Too shy to run...

I used to run... then stuff happened and I put on 40lb.

Did I relish the idea of running outside and some people looking with me shuffling at some pathetic pace jiggling around?
No. Of course not.

Initially I ran just woodland trails where you hardly ever encounter anyone... but at the end of the day, you just have to get over yourself.

Let's face it most people have enough of their own life and stuff and in their heads to be getting on with to pay you any attention. Nobody is the centre of the universe. And in the event that some smart@rse shouts something out of a car or whatever, these things happen and he is just a sad **** who needs to get a life.

I really want to start running but I think getting over my shyness is going to be difficult. I would rather run outside than at the gym since a) It's free and b) scenery and several other reasons. Yet as I have said I have been putting it off because I am too shy! Running with a friend isn't possible since they don't enjoy it and I don't have a car to drive to the middle of nowhere and do it. I'm paranoid people will look at me. It's been a long time since I ran and I doubt I could do 2 minutes now without needing a break and I'm nervous of being judged as weak and unfit.

I know all runners out there started somewhere, and hoping someone can advise me how they got over being shy and just got up, out and did it. Any advice for just not caring what others think?

Can you get up early when there aren't many people out there? I'm usually up at 5:00 am to run for that main reason (the other one being it's cooler outside!). There are a few other runners/bikers out but that's about it. I get it about being shy. But you know what? At least you're out there. Doing something to make yourself healthy! That's the important thing. And to get started, check out the C25K program. AWESOME program!!

That's what I have started to do... I just go as soon as the sun comes up and everyone is asleep. Go for it, it's really rewarding!

You just have to do it.

I guarantee no one is looking at you when you run be it in the gym our on the road. So what if you need to take a break in the middle of your run? No one is going to stop the car and yell at you or point and laugh as they drive by because frankly no one cares that you're out there doing your thing (and I don't mean that in a nasty way either. They just don't!).

It is daunting to start, but it's still doable! Get yourself a program to get yourself up to speed and soon your 2 minutes will turn into 30!

I started Couch to 5k at 299 lbs. Wasn't pretty . Did it anyways! Today, I finished week 8 doing a 28 min run. Two things that I've noticed in the 8 weeks I've been doing it:

1.) Other runners, cyclists and walkers: Almost *every single time* you pass another running/walker/cyclist? They will give you a smile, a thumbs up and a wave. Especially the other runners. I've learned that none of them are judging, they're just happy to see you started. If you stopped to say, "I can only run for 2 minutes", I gurantee they'll see "that's a great start!"

2.) With everybody else you pass out there that see's you running? I've made it a mantra in my head that they might look at me funny from their lawn chair in their driveway; I'm running a hell of a lot father than they can. Even if it is only 2 minutes.

So that is to say, it's not so bad!

Every time I see another person out there running, big or small, I think "*kitten* Ya! Look at them. Way to go!" It just inspires me any where I go. I'm sure I'm not the only person who thinks like that.

If you are out there doing it, you are inspiring someone too. There's nothing to be ashamed of....only something to be proud of.

Good luck with your running. You can do it.

I used to be too shy to run b.c of my big boobs ...but screw everyone else!

Not sure if its an option for you, but I do my runs through the graveyard. Its a mixture of gravel roads and paved, and very large with lots of different sections. I see a few people from time to time either running or walking, and if I do see a service going on I just move to a different section and keep going. For me, its just peaceful and beautiful scenery, but also a good reminder that I'm doing it so I don't end up there before my time. And who knows, maybe someone will see you and you can be their motivation to start being a healthier person also!

You can always start with intervals. Walk 4 mins/jog 1 min for either a certain time (30 mins for example) or a distance (2 mile route for example). I started running years ago with intervals and it really helped me. I was so focused on my watch to keep up with my interval, that I forgot to care about everyone else out there.

this helped me . . . taken from http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

Hey, Fat Girl.


Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you cringe.


You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.


You are awesome.


If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.

You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.


You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.


You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.


I bow to you.


don't be shy about what others think . . . they just might think you are awesome for what you are doing.

i've totally been here. nothing to be ashamed of for being nervous - i bet a lot of people feel this way. all of my friends run (most of them anyway) but i've always been too embarrassed to run with them, even when they said they would take it slow for me. but after a year of running, i did a 3 mile run with a friend and it was awesome. i have two pieces of advice:

1. couch to 5k. seriously, it's great. i went from 'can't run at all' to running 3-4 miles. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

2. until you get to weeks 9-12, when you are running miles without stopping, run in your neighborhood. i just ran around my neighborhood backstreets where not many people would see me. then when you can run a couple miles, head out into the world.

good luck!

I just put in my headphones and zone out. (Trust me no one will be mocking you, they are all envious that you are doing what they can't.)

Yesterday, just when I thought I was getting away with being unnoticed as a runner, a neighbor I never spoke with stopped me to say how he's been seeing me run for months and thinks it is awesome! He said he can see how much I've improved and its amazing!

That really made my day. :-)

I started out being very self-conscious about getting out and jogging. I just knew people would think it very funny to see a 50 year old man with a big gut out jogging. I just did it anyway. I have come to realize that most people don't pay it any attention at all, and the few who do are likely thinking "I should do that". I have even had a couple of people give me the "thumbs up".

I think once you just get out there and do it a couple of times you'll realize it is no big deal. I travel all over the country and daily see people, ALL sorts of people, out running, jogging, or just walking briskly to get their exercise. I think it's great.