Running in public- confidence issue

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.

I really don't know. I haven't overcome it yet either.

All I know is that before I started running I looked at runners with envy, wishing I could do it. Now I run myself, I look at other runners in cameraderie.

It is a little nervous making, but you need to realize that people will be caught up in their own lives as much as you are in yours. Also, unless it is a particularly dangerous neighborhood, running with the traffic (rather than against as many running profis suggest) may mitigate your fears of staring at people head-on.
Also, also if you're out there, doing a good thing for your body, people will respect that...
Also also, (also), you probably don't have any super embarrassing things to worry about, like exercise induced weak-bladder, so I think you're fine. Even though I have it, I've learned to just see it as a side-effect of working hard. I think that deserves respect and knowing I made it out there makes me feel confident in itself.
After a while you will see that it's all about you, but in a good way.

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 agree with this post - I really believe you can only get over the fear of anything by doing it. I was afraid of flying, so I went on trips that required air travel. The first several I was gripping the arms of the chairs like it was going to save me when we went down. After years of traveling I am not even paying attention when we take off.

The reason I use this example is that it is the same whether it is running in public or some other fear. If it helps as you're running make up positive things that they may be saying to you. If someone is looking at you, think that they're saying... wow, she's hot or wow, she's doing great I wish I could do that well. It's really hard to change the negative thinking; but, you can do it by replacing it with positive thought or ignoring them....

I know when I see anyone running, especially larger people, I think to myself...they are doing great! keep on going, keep on going!!! :happy:

Definitely get out and run...but, be careful of the running where no people are or in the dark as it can be dangerous. It's actually safer to run where a lot of other people are...just something to think about.
Have fun and get out there!

To be honest, rarely does anyone notice you. After LOTS and LOTS of street running, I can tell you that you will end up becoming more judgmental of those zooming by. 95% of people are in their own world and/or too self-centered to care. They will swerve into you because they don't see you or daydreaming while putting on make-up. The rest are either envious or jealous <<<---Read sucking down junk food. You are far more likely to pay attention to the cars rolling by for safety purposes than they are to notice you. Best way I can put it.....WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU DISTINCTLY REMEMBERED SOMETHING ON A BILLBOARD LONGER THAN A COUPLE OF MINUTES? We are our own worst critic.

Example: I did 13 miles last Sunday and not one whistle, yell, or even horn honk. I actually felt a little cheated as I was wearing one of my confidence outfits and even threw on the uber looks like I know what I'm doing black compression sleeves.

I used to be like that, still am really. I still manage to run at least 3 times a week though. I just make sure I feel comfortable with what i'm wearing, I only run in the evenings when there's less people about, try to think about all the other people you see running and realise you aren't any different (not in a horrible way) you are just another runner, no one really pays attention to you like you think they do. Also think about all the compliments you'll get from running, who cares if some idiots do think negative things about you running, you don't know them and they aren't worth your time. Once you get the guts to do your first run they just get easier and easier and the more comfortable you feel with the running the more comfortable you'll feel about doing it in public . Good luck with your running.

Before I started running I always loved watching the runners around my town. There's a pretty large running community here but I didn't realize how large until I became a runner. Slowly but surely I left my safe little neighborhood and ventured out into town and realized that even if I'm not as fit as the rest, I'm doing better than ever and I have a lot of reasons to be proud! I used to think that runner's were judgemental and stuck-up. Boy was I wrong!!!! Runner's (the one's I've met) are the most supportive and awesome people on earth!!! Why? Because we run!!!! We are happier people than most, I'd say, and we will NOT judge another runner, especially one who is new and struggling. Joe Blow on the street may judge you as he drives through McD's with a double quarter pounder and a heart attack's worth of fries, but who gives a crap... you're WAY better off than he is anyway!! Heck, maybe you'll inspire HIM to do something about his lifestyle? Ok, that's doubtful, but it could happen.

What I'm saying is this... run. Get out there, find a new route, enjoy the flowers and trees and birds (watch out for those squirrels) and breathe the fresh air. Run. Run because you know you should, but run because you like how you feel and how it helps you gain control of your body. Just run.

I hate seeing people also when I'm out running and red-faced etc, but I either go in the evening when it's a bit darker or just think those people will never remember your face or you. How many random people do you remember ever seeing?

Good Luck

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me what I can do to get over this confidence issue about running in public !!

- it sounds stupid i know...

the only place to go running near me is on main roads and streets, ive managed to lose about 18-20 pounds so far without running but i've been stuck on this plateau now for 6 months:3
I now realise I need to go running.
I like running just hate doing it in public (my only option)

thank you in advance!!

I used to train on the treadmill indoors, then I did a 5k race which, of course, was outside with lots of other people. Anyway, I ran the race, came home and I realized I had enjoyed it so much, that I was going to run outside during training.

So the next morning, I stuck on my i-pod, put the earphones on and ventured outside, I ran slowly, listening to my music and honestly, other people around me did not even cross my mind because I concentrated on the music and my pacing.

Now I train outside ALL the time, I only run every other day, but I adore it.

We are all fortunate in that our brains can only consciously do one thing at a time, that is, for instance, you cannot concentrate on music and listen to a conversation, taking everything in at the same time - well the same goes in this instance, if you concentrate on your running - REALLY concentrate on it - other people going about their daily business will not affect you because you will barely notice they are there, you will be too busy concentrating on your pace or listening to music or counting your running steps etc.

I seriously think that this is one of the reasons that the C25K program seems to work for so many people, they HAVE to concentrate on what it is telling them to do, rather than fretting about things happening around them.

One running session outside, force yourself, you will then become addicted and it is one of the best addictions IMO - it is so therapeutic, it is a miracle!

I've completely feel the same way! Particularly with my family because they are all skinny fit bouncy runner type people whose idea of a good time is to run races including super-long distance ones and they run fast. Sigh, I apparently take after my grandparents who struggled with weight and health issues.
But I decided to start running too although I won't with them because I just want to do it at my own pace without having to worry about anybody else. I tried to do it at times that I felt like I wouldn't be noticed as much.
But I usally seem to end up having to run where people can see me and with super athletic people. And it turns out they're not paying much attention to me except in a nice way! The only comments I've gotten were things like, "I saw you running, good for you!" Or "Keep going, you're doing a great job, don't give up!"
Of course, I don't necessarily know what they're thinking but it made me feel better to think that people aren't as negatively judgemental as I feared. They see me taking actions to be positive about my health and are supportive. Apparently people like to support peole who are making positve choices.