Too shy to run?.

In the beginning I was like that as well. Always afraid that people would judge me for my poor running skills. Now I don't give a thing. I'm gong out there, I now I'm not the fittest but I'm working on becoming the best me I can possibly be. I also keep in mind that EVERYBODY started out as a beginner and that helps a lot. No marathon runner ran marathon distance on their first day of training.

Put in your ear buds, play your favorite music and screw what anyone thinks about you.

Addressing various questions:

Distance - try Couch to 5k (C25k) to give you motivation. Alternatively try something like Zombies! Run, an interactive running app.

Groups - there are many running / jogging clubs out there, all of whom welcome new members. It can be a little intimidating when you really serious runners, but they are all focussed on their own thing and tend to be pretty happy to meet other people who run. They'll also help you out. Everyone's been there, everyone's started somewhere.

Events - look around for a major running event in your local area. Just google it. with many of the big events, they'll have training sessions before the run (pack runs) to get people involved. This is an ideal way to meet other runners and run as part of a pack.

People - If you are noticed - and you're usually not - they're noticing you doing something great - active, outdoors and running. They don't know you, or your journey, and oftentimes those who judge public exercisers are too afraid to do it themselves.

Finally - everyone started somewhere. I started by running 1 lamppost then limping / walking 2 lampposts. I am now training for my first marathon. Don't at any stage trivialise your efforts. If you run, then you are a runner.

Is there somewhere Near you that you could go and give it a try where there aren't too many people? I'm really lucky that there is path around a nature reserve by me that you probably see one or two people on a busy day. its perfect for me as I don't have to worry what anyone thinks. I haven't quite got the confidence to go out by the roads yet.

I used to feel the same way, but now I focus more on how great I feel after I’ve completed a run - the adrenalin and confidence I gain each time I accomplish a fitness goal (regardless of how big or small it may be) far outweighs those few short moments of feeling shy or uncomfortable.

I’d prefer a few short moments of feeling uncomfortable during a 30min walk/run, than feeling uncomfortable for the rest day as a result of not getting out there and working further towards my goal!

You can do it, it will get easier, get out there and enjoy those endorphins

rawk_fairy_666 wrote: »

Is there somewhere Near you that you could go and give it a try where there aren't too many people? I'm really lucky that there is path around a nature reserve by me that you probably see one or two people on a busy day. its perfect for me as I don't have to worry what anyone thinks. I haven't quite got the confidence to go out by the roads yet.

Some schools allow the public to use their tracks when school is not in session and they are usually empty. Also many parks have trails or roads you can run on which are relatively safe and watched over. I run in the early morning and rarely see anyone. If I go out later in the day the roads get busier. RunKeeper has a free beginner 5K plan for 8 weeks. It is a great motivator and just starts you out walking. I am just finishing the plan, still can't run a mile straight but have gotten more confidence and quickened my pace substantially.

I get it, I really do. But here's the thing - anyone who sees you out there is going to think you are amazing for getting out there. I am a runner, but I haven't always been. When I started, I was 90 lbs overweight. Now I run around my neighbourhood all the time and the people I respect the most are the ones who obviously haven't been running for long. Those carrying a bit of extra weight, have bad form, no fancy gear, etc., because I know how challenging it is at the beginning.

Running 400 metres at a time is a big accomplishment. Just keep going

My therapy group leader pointed out that the amount of stress that anxiety produces is about the same whether you think about doing something or actually doing it. The sooner you get it out of the way, the far less stressed you'll be. I love running because it is a great introvert activity. I'm doing my own thing and I don't have to answer to a coach, a teammate, anyone. No way I could start running 400m without slowing down either. C25K is a real eye-opener how gentle you have to be with yourself. I also started by taking an eight week class running with a group which helped a lot.

Friends and family frankly, are not on a weight loss enterprise like I am. For this, I find more kindred spirits on MFP.

htimpaired wrote: »

Since I became a runner last year, there are two things I judge about other runners.
a) I am jealous because they are running and I am not.
b) Those pants/shirt/shoes are cute! I wonder where I can get a pair?

So true. On my run yesterday I saw a guy with the Nike Flash jacket and I yelled "nice jacket!" Yes, I have become jealous of workout attire

The tough love part of me says "get over yourself". No one else is watching, promise. Anyone who is watching isn't going to be thinking the negative thoughts you are.

I started with C25K, and then quickly graduated to Zombies, Run. Zombies, Run! does have a learning to run app (it's separate), and it's super fun. It tells you a little story in with your music, and just alleviates some of the boredom.

The nice thing about running is that it's so inexpensive to pick up, until you need to get a pair of "better" shoes. Just get out there and give it a try!