ashamed to run

I started out taking residential routes to ease into being seen jogging along with all my fluff. Now, I own the street when I'm out. And my favorite thing? Out-pacing or out-running someone who *looks* smaller and more fit than I do.
Just 'cause you're tiny doesn't mean you're in shape! Besides, bigger people out running is inspiring and impressive to me.... if some people are a**holes, brush it off.....Who cares anyway? They won't be a**holes when you're one hot mamma!

I know the feeling. It was hard for me to start, at about 250, but I did it, and it felt a little better each time. I started out running at 5 am in the dark, and now I keep doing it because I love it. You can do whatever you want, it's public space! Good luck!

I feel exactly the same way and don't run for that reason (plus it hurts my knees to run when I weigh so much) but if it is really something you want and love to do then who cares what other people think. You need to do what you want to make yourself happy. Just crank the headphones and block them out! (and before you know it...YOU will be one of those skinny runners that you see passing by the window!) Chin up girl! YOU are a STAR!!!

I have been ashamed to run too!! After i while I said f@#%$ it and did what I wanted but it was hard. Here's what I've learned:

#1 I only wear the 'running' clothes when it is summer. They're skin tight and it's just killer on my psyche. I just run in a sports bra and a t-shirt. Helps me mentally knowing it's a bit less revealing.

I also have a problem where shorts 'ride up' in the crotch when running. I bought some super breathable cotton yoga capris- they're sooo nice to run in and I don't have to 'adjust' when running in them (which was SOOO embarrassing!). They're also really soft and I wanna get more because I just find myself lounging in them.

#2 I love to run on trails. Much more private. I do live with the Rockies right there so I understand if this might not be an option for you. I'd advise it if you can; trees keep line of sight down and lets me get in my groove.

#3 I understand when people stare at me it's just human nature. I stare at people doing stuff while pumping gas; it's just something peeps do. I never take it all that serious, and if it gets to me I wave. They usually wave back and I realize they're not really judging me just watching the most interesting 'tv' in front of them.

#4 One thing I never used to do is run with someone else. WAY to mortifying. I had to be married to my hubby for almost 3 years before I would run with him. I thought "OMG I just run so damn slow it will be SOOO embarrassing." Last week I started running when we were hiking, I went in front and set the pace. It was uber rewarding. Now I am so much less self conscious about running.

I hope this helps- getting the clothing right was the #1 thing for me running in public with confidence!

you should get out there! i bet you'd be surprised at how inspirational other runners (of all sizes), who aren't too exhausted themselves to notice you, will find you to be! plus, it feels great to run in the spring!

Hi There - I understand and I know that feeling of not wanting to have people look at you. I'll give you the advice I usually give myself- in reality, most people are only going to give you a quick glance and then move on with their day. Also, you most likely look SO much better than you are giving yourself credit for- women and girls are incredibly hard on themselves (count me in) and that makes it harder still.
I know that's probably not going to "fix" your challenge but this is the mantra i repeat to myself when I feel the way you do. I was running outside this morning feeling some of those very feelings you are describing. Then i tried to focus on the beautiful sunrise and listen to the birds singing up a storm. i also realized once again how lucky I am to have a strong and healthy body and while it's not perfect, it's good enough. I'd encourage you to go out there and run- you'll be glad you did! Hang in there:)

i get a bit self conscious because my face will go beet red when i run a bit harder than leisurely. but then i don't care, because people can tell i am putting in an effort
so far, i've had only good experiences with the people i've encountered, well, except for two teen runners mockingly imitating my 'technique' - turns out, they were right and i was actually doing something (minor) wrong. i wouldn't have bothered to look at proper technique if it hadn't been for them, so hey, in the end something positive came of it...

generally, runners will only support you, and with anyone who isn't running (nearly all of them are supportive too btw) i always think "ha! at least i'm doing something!" - self righteousness can take you quite a distance

Good job on your work so far! You should definitely be proud of yourself. Even though I'm at a very normal body weight, I still am self-conscious about exercising in public. I've run two marathons (when I was at a lower weight) and even after the first one, I couldn't bring myself to say I was "a runner." I just didn't feel legit -- like I belonged to the group of people who were "runners." There are a couple things to take away from that: 1) you're totally not alone in feeling self-conscious, and 2) the issue really is a mental hurdle, more than a physical one. Just remember that some of the runners you see in your neighborhood probably feel the same way about themselves.

But I think the most important thing to remember is that there are always going to be stupid people who judge you, and who cares about them? I know it's easy to SAY, and harder to DO, because I have always been very insecure about how people think of me, and HAVE to feel like everyone likes me. (I'm finally getting over this, with help from a counselor. Yay!) But I have a kind of funny story that helps keep me in check:

One day when I was marathon training, I had to do a 16 mile run. At around mile 13, I was running on a pedestrian street (State Street in Madison, WI -- I love it!). I am not a fast runner, and my long runs were even slower, so needless to say, I was not moving very fast at that point. Suddenly, I heard a voice yell (in a snarky tone), "You better move a little faster, or you're never gonna make it there!" I looked over, and it was a morbidly obese guy -- like 8 inches of bare belly hanging out from under his t-shirt -- DRINKING A MILKSHAKE. I was stunned for a second, and then I couldn't help but laugh, and think, "F**k that guy!"

There are always going to be haters. Forget them. For all the stupid judgmental people, there are 20 who will see you and think, "Wow, good for her. Maybe I should try running."

This is an awesome thread! Thanks so much for posting your fear, and to everyone who is encouraging. It is my fear too! Shame is an ugly thing that we are taught. Time to break through! I just only found out about C25k from a fellow MFP Pal today! I will check it out. Good skill and happy first jog lovely! V

I'd rather see a bigg girl running rather than continuing ot stuff her face at the buffet- its all a choice... I just started running and Im 230. I dont care what anyone thinks because my health IS more important than the general public's opinion! Go for it and dont look back! When Im at the track, I like to holler ahead and say "watch out, fat girl running here".....it gets a laugh and usually I get encouragement and not snickers!

i went for a jog last night and this morning in shorts!
i had to convince my self to get out there in them too lol

but once i was there and saw everyone else in less clothes
i felt better

because at the end of the day

we are all there for the same purpose!!!!

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?

when I started years ago after 2 minutes I thought I was going to die- now I run 6.2 miles daily and its easy! You need to Just Do it. Don't worry about how you look or what others are thinking. Running is my life-its addicting. You will only get better-faster-and leaner. This is YOUR journey-take charge!

When I'm out running, I feel like a super star. Everyone that passes me is probably wishing they were out running. Or that they could run at all. I just get into my zone and do my thing and pay no attention to the haters. I run for me, and no one else.