's doing it. Maybe I should get out and exercise too?"

When I started out jogging, I was completely out of shape. I started walking, then speed walking, then jogging, and then I did a 5K. I've got marathons under my belt now. I'm not tiny as I usually do a marathon around 165lbs. Sure, I'd like to be the tiny little lady racking up the miles, but I'm not. My heart is in it and I set on getting healthy.

You are doing the exact same thing. The thing is to MOVE. Whether you are walking, jogging, skipping, biking, roller blading, etc. You aren't being sedentary. You are putting your health first. I say.....RUN STRONG, girlfriend! YOU CAN DO IT! :drinker:

I used to feel the same way. I'll admit the only reason I ever got on a treadmill was one very busy night at the gym when it was the only equipment available, but doing it just that once made me realize that it was fine. When I took a moment and looked around there were plenty of people of all different shapes and sizes running, I realized I needed to stop being self-councious and focus on what I was there for-the exercise! Sometimes all it takes is facing it that one time.

So here is the deal....I totally feel ya...been there done that. I began the C5K program in Aug....(but it was not designed for someone with my lack of fitness at the time). I began running in a wooded area by my house so that no one could see me, when I would get to an opening, I would stop running for fear of looking like an idiot. Because you know, who was I at just over 300 pounds (at the time) to even pretend to run. I felt like I was a menace to society because I was exposing so many to such a ridiculous looking spectacle. Through continued running and once again staying in the wooded area I gained confidence. Then it got cold and me being the baby that I am, I had to go to the gym and run in front of lots of people, this was one of the most difficult things I have had to do yet.

But here is what I realized, no one is making fun of you or looking at you like you are a crazy lady. If anything they are cheering you on that you are taking control of your life. If you see an obese person trying to exercise, what do you think? I think...Rock on!!! Good for them and I am so proud of them for making a change. I can guarantee people are thinking the same of you, they are probably secretly cheering you on, I know we are cheering you on for making a change.

I like the elliptical as well, but I will tell you, nothing makes me feel stronger or more confident than running. I have been riddled with injuries from running, but I still love it or at least I love the way it makes me feel. Nothing gives me more of a work out or sheds weight like running has for me. I strongly suggest sticking with it....People are proud of what you are doing...the only person that thinks you look stupid is yourself and that my friend is the hardest obstacle to overcome, I still battle with it daily.

Good luck and stay strong!

OMG, I was having this fear a few weeks ago. I use the treadmill but wanted to amp my workout by starting to jog at first I was like ok these people are going to be looking at me like why did she jog for like 2 minutes then walk again, but then I just did it, I walk fast then jog for like 2 minutes and repeat like twice. I didn't care who was watching me, and plus my brother who works out with me said no one is really paying attention to you, its all in our heads.Just do it, this is about you changing and even though we might feel uncomfortable its ok. Man when I see people bigger than me at the gym joggin I am IMPRESSED. I am 221 lbs 5'3 , do it girl its soooooooo worth it.

I used to be afraid of that too, but then I decided not to care. I decided not to stop myself from doing something that was good for me just because of what other people might think.

I went for my first jog/walk session last night. I have been walking my hour for the last 5 weeks and found it wasn't hard enough anymore. I would jog for as long as I could...then walk fast to recover my breathing and heart rate and then repeat. I would up jogging 18 minutes and walking 42. I think not too bad for the first try. Of course I am concerned about what people are going to think. All I could feel was my butt jiggling. But all the other joggers/runners smile and wave...so it kinda went out of my head really fast. As for people driving by...they can think whatever they want. I am doing something to better myself...so I'm putting aside any concerns of what people think. You can do it!!!

Gee whiz, I thought I was the only one who thought I looked stupid.. . looks like almost everyone does. Since I don't see a lot of other people that I think look stupid doing it it must be nothing but negativity trying to stop me. I like to think "I'm running off my belly" or "I'm running back the clock" when I have those thoughts while out.

Do some warmups before you start to get the hips, knees, ankles and feet warmed up. Start walking before running to make sure the joints are ready. Be sure to do cool down stretching after. Wish I had started out this way instead of letting injuries force me to learn it!

Also, don't wait until you're injured or have sore joints before you break down and have yourself fitted for the proper shoes. It makes a world of difference. Wish I had done it earlier.

Wishing you much success!

I used to feel the same way. I ended up basically doing that on my own by alternating running and walking until I could cover the entire distance.

That's me too, hun. I used to care what people thought about how awkward I must look, but frankly I am doing this for me and I really just don't even care what anyone else thinks now. I am getting healthy and strong. I do intervals of walking and running and I find that it really gets my heart rate elevated and keeps it up there for my entire workout.

You can do it. Just DO the thing. xx

The only way you'd look stupid was if you didn't do what you needed/wanted to do to be healthy. Trust me, the whole world isn't going to stop to watch you run - it's all in your head

This is absolutely true! If you wanted to you could look at clips on youtube of correct running form etc, but basically do it! When I started to become a decent runner, people at my gym took the time to say they could see a bit improvement! :flowerforyou: