I'm embarrassed to run...
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FYI- to all the comments about running not being safe for obese/overweight runners. I was an obese runner - I am now an overweight runner. My joints are just fine after running a 5K, 10K, and now training for a half marathon.
That being said-- Everyone is different. No matter what your weight is - you should check with your doctor before starting any training program. People of all sizes have joint/heart issues.5 -
I was a big runner when I started and was very self conscious. Today, I'm not so big and I ran a half marathon. When I see larger runners on the street, I want to stop and cheer them on. My first thought is ALWAYS "good for her!" Don't let anything stop you -- please just get out there and have fun.2
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As someone already said: Runners don't care. Non-runners don't matter.
Nobody starts off as graceful as a gazelle and fast as a cheetah. We're all starting from our own individual place and trying to get better -- which means, we all know we are not perfect and great. So, who's to judge?0 -
Comparison is the thief of joy. No matter how fast or how slow you are, there's always people faster/more fit than you and people slower/more out of shape than you.5
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Oh my. Running is very dangerouse exercise for overweight people. It's very high impact move. It means that when u make impact of 260lb about the ground your knees recieve bump of 4X of this weight, in your case it 's more than 1000lb. Do u think your knees and back will be able to sustain this impuct for long? Ofcaurse u can start doing anything you want. But think about thousand of different types of moves, that make u to loose weight faster and without danger to your muscular-sceletone system. These are low impact exercises. Try to lift your leg 90 degrees and hold it at this level for 30 sec. What do u feel at the end? I believe your heart rate become more than 160 b/min, your musles burn, your abs get involved a lot, your base leg start burning too, your butt shakes and hurts, your spine muscles have great tension too. Sounds like you complete very intensive complex of exercises. At the same time u did not do even little impact on your bones and tendons, instead, you improved very much many group of muscles and ran good cardio session. Do it for 30 min and you will burn more cal then with slow jog, and your muscles will get body weight session, meaning that your fat will be burning even next 24 hrs.
Please, do research on low impact exercises before get running and hurting your tendons. Repare tendons takes long time up to 9 months. You don't want to stay away from exercises for long 9 months to repare torn tendons.
What what? No.
If one starts off slowly and builds up the intensity without pushing themselves too much, there will be little to no injury.4 -
I started by walking with short (as in very very short!) Intervals of running and gradually building up the running. I'm in my 50s and can now run 3k and planning on a 5k in the spring. It's easy for some people to say "don't worry about what others think" but it can be difficult if you're overweight or lack confidence. I run early when it's still dark but hopefully by the time the lighter mornings come in I'll have more confidence. Remember we are all doing more than than the couch potatoes who just sit and criticise!!1
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Don't feel embarrassed. I felt awful and anxious going running and I was never significantly overweight - I still thought people would stare or laugh at me when I first started. You just have to bite the bullet. I still get people looking at me and teenage boys shouting at me or whistling, etc. Or people laughing at me. I don't know how horrible a person you can be to do that. But still at least I m exercising when they're just doing nothing!2
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This thread made me happy. Generally I think MVP forums is filled with a lot of ..
I have nothing to add really, other what most people have already said, you are doing this for YOU, and not for anyone else, so you just go out there and do some huff and puff, just start slowly. I would actually recommend the app Zombies run 5K. Its really gentle in the beginning, and you get a great story along the way.
Hope to see you out there soon runner 5, Abel town needs you.1 -
As an obese runner I started c25k at 288lbs. I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone else. I started running using the c25k program on the dirt lane that I live on. After a while I started a loop of my town. I ran this at 5am so people didn't have to see me and so that I didn't have to worry about much traffic. After a couple of months people started telling my wife that I looked so much better after losing the weight and that they saw me running. I'm not a good runner and I'm sure by the way my shoes wear that my running gait is far from perfect but I'll go now in the snow, rain,m or on ice it is a fantastic stress reliever. my advice is good shoes, good athletic wear(moisture wicking underwear/socks the shirts help but aren't a must have), headphones(mine are open so I can hear traffic behind me plantronics backbeat fit), and most important a regular schedule (plan out a time in your day that is dedicated to running 5am works for me because thats early enough in the day I can't get caught up in other projects).4
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It's a good opportunity to develop stronger character. Having a sense of humor, and being able to laugh at yourself are powerful tools in dealing with the outside world.1
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I'm a big runner.
I'm only 13 pounds from not being one, though. Thanks to running!
I was 40 pounds heavier when I started, and other runners have been nothing but amazing. I've had a gentleman stop me and tell me that he has noticed how hard I'm working and how much I've improved. I've gotten high fives, great jobs, an invitation to a running club- seriously most runners are just so nice and just like that someone is running!
I have been yelled at from cars a handful of times. Someone even moo'ed at me once. I just ignore them. I can lose the weight- they will always be an *kitten*. I
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You are right some will laugh. But its not about them its about you so i say "F" them and what they say0
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People may well laugh. [impolite verb] them. The most important voice is the one in your head, and if that voice is telling you to get moving, then get moving. And who knows? You could well end up being the inspiration for somebody else who's hesitant to start ... to start.
Finally, be prepared for running to be unpleasant, at least at first. Just about every runner I know (including myself), has gone through some variation of these stages:- I HATE running!
- I don't really enjoy running, but it's a means to an end.
- I actually like running.
- I LOVE running!
- I ... I sort of need running.
Yes --100% THIS!! And might I add that anyone who would look at an overweight person exercising and think anything negative isn't worth a single second of thought. Don't let anything stop you.0 -
Screw the haters. I've run outside at over 200 lbs and never encountered any harassment even when I could barely run more than 30 seconds at a time. There is nothing shameful about bettering yourself .0
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Hi,
I agree with all the points and motivational comments everyone had been making.
I've had that same feeling and thought f*** people, I'm doing this for me and my loved ones.
I started by running in parks or quiet areas, then before I knew it I was doing 10 miles cross country running around town
Also for my weight loss I'm doing the insanity workout's and that has been the main contributing factor in getting my stamina and speed back up.
Get out there, have fun and be yourself!
Side note: I use Strava or runtastic when running. They are both great apps. They tell you your fastest miles, pace and achievements.
Good luck
Tal0 -
I was morbidly obese when I started C25K a couple of years ago. I ran around a nearby lake where I wouldn't be seen. The app makes you run at different intervals depending on what week you are in. It finally happened that I was behind a couple walking their dog and knew the woman on the app was about to tell me to "begin running." I finally decided to suck it up and go for it. Only the dog reacted. That was the biggest hurdle, then it was easier. Since then I've done several 5Ks, run around in Boot Camp and HIIT classes and don't even think about it anymore. The bottom line is that most people don't care about you and I mean that in a good way. Have fun with it.1
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I'm 265lbs but I've always dreamed about being a runner. I need to get my weight significantly down for a surgery I'm having in about a year. I know running will be a huge help to weight loss but... I'm embarrassed to run while being over weight. I feel like people will laugh at me on the street for being "that fat guy running". Does anyone have advice on how I can get over my anxiety?
First off, anyone making fun of you are just *kitten*...
Secondly, get your diet in check, that's the single most important element to losing weight.
What's your goal? How much did you want to lose? What's your daily calorie intake per day?
No need to run IMO either. At your weight it'll be bad for your knees and back. Buy a fitness watch with an active HR and start walking at a quick pace. If your diet is clean and lean, adding this daily walk will see great results right away.
Also, Go On YouTube and google 10 minute beginners workout videos. Many free videos (do them at home) from PTs doing great beginner exercises, add this to your daily walk with your clean diet and you'll be great.
Frank1 -
I agree with WDF, it's probably best to start with brisk walks and work jogs in. I also prefer trails and tracks rather than running on the street1
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ASAPStocky wrote: »I agree with WDF, it's probably best to start with brisk walks and work jogs in. I also prefer trails and tracks rather than running on the street
Agreed, Trails are better and more fun to be honest.
Frank0 -
I wanna start running too but just feel uncomfortable doing it. My problem is that because I'm so thin people are gonna look at me weird because of it. Like why is a thin girl running she should be lifting weights.0
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The only people who would ever laugh at an obese runner are those who wolf down pizza and beer while sitting on the couch. No real runner, or person who works out on a regular basis, will ever laugh/make fun of another individual who is out there working out. When I started running I still needed to lose about 50 pounds and could only run a short distance. I didn't give a rat's behind what anyone thought. I was only in competition with myself. As a trim fit runner I am still only in competition with myself. Get out there and do it you will thank yourself.
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Runners are a pretty supportive group who are all about reaching our personal best and promoting the sport, not too worried about what you weigh or what pace you are running. If I see a fellow runner on the street or trail, I just see a fellow traveler who shares a hobby with me. We are all growing in a positive direction at different paces, with different goals, different starting points, etc. It is okay to be where you are right now! The important thing is to be striving for a healthy life. Sounds like you are on that journey so why would I feel anything but admiration if I see you out there?
As for non runners, many will admire what you do and wish they would get off the couch and do the same. They will be thinking about themselves and how they should exercise more.
Others aren't into running but have their own sport that they pursue like cycling or hiking or weight training or whatever... they recognize you as a fellow member of the larger fitness/sport community.
And then there are busy people who don't give a hoot and barely notice you. You won't have much problem from them unless you want to be on the street while they are driving. Watch out, they are clueless and will be oblivious and mow you down!!
And the losers who don't have much going for them in terms of fitness or character, they just want to tear others down. They are a small percentage. I rarely encounter one, and when I do I really don't value their opinion of me...0 -
I felt very self conscious when I started running, but I found having a really good music playlist, or something interesting too listen to helped me distract myself from any anxiety. I Also found 2 different scenarios help:
1. Do a route where you are unlikely to see many people.
2. The opposite, find somewhere lots of runners go. Thats way you'll just be another runner, and no one will care.
As usual, it's also helpful to remember that most people are wrapped up in their own lives and won't notice you. Hope it goes well.0 -
Hi,
There will be some who laugh, some who taunt and some who admire. You have zero control over it.
There's a freedom in knowing things are not in your control, embrace it.
I've had change thrown at me, while they yelled 'give up and buy a burger!' I was about 20 pounds overweight when it happened, I kept jogging until they were out of sight and then silently cried my whole walk home. Did I ever run again? No. Did I find something else to do that was less public? Yes. Archery and hiking became my salvation.
I have always wished I hadn't let that change me.
Good Luck, and enjoy your journey, you can do anything you put your mind to!2 -
@madxwolf One of the Best Endorsements for the C25K concept ( or Zombie ) as posted by a fellow MFP in another forum.1. You get to surprise yourself every week!
2. Many other people have taken the exact same journey and you can look to their experiences for motivation and advice.
3. It's a simple, goal oriented program with many ways to follow it from apps to podcasts.
4. Outside of getting some good, properly fit shoes all you have to do is go and do it. No gyms to join and no others required.
5. When you finish, you will be a runner!
I finished C25K about three weeks ago and have continued running and building since. I am running 5Ks 3 times a week now and getting faster and fitter with the goal of signing up for a Disney 10K (Maybe half marathon) in 2017. Ok, so maybe the Disney goal is because my family loves Disney and it's an excuse for a trip, but hey!
I have never been a runner. I was the kid in gym class in high school who was last in the 12 minute run...every time. I started my weight loss journey 115 days ago with MFP and started walking as my main form of exercise. After losing about 30 pounds, I wanted to kick it up a notch and decided to try C25K. EVERY week I thought I could go no further. That despite every post I could find online saying that anyone can do it, maybe I was the exception. Seeing that next jump in time spent running as the program progressed literally caused me to lose sleep the night before but every week I tried and every week I succeeded. I'm now down 45 pounds as of this morning and wanted to share with anyone on the fence or in the process that C25K can be life changing.
Stick with the program. Slow down. Believe in the process and enjoy the results!1 -
I'm 265lbs but I've always dreamed about being a runner. I need to get my weight significantly down for a surgery I'm having in about a year. I know running will be a huge help to weight loss but... I'm embarrassed to run while being over weight. I feel like people will laugh at me on the street for being "that fat guy running". Does anyone have advice on how I can get over my anxiety?
I was significantly over weight when I started running, I couldn't make it a half mile without stopping to walk. I was in pain, I was the fat guy. I wore baggy clothes so you couldn't see my stomach bouncing. I even wore a hoodie for the longest time. BUT!!!! I put my headphones in, stretched really well before and after to help with the pain, kept my eyes focused ahead of me and went in head first. I ran in a private neighborhood so not much traffic, decided that I was my worst enemy and I kept at it. Very quickly I started dropping weight, after a couple months the pain got significantly less and I ran farther and faster. I slowly stopped wearing my hoodies and baggy shirts. I ran the bottoms off of my running shoes in 2 months, I never looked back. I ran in the rain, I ran in the cold. It has changed my life forever. I don't know where you live, but maybe try a small road with less traffic or a high school track after hours. I love running the tracks because they're almost all padded. People will laugh at you, people will shake their heads and you may even get pointed at (all of which happened to me) but when you show up a year from now for your surgery, they will congratulate you and ask to run with you and say how did you do it. You must face your own fear first, the first week is the hardest. Get a good pair of shoes, preferably from a running store or somewhere they can watch your form, a lot of my early pains were a mix of bad shoes and lack of proper stretching, I will tell you that expensive shoes doesn't necessarily mean good shoes. Good luck1 -
lets make this real real simple. What is more embarrassing, being overweight and running or being overweight and not running and knowing YOU could have done something about it? One foot in front of the other, that is all it takes. Good luck and run on brother. I think you will find the only one making fun of you are the ones who also should be running and are not. Other runners will comment you and always help you!2
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Whenever I see an overweight person running, I think to myself, "GOOD FOR THEM!"
I started running when I was about 230 pounds (I'm 5'6"). I, too, was embarrassed to run outside for fear of looking like a fool, so I started by running on a treadmill at the gym. At least there, people knew I was trying to better myself and they were too focused on their own workouts to care about what I was doing. After I lost about 30 more pounds, I started taking it outside. By then, I had developed such a love for running that I didn't care what people thought anymore, I just wanted to RUN!
My guess is, once you start running and really get into it, you'll stop giving a *kitten* about what other people think. Running is awesome.
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I started running at age 56 and I was over 200lbs What I used was the C25K app I went early in the morning because I didn't want anyone to see me. then I noticed that no one really cared if I was running. I did my first 5k after 7 months the C25K app really works!
I second the C25k app. That's what I used to get into running as well. I started it back in April, and by the end of May/beginning of June I was able to run 5k. Fast forward to now and I'm running 10k regularly. It really does work.0 -
I'm 265lbs but I've always dreamed about being a runner. I need to get my weight significantly down for a surgery I'm having in about a year. I know running will be a huge help to weight loss but... I'm embarrassed to run while being over weight. I feel like people will laugh at me on the street for being "that fat guy running". Does anyone have advice on how I can get over my anxiety?
Thank you for posting this question and starting this thread. I've really enjoyed reading about other people's experiences and learning from their advice.
I don't have specific advice regarding the anxiety, other than in my experience it doesn't disappear over night. The anxiety decreases as the confidence becomes stronger.
As someone who started running around the neighborhood in jeans over 70lbs ago (I didn't have any athletic gear), these are my big tips:
1. If you are going to run at night, walk the route, preferably during the day, first. Look for cracks and changes in terrain that could literally trip you up.
2. If you are going to run at night, always wear something reflective or something like bike lights. Seriously, safety first. No matter what time you run, be aware of your environment (in my experience I can get a little caught up in my head while I exercise).
3. The importance of good shoes is real! Other people on this thread have offered great advice about getting good shoes. Don't let them wear out before getting new ones. You are worth the investment!
4. Enjoy! Celebrate your victories!
You might enjoy this article, I found it helpful/inspiring: http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/03/24/after-losing-180-pounds-san-jose-brewer-jake-mccluskey-is-ready-for-a-100-mile-run/1
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