ashamed to run

You know what, if you are motivated to do it, just go for it! So many people struggle to find motivation and seeing how you are motivated to get out in this weather makes me smile! It wouldn't hurt to verify with your doctor that it is safe for you to run, but utlitmately you'd probably be just fine. There's a great program and phone app called Couch to 5k that is great for getting started again.

Last year I spent a lot of time running in my local park on the trails. Though you still see people, it's not quite as daunting as road running when you are not feeling confident in how you look! One of the BEST motivators though is to sign up for a race! You can add me as a friend if you'd like!

well, the people that you say are light didn't start like that. If you're ashamed you have to lose your fear. If you're scared of getting winded then do fast walks instead (they're the same as a slow-med paced jog). If you don't wanna be seen I suggest you do it at night around your neighborhood (unless you live in the hood lol).

Who cares what people think, its not like you'll see them ever again in your life. Start off with walking at a very brisk pace. Maybe you'll get warmed up to the idea also warm your body up for jogging.

I started running (more like jogging) when I weighed about 250 lbs. I don't do it anymore (I didn't wind up liking it) but I was able to do it without any serious problems. I did hurt my leg once but that was more poor form. You might get a lot of side stitches and terribly out of breath every time you up time or speed or whatever, but as long as you gradually work up to it you should be okay. I used couch to 5k, like many other people here

My boyfriend and I were taking a walk around the lakes by our house yesterday because it was nice outside. Since we were walking slow on the trails, we stepped off onto the grass anytime we heard a bicycle or runner gaining on us. One of these runners happened to be a woman, who was short, about 5'2" and easily close to 300 pounds, and she was hauling! No need to be ashamed, because quite frankly, that's more inspiring to me than seeing someone who is fit running like that! She truly motivated me and she was not ashamed at all. It was most impressive, so I say go on and work it!

Fashion-- truly, getting over feeling embarrassed was/is my biggest problem. However, I have been able to conquer it. I run in the mornings, around 7:30-8:00 am-- truly, a very busy time on our roads around here with probably everybody I know taking their kids to school driving right past me. That doesn't bother me at all.

What DOES make me a little more self-conscious is running in the after school hours, when kids are out playing in their front yards, et cetera-- I feel very high school myself worrying about what "mean kids" will think or say. But, it is what it is. I have no problem running in the evening, or in the morning-- but afternoons when kids might be out? I just don't.

Having said that-- while there are a-holes out there that will snicker to themselves, the majority of people look at us and think, as I do when I see others, "Good for them." I saw one lady running the other night after dark. She was bigger, and I felt so sorry for her that she felt she needed to run under the cloak of darkness....yet, I totally understood.

Run when it's convenient for you, and try not to worry about what anyone thinks. You're doing something so incredible for your body that people of character will cheer you on.

Bah!

Get those thoughts out of your head! Who cares what folks think or say?
Besides, more times than not, those that are pointing the finger are far from perfect themselves.

You should be commended for doing things to get healthy!

Just worry about you, and not others. You have to start somewhere and keep on your path
and you WILL reach that goal!

Gratz on the positive changes thus far!

I say go for it... Never be ashamed to exercise. Nobody will be paying attention anyways.

I deal with the same issues. I usually stick to the elliptical machine at the gym to get my calorie burn.

when I do try to jog it is either 5 am or midnight. I sneak into some soccer fields and run 30-40 yard strides on the grass because it is easier on my joints.

Hi all, I have been actually eating like a normal human being for the last 3 weeks! I am very proud because it hasnt happened to me in a very very long time. Now that I feel I have fallen into a comfort zone and can sustain this lifestyle until I lose weight, I think it's time for excercise. SO I used to love to jog....now the weather is so gorgeous and I want to run outside. But I am huge and am so embarrassed to run in the street. everyone I see running is so tiny and looks great. If I saw a 250lb woman coming at me while driving, I'd be scared! SO I want to run...but am ashamed....anyone else have this problem? I would love some support. Also is it safe to jog at that weight? ( I would probably start dying after 1 minute of a very light jog) but is even that safe? I'd love any ideas on how to get started?

I feel your pain, but you have to get over your "stinkin thinkin." I'm 290 (started here at 327), and have recently started walking/jogging. I sometimes get the same kind of insecurity about it, but then again, when I see a heavy person jogging, I am also inspired. So realize you're more of an inspiration than you know! And be proud of that.

Also, I've just started using the Couch to 5K app on my phone (C25K).. and I absolutely love it. You're not thinking about anyone but the voice telling you when to run, when to walk, and finally when to rest!!! It's awesome.

Finally, lately when I jog, I'll smile at the person coming my way, and they give me a genuine "atta girl" smile right back. It really makes you proud of yourself. Try it... if they don't smile back, just stick out your leg and trip em!