Going for a run is scary advice?

I'd say I agree with a lot of people on here, folks really aren't paying that much attention. I don't know how many times I've actually been almost run over so obviously people see me less than I think they do. One thing I find that helps is to listen to music. It removes the outside noises and lets me focus on running so I don't even sometimes notice the people outside (obviously you've got to have a safe place to do this without being in traffic). So go out and enjoy the fact that you are making a positive difference in your health, which is more than anyone watching you is doing! We can't change what others think, we can only affect ourselves!

I did not read all the posts, but running in front of my neighbors was horrifying at first and then this quickly went a way. I got dialed into my thing and all that faded.

When I took to running on the streets around my neighborhood, these poeple do not know me or could have cared less. I have not been honked at or whistled at or anything, people see you in running gear and only look because they wish they were doing it to.

Trust me this is all in your head.

edited to add: I run the rain, and people still look, I get caught singing to my music and people still look.. I have even been caught singing out loud, and I really just don't care. It is me and road and nothing else matters.

girlinahat wrote: »

is it so bad if people pay attention to you as you run by? I run early, mostly because that fits with my schedule and levels of motivation, but also because I am less awake, and less likely to have to negotiate people as I run. But I mostly meet other runners, dog walkers and just walkers. This morning we all said hi to each other in passing, and you know what that made me feel? Happy. It made me smile that I could smile at another person, before 7am, and hopefully make the other person smile.

Having said that I’ve noticed the people who say hi are elderly walkers and runners, and other women never even make eye contact. But it kind of makes my day acknowledging a stranger. I doubt they think anything of me apart from ‘oh, she said Hi and smiled at me’. Try it.

I like this. I never used to say hi to/acknowledge others when running -- nor did they say hi to me. But over the past 2 years I've been running with my dad whenever I visit my parents (he lives in Southern Washington in an area with lots of trails) and he is obsessive about saying hi to anyone who passes as basic politeness. So I picked up the habit and at least acknowledge and smile at people I pass, and they usually do the same, especially the other runners. It always makes me feel good.

I suck at running right now. I just started a six-month training plan for a marathon. I am technically labelled as obese although I am mostly healthy. I had the same problem as you, worried about what others think. You know what though? Others don't have to live in my body. They don't have to get up in the morning and squeeze into my pants. I made a decision one day to just do it. If someone sees me and they make fun of me, that says more about who they are as a person than it does about how I am as a runner. Get out of your comfort zone. I love being outside and attempting to run. I ran my fastest 3 miles the other day at 43:07. Others could do six miles in that time. Whoopty Do. This was good for me and I am proud of it. Others may see you trying and be inspired. Get out there for you, because it's what you want. Screw what people think when they see you!

idotkd wrote: »

I'm starting running and I'm really intimidated, not by the actual running but by doing it on the street where people can see me. I need to just go but yesterday I couldn't do it and ended up doing laps around my driveway. Any tips for not feeling this way? Also I'm always open for more friends.
❤️Faith

We were all intimidated at first. The only thing you can do is get out there and run.
People are in their own zone and will not be paying any attention to you. It's the way it is.
Go for a run, smile or wave at runners you pass if you can, don't be offended if they don't respond (as you may not respond to others; remember, everyone is in their own zone). Have fun.

The feeling of intimidation goes away quickly and you'll enjoy your runs a lot.
Keep running.

No hate, shadow997. It's best to not start running until one can comfortably walk at least 30 minutes at a brisk pace. With running, its a matter of "start slow; then go slower" until all body systems are ready to pick up the pace. That helps keep injuries away.

People will pay attention, but that's okay. Other runners will smile and wave. People who like to run, but aren't running, will smile and waive. Kids will say hi. Dogs will bark. Every once in a while I get a whoop, "run Forrest", or something from a passing car.

Once you get yourself out there chances are pretty good you will no longer care what anyone thinks about you. Remember that a lot of people you encounter were also out of shape at one point in their life too. One of my running friends was overweight before she became an Ironwoman. She's been one of my best cheerleaders ever. I ran a 5k with her once, she finished before me, and waited at the finish line so she could cheer me on.

Running is about going out there and putting one foot in front of the other. Over and over and over again. This is about you, and your road. Force yourself to go. After a while you won't think twice about it.

_Waffle_ wrote: »

carmkizzle wrote: »

People notice that there's a person out on the street running, okay, no big deal. I wouldn't say that they're "paying attention", taking notes. They aren't watching you through binoculars and eating popcorn. Get you some sunglasses, get some music, and get your run on.

Speak for yourself.

Haha thats gold!