Starting to run...hate beinf seen

Everybody has to start somewhere. People aren't watching you as much as you might think. If they are, it's for the two seconds as they pass you and then you're just another jogger/walker they saw on the road and quickly forgotten. The point is that you're out there changing your life for the better. You're not doing it for the spectators, you're doing it in spite of them and more-so for yourself. Oh, wearing head phones also keeps anybody from trying to talk to you and can help you zone in to your run rather than worrying that people are watching you.

I just started running for the past 2.5 months and that was one of the *biggest* things that I hated. Since starting to run in January I've dropped 10 pounds and am more in shape than I've ever been - even when I was mega skinny I couldn't run for more than 45-60 seconds - and now I can run 3 miles without stopping!!!

I'd start doing it at night/early morning when there's less people outside or you could try the treadmill at a gym(:

I still wonder when people look at me if it's because I'm jiggly or what(; but it honestly does get better(: I don't really worry about what people think because frankly I'm doing what - most people - can't(:

Stick with it!(: I was able to do it 35 pounds overweight with shin splints and *zero* athletic ability(:

Well, I think about how I always admire people I see running outside. So when I am running, I keep that in mind. And once I really get into the groove of my run, I don't care at all about other people seeing me. Good luck! Don't let self-consciousness prevent you from doing something you know is good for you!

I totally agree with this! I walk/jog right now and focus on how good I will feel afterwards.

It's ok. We're not watching.
Of course, I confess that I run in the dark, mostly!

I just started run/walk/jogging two weeks ago. I probably look like *kitten* when I do it. But I can't stand the treadmill and I love being outside when I can, so it is a good fit. Because I run with my dogs, I'm too concerned with them to care or notice what anyone else thinks.

Oh, and it will get easier....

I agree with going earlier or later in the day. I like to go between 10:30 am on my off days and 12:30 on days I have class. Sometimes I get self concious and stop running if I see a person in the distance, but when I get into it I don't care if someone sees me running. Also, try shooting for a time goal. For example, I started with "I'm going to run for 8 minutes the whole time I'm out here!" Then it was 10, 12, and my goal now is 15 minutes. You can do it!

yes I felt this way, I kept going.

if people look at you weird, they are jealous

There are days when I run and I feel like a gazelle. And then there are days when I run and I KNOW I look like a moose on rollerblades! But I finish my run and get over myself because running is the best thing I can do for myself, and I don't worry aout what others are thinking about me, which I doubt they are because they're usually worrying about what they're doing.

I think the only people that really notice other runners are runners - and it's usually just to give each other a little wave or nod.

Don't worry about what other people think, even if you're the world's worst runner ( I expect I held on to that title for quite a while, now I'm only 2nd worst) you're making positive changes in your life and, believe it or not, your start deriving benefits from practically your first step (same with strength training - your body starts undergoing changes from the 1st workout).

You wouldn't believe how self conscious I was the first time I ventured out of doors in running tights then it dawned on me - for most people runners are just part of the landscape - we're practically invisible.

You really just have to learn to ignore other people. Just remember that a lot of people who are jogging were most likely in the same situation as you. Had problems running long distances and wanted to get better, so they went out more and not worried what other people might think.

Like today for instance. I look a wreck when I'm riding my bike. I think we rode a total of 8 miles, up hills and it's hard. It's the first time I had rode for such a long time up a lot of hills. I had to get off and walk. I saw people walking past and I didn't take much notice because I'm making the effort for myself to get fit and healthy.


I saw a lot of people my age today, I don't get out much and it's quite sad to see that I am the only one who is doing this while everyone else is sitting down and not doing much, I've just worked my balls off to stay fit.


If I am going for a run I get knackered. I have terrible knee pains, I get stitch early and have to walk, but if I see another runner coming towards me, I make the effort and carry on running, not only to look good, but it also helps you in the long run (no pun intended... >.>)

google the Couch 2 5K program. it will gradually build you up to running...

I started out at barely a half a mile, and now I can at the most run 5.4. I use to try and run on less public roads, but then eventually I made a whole mile, and then two and before I knew it I was at 5. I am running between 4-5 miles regularly and one day a week I just try to pass my longest.

Keep plugging along track your progress, own your progress. Be YOUR best, and then beat YOUR best!

As long as you aren't doing this (http://youtu.be/9ZlBUglE6Hc), I don't think people pay you as much attention as you think. Although, someone smirked at me once and I wondered why, until I looked down and saw that I hadn't removed the tag from my new jacket. LOL.

When I picked up running last summer, I had the same problem, so I picked a trail that saw little traffic. Whenever I saw someone coming from behind or ahead of me way down the path, I would slow down to a walk. Fast forward to today, and I'm running over 5 miles and I don't even slow down when I see people. I wave or nod to those I pass, or who pass me; we're all out there to improve ourselves! One guy even shouted encouragement to me today. That feels good.

Good luck and keep up the hard work!

I think the only people that really notice other runners are runners - and it's usually just to give each other a little wave or nod.

Don't worry about what other people think, even if you're the world's worst runner ( I expect I held on to that title for quite a while, now I'm only 2nd worst) you're making positive changes in your life and, believe it or not, your start deriving benefits from practically your first step (same with strength training - your body starts undergoing changes from the 1st workout).

You wouldn't believe how self conscious I was the first time I ventured out of doors in running tights then it dawned on me - for most people runners are just part of the landscape - we're practically invisible.

Definitely this...

Even the best elite runners sometimes look funny for example, Emil Zatopek have a look at his form, even Paula Radcliffe has a funny head bobbing thing going on.
When I see someone running I'm usually thinking how lucky they are, wish it was me out there. Even if I've just got back from my own run LOL

Most people think people pay more attention to them than they really do. Most people just sort of notice you as part of the scenery, unless you are a hot chick...or dude i guess.

Also, you are running, they are driving by in a car or whatnot, probably eating a cheeseburger or something (at least that is how it is by my favored running spot).

You are doing something to make yourself better, don't worry what others think...unless of course it's a hot chick ...then just run really fast when you run by her