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... >.>)