Embarrassed about people seeing me run

I've decided that I'd like to start running so I looked into C25K and I'm really excited! Unfortunately I still feel really large and I live on a busy street where a college is also located (so it can get really busy). I'm really embarrassed about people seeing me jog since st first I'm sure I'll be super tired, etc... I don't want to feel this way.

How can I get over this? I was going to get up at 6am tomorrow and just go, but I'd really prefer to go on a happy note.

Part of the progress. Like anything that you take on that's new, you get better with repetition. You can't get anywhere without getting your feet wet. Get wet.



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Start running when it's still a little dark but not too dangerous.

Get lost in music-becoming the bull by atreyu is not about grabbing the bull by the horns but being the bull! Godsmack's Alive really loud makes you run fast & strong!

I know how you feel! I still have 40 lbs to lose, and DDD boobs, so I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb when I run. I started the couch to 5K two weeks ago, and it was hard at first, but I figure that you have to start somewhere to get somewhere. I My running is getting better every day, and I can't wait until I can go for a 3 mile run!

Are there any other areas where you can run? We have a group that I run with here fairly often that is mostly new and/or self-conscious runners (mostly female, but a few of us guys) and we stick with trails so we are relatively private. We all stay with the slowest runner, no questions asked. It's great if you can find a supportive group.

Whatever you do, don't let the busy neighborhood stop you, and don't let any stupid things that people say or do get you down. Running in the early AM or at night might help, or finding an alternate (but nearby) location. If you run at night, buy a reflective vest and a headlamp . . . both can be had for under $10 if you shop around.

I started with the C25K about 4 years ago. I wasn't even able to do it. I had to do each week at least twice, a few times I had to go back a week, but I finally got there. One piece of advice . . . don't worry, at all, about how fast you go. I injured myself several times trying to run at a 10 minute mile pace because that's what I "thought" I was supposed to do. It wasn't until I figured out to run at my own pace that I was able to move through it injury-free.

Today I run 40-50 miles a week, at well under a 10 minute mile pace, so something must have worked.

While I disagree with Nike on many fronts, they got it right with "Just Do It" :-)

Hi ilovepeppers,

I used to train with a running group some years ago. There are pretty much two things people say when they see someone 'new' to running who is carrying too much weight:

either (a) "good on them - another runner in the making..."; or
(b) absolutely nothing, because they are so busy trying to get through their own run!!

Cheers,
cgradecyclist

Everyone you will see is either a) also running and too busy worrying about their own jiggle to notice yours, or b) not running and feeling like an *kitten* because they wish they were.

Go you!

Even the fittest of people had to start somewhere.

I'm going to tell you the truth - I have had problems with this. I don't really seem to enjoy running but I used to cycle a lot and will be getting back into it as soon as my ankles heal.

I used to cycle 13k or so per day 5 days per week, and then I stopped because some people cat-called when I was out there and I felt awful. It was on a day when I was struggling because I'd had to stop for a few weeks due to illness and it was my first time back, so I just... Stopped. Ugh!

I've thought it all through carefully since and decided they can kiss my shiny behind. I've actually exercised in public since - I started C25K myself, and worked at it for a few weeks, but I really don't like running and as such I didn't do that for very long. However, you can go out early in the morning when most people aren't around. My youngest is in nursery now so I can go out during times when most people are at work or school (I work from home).

Just go for it. You'll soon realise that many people don't even think about seeing you running other than maybe thinking "it's a runner". Of those that do think about it I think most are secretly impressed when they see anyone running, regardless of their size. Some will be thinking "I wish I could do that", others will be thinking "I should really do some exercise". Most will only have positive thoughts about seeing you running if they even notice. My immediate thought when I see someone large running is "WTG!!!" In fact I am far more impressed to see a larger person (like myself, lol) running because it shows so much dedication to be fit and achieve their goals. If anyone does have any negative thoughts about it then they seriously need to get a life. Be proud of yourself and enjoy the process. Don't worry about what others may or may not be thinking. Good luck with the C25k :flowerforyou: