beginning running.... how do you get past the embarrasment?

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  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
    Sure its been said many times, don't worry about it. I look at the heavier runners and say "what the hell? I need to get off my a*s! And run with them!"

    They have nothing on you. Just think how in a month or so you'll look fitter, what will they think then!

    You got this!
  • snarlingcoyote
    snarlingcoyote Posts: 399 Member
    edited January 2015
    There is a lady in my small town who started walking about 7 years ago. I don't know her, all I know is that she was obese when she started. I was impressed that she was out there. That was 7 years ago and she still goes out there. Today she runs, and she is about a third the size of the woman who started walking 7 years ago. I don't know her from Adam. All I know is that she got up one day and started moving and kept moving.

    She is my hero, and sometimes she is my inspiration to get up off my duff and run.
  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
    @snarlingcoyote‌ that's such a great share. Thanks.
  • Solamer
    Solamer Posts: 67 Member
    I am PROUD of you for getting out there!! I struggle with being brave and trying new things and general social anxiety. I have to keep reminding myself why I'm doing it, why I want to do it, and why I DESERVE to do it. Sometimes I have to remind my self more, sometimes less. Deep breaths help and remember to be brave.

    You have EVERY RIGHT to be out there running just as much as anyone else. Keep runnin' girl.
  • gidgeclev
    gidgeclev Posts: 103 Member
    I live in a village in Kent .. we have a village running club which caters for everyone from power walkers to people training for half marathons. We are all shapes and sizes and no one cares how slow you are or how big you are. This was started by one man who did what you are doing and ran at night because he was so embarrassed about being overweight. His lovely inclusive running clubs are now being opened in other villages in the area. You are not alone.. people are out running all the time here, looking red and sweaty but smiling because they can do it. And it is now so normal that few people take any notice and cars stop to let you run across junctions. Keep going.. the endorphin rush is worth it!
  • SJunczyk
    SJunczyk Posts: 430 Member
    I downloaded c25k many a time last year a but last year I wasnt mentally prepared.

    This year is MY year.

    I began running last week-nothing fast or too heavy. I was worried about running alone as I felt I needed a buddy to run with...however none of my facebook friends were free or willing to take on this new challenge.

    So I went regardless or what I looked like or what I wore.. And you know what? I felt damn good after it :) AND i was amazed as to what muscles I used (felt those the next day!)

    Go for it! I say! I run slower than a herd of stampeding turtles! I also look like a beetroot after any exercise.

    #beatthemirrordemon #thisgirlcan #icanandiwill #feelgreat #lookgreat #motivateyourself

    Deeta :)
  • jordanveg
    jordanveg Posts: 20 Member
    Well, I started running this week, C25K as well, and I'm having a similar issue. I'm slightly self conscious, but I've got to get over that. I'm only 5'2, and nearly 170 pounds, and I have to wear tight clothing because I live in super hot Florida. When I'm running and someone passes me, I smile and wave, or nod my head, and tell myself that even if I look silly or run slowly, I'm still doing more than the person sitting on the couch. For me, that's all that matters. I remind myself that I'm doing this for me, and I don't care what other people think. I know it's hard, but it's so worth it!
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    Don't let anyone who you don't know dissuade you from what you really want to do! Matter of fact, don't let ANYONE dissuade you!
  • christiec2015
    christiec2015 Posts: 85
    derrickyoung wrote: »
    I was 306lbs when I tried to start running. I would pick odd times in quiet residential areas where there was less traffic. I then found a trail loop that offered privacy and softer ground which helped the knees a little. You will come across a-holes out there. I came across one when riding my bike one morning. I was down to about 260 and feeling good about my progress. As I round the corner a guy driving a Garbage truck starts yelling out his window "keep peddling fat *kitten* it does not appear to be working". I was so angry, hurt and embarrassed. But I eventually absolved myself to the fact that in a given amount of time I would be a my goal weight and he would still be driving a garbage truck.

    what a nasty comment that guy made! glad you carried on afterwards though! i don't understand why people have to be so mean/insensitive to bigger people (e.g. when cycling, in the gym etc) when they can see that you're actively trying to do something about your weight
  • Lofteren
    Lofteren Posts: 960 Member
    Who cares? Phuck those people. Just run.
  • 4leighbee
    4leighbee Posts: 1,275 Member
    Elise4270 wrote: »
    @snarlingcoyote‌ that's such a great share. Thanks.

    +1 ... and I think you should tell her one day what an inspiration she is to others ...
  • elizabethjmurphy
    elizabethjmurphy Posts: 11 Member
    Everyone on this journey feels this way weather it's while exercising, dressing, feeding some guilty pleasure in a Resturant.
    Some things to consider...
    Think of your self as a walker that picks up the pace (maybe physiologically it will help you be seen exercising)
    Every runner started like this regardless of there weight (walk, run, walk, run) it's how we learn your becoming a part of a comity that is very loyal to each other, appreciates everyone's small victories and believes the ability to run and cover any ground no matter how slow or fast is a huge accomplishment.

    Exercise should be fun, take your time this is a life time not a moment. Start slow, build up as you feel stronger and powerful. The irst time I ran straight for 10 min I was on cloud 9. My first 5K I though was amazing, my first 5 miles I couldn't believe this was really me...as I ran more I became stronger and could push a few more minutes each run till I was running 12 miles. I share this because I'm a new runner it took me 10month to accomplish this. I felt unbelieveable. I didn't necessarily loose tons of weight but what I gain was strenght, self esteem and belief in my self. This is about you, belive in yourself and keep moving at any pace, any speed any where! Enjoy
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