Run, fat girl, run!
So, I started Couch to 5K last night. It was great, but in my neighborhood there is a lot of traffic. I was super annoyed that it seemed like every time it was time to run a car seemed to come around the corner and inevitably they all slowed down with their lights shining on me. I'm sure it's my own lack of self confidence, but seriously I felt like I was being gawked at. I wanted to put a sign on my back that said "What? Never seen a fat girl run?" Yikes. Someone has a chip on their shoulder (me).
Ever feel like that or am I just a crazy woman?
Ever feel like that or am I just a crazy woman?
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Replies
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Lot's of times! It's just your mind getting to you! Just think you are doing this for yourself not anyone else!0
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Running is a mental game, dont let it get to you. You are doing something that people just talk about but rarely have the guts to do. Be proud! Congrats on your first steps and keep running!0
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If I see a runner I slow down so as not to hit them.0
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I knew I was a crazy person. I'm sure it was like Elizabeth said that people were slowing down to give me room!0
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Running is a mental game, dont let it get to you. You are doing something that people just talk about but rarely have the guts to do. Be proud! Congrats on your first steps and keep running!
And you are exactly right! Every time I felt like I was being gawked at I thought to myself at least I'm out here doing it and in a few months these people are going to see me running and think to themselves, is that the girl that I used to see that was chunky? Wow.0 -
I don't like to be seen running either, still don't after doing this for months, but lucky for me we have green belt trails where I am a bit hidden. Or I run the streets early in the morning when most are still sleeping.0
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I slow down for the runners/walkers/bike riders as well. I think it's in your mind. I always think "I wish I could do that!" when I see them. I'm on Week 8 now so I can!! Keep going! Who cares what anyone thinks any way.0
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Yes, I know the feeling. I did my first 8K. Planned on walking it from the very start. I wanted to quit before the first mile. Thought to myself "what am I doing out here with these people?" Even at the end I felt devestated. I reached my goal and that was to make sure I walked less than a 20 min mile. This was my first event, no training, etc. Thought it was a pretty good goal. Seeing the finish line, knowing I pushed through was my only few minutes of happiness. I knew the battle I was battling. But my blog following shows I learned something from it! This is not about living up to societies stereotype of what they thing I should be. It is about getting out there and doing/being who I am and what I want to be.0
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I feel that way sometimes...but then I think about how I act when I see people running.
1. I slow down and go around them...trying to leave plenty of room.
2. I am impressed that they are out there...no matter what they look like.
3. I encourage them (silently)...it is great exercise and I am hoping they continue.
Don't think they are gawking....or thinking terrible things....more than likely, they are giving you some space and encouraging you!0 -
I run after work and feeding the puppies at night, so it's around 7pm when I run, already dark. Pretty safe neighborhood but I still carry a small taser, female running alone and all.... I'm glad there aren't a lot of people out, because I like the isolation. It gives me time to think. Doesn't really bother me if there are people out except if they get in my way0
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Way to go! Don't let those people ruin your run!!0
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every time I am running and thought someone was watching when I first started I pushed a little harder and ran a little faster to be Like Ya I am Doing it So What lol but that was just me0
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You are so not alone in this thinking!! I have tried C25K twice and failed both times because of my insecurities and because of my health issues. I was always going out late at night when I would be sure no one would be around in my neighborhood... I was too embarrassed to let anyone see this fat girl struggling to jog..0
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I did the C25k as well and when I forst started I felt thhe same way but it gave me motivation especially when I wanted to stop and walk. I would continue running because I didnt want people to think I couldnt run! LOL!0
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I did the C25k as well and when I forst started I felt thhe same way but it gave me motivation especially when I wanted to stop and walk. I would continue running because I didnt want people to think I couldnt run! LOL!0
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Most people are obsessed with themselves at the gym and in their car...and everywhere else for that matter. There are those rare few who are judging others. Usually those who judge are not participating (arm chair athletes) or are trying to put others down to elevate themselves. Neither are worth the time or effort.0
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Running is a mental game, dont let it get to you. You are doing something that people just talk about but rarely have the guts to do. Be proud! Congrats on your first steps and keep running!
And you are exactly right! Every time I felt like I was being gawked at I thought to myself at least I'm out here doing it and in a few months these people are going to see me running and think to themselves, is that the girl that I used to see that was chunky? Wow.
Yes this! I know exactly how you feel but it does get better and go away! Keep doing what you're doing!0 -
Thanks for all the encouragement guys! I'm definitely not stopping! I actually just did a 5K run/walk on Thanksgiving morning and while I didn't run too much I did a little, my time was pretty pathetic, but at least I was out there. I'm already signed up for two more so there is no stopping me now!0
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one of my girlfriends told me a story: When she use to work in an office (she now works from home), she'd drive the same route to work everyday. Everyday she'd see this big girl run, she felt like she should cheer her on, roll down the window and say "you go girl", she didn't. BUT everyday, she'd see her run and because of this girl's dedication to running, my friend also saw her slim down. So the fat girl running kept losing weight. My friend told me she was literally watching this girl melt.
Enjoy your runs, keep at it, and start melting0 -
You can do it. I actually had someone yell "run, fat girl, run" at me when I first started. I politely gave them a way (flipped them off in my head) and kept right on going. I've also had many words of encouragement yelled at me when I'm running and those feel awesome. Don't let other people ruin your motivation. I always remember that people who yell hurtful things at me must really have something wrong in their heads. I never understood yelling hurtful and mean things at complete strangers.0
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I agree with allot of ppl on here. I drive to town on a highway that has a very steep long hill. Throughout the summer,and even up until yesterday, I see a lady on it. At the beginning she was walking it. I looked over to my daughter and said "wow, you know she is working it! I would die if I tried doing this road". We see her out on that hwy all the time. Now she runs it, and you know what? Every time we see her I wish I had a big sign to hang out the window and tell her how fantastic she is :-). I can tell you, that is what most ppl are thinking. That you are taking control, and more power to you. You might even inspire others :-)
Great job girl
Jac0 -
So many people run, jog, or walk in my neighborhood it's so normal. We need "slow down for runners" signs instead of kids playing; LOL!! Don't let your mind trick you or sike you out! I'm so proud of you!0
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I live in a neighbor hood with lots of joggers, walkers, etc - I see them daily in all shapes and sizes - no one is gawking at anyone - I actually feel happy when I see someone trying to better themselves.
Jogging/running is mental I think. I do better when I tune everything out except the music and making it to the next street light (my route is filled with lights, I don't have to stop but cars do) - I keep saying one more light... one more light... I am wonderwoman, what would the bionic woman do???? Would she stop?? NO etc lol - and it works - I went 4 miles last night, haven't run over 5k in months. Keep thinking you are unstoppable!!!! And you CAN do it!0 -
I have that same chip on mine. I constantly feel like people are looking at me in my classes on the gym, judging me. It sucks to have insecurities, but at least you are out there. Eventually you will stop thinking about the other people as you get more comfortable with what you are doing and keep pushing yourself.
Great job, keep it up.0 -
I too have the same issues. Even at the gym I feel like people stare at me or think what am I doing there... yikes, I hate that feeling!0
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So, I started Couch to 5K last night. It was great, but in my neighborhood there is a lot of traffic. I was super annoyed that it seemed like every time it was time to run a car seemed to come around the corner and inevitably they all slowed down with their lights shining on me. I'm sure it's my own lack of self confidence, but seriously I felt like I was being gawked at. I wanted to put a sign on my back that said "What? Never seen a fat girl run?" Yikes. Someone has a chip on their shoulder (me).
Ever feel like that or am I just a crazy woman?
OMG get outta my head!!! I have been contemplating running and worried about how it would look for someone my size to run. I'm down 40 pounds from working out and I feel ready to do it but psyching myself out. Silly I know but it's my reality, so much so that I bought a treadmill to begin running on because I am self conscience. I will run and someday soon I'll be ready to run outside with the whole world to see me do it. :flowerforyou:
Slainte!0 -
Warning - tough love alert...
Listen, the sooner you stop worrying about what other people think, the sooner you'll begin to shed those extra pounds. They are only slowing down to avoid hitting you anyways. We all think that the world revolves around us, but it doesn't. Nobody really cares, but YOU should. Care enough to put THAT aside and focus on what's important.
note: easier said than done, but I can honestly say I don't give 2 sh!ts about what other people think of me. I know I'm a good person, and I know I am working hard, and I know that I deserve to be happy and healthy! You should too!!
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I am in the same place that you are, I hate working out in front of people and feel even worse when I see the other people that are running are already skinny people. I'm glad to know that i'm not the only one that feels like everyone is watching me when i'm exercising especially running!0
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I feel that way even if I am not running and I am just walking! To me they are saying " yeah thats right fat girl you need to be walking" .0
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