How do I get over the fear of running in the real world in f

Take comfort that a lot of people feel the same way and they are out there doing it.

Give it a go. I was the same until very recently. I have always respected people out running, but was scared to be judged for being so un-fit. Recently, I went for it. I got a few smiles, and I felt good to be out there being one of the runners that impress me so much. I can't run for more than a minute, usually much less, but nobody cares.

You could start by going out super early (there may be fewer people out and about, and it's darker). Then build up your confidence to go out in broad daylight. Shouldn't take too long to get over that initial fear

I felt the same way when I started c25k. Fortunately it was January and by the time I was finished work and able to go out it was dark outside - I ran like a ninja...stealthy!

Even now when I'm out doing intervals or slow jogging to cool down it feels a bit funny when I see people looking at me. What are they thinking..."I could walk faster than that"..."she's not a very good runner"...

But I know what I'm doing and I don't give a *kitten* what they think. And I now run in daylight, so to them!

I've found that the reality is you're invisible when running, most people completely ignore you and those who may stare or make a snide comments are just manifesting their jealousy that you are making positive changes your life and they aren't. Don't be surprised if other runners give you a little wave or nod - you'll be joining a great club.

You wouldn't believe how self-conscious I was the first few times I ran in running tights (at 200 + pounds I'm not exactly svelte) and then it dawned on me......nobody (except my kids who still laugh at me) cares.

put your head phones in, blast the music and enjoy yourself!!!

This ^^^ and I think you will enjoy it more then running on a treadmill or in spot..
I know I do!!!! Good Luck Sweetie xoxo

I feel ya! I just started on MFP last week and started up an exercise routine. One of the things I wanted to do for awhile was add in some jogging to my walking. I was so embarrassed about running in public, I was going to ask friends/family if I could use their treadmills. But last week when I started, I thought, I am just going to go to the park and kick some @$$! I realized it doesn't matter how I look doing it, because I am doing it! No matter how slow you are, you are lapping everyone on the couch!! :-) Good luck!

put your head phones in, blast the music and enjoy yourself!!!

*****Warning, my personal opinion only******

Wearing headphones is fine when you're indoors on your treadmill and you don't need to use your hearing to alert you to oncoming traffic, wearing your mp3 player - especially with the volume cranked up - while running outdoors puts you at risk (and don't get me started about cyclists wearing theirs.....)

While I'm on my soapbox, wear high visibility clothing while running outdoors - fluorescent yellow/green makes a real fashion statement but could save your life. You want to be seen.

I am very impressed when I see overweight people jogging. Good for them! Inspires me even more!

II am much more self conscious on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym. Outside on the road, I am moving and so are other people, I feel I have more anonymity; in the gym, we're all just looking at each other. I am trying to get over myself, but I don't like to really get my sweat on in the gym, its so unlady like.

With that being said, I think it's awesome and I envy those women who are dripping with sweat, but for me, I feel weird sweating like that; I feel like I'm out of shape.

I dont mind running in public but sometimes I like to run around the perimeter of a park or a playing field. Nice and private

Try to find a semi-public area where you're unlikely to encounter anyone beyond the occasional person or two. I walk around the community where I live or around the group of building where my office is.

And yeah, keep the music on.

Either go early in the morning when it's too dark to be seen or people are too sleepy to realize what is going on or wear a hat but the best thing to do is just to get out there. Go out there one time and you'll see it's not as bad as you've built it up in your mind to be. You know why you're out there and that's an impressive reason so hang onto that idea and run, run, run!

I run on trails where there aren't as many people. Also if you could find a running buddy that may make you feel more secure. I run with my boyfriend and we're both pretty shy about being seen running slowly, but he's a great support and it's fun to jog and talk with someone.

Dude, I had to take a xanax my first time! Teasing... but that's what I felt like. I was SO terrified to go outside running and people looking at me. I also get extremely anxious if I go into a store by myself. I don't remember the date I actually sucked it up but I DO remember picking out a visor (Nike - blocked the sun AND my eyes so I didn't have to see anyone) I made a loud and upbeat playlist, I put on my shoes, and gave it a shot (took a few tries of putting my shoes on and actually stepping out the door). I am almost in SHOCK at how my anxiety has disappered when it comes to running! It was easy to build up a tolerance and then you notice other runners and they wave and smile as you pass. I now actually get a little nervous on a treadmill more than I do running outside.

Don't get me wrong, the first week or two I would get SO anxious but I just made sure to change as soon as I got home and walk outside. Once your out there, you start thinking, well, I'm already out here I might as well run. Now, I seriously LOVE going on runs! Good luck!