Dreamt I was running....

sagetracey
sagetracey Posts: 607 Member
edited October 4 in Fitness and Exercise
Last night I dreamt that I was running! This is a big deal cos I don't run but have been thinking recently that perhaps it was time to try. I've lost 100lb and can dance all night without my knees aching all the next day (still learning to deal with vertigo on the dance floor but that's another story!)

Only problem is that I am still really self-conscious about trying to run, especially where someone might see me. Walking is fine, I don't care who sees me walking, same with bike riding - even in lycra, but running....not so sure!

Any tips on taking that first running step?

Replies

  • wbgolden
    wbgolden Posts: 2,066 Member
    Tip #1: They're not watching you. You just think they are.
    Tip #2: If you're dreaming about it, your body is craving it. Get out there and do it.
  • NashvilleShelley
    NashvilleShelley Posts: 238
    Just try it! If you see people running do you think...wow! look at how funny they run, OR do you think..wow! I wish that was me? If you dream it, you can do it!!
  • ruthiepiercey
    ruthiepiercey Posts: 14
    it never hurts to give it a try...who knows what will happen :0)
  • SaintOnEarth
    SaintOnEarth Posts: 160
    If you are conscious about people seeing you run, I would say go early in the morning before daylight or late at night. I find it best to run first thing early in the morning.. I feel really energized for the rest of the day. Also, a big must is to start very slow and progress to running longer and faster. Do not over due it starting out or you will possibly hurt yourself, or lose motivation.
  • ajr050969
    ajr050969 Posts: 20 Member
    Anyone who would think to make fun of you is just jealous that they don't have the drive and motovation to try something new and you don't care what petty people think, right?! Go run and have fun!
  • Photoology
    Photoology Posts: 121 Member
    Try the c25k program (www.c25k.com)

    I promise you that no one is watching you run when you do go out, plus that program will ease you into running and will help you take it easy and steady. You have lost 100lbs and that is something to show off. I used to wonder if people looked at me funny while I run, but most actually wave and smile at me because they understand that we are in the same boat, no matter what level of running we are at.
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    I love those dreams where you're running and it's so effortless and exhilirating!

    maybe see if any of your friends have a treadmill? That way, the only one who might possibly see you is your friend :)
  • _Sally_
    _Sally_ Posts: 514 Member
    I would suggest trying one of the Couch to 5K or First Day to 5K run/walk audio programs and go for it! You will become more aware of other folks out there doing the same thing.

    You can try it out on the treadmill at the gym first, if that would help build up your confidence.

    Nothing at all to be self conscious about. If this is something you want to try, go for it! If anyone gives you any looks, just believe they are looking admiringly at you for actively working on improving your health and fitness and give them a big smile back! . :smile:

    Good luck!
  • _Sally_
    _Sally_ Posts: 514 Member
    If you are conscious about people seeing you run, I would say go early in the morning before daylight or late at night.

    Hmmmm.... for safety reasons, you will probably want to stick to daylight running in well populated areas.
  • TheCats_Meow
    TheCats_Meow Posts: 438 Member
    Only problem is that I am still really self-conscious about trying to run, especially where someone might see me. Walking is fine, I don't care who sees me walking, same with bike riding - even in lycra, but running....not so sure!

    I'm pretty (ok, a lot!) self conscious, too, but one day I realized that every time I saw someone running, I never thought "omg, she looks awful in that" or "ugh, look at all that belly jigglin' on that big girl" No! My thought process was "ugh, she's doing so much more than I am right now." or "dang, you go girl!"

    That helps me to remember even though you feel self conscious, it's highly unlikely someone's looking at you and judging.

    And if they are..........so what? ;-)

    Good luck!
  • smilebhappy
    smilebhappy Posts: 811 Member
    first off...congrats on your weight loss thus far!!!
    secondly....they aren't watching you; you are just thinking they are because you are unsure of running
    be proud of who you are & all you've accomplished so far....hold your head up high & smile :D
    give it a try obviously your sub-consicous wants to run :)
    I would suggest starting off with the C25K (google it)
    I have just started this program...if you want some support; friend me ;)
    good luck...you'll do great....just believe
  • AussieGem
    AussieGem Posts: 96 Member
    DO IT!!

    I have recently had a dream like that too. it was so short and it was me just running. I have never done that in my life! All I remember was the feeling of it being effortless and I felt a 'high' that I have never felt before. That morning I went for a long walk (and little run when there where no cars lol). I figured out that I am still a bit to big for my poor troubled knees at the moment, but once I loose a bit more, I am going to be a runner baby!

    Now with that out the way, you should give it a go. I agree with everyone on here that people would not be looking at you, or if they are, who cares, you probably wont ever see them again!!

    Don't be embarrassed, be proud.
  • AnnaPixie
    AnnaPixie Posts: 7,439 Member
    I have nothing but admiration for people I see running, no matter what size they are!

    GFI!! :flowerforyou:
  • bprague
    bprague Posts: 564 Member
    I was really hesitant to run outside (although I've been running inside for a while) because I felt really self conscious. Yesterday I bit the bullet and ran outside (at night) so it was low traffic and quiet. Best run of my life, hands down. I say run at night or early in the wee hours so you don't feel hurried, or judged.
  • helma123
    helma123 Posts: 79 Member
    Tip #1: They're not watching you. You just think they are.

    This is so true, but I understand how you feel. The first time I tried running, I did it early in the morning while it was still dark out. After the first time, I wasn't near as nervous. Go to a race sometime. There are people of all shapes, sizes & ages out there. Just have fun with it. I guarantee you will feel great about yourself if you try this!
  • sagetracey
    sagetracey Posts: 607 Member
    Wow, such wonderful support and encouragement! Thank you MFPers. I am going to go for it.
  • Jennieam
    Jennieam Posts: 300 Member
    Any tips on taking that first running step?

    Borrow a friend's dog. Then anybody looking in your direction will focus on the dog, and think how lucky the dog is to be taken for a run!
  • NotGoddess
    NotGoddess Posts: 1,198 Member
    There are some people who will point, stare, laugh or even call names. But they are the same people that would knock a little girl's ice cream to the ground and laugh while she cried. In other words, they aren't worth -your- attention.

    The majority of people out there who watch you are as the others said, cheering you on because they know what it's like, or wishing they had the motivation to do what you are doing. I've gotten any number of encouraging smiles and thumbs-up as I run/walk my way to better fitness. Don't be embarrassed, just get out there. You can do it.
  • Spearo
    Spearo Posts: 47
    I am a fit, fast runner. Let me say that whenever I see someone who is overweight or not a great runner out on the trails or at a race, I feel that they are the ones that deserve the most respect. I usually give a thumbs up if I am paying attention :^)


    "The miracle is not that I finished, but that I had the courage to start"- John Bingham.

    Get out there. Anyone that would actually judge you like that (rare) is not worth your energy.
  • AussieGem
    AussieGem Posts: 96 Member
    There are some people who will point, stare, laugh or even call names. But they are the same people that would knock a little girl's ice cream to the ground and laugh while she cried. In other words, they aren't worth -your- attention.

    ^^ This. Hit the nail on the head!!
  • joannaengel
    joannaengel Posts: 22
    Definitely give it a go! I run 6 days/week just after sun-up, and I find the people I come across then very friendly. Always giving a little "hello" or "good morning" or smile.

    No one will be judging you. I'll be the first to admit, I'd probably be watching you, but that's because I'm a people watcher, but I certainly wouldn't be judging you. I think anyone that gets out there and does it deserves respect and any other runner would give you that because we all know how you feel.
  • kimberly702
    kimberly702 Posts: 369 Member
    I dream about running also... to the point I feel like I'm in a Nike commercial or something! Haven't actually tried running, can only go for about 2 mins. at a time... but working on making that more!
  • sagetracey
    sagetracey Posts: 607 Member
    Well, it's taken me a while to get up the courage but this morning I did it! I did the first workout for the C25K and damn it felt good! I had a very light day yesterday, mainly due to the fact of a disappointing band at the ball my husband and I went to which meant that there was virtually zero dancing! But then I had a great night's sleep so when I went out for exercise this morning, I just decided to give it a go.

    Thanks to everyone on here for your encouragement. You really make a positive difference! :happy:
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