Self concious about running in public

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  • scs143
    scs143 Posts: 2,190 Member
    I feel the same way. I just started to jog and for some reason, I feel like whomever drives by is judging me. They probably see someone who is overweight who is trying, but I can't seem to let go of the fact that everything is jiggling. And when I have to stop to walk, I feel incredibly self-conscious.

    I go at 6am. Truthfully, I run into 2-4 people, either exercising or walking their dog etc.... and then cars on their way to work. I know I just have to get over it. But you are not alone! Good luck and when or if you feel bad, think of me. I am jiggling my way around the block too!
  • megz4987
    megz4987 Posts: 1,008 Member
    I feel the same way. I just started to jog and for some reason, I feel like whomever drives by is judging me. They probably see someone who is overweight who is trying, but I can't seem to let go of the fact that everything is jiggling. And when I have to stop to walk, I feel incredibly self-conscious.

    I go at 6am. Truthfully, I run into 2-4 people, either exercising or walking their dog etc.... and then cars on their way to work. I know I just have to get over it. But you are not alone! Good luck and when or if you feel bad, think of me. I am jiggling my way around the block too!

    Exactly! Before I got pregnant and gained the weight back, at the time being a 'skinny' haha, if I saw someone overweight even WALKING I would smile at them and give them props. I did not judge them at all, but I just chalk that up to the fact that I had been heeeuuge at one point, too and I felt their determination. Maybe I'm wrong and maybe most people are just the same and give us jigglies kudos w/o even thinking "holy jello, batman!" like I think they are...

    I think, if I dont' go to the trail, I may start just by walking my dog (who's a fatty, too- it's like in 101 dalmations!) in the mornings and see how many people I see, get comfortable with the route and everything... maybe then I'll be ok. :)
  • scs143
    scs143 Posts: 2,190 Member
    I think, if I dont' go to the trail, I may start just by walking my dog (who's a fatty, too- it's like in 101 dalmations!) in the mornings and see how many people I see, get comfortable with the route and everything... maybe then I'll be ok. :)

    I think this is a good plan!
  • mowfaux
    mowfaux Posts: 38
    i'm pretty self-conscious about it too ... but nobody's said anything to me about it. anytime i see a person exercising outside, i try to not and smile -- doesn't matter if they're fat or thin. you should be proud of making an effort. if someone does or says something mean, just use it as fuel to go further or faster.

    also ... look at other people running. even thin, athletic people jiggle a little bit ... everybody jiggles, skin is soft, after all.

    HAHAHA! Me too!! Everytime I pass someone that's jogging or walking (exercise walking) I have to fight the urge to high 5 them
  • ninpiggy
    ninpiggy Posts: 228 Member
    I envy people who are outside running (and especially envious of those walking/running with their dogs) because I have let my self-consciousness prevent me from reaching my full fitness potential. If my apartment allowed dogs, I would be outside just like the rest of you! Then I know people driving or walking past me will definitely be looking at the adorable doggy instead of my love handles! :p haha
  • MsEmmy
    MsEmmy Posts: 254 Member
    I'm on Wk 2 of C25K. I run at 9.30 after I take my son to school. I go to a local nature reserve which is near my son's school so I get to see the birds and squirrels and bunnies which is great :smile: I tried a gym a couple of years ago and didn't like it. It felt so pointless. I'd rather do some gardening or dog walking etc, something which has another point as well as getting fit. I think I'm more self conscious about the walking bit than running - if I have all my running gear on and I'm on the walking interval and pass someone I feel stupid, like I tried to run and failed:laugh: so I take my dog. That way, I just look like I'm walking him! I also feel safe there with my dog.

    I know how you feel about meeting people but the only people I see at that time are other dog walkers, grandparents with grandkids feeding the ducks and the occasional cyclist and they just smile and do their own thing. If you go in school hours or really early, you are not likely to see the idiots who may make comments. I would like to say ignore any comments but i know it would bother me if I got them.

    Go for it - being outside is so much nicer than being cooped up indoors. And anyone who doesn't have a dog to run with, borrow one! You'll be doing the dog and the owner a favour :)
  • rae125
    rae125 Posts: 25
    I used to be really self conscious about exercising outside or in a gym where there were other people (I once went to the gym at 4am just so I could exercise alone!) but then I thought about what I'm thinking when I see people exercise. I'm not thinking anything negative. I'm envious, in awe of them, and congratulate them in my head. There used to be a very over weight man who would go for a walk every day and during the heat of the summer the poor man was sweating like mad but he stuck with it and every time I saw him I thought, "Wow! Go him! Way to be determined and stick to a goal!!!" (along with, "should I offer him some water?" hehe).

    Once I started running I started looking at people in their cars when they were watching me and I realized that their faces looked like they wished they had my determination. Their looking at me went from being a deterent to being a motivator!! :D
  • robbienjill
    robbienjill Posts: 456 Member
    Do it for U!!! Once you get use to it you will find it empowering, You CAN do it. (Jill)
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