I'm embarrassed to run...

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Replies

  • Ruffianxx
    Ruffianxx Posts: 10 Member
    Easier said then done of course, but I wouldn't even worry about it. Whenever I see someone running (regardless of weight) I salute them. I am always happy to someone putting effort and passion into the sport I love so dearly. I think you'll find that the running community is very welcoming and that runners come in all shapes and sizes.
  • Thehardmakesitworthit
    Thehardmakesitworthit Posts: 838 Member
    I can 1000 percent relate. I HAD the double doom when I started running: I was old and fat. LOL. Soooo many great responses here that all ring true but I would add..... run to your heart's content. GAH! The first time I ran in the daylight I was so sure people were watching me run that it actually made me focus more on my form and I would run farther before stopping to make sure that the cars that were around when I started, were gone out of sight. RIDICULOUS but oddly effective! Forward 6 months and I run like a mad woman and when I am at stop light I act ridiculous....good song on my headset? I give em good show with some booty rockin. LOL. Have fun! OMG! you might just make someones day by showing your hoodspa!!!!!! (if thats a word).
  • Yourkindagirl
    Yourkindagirl Posts: 100 Member
    Think about what you want to be. I was that fat girl running. Now, I'm the skinny girl running. I have finally gotten to a place where someone calls me skinny. Besides, you don't know "those" people anyway. Who cares what a bunch of people you don't know think?
  • Veganniee
    Veganniee Posts: 460 Member
    Pick a time when it's pretty quiet, 6am is good and just get out there and do it. I have an awful run so always feel self conscious. i plug myself into the zombies run app and go from being the slowest runner ever (seriously, old people can out walk me...) to shrieking my head off and running like a Thunderbirds puppet with cut strings when a pack of zombies chases me. If people are going to laugh at me i should at least give them something proper to laugh at!
  • Madux1818
    Madux1818 Posts: 307 Member
    We all have to start somewhere. Put on your hat,,headphones, soon you'll be lost in music you won't care who's looking at you. Running community is awesome.
  • CafeRacer808
    CafeRacer808 Posts: 2,396 Member
    Not sure if the OP is still around, but I thought I'd pop in to say I love that this thread is still going. The amount of love and support from the MFP community in this thread is really great! Carry on... :)
  • crackpotbaby
    crackpotbaby Posts: 1,297 Member
    I am super impressed and motivated when I see someone who is overweight or obese doing tings to improve their health.
  • sbellina
    sbellina Posts: 1 Member
    When I feel insecure about running (or any other exercise) I like to wear a sweatshirt with a hoodie to disconnect with the outside world. However, whatever you think others are thinking about you is 1000 times worse than what they really think (if they even do so at all). But you're really referring to the voice inside your head, not the voice of others. I call it "internal dialogue", you know that constant conversation we all have with ourselves. Consider that the voice is just "conversation"... it's not "truth". We can tell it to "shut up" when it keeps us from winning the game of life — which, in this case, is to get into shape and lose the weight. So my advice to you is to recognize when your inner voice is taking over and keeping you on the sidelines, then do the opposite. You'll find that true transformation begins in the awareness.
  • Ryokat
    Ryokat Posts: 168 Member
    I was embarrassed about running in public too and so instead ran at home on my treadmill. However, that can get boring, so I run outside when it's dark (which is most of the time anyway).

    I haven't been made fun of yet...I'm not overweight but I had a stroke in May so I have a gimpy gait and you can hear me clomping from a half block away, lol.
  • becca_rup23
    becca_rup23 Posts: 396 Member
    I started running when I was in the 260s, and I get where you're coming from. You just have to get out there though, if it's something you want to do. I've also swam and lifted weights to help lose weight. Eating habits are going to be your best bet at losing the weight though, and I'm sure as you lose you will feel more confident!
  • limzzz
    limzzz Posts: 21 Member
    edited January 2017
    As someone who is 270, I understand how you feel. What may help is first walking where you plan on running first and see who's there. Then day after day pace your speed faster until you are up to running. People will see you making an effort and if they make fun of you who cares? YOU are making a great choice by being active. Everytime I see a "bigger" person running/walking/bycicling I always encourage them by telling out the window "you can do it".(they probably think I'm crazy)
  • angeleyes010974
    angeleyes010974 Posts: 16 Member
    I have been doing tons of research on being morbidly obese and wanting to run and seeing how it is possibly and can be done just from reading this inspiring thread! I have always wanted to start running. I too had the C25K app before in the past. Never finished the 8 week course but I did lose some weight though but sadly gained it all back. But I am back on here again, getting my weight back down because I have been sick from my high blood sugar and blood pressure and I am literally sick of taking medication and wanted to make that change and started eating right and hitting the gym at least 5 days per week and I am back to feeling better. I treated myself Friday to a new pair of Nike running shoes! I am ready to take off and start running! #slowprogressisstillprogress
  • SCoil123
    SCoil123 Posts: 2,111 Member
    When I first started working out I was terrified of what others would think. I got over it and now I’m pretty fit and really enjoy working out.

    We all start somewhere.

  • Nbaker0909
    Nbaker0909 Posts: 102 Member
    When I first started running I was also over weight and I personally was super self conscious. I decided to run in my neighborhood at night. The neighborhood is well lit so it was safe, but because it was dark out I felt less self conscious. It was also an added bonus for me that it’s usually cooler at night
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I didn't read all the replies so sorry if this is a duplication.

    I started running at about 235lbs (I'm still not exactly skinny) and was terribly self-conscious until I realized two things.

    1) We're all but invisible to non-runners, in over a decade of running the closest thing I got to mockery was a good natured "Run, Forrest, run....." -and-

    2) The running community tends to very inclusive and welcoming of new runners. I'm pretty sure that there's a Running Room in Peterborough and they have free group runs for runners of all abilities and goal distances, right from learn to run programs to competitive marathoners and everything in between. Check it out......

    I got running almost accidentally (I wanted to get in better shape for old timers soccer) and discovered that I actually really enjoyed running.
  • sendtoharvey
    sendtoharvey Posts: 135 Member
    just go do you. I give props to anyone that's out running...period.
  • Nery_Tay
    Nery_Tay Posts: 81 Member
    There is a Facebook group that is called Slow Runners. I love the support on that group. I want you to RUN if you feel like you are interested. Life only get better if you attempt new things, gather a support system, find positive people, and find your interests
  • oilphins
    oilphins Posts: 240 Member
    I'm an avid runner and I see a lot of overweight people running all the time. That just shows your motivation and trying to do something about it. Good for you and good luck to you in your weight loss.
  • Runner1393
    Runner1393 Posts: 60 Member
    I started running at 249lbs! Who cares what anyone says or thinks. Losers make fun of people trying to better themselves!
    I’m 160lbs now, so enduring the initial embarrassment paid off. ;) you’ll be fine. Start slow, find your pace, listen to some good music, and just tune everything else out. Xoxox
  • kkjones25
    kkjones25 Posts: 4 Member
    Good for you! You totally got this. I don't know where you live, but Fall is a nice time of year to run because the weather is getting cooler. Stick with it and like others have said, find a group you feel comfortable with and lean on them for motivation.
  • megpie41
    megpie41 Posts: 164 Member
    edited October 2017
    I know it's easier said than done, but I say just go out there and get your run on. Who cares what others say. People can be cruel, but you are out there trying to better yourself...no one should be criticizing that. You could be a motivation for someone and not even know it...they might see you running and think, "I should get out there and run too. If he can do it so can I." Just put some music on and get in your zone and tune everyone else out. You have a goal...go out there and achieve it.

    I see this is an older post...I'm curious how the OP is doing? Did you start running?
  • woodybush
    woodybush Posts: 55 Member
    megpie41 wrote: »
    I know it's easier said than done, but I say just go out there and get your run on. Who cares what others say. People can be cruel, but you are out there trying to better yourself...no one should be criticizing that. You could be a motivation for someone and not even know it...they might see you running and think, "I should get out there and run too. If he can do it so can I." Just put some music on and get in your zone and tune everyone else out. You have a goal...go out there and achieve it.

    I see this is an older post...I'm curious how the OP is doing? Did you start running?

    Looks like they haven't been online since December 2016. We may never know....
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