Running in public- confidence issue

Don't be afraid to do the things you want because of what other people might think... Most people don't think, and the rest are too into themselves to care.

I always get funny about running in public, even at the park near me full of runners. I feel like they think I'm really unfit or slow or have bad form (which I think I do, I have a bad knees and flat feet and I left my decent trainers at home - recipe for distaster). So I go at like 7am and I often just powerwalk because it doesn't hurt my knees. My friends try and get to be go to Zumba as well and I'm too embarrassed, it's stupid. So I end up just doing lots of pilates and HIIT youtube videos at home and end up doing minimal cardio. I really need to get over this stupid thing and do some cardio and improve my fitness levels. I even get like this playing football (soccer); I hate it when there's a big crowd!

If you're too self-conscious to run in public, you could always skip or gallop instead. Those options may be more likely to attract attention, though...

i wouldnt worry too much about it my moto is if they dont like it dont look!! i do Zumba at home as there arent any classes near me but at first i did it with the curtains closed coz i was so self concious of someone staring at me or something but i do it with them open now im more confident with the way my body moves

When I started running last year, I hit several problems that I learned to just "get over".

One I was slow always huffing and puffing and 225 lbs. I probably sounded like Taz going by anyone
Two, there was a group of later teens that always loitered around on my route. I would get things like "don't have a heart attack fat *kitten*!" and they even tried to trip me once.

But again, you just have to get over it or stay home. Wish I had better advise other than that.

Now I'm having confidence issues with running without a shirt. I take it off only when my nipples are bleeding hard core if I don't have any nip guards around. I LOVE the feeling of it, its so much better than with a shirt, but my confidence isn't there yet, I'm 169 and am the very definition of "skinny fat"

I'm sure someone has mentioned this, but it's like being at the gym. No one really notices, and if they do, a lot of the time it's in a positive way. In fact, I saw a woman running yesterday who really inspired me--she was clearly having trouble and not going very fast, but she was DOING IT. She was running through one of the busiest parts of town, and despite her size, she did it anyway. It made me feel shameful that I wasn't out running or doing SOMETHING. She was awesome. So, I totally understand from where you're coming, but I wouldn't put too much thought into it. You might just inspire someone else to get their *kitten* moving!

I went walking/running/gasping/walking repeat the other day in the rain. For the first time I wore a baseball cap and really liked how I felt less "exposed". At the local park I go to I usually see the same people. I have joint issues and yesterday had to cut it short, was limping back to my car. I logged it as "walking around Mt Trashmore as senior citizens pass me by"

I used to feel bad when i'd see others pass me by, but now I compete only with myself. I know i'm improving when I can shave a minute or two off my time.

Good luck!

Lots of great advice here - I think you can only really begin to get over your fear of running in public by doing it sadly. But should it help, there are CLEARLY lots of people who feel the same as you. I am very much using the same excuses to not run in my local gorgeous park at present but I know the only person I am letting down is myself.

One tip I have is perhaps to have someone to run with? At least initally? When I was living in the UK I was a member of a running club and though everyone there was super fit and fast, they really encouraged slow beginners and after a few months running with them, I felt a million times fitter and faster. Is there something similar in your neighbourhood?

We could force each other to go out "together" and report back? Bet you could start a "running club" of sorts on here where everyone can vent and laugh and say how they felt, especially those of us who are beetroot red in seconds and barely overtaking the walkers!

Should it help, last week a friend and I decided to try some interval training and on the speed bits my t-shirt kept riding up to expose my very flabby wobbly belly. Took me a while to notice cos to be honest I was enjoying the sudden air-i-ness and of course once I did I realised I was exposing myself to a group of teenagers, sitting around drinking and looking youthful and fit. I was mortified of course but my friend (who is brutally honest) said that I wasn't wobbling all over the place and actually looked in better shape when flashing people!!!

And finally, when I see a runner no matter how fast or slow they are going I ALWAYS think "well done them, they are putting me to shame" so remember that is what nearly everyone will be thinking when they see you flying past

I am not a runner (yet as I am currently 425), but I hope to soon. Whenn I see a runner, if they are real fit, I admire them (especially a guy). If it is easy to see it's a bit of a struggle for them, I root them on and hope that some day, i will be able to have the courage they do.

Such a great thread!

I don't run as much as I should, but I live in a small rural community in Mississippi. I just think everyone thinks I'm a little off my rocker, but I smile and wave (as is the custom here) and keep moving forward.