New runners who don't want to be seen

pa_jorg
pa_jorg Posts: 4,404 Member
edited November 12 in Chit-Chat
This thread reminded me that I have a great trick for new runners who don't want to be watched when starting out:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/517244-when-i-see-overweight-people-running


When I first started running I didn't want anyone to see me. This is going to sound very strange, but I figured out a great place to run without many people spotting me. RUN IN A CEMETERY! There is one down the street from my house and one day I tried running on the paths there. It's now one of my favorite places for a peaceful walk or run - every now and then you'll see someone else walking or visiting a grave - but for the most part, I'm the only living one in there :wink:
«1

Replies

  • ladybg81
    ladybg81 Posts: 1,553 Member
    I have a treadmill so the only people that see me run are my husband when he pops in the room, my dogs who obssess over me petting them while I run and any peeping toms I might have!
  • dbanks80
    dbanks80 Posts: 3,685 Member
    I have to say that is original :ohwell:
  • teapot35
    teapot35 Posts: 28
    what a great idea!!! LOVE it!
    :smile:
  • La_Amazona
    La_Amazona Posts: 4,855 Member
    :noway: I'd be too freaked out..

    I'm a new runner and mostly everybody passes me up. :laugh:

    But there's plenty of eye candy where I run (around a lake) and I find motivation seeing these runners with speed and awesome hot bodies all around.
  • ajkgeiger
    ajkgeiger Posts: 1
    Remember to be thankful that you have legs that you can run, even if it's slow and awkward! There are people in wheelchairs or without legs that would love to be out running so get outside and who cares who sees you! :happy:
  • mhotch
    mhotch Posts: 901 Member
    I was raised a block away from a beautiful cemetery. It was my playground, growing up. Sledding, and ice skating in the winter. In the spring it was absolutely beautiful with the new blossoms. I miss walking in the cemetery. As a new found runner, I would have loved to run through the paths.
  • Psychoanalytic
    Psychoanalytic Posts: 261
    That's brilliant! (And I'm an ex-deranged-goth-kid! Why didn't I think of that?!?!) We have a couple of huge cemeteries here too. I just started running again. Years ago I was great at running. Now? It's more like tubby-arm-flailing-fat-kid-trying-not-to-trip-over-thin-air! Haha
  • islandjumper
    islandjumper Posts: 369 Member
    When I first started I did these bike trails at the back of my uni...over summer break so barely anyone was back there. About a month in to running I moved and now I happily run around the neighborhood or in the park...I'm still very much a beginner and I"m on week 4 of c25k but I just don't care.
  • amayarnell
    amayarnell Posts: 60 Member
    I used to do this when living with my grandparents. They lived on a dead end street in the city so it was hard to have a good 20-30 minute run. They happened to live next to a cemetery (i know a little creepy) BUT running back there...it is quite nice. Quiet and not a lot of people. I did read an article in Runners World where I guess a guy used to run in a cemetery all the time, and one of the workers yelled at him for being rude/disrespectful. I don't see how it disrespectful..as long as you're not running over graves or something crazy like that!
  • fitaliciag
    fitaliciag Posts: 373
    wow, never thought of that. i would only go there for peace and quiet on a rough day. lol but never thought of running there!
  • Aleciajones
    Aleciajones Posts: 153
    Love the idea but the only cemetery in my town is a small church one right by the road
  • Heaven71
    Heaven71 Posts: 706 Member
    I have a treadmill so the only people that see me run are my husband when he pops in the room, my dogs who obssess over me petting them while I run and any peeping toms I might have!
    Me too!!!

    I do want to transfer to outside at some point but really don't care who sees me. I just fear the dangers lurking... ie. Dogs, animals, predators...
  • 2Grtkids
    2Grtkids Posts: 93
    This thread reminded me that I have a great trick for new runners who don't want to be watched when starting out:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/517244-when-i-see-overweight-people-running


    When I first started running I didn't want anyone to see me. This is going to sound very strange, but I figured out a great place to run without many people spotting me. RUN IN A CEMETERY! There is one down the street from my house and one day I tried running on the paths there. It's now one of my favorite places for a peaceful walk or run - every now and then you'll see someone else walking or visiting a grave - but for the most part, I'm the only living one in there :wink:

    I do 95% of my outdoor runs in the cemetary near my home. I mapped out a one mile loop, and away I went. Two years ago I ran a 1/2 marathon, and nearly all of my training was done here. It's a great idea, and completely peaceful.
  • AdrienneKaren
    AdrienneKaren Posts: 168 Member
    I would have never thought of that! There are small brick roads in the cemetary closest to me. My best friend is buried there, too. I could run and visit her at the same time!
  • Wickedmeowmer
    Wickedmeowmer Posts: 157
    I've actually found the running community, even those who are awesome competitive athletes are really encouraging of us 'plodders' and newbies. They are so crazy about their sport they love when other people start to get excited about it.

    I did a FREE couch to 5k program with a great running group in my community and even though they were all fit and pretty I'd never felt more encouraged by their stories. You'll be surprised if you have a chat with a runner ;) Now that I've been running/jogging a little while I also LOVE it when friends tell me they've taken it up and I get really bummed when they say they are 'scared' to run with me because they are 'too new'. Come on! I am not going to judge you and I'll even be happy to interval run with them.

    Dont be shy new runners, just be happy you're off the couch and on the road...

    *I do have ONE funny story about being new though. I was interval jogging with a small group of people in a busy local park where TONS of people go to run. I would like to point out it was about 95 degrees so we were particularly slow that day and every time we came upon this old man in his car smoking he'd scream 'YOURE ALL SLOW'. So, I guess some people are mean, but it was so ludicrous this man sitting on his butt SMOKING was dissing us that we all cracked up and I still laugh about it to this day.
  • CauseyMac
    CauseyMac Posts: 11 Member
    I hope I never see someone running in the cemetary where my son is buried. It won't be a nice encounter they'll have with me. Cemetaries are sacred places. As someone who's recently buried her only child, I would be beyond hurt...I'd be infuriated, by such misuse of the ground where my boy is buried. It's pretty petty and selfish to be more concerned about what people are thinking when they see you run in other places, than concerned about the feelings of those who grieve.
  • LittleMissNerdy
    LittleMissNerdy Posts: 792 Member
    I hope I never see someone running in the cemetary where my son is buried. It won't be a nice encounter they'll have with me. Cemetaries are sacred places. As someone who's recently buried her only child, I would be beyond hurt...I'd be infuriated, by such misuse of the ground where my boy is buried. It's pretty petty and selfish to be more concerned about what people are thinking when they see you run in other places, than concerned about the feelings of those who grieve.

    I don't see how it's bothering anyone. It's not like someone is running on the graves and being loud. Way back when, families would actually picnic at the graves of their loved ones. They were like parks almost, where you could go to reflect.
  • CauseyMac
    CauseyMac Posts: 11 Member
    I hope I never see someone running in the cemetary where my son is buried. It won't be a nice encounter they'll have with me. Cemetaries are sacred places. As someone who's recently buried her only child, I would be beyond hurt...I'd be infuriated, by such misuse of the ground where my boy is buried. It's pretty petty and selfish to be more concerned about what people are thinking when they see you run in other places, than concerned about the feelings of those who grieve.

    I don't see how it's bothering anyone. It's not like someone is running on the graves and being loud. Way back when, families would actually picnic at the graves of their loved ones. They were like parks almost, where you could go to reflect.

    Those are appropriate reasons to be in a cemetary and respectful of those buried there and their bereaved loved ones, but
    exercising in a cemetary because of your own...what? embarrassment? Please, please be more considerate.
  • carlie_carl
    carlie_carl Posts: 285
    I hope I never see someone running in the cemetary where my son is buried. It won't be a nice encounter they'll have with me. Cemetaries are sacred places. As someone who's recently buried her only child, I would be beyond hurt...I'd be infuriated, by such misuse of the ground where my boy is buried. It's pretty petty and selfish to be more concerned about what people are thinking when they see you run in other places, than concerned about the feelings of those who grieve.

    I do agree with this (and sorry to read of your loss) A cemetary is a place of rest, not a park, I think its a tad disrespectful to the place as a whole, especially as there is plenty of places to run, I think been shy or not wanting to be seen isnt a good enough reason to run through a cemetary, it is a sacred place to alot of people that shouldnt have runners on the premisis no matter how quiet they are, Im not saying its wrong but personally I think its abit immoral and selfish on those greiving (only my opinion though, Im not saying I am right or anything, thats just the way I feel about it)
  • CauseyMac
    CauseyMac Posts: 11 Member
    I hope I never see someone running in the cemetary where my son is buried. It won't be a nice encounter they'll have with me. Cemetaries are sacred places. As someone who's recently buried her only child, I would be beyond hurt...I'd be infuriated, by such misuse of the ground where my boy is buried. It's pretty petty and selfish to be more concerned about what people are thinking when they see you run in other places, than concerned about the feelings of those who grieve.

    I do agree with this (and sorry to read of your loss) A cemetary is a place of rest, not a park, I think its a tad disrespectful to the place as a whole, especially as there is plenty of places to run, I think been shy or not wanting to be seen isnt a good enough reason to run through a cemetary, it is a sacred place to alot of people that shouldnt have runners on the premisis no matter how quiet they are, Im not saying its wrong but personally I think its abit immoral and selfish on those greiving (only my opinion though, Im not saying I am right or anything, thats just the way I feel about it)

    Thanks, carlie_carl.
  • pa_jorg
    pa_jorg Posts: 4,404 Member
    I hope I never see someone running in the cemetary where my son is buried. It won't be a nice encounter they'll have with me. Cemetaries are sacred places. As someone who's recently buried her only child, I would be beyond hurt...I'd be infuriated, by such misuse of the ground where my boy is buried. It's pretty petty and selfish to be more concerned about what people are thinking when they see you run in other places, than concerned about the feelings of those who grieve.

    I am very sorry for your loss. I meant no disrespect to anyone by mentioning this. I still do not believe it is a problem though. I'm walking or running on the paths, not the grassy areas. And anytime I do spot someone visiting a grave, I always take a detour to give them space. Aside from burial, most cemeteries are meant to be open spaces and were originally used as parks as another poster mentioned. Taking a quiet, peaceful walk or run in such a space is not meant to insult or harm anyone.
  • KimmieBrie
    KimmieBrie Posts: 825 Member
    I hope I never see someone running in the cemetary where my son is buried. It won't be a nice encounter they'll have with me. Cemetaries are sacred places. As someone who's recently buried her only child, I would be beyond hurt...I'd be infuriated, by such misuse of the ground where my boy is buried. It's pretty petty and selfish to be more concerned about what people are thinking when they see you run in other places, than concerned about the feelings of those who grieve.

    My Dad is buried in a giant cemetary. I wouldn't take issue with anyone I saw running on those cemetary roads. I would never jump to judgment and if I do park on the main road and run in to visit Dad - I wouldn't like getting crap about it from some stranger in the same cemetary. My Dad would be happy I ran in there. I don't see it as disrespectful at all. No one is running on anyone's grave. They're roads... people drive on them because they don't even want to walk to a grave site. It's no different to me than running next to graves that happen to be located next to main drag.
  • mmsilvia
    mmsilvia Posts: 459 Member
    I sometimes find myself running in cemetaries too. I love how peaceful they are.

    It's also a great place to learn to ride a bike. I taught my niece how to ride her first 'big girl' bike in a cemetary.
  • gtwin
    gtwin Posts: 290 Member
    This is exactly why I run in the Cardio Cinema at Gold's.....it's completely dark and there's a movie on to distract you. Love it!
  • remembertheharddrive
    remembertheharddrive Posts: 133 Member
    Noting that Boston is in the background of the OPs photo, which I where I'm from also, I know exactly the kind of cemeteries around here that are appropriate to run in and visit for a relaxing walk. They hold festivals and other events at these places. They are historical and treated as such, visitors encouraged. Scattered with art, memorials to famous artists, writers, and other figures.

    http://www.foresthillscemetery.com/
    http://www.mountauburn.org/

    I assume that this is the sort of places with miles of winding, stunning roads, gardens and sculptures that provide a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere. I always have seen running as almost a form of meditation and these types of places, the peacefulness and beauty, being alone, the perfect place to run.
  • CauseyMac
    CauseyMac Posts: 11 Member
    [[/quote]

    I am very sorry for your loss. I meant no disrespect to anyone by mentioning this. I still do not believe it is a problem though. I'm walking or running on the paths, not the grassy areas. And anytime I do spot someone visiting a grave, I always take a detour to give them space. Aside from burial, most cemeteries are meant to be open spaces and were originally used as parks as another poster mentioned. Taking a quiet, peaceful walk or run in such a space is not meant to insult or harm anyone.
    [/quote]

    Thank you for your condolences. However, a cemetary is not a public park....not the one where my son is buried. It is inside a fence behind a church. I cannot think of another cemetary I have ever visited that is a park. They may exist, but they are outside the scope of my experience and I would never choose to intern my loved one in a public park.

    I am sharing my feelings as bereaved mother and, after all, aren't cemetaries, funerals, etc., all meant to comfort the bereaved ?
  • Heaven71
    Heaven71 Posts: 706 Member
    I hope I never see someone running in the cemetary where my son is buried. It won't be a nice encounter they'll have with me. Cemetaries are sacred places. As someone who's recently buried her only child, I would be beyond hurt...I'd be infuriated, by such misuse of the ground where my boy is buried. It's pretty petty and selfish to be more concerned about what people are thinking when they see you run in other places, than concerned about the feelings of those who grieve.

    Seriously? Terribly sorry for your loss but I fail to see how running on the trails in the cemetary is misuse. This PC attitude is sad really. Mind your own in the cemetary and do what you are there for. Why would you even bother to take notice of others there anyway?
  • HOSED49
    HOSED49 Posts: 642 Member
    Be infuriated if they run over his grave, be infuriated when kids vandalize the place or steal the flowers out there. Yes your sons buried there and that is tragic that he has left this world. However, lots of history can be learned from graveyards, the history of that town and the families buried there. I understand your still grieving, but someone running the paved path in no way affects anything related to him. Your anger part of your grieving process is coming out and your utilizing it on this board...I understand it, but the ultimate reality is he will not be disturbed and maybe it will keep kids from doing dumb stuff out there.
  • KimmieBrie
    KimmieBrie Posts: 825 Member
    Be infuriated if they run over his grave, be infuriated when kids vandalize the place or steal the flowers out there. Yes your sons buried there and that is tragic that he has left this world. However, lots of history can be learned from graveyards, the history of that town and the families buried there. I understand your still grieving, but someone running the paved path in no way affects anything related to him. Your anger part of your grieving process is coming out and your utilizing it on this board...I understand it, but the ultimate reality is he will not be disturbed and maybe it will keep kids from doing dumb stuff out there.

    Exactly. I am also in the Boston area as is the OP - My Dad's grave is in a huge city cemetary with miles of paved roads. He was overweight and unhealthy almost his entire adult life. I know he would be so happy if I ran around his cemetary. If I ever saw someone truly vandalizing anything there, you bet your bottom I would report them. And again, If I ran there to visit my Dad - I have every right to be there and get there by whatever means I choose and if that's running, who is anyone else to say I can't? My running in there is doing no more damage than the person who drives in.
  • CauseyMac
    CauseyMac Posts: 11 Member
    I am expressing my feelings. Thank you for noting my anger. How observant. I can't recall ever being called PC. What does political correctness have to do with anything we are discussing here? Wow. Great group. Fabulous support for freedom of speech and free expression of thought. Wow. Perhaps the X rests firmly on my back, today.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories