When I see overweight people running...

When I first started running I was the exact same way that 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 you. 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

like most here...when I see overweight people running, i am in awe! They are so determined to just do it and feel better so why can't I??? I see confidence growing in them. Anyone judging their form, speed or whatever has got to have some serious insecurity issues with themselves.

I'm about 30 lbs overweight and started training on Feb 4th for my first 5K I'm running this Sunday... I used to basically jog/walk an 18 min/mile and barely run 1 mile. I'm now able to run a full 5 miles averaging 13-14 min/mile. I'm still not as fast as others in my running group but they motivate and encourage me to keep going! Personally I feel empowered and strong when I'm road running...I just know that when drivers go by they are wishing they had what I had to be out there in the below 30 cold, wind, rain and snow!

I normally say "hell yeah, good for that person, I'm jealous" ! When I see anyone exercising I think WOW MOTIVATION!

I wish I could run too

The other day I saw the first overweight person running around here. Most have almost perfect bodies:

I thought "Hey I'm not the only one that isn't great at this yet!!" (because I'm also a fat person that runs but I don't really see myself)

I love it when I see overweight people running!! They are trying to improve and it makes me smile.
Anybody running is inspiring me to run faster and try harder... sometimes I chase them

I love what NC said about some people being stupid. It's sad but true. It's hard to be an overweight runner and people can suck--at least all the posts here are encouraging and positive and hopefully we can all make up for those few jerks that say mean things.

I'm still on the slow end of "runners" and whenever I see anyone running, faster or slower, I feel even more determined. With slower/larger runners, I make a point to smile and say hi or, if they're looking really tired, say something encouraging. I used to be right there in their boat when I started running and was afraid of letting people see me run.

I read a really awesome blog (The Boring Runner) written by a guy who went from not running to running Boston and he made an observation once that always stuck with me. He said that yes, it's hard to run 7:30 minute miles and to be speedy, but he said that he also admires slower runners because it's just tough to be on your feet for that long when you're running distances. The best thing about running is that it's what you make of it--the only one you have to beat is yourself.

So, when I see larger runners, I just think how awesome it is that they're doing something that for so long I'd said I was "too large" to do or was even "allergic" to. Keep up the hard work. Just think, you're lapping everyone on the couch!

When I see overweight people running, I always have the urge to roll down my window and yell,

"Good for you!!"---but I never do, of course, cause I wouldn't want to scare or confuse them. LOL!

Good for them. You start where you start and you do what you need to do to get in shape. There's no shame in that.

Five years ago I weighed in at 320+lbs. I had had it. I had 3 small children who needed to learn how to be healthy and I needed to teach them. So began my weight.loss journey. I started walking and gradually began to increase my pace. I started to jog at about 250lbs. At first I was very embarrassed. I felt like everyone was saying, "There goes the fat girl trying to lose weight again. She will fail." I had been over wt my whole life. Then I realized it was me saying those things and that thatinternal dialogue had to stop! 1 year and 6 weeks later I ran my first 5k and loved it. Oh by the way was at 150lbs by then. Over the last year I had some corrective surgeries and have gained some wt back, but now surgeries are done and working out again 5k that I first ran is in May and have ran in it for the last 4 yrs. I intend to get back into.shape and run again. Someone once told me the only difference between try and triumph is a little "umph". So go get on that trail and put a little umph into it. Tell yourself that you are a success! Get it girl!

If I see someone overweight running, I think a couple of things:

1. Good for them! That's awesome.
2. I know it's got to be harder for them than it is for me, so if they can do it, I can do it. When I see people working on goals bigger than mine, I find it inspirational. I should suck it up! If they can get out there and do it, so can I.

i'd think the same! i'd feel happy that they're on a healthier track and i would see them as an inspiration

Running isn't about size. I run pretty regularly and have been positively *SMOKED* by runners of ALL sizes and ALL ages during races. Some are even pushing strollers! Up a hill! On a dirt, bumpy road! And I'm just trying to move myself.

It's all about getting out there and doing it. I love supporting runners of any size, any age, any - well, anything!

I hear ya, in my first race I was smoked by some 80 yr olds. No problem, keep at it; I hope I can smoke some young ones when I'm 80:-)

Fortitude: courage in the face of adversity. being over weight and getting out there is fortitude. When I see an overweight person running I'm reminded of when I was the really skinny guy walking into the weight room for the first time and how I felt, and I imagine that it's probably harder for the overweight person than it was for me back then, and I draw inspiration from that fortitude, and for that I owe you thanks.

Now a related question: I sometimes smile at overweight people running, because I'm inspired, because I feel I owe thanks for that inspiration, and because I want them to feel good about themselves for getting out there. That said, I worry that despite my sincerity I come across as mocking or something negative, being the fit guy smiling briefly at the heavy person as we cross running paths. How does it make you feel when this happens? should I stop this practice?

That said, I worry that despite my sincerity I come across as mocking or something negative, being the fit guy smiling briefly at the heavy person as we cross running paths. How does it make you feel when this happens? should I stop this practice?

Combine it with a thumbs-up - that would do it for me!

I understand what you are saying. When I first started jogging, I felt a little awkward, but the fellow joggers/runners would say 'hi' or wave and that would make me feel better. The park I exercise in is close to my house and I get up early on weekends to walk/jog because there are not as many people. You have to remember that you are exercising for YOU and not let what others may or may not be thinking about you matter. I have come to realize that most people who are exercising are not even thinking about what you are doing and are very supportive. It took me a little while to get to that point, but it's a relief when you do. Hang in there!