Starting to run...hate beinf seen

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Replies

  • dancingdeer
    dancingdeer Posts: 373 Member
    I find that when I run outside, having a hat on helps! It keeps me a little bit anonymous and helps me to focus without the distractions. You might try it. And congrats for getting out there! Just remember - EVERYONE is a beginner at one point!
  • silkysly
    silkysly Posts: 701 Member
    My neighbors must think I’m crazy when I run with my ear buds in. If only they can hear my playlist & not just me singing, lol.
  • jlewis2896
    jlewis2896 Posts: 763 Member
    Generally, people can't tell how fast/slow you're going just by passing you on the street!!

    I have never had negative thoughts about someone I saw running. Unless they are wearing jeans, then my negative thoughts center mainly around my own experiences with chafing. But I digress...

    I recently started a running group for beginners of all shapes/abilities. Being seen was the NUMBER ONE concern of everyone in the group. For this reason, I picked little-used areas to run. One area we run at is a lakefront. There is a lot of traffic, but it's mostly elderly people taking in the scenery -- they always wave at us as we run by, and I think that makes my friends feel better!

    I've been running for a few years, but I still look like I'm about to pass out when I run. Still, I find that being seen can work to my advantage -- I use my own self-consciousness as a tool and a reason to run with better form, and run faster.

    Good luck!!
  • Squeeks70
    Squeeks70 Posts: 157 Member
    Okay, I see so many replies, I hope mine doesn't get lost to you! Instead of going out and just running flat out until you can't go any further. Start out running in intervals. If you have to, start out at 1/1 or 2/1 and work your way up to 3/1 and 4/1. You'll find yourself running non stop in no time! Don't be self conscious. People are staring because they are thinking to themselves as they watch you 'I really need to get out and do something too!'. The intervals are running then walking. Run1 minute/walk 1 minute, etc. This will build up your lung capacity and allow you to go further! Good luck!
  • Squeeks70
    Squeeks70 Posts: 157 Member
    LOL! I think I sing BEAUTIFULLY when I run! Not! I think I get out every....third word or so!
  • sweet110
    sweet110 Posts: 332 Member
    1. I put on headphones and try to ignore them.

    2. I try to wait until no one is on the block I'm on to have a walk break.

    3. I think about what these people who I imagine are staring at me will think when they see my improvement over the next few months. "That running girl I'm always watching? She's sure improved! And her bum looks great...she does *not* look fat in those pants!"
  • doubglass
    doubglass Posts: 314 Member
    ?? unless you live in an exercise crazy state like Colorado, you probably are running more than than most of the local population is capable of. Stop worrying.
  • stellaskies
    stellaskies Posts: 161 Member
    Just do your thang! I started jogging a few months ago and I have nothing but respect for others I see running/jogging. It is hard to get up off your butt and run outside. This goes double to my peeps who are dealing with hot weather and extreme pollen counts.
  • upmihah
    upmihah Posts: 17 Member
    I'm about to start running again, I usually start up again every spring when skiing is done. I live about a block from a beautiful cemetary with hills and ponds, ducks and geese, and the sound of the spring peepers right now makes me smile. So it's a very pleasant atmosphere, I go in the evenings when most people are sitting watching tv. And I just set goals for run/walk. I am too self-conscious also right now to run to the cemetary, but I run when I get there until I can't anymore - then the next day I know I have to go at least that far plus a little bit. Every little bit counts! I still joke with people that I run around the cemetary so that when I drop dead from running, they can just push me off to the side - but really I'm just trying to make myself healthy and keep from becoming a permanent resident as long as possible. Good Luck.
  • Angieee17
    Angieee17 Posts: 17 Member
    Every time I see someone out in public running/jogging/walking I think.. "Wow I should really be doing that!" So I doubt anyone is judging.
  • HealthyMe215
    HealthyMe215 Posts: 2
    I too had that same fear but now I do think about what they may say or think of me because at least I am doing something about it!!!!!
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