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

Just go for it. You're doing this for you.. not for their opinions of you.

And how do you know what anyone's thinking anyway? For every one person who might have a negative thought, there are probably a ton more that will think.."Good for her.. you go girl!"

So go out there and feel proud that you may be an inspiration to someone else who's just as scared as you are!

YOU GO GIRL!

1. Find a friend to join you in your runs. I find that running with people also helps to pace yourself (good ol' "Talk Test")

2. Ignore those that judge and make snide comments - they are just jealous they can't do it. Real runners don't judge, we have respect to anyone that gets out there and just does it.

****Personal opinion ahead****

I would strongly recommend AGAINST wearing headphones when running. It is fine if you are on a treadmill as you do not have to worry about hazards all around you. From a personal experience, I stopped wearing headphones after nearly getting into an accident as I was running across an intersection and did not see the car behind me making a turn. Other runners/cyclists can also be a hazard when outdoors.

****End personal opinion*****

If you are running on roads at night, might pay to have some reflective gear on or light clothing.

I run outside about 4 days per week. When I see other people out running, no matter who they are, we always give each other a smile or a thumbs up. Most runners are really supportive of other people

^^This

I was nervous at first about running outside because I didn't want people to see me stop/start--so I got up to a 10 minute interval on the treadmill and then took it outside--chances are no one will see (or if they do, they won't care) if you walk.

I like passing other runners, regardless of speed, it's like being part of a little "check us out, we're running!" club.

Also, I like to look okay when I run. It's vain, I know, but, in my opinion, if I look better, I feel better and workout better. I'm not saying makeup or that nonsense, but once I figured out that I was going to be a runner long term, I started (slowly) investing in nicer running clothes so I didn't look so sloppy (and didn't chafe!).

My recommendation? Just get out there and try it--Conquering the fear and getting out there is the hardest part! Once I started running outside, it became even more torturous to have to run inside on the treadmill. I love seeing how far I went on a map (mapmyrun.com) vs. staying inside on a stationary treadmill and the scenery is relaxing and full of vitamin d! Good luck!

Honestly, I think people are thinking about you a lot less than you think they are. (LOL!) Do you judge every person you see running? I know I don't. When I'm running out there with other people around I'm too busy focusing on my breathing, my pace and what not. Sure I notice them but not enough to think "That chick looks like a total spaz!" In fact, when I see someone who's overweight and running slow I'm more likely giving them silent kudos for being out there and trying to improve their health than judging their form or speed.

I just do it when it is dark!

When I see people outside running I am thinking "Cool, another runner to say good morning to" Running in the morning is best because everyone is happy. How can your day be bad if everyone is saying good morning to you?

True fact.

Run while the snarky teenagers are in school.

That's what I tought the othe day, when I ran into an entire gym class out running the same trail as me! At least I was in a little better a shape than 2 or 3 of them

I was self conscious too at first. Bu I find the runners don't care, and I don't care about non-runners - at least I am doing something!
One word of advice though: don't run past dogs many of them just can't help but try and chase you.

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

Indeed. I don't speak for all runners, but if most runners were to be judgmental about someone, they'd go off on the folks at home on the couch watching TV, not someone who laces up their shoes and gets their butt out the door to try to accomplish something. The fast runners will whiz by and don't care about you. The middle of the pack gang will enjoy passing someone (and a surprising number will say hello on their way by). The slow ones are in the same boat as the rest of us. Don't sweat it.

It happens-- some jerk may say something mean. Be ready if it happens, but don't let it dissuade you. Those events are, thankfully, rare. Mostly you'll be invisible, but the way you'll learn to look at yourself will make it all worthwhile.

I promised myself today that I would not spend more time getting dressed for walking/running than I did actually going out and doing it. Remember everyone out there is concerned with themselves, and if they have time to look at and focus on what you are wearing or doing then they are not working hard enough on their own thing.

Ever watch Friends? Run like Phoebe! It's freeing.

I feel the same way. Lol. When I actually get good at running it will be better. I just feel really self conscious now. All these people out there running who are in really good shape and can run miles and miles and then there's me, running for 60 seconds at a time makes me want to pass out. Lol. Oh well. At least I'm doing it.

Thank you for this thread! I ran outside for the first time this past weekend and I was totally self conscious myself, but once I got going and found my groove I forgot about the rest of the world. Ended up running just about 3 miles with only walking for 1 minute half way through. I did have to wear a baseball cap. It made me feel like no one would recognize me. Now I need to find some nice outdoor running gear, this will be part of my life now