What's your idea on overweight runners?

It sounds like you might be battling your own inner demons here too - and worrying you don't belong or what others might (and most likely are NOT thinking!). Remember when you pass others on the trails that they are out there working out for their own health just like you! And, remind yourself that you ARE a runner! Most everyone out there exercising themselves isn't casting judgment on you - they - (myself included) is just focused on the next pole, crossing, drive or whatever the next mini target is and mentally pushing themselves forward too.

When I'm not running (say driving home) and I see anyone out running it motivates me to lace up my running shoes when I get home myself. You are motivating others!!

Remember - you are a runner. Own it.

i have seen some overweight runners on the treadmills at the gym and i NEVER have thought "wow they shouldn't be doing that!" i actually think quite the opposite. honestly i find the overweight runners quite the motivation, especially when they're running alon longer than i am! (yeah maybe a bit slower, but you go girl or man!)

I say GO FOR IT!! It takes a hugs amount of determination and confidence to get out there and move your body in that way. I'd love to tell you to ignore anyone who gives you funny looks, but I know that's hard. Know that you are doing the right thing for your body and naysayers be damned! Starting to run has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I began over 45 lbs ago and haven't looked back. There are bigger people that pass me and there are smaller people that I can lap. Your endurance and speed doesn't have everything to do with your size. Be proud of yourself for getting out there!! YOU ARE AN ATHLETE!!
-Andi

There are beeyatches and a-holes in every group of people, including runners, but the majority of us are nice people, just like the majority of the world. Here's what I think when I'm out running: Everyone who sees me either feels a kinship with me (because they run or exercise too) or is jealous of me (because I am out running and they know they probably should be). It makes me happy, so who cares if I'm right? If a couple of rude people wonder why I'm still fat when I run or think to themselves that I am slow, so what? Seriously, I am out there a lot (I have run four marathons and countless training miles) and when I see really heavy runners, I just think "Good for you, dude" or "Go get it, girl." Totally proud of them all. Welcome to the society.
p.s. Flo Jo kicked *kitten*--RIP.

I like runners of all shapes and sizes.
It's important to remember people don't pay as much attention to you as you think they do.


I cant stand skinny ...women..that insist on walking slowly side by side and blocking my way.

I think "good for them". I wish I could see there progress in a month if they keep this up. Any actual runner would only encourage you not shut you down. I'm sure there are those stuck up, I'm better than you because i'm thin girls but were not all like that.

I'm jealous, I HATE running. I wish I could get into it.

I think to myself "way to go -- keep at it" If I actually get close enough to speak to that person, I'll tell them to have a good run, or some other form of encouragement. I'm just glad to see someone take responsibility for their health and get out there!

There is this great website bendoeslife.com, about a young man who lost 120+ pounds by deciding he had had enough and just started running. The video on youtube (my 120 pound journey) is one I keep on my favorites just to encourage myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQqbOoU

When I was at school I loved sprinting. I was one of the fastest, if not the fastest, even though I carried excesss weight. When I got to high school, I never joined the athletics team because I'm not particularly competitive. One day in PE lesson we had to run a relay and I was running against the junior captain. After the race, which I might add I flogged him, he came over and asked how I could run so fast because I was a fat piece of s**t. Always loved to run but stopped after I got married and piled on the weight.

Started running about 4 months ago at 66lbs over target goal. Most days do at least 5k (always under 30mins including 5 min walking warm up). Listen to the radio, conspiracy theories, make others jealous. Was told at work that someone had seen me running with my lucious legs.

When I see people heavier than me (still 28lbs to go) running, I want to congratulate them, but don't want to embarras them. For me my goal was initially to run 2 minutes without dying. Then it was 5km, then 10km. Now it is just to pick up the pace. Next goal is 5km in 17minutes.

Hi Ive been obese my whole life but I always had a thing for running my fav runner is Flo Jo. Every since I joined this site Ive gained back my love for running even though I'm 268lbs I can ya know...run with a good pace. Well...my pace but I'm still learning and training. When I run by thinner or "fit" people I tend to get stares or scoffs like "What this fat b**** think she's doing?" type of look. I just want to know if you see an obese beginner runner what do you think?

I may give people the stankeye eye while running, but only because I'm tired or in pain. Or they are faster.

Get yourself a good pair of well fitting running shoes and GO! I run walk. I do it and I have a GIANT butt. If they don't like looking at it, too bad. I can't run more than a 1/2 mile right now without stopping to walk, but that is how you improve. Poco a Poco...little by little. I am 305 lbs! So there!