Embarrassed about people seeing me run

2

Replies

  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    There's a rule of thumb that people only pay attention to people like themselves. You may feel self-concious, but as a runner you'll mostly be ignored by everyone else. The exceptions are other runners who'll nod and say hello, dog walkers who are the only other people out and about in dodgy weather and old people who generally say, "I wish I could do what you're doing!"

    As far as size goes, I started running when I was obese, and most people will think "Good for you" rather than anything bad.
  • beckymustloseweight
    beckymustloseweight Posts: 17
    I just think like this;
    1. I'm probably never going to see those people again and even if I do, *I* was working out and working for a healthy life..were they?
    2. I'm working out, so what if they call me fat, out loud or in their mind, IM working out, IM going to lose weight IM going to be healthy, and they are not going to stop me working out and reaching my goals.
  • mrbatista
    mrbatista Posts: 2
    I felt the same way when I started an exercise program at age 61 ... when I feel embarrassed because I can't keep up, I just go into my zone, the one that tells me that I can do it, and that my ultimate goal is to feel better ... helps to block out anyone who is staring because in the long run, they have all been there and done that! Live, laugh and enjoy your progress ... you'll be laughing all the way to better health.

    Add me as a friend if you would like to share the ups and downs!
  • ItsMeRebekah
    ItsMeRebekah Posts: 909 Member
    wear sunglasses and just remember, after a few months the same people will be honking their horns at you WHOHO! =)
  • beautybloom
    beautybloom Posts: 45
    ME TOO! my hubby thinks it's a crazy fear, he suggests you blare EYE OF A TIGER and eff the world lol :laugh:
  • karleen
    karleen Posts: 260
    hey, if you're running and theyre walking who cares if you are panting a little bit? youre lapping everybody sitting on the couch thats for sure.
  • PacificGirl
    PacificGirl Posts: 30
    You're the one running and getting healthier, they're driving and being lazy. I say, good for you! Who cares what other people think? :)
  • missjelika
    missjelika Posts: 115 Member
    have you ever seen someone run and think. "HA!HA!HA! Looser". No you always think i wish that was me getting out there.

    I took up running and it is the best thing iI have done for myself. I would suggest you get the NIke+ because it motivates you to go out there and increase your milage. and you can set goals and participate it running challenges.
    I am so obsessed with getting on the next level with my Nike that i get out there and run. there are also running groups here on MFP and i would suggest you join one
  • therapyruns
    therapyruns Posts: 164 Member
    EVERYONE! please, the fact that you are out running is more than most people do, ever. Think of all the people walking, in their cars, etc.. Yes, they are watching you, but don't think for a minute they don't wish they could be out running or exercising too - but they are most likely lazy, have no motivation or also feel embarassed, so you have nothing to worry about :)
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    Whenever I see anyone exercising, my only though is, "Good for her/him!"

    Just do it!
  • desutton3
    desutton3 Posts: 19
    I had to realize that people are going to stare - now because I'm looking large, but later because I'll be looking hot!
  • Luandanielle1979
    Luandanielle1979 Posts: 747 Member
    I started going out doing C25K in the evenings when it got a little darker I felt better about it and stuck to the lit roads so I felt safe. You go for it girl you will feel great about it in no time and once you start to improve on your running you will feel like nothing can stop you.

    Do it x
  • galegetsthin
    galegetsthin Posts: 1,340 Member
    I was the same way. Only I was around 300lbs at the time. I got laughs, I got names. (also in a college town.) I figured that I wasnt doing it for them and not to make my happiness and health depend on others. It is my body, and I may have looked funny doing it, but I was doing it. And that is all that mattered. Now, at 200 lbs, I don't care. I do what I gotta do, and most of the students that I have run into, are proud of me for all I have done. I have even had a few join me on a regular basis. There are still a few jerks, but I think they would be jerks no matter what I weighed. They dont matter, I matter.
  • ronda_gettinghealthy
    ronda_gettinghealthy Posts: 777 Member
    just do it...when I started there were people WALKING faster than I could run and I sounded like an elephant giving birth with all my grunting and wheezing and huffing....you know what.....???? NO ONE even cared....just do it...you will be glad you did...
  • repoman150
    repoman150 Posts: 42 Member
    Dont worry about what people think....I too used the c25k program, and am now on to the bridge to 10k You will be amazed on how combining that running program along with mfp will help you drop the weight. Remember, you are doing this for YOU!!! Because you have to and most importantly WANT to!!! So what other people think is a non-factor!!
  • TourThePast
    TourThePast Posts: 1,753 Member
    Stop looking for excuses. Suck it up and get on with it.

    Do you really think that people care about seeing someone running, who isn't already in great shape? If they think anything at all, they're thinking "ugh, I'm so unfit, I should be doing that"

    This time next year, you could well be the one who is answering threads like this by saying "Just do it anyway" - but that's only going to happen if you ignore the embarrassment and do it anyway.

    Your body. Your decision.
  • missietbee
    missietbee Posts: 12 Member
    if I see someone running it's motivation to me and makes me feel lazy (because I'm not) - people should be proud to see you run because you are trying to better yourself, so if they are judging I think that it would be in a positive way :D
  • JoleneCooper
    JoleneCooper Posts: 74 Member
    I felt the same way in this zumba class im in, a lot of good looking girls who are in shape...but they messed up just as much as I did so I thought that it was good I was at least in the class and trying to do something for myself. So ask yourself this...Do you laugh at people or judge them when you see them running? -Or do you think "good for them"? I bet its the latter. Most people dont judge, they envy! You can do it because you WANT to, don't over think it. Go for it!!
  • nukehiker
    nukehiker Posts: 457
    i'm new to running also, my thought is your probably doing more exercise then the people watching you. so just put one foot in front of the other. just do your thing and don't worry about what others may think.
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    I think you're thinking about this more than any potential hecklers. Don't let that happen. By thinking this way you're letting them affect YOUR behavior and YOUR goals. You get over on negative people by actually doing what you want to do and being successful.

    If anyone does say anything stick out your tongue and say: "Bet you can't catch me!" and then RUN!
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Most of us feel this way when we first start running but think of it this way - you're still running laps around those driving by in their cars or sitting on the couch!

    Read a quote by 1984 Olympic gold medalist (for Women's Marathon) Joan Benoit Samuelson last summer that I found helpful:
    "When I first started running, I was so embarrassed, I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers."

    I figure if an accomplished runner like Joanie (as she's known by us local Mainers) could get past it and do so well, a lowly sprinter with goals of at least doing a 5k like myself should be able to!

    Best of luck! You can do it!
  • missjelika
    missjelika Posts: 115 Member
    jerkface. proud of you.
  • Stepmom1
    Stepmom1 Posts: 155 Member
    From other people's perspective, they may feel proud of you for running and wanting to get in shape. I cheer people on when they jog with a nod or smile when they pass me by, rergadless of how fit they are. I feel proud of them, especially those who are not at a high fit level yet, for making the effort to get out there and jog it out!!

    Kudos to you!!
  • MHunte
    MHunte Posts: 149
    Don't worry about people, just go out there and power walk until you get used to it then build up to a jog. you are doing it for you! plug in some headphones and blast away to your favorite music... you will be in your own zone in no time!!
  • coderchris
    coderchris Posts: 79 Member
    I also wonder what I looking like running but I just do it. I think it is so inspiring to see anyone running. Just remember you may never know who will inspire.
  • nhlaurieham
    nhlaurieham Posts: 3
    I feel INSPIRED when I see a heavier runner. You may feel funny, but if your example encourages just one person like me, then you have accomplished so much more than you think.......Run for people like me. We need you out there.
  • jenlee_74
    jenlee_74 Posts: 29
    When I see folks that are maybe just starting out running or biking...I always think Kick-*kitten*! Good for you for getting started!
  • MissJackie88
    MissJackie88 Posts: 27
    I'm fortunate to live in a nice area where the wide sidewalks stretch for miles in all directions so there are a lot of people at almost any time exercising. I actually like it because when I see other people doing it, it just motivates me more and puts me in a good mood for some reason. Right now when I do go out it's just power walking with my ipod blasting but by the end of Jan I want to try to start jogging. I'm a little self conscious too since the roads stay pretty busy but I told myself if I just don't do it, no one can for me.
  • marthafox1
    marthafox1 Posts: 191 Member
    Oh I shouldn't worry about what the rest of the world thinks - YOU will be out there - YOU will be jogging - YOU will be keeping fit - YOU will be awesome. Most people will see you giving it your all and think good on you and you could motivate others to get out there and give it a go as well.

    Personally, I know what you mean and when I did the C25K I found the walking bits a little embarassing but turned the walky bits into power walks and swung my arms, smiled and listend to my favourite tunes on my MP3 - and very soon didn't give a flying foxtail what people thought of me.

    Since then, I have added all sorts of bizarre and ridiculous things to my training outside and make a complete tit of myself sometimes - but I JUST DON'T CARE and neither should you. The people who judge are ridiculous - because you are the one out there getting fit and they are sitting on their backsides.....judging (and since when did judging people create the body beautiful?).

    Just go for it - you will be surprised at how quickly the feelings of fear and/or embarassment are taken over by feelings of accomplishment, euphoria and being pleased as punch with yourself.
  • rosebarnalice
    rosebarnalice Posts: 3,488 Member
    I work out the university gym where I teach-- plenty of buff college students there, believe me!

    I look terrible when I work out-- I'm 25 lbs overweight; 50 years old; I dress like a Goodwill reject; I sweat like a racehorse; my head, arms and legs turn beet red; my boobs, butt, tummy roll, and bat wings flop and jiggle like day-old Jello; and I sometimes huff and puff and make weird noises (and occasionally unconsciously sing out loud to whatever is on my MP3 player. . . ).

    So how do I feel about the buff college students who see me at the gym? I DON'T!!! That is, I don't FEEL anything about it because I just don't think about it.

    If one of them has a problem with me, then as far as I'm concerned, it's his/her problem--not mine. I'm there to get my sweat on because it's good for ME. . . not to be somebody's gym crush or fantasy or somebody else's diet inspiration or role model or WHATEVER.

    I say, if you wanna run, put on your good shoes and your headphones, watch out for traffic, and don't worry about what others think about you!
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