Too shy to run...

135

Replies

  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    Ah. . . this, too, kept me from running outdoors for a long time. Then, when I decided to get serious about being able to run a 5k. . .I almost entirely ran outside. Most folks in my neighborhood don't pay a whit's bit of attention to me.

    In all honesty, once i got myself some running gear that made me **feel** like I looked the part of a runner, I started being much more comfortable.

    Then, when I began to be able to cover sizable distances, I was fully confident. Now, like yesterday, when I have to take a walk break (or several when it's near 90 degrees out) I couldn't care less what anyone looking out their window or driving by thinks.

    But, if it's really a stumbling block to getting out there, try early in the morning. I go at 5:30 a.m. some days and I see a handful of folks up and at 'em, and the paper delivery guy. Otherwise, the houses are dark or people are just stumbling to get their coffee!! LOL

    Get out there and do it! You'll be proud of yourself for it!!!
  • TXCC
    TXCC Posts: 56
    I hope you got out and ran! I am also shy about running. Mostly I run in the morning before the sun is up. I too use the C25K program. The more I do it, the more I love it. I do this for me so now mostly I don't really care what others think. I also find that when I do run into the occasional other person out jogging that early, they have all been friendly and smiled or waved or said Hi. Remember, no matter how slow you are running, you are still lapping everyone on the couch. Just do it!
  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
    All those people either watching you from their kitchen windows or their cars, arent running!

    This! And when some gazelle lopes effortlessly past, I just use that as motivation, I think to myself, in a few more months, that's how I'm going to look when I run! Except maybe less graceful, cause I'm clumsy at all sizes.
  • millyvanilli321
    millyvanilli321 Posts: 236 Member
    179440366372591073_nz69KgO5_c.jpg

    (I hope that pic works)

    This got me really motivated - i imagine myself sitting on the sofa and tell myself that even though i might not be going very fast or very far right now, at least I'm not sat on my *kitten*!

    I'm 1 week in to couch to 5k and would definitely recommend it for beginner runners! I've never run before last week and I must say I'm really enjoying it. It really eases you in, which was great for me!

    EDIT: some random woman shouted some mean comment at me the first day i went out running - it was suprising how fast she disappeared in to the distance as I kept on going! Forget about the people who see you, even if they feel they're important enough to have something to say!
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    I do the same as szuszanna...I get up early and head to the cemetery. There's one near my house that's actually quite pretty and has some woods that I run through as well. Because it's early morning, there are no services.

    Another thing I do is that I installed the Couch to 5K app on my phone and I Heart Radio. I play my music in the background and Couch to 5K tells me when to run and when to walk. I can't run for long so it's nice to have little mini goals and to feel like I'm walking because it's part of the training program instead of because I feel like I'll die if I keep running :) I stopped for a while because I hurt my foot but this will be my routine again soon...the music and Couch to 5K will keep you focused on your run instead of any people around but might not be safe if you're running places you need to cross streets and such.
  • Four_Leaf_Clover
    Four_Leaf_Clover Posts: 332 Member
    Walk your way back to running. Have not read all the other responses, but I would highly recommend the Couch 2 5 K programs - you can even get an app for your phone that will walk you through it (no pun intended!). I have been walking early in the am - I look bad in shorts and a tee (esp the shorts) but I get in my little zone and just do it and rarely think of others. Honestly, when I drive by people walking/jogging/running - the only thing I think is - good for them out here getting their workout on! Or if I have not gone in a while - I think geez, I better get back out there!
  • hoorahbear
    hoorahbear Posts: 9 Member
    Don't worry about people looking.

    An alternative I recommend is a stationary bike at home. At lowest settings it's even lower intensity than walking/light jog so it's easy for even beginners (like myself) to keep working for a long time and burn the calories and start building cardio.

    As long as you keep the heart rate up (not too high 60-70% of your maximum, 220-age, if you're just starting out), just , the calories will burn, metabolism will rise and, with some smart dieting, weight will fall off.
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Run early in the morning. There will be few people out, VERY few, and you'll get a nice energy boost for your day. As well, those that DO see you, will simply assume you are fit/energetic/healthy simply because while they are barely able to get themselves to wake up, you're doing laps around the block.
  • Dani_wants_to_be_fit
    Dani_wants_to_be_fit Posts: 550 Member
    I'm back and wow o.O I didn't expect quit so many responses but thank you.

    I'm not going to lie, I didn't run 1000 miles, but I did enough to gain some confidence. I managed 7 minutes then walked for 2, then 5 and walked for 2 then ran for 4 and saw a group of teens and decided to head on back XD But it's not about the distance or time today, it was just proving to myself I could do it and guess what?? I think I CAN! I put my headphones on and listened to some upbeat tunes, every time I got near somebody I just lifted my ipod out and acted like I was changing the song. I just ignored everybody and acted like I was in the zone. It will still take guts again next time, but I need to just keep trying what I am doing till I am confident.

    Now I will read all of your many responses and again thank you =)

    *edit make that after I've had a shower, even the dogs running away from me right now -_-
  • nataliefamily3
    nataliefamily3 Posts: 189 Member
    Bump. Shy runner wannabe here too.
  • souzouchan
    souzouchan Posts: 80
    You know what? I'm in the same place as you. I'm a bit shy to get running outdoors too. I'm slowly getting into a "runner mentality" by using a game on Xbox Kinect called "Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012" as it has some running games (yay jog through New York!). Sure, you're running on the spot for a few minutes but I find it's very slowly helping me get a feel for it.

    I also saw this picture on a friend's Facebook site that I find inspiring also:

    https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eAD0INzMOxs/TsZ2YNcKODI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/0KoShOickqY/nomatterhowslowyougo.jpg

    It's absolutely true!
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    You know, if you have to stop running every few minutes and walk some, it isn't exactly bad... I've read several studies that indicate that it can actually aid in burning calories!

    The idea is like that of a car... going 1 steady pace in a car helps your gas millage... but if you are constantly stopping, going, accelerating, slowing down, etc. it makes your gas millage go down, that's why gas millage is better on the freeway! It takes less energy to maintain than it does to accelerate.

    So, if they think you're "lazy", it just means you're "smarter".
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Oh yeah...

    And I am glad to see others are shy about running outside too... for years I thought I was the only shy one!
  • cinemafromage
    cinemafromage Posts: 26
    Yay! Good job!

    You'll be back :-) its addicting!
  • cavewoman15
    cavewoman15 Posts: 278 Member
    I haven't read through the responses yet but check out the Couch to 5k App. It eases you into running! I was never a runner and started this program 8 weeks ago and am almost finished. I had to take a slight heat related break but back on track.
    the website i recommended is a 12 week program. i've heard good things about the 8 week and the 12 week, but if you are really nervous i might recommend the longer one because it will ease you in a bit more.
  • tishaloses
    tishaloses Posts: 234 Member
    Way to go!! Glad you ran some!! Just think of where you'll be in a week, month, year!! Keep it up!!
  • Dani_wants_to_be_fit
    Dani_wants_to_be_fit Posts: 550 Member
    Way to go!! Glad you ran some!! Just think of where you'll be in a week, month, year!! Keep it up!!

    Thanks. I just need to remember that when I want to quit. It's hard now, but I have goals to work towards. I'm only a baby in the running world right now.
  • dandaninc
    dandaninc Posts: 392
    That's funny, I JUST wrote about this in my blog.

    http://hereivelanded.blogspot.com/2012/07/you-got-this.html

    I look REALLY dorky when I run. But you know what? A year ago I couldn't run a quarter mile, and as of today I've completed a 5k (with pretty decent time) and I'm training for a half marathon.

    YES people will look. The people who don't have the guts to get out there and run themselves. They might even judge you or think mean thoughts in your head or they might even turn to their friend and laugh at you. YES! That might happen.

    BUT!

    1) You don't know them and will never see them again.
    2) In 5 minutes they will be making snotty comments about someone else and forget you exist.
    3) REAL athletes will NOT be looking at you or if they do they probably won't be judging you.
    4) No matter how many people see you, nothing will make you feel better than looking back a year from now and realizing that you felt like this and you overcame it and did something awesome.

    AWESOME!
  • Dani_wants_to_be_fit
    Dani_wants_to_be_fit Posts: 550 Member
    To make things even better my friend says she wont run with me but she will bring her dog out with us and I just run back to her when I'm getting tired and do my 2 minutes walk with her then run of and back when I need.
  • HappyMarisol
    HappyMarisol Posts: 14
    I would rather run outside than at the gym since a) It's free and b) scenery and several other reasons.

    Focus on what you WANT to do, and not what you think others think of you. :-)

    Whenever I see people running, either athletes or beginners, I am humbled by their determination. They inspire me.

    I've been out and about with my athlete friends and they would always comment.. GOOD FOR HER/HIM! They always say great things.

    Danbi89 : You are actually inspiring others :-)

    It's all in your perspective on how you see things.

    ~ Marisol
    :D
  • rmsturdy
    rmsturdy Posts: 73
    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! :)

    What this guy said! I hated my life the first couple times I started running because I was slow and red in the face and gasping...basically dying. 12 weeks later, I'm about to run 6 miles on Wednesday! AND I LOVE running past people, because even though I still look like I'm dying and I'm still not fast, I see the admiration in their faces that I'm out running while they're being lazy. (I run a loop around a lake so there's a LOT of picnic-ers and fishers) Plus, I'm SO proud of myself for sticking to it. You'll get there. Just put those head phones on, rock some awesome music and get lost in your mind.
  • oboeing
    oboeing Posts: 1,816 Member
    My best friend is a runner (and beautiful and skinny) and when she offered to run with me, i was like, oh, no, no no no. i tried for 50 feet to keep a good pace and almost passed out. i said i needed to go way slow, and there we were, plodding along for as long as i could, then walking until i regained my breath, then back to plodding along.

    along the way, we passed a woman. twice. the first time, she was standing in the grass, beside the sidewalk. as we passed, i was huffing and puffing, but still moving and mustered a good morning. my friend, let out a perky good morning, and on we went.

    When we turned around not too much further down the road, we came across the same woman, plodding along, just like me. my friend and i both reached our hands up in the air and cheered for her. because if anyone understood how she felt, it's me. and if i see her again next week, i'll tell her to jump in with us, because i realize how important that support is, reminding me that i can do it, and pushing me past where my mind thinks i can go, to let me go where my body actually can go.

    who cares who sees, just run and enjoy the sun and fresh air in your lungs :)
  • rmsturdy
    rmsturdy Posts: 73
    Oh! And try the "RUN! ZOMBIES!" app So stinkin fun!!!
  • Magenta15
    Magenta15 Posts: 850 Member
    Loved this. Thank you... also one that hides in the trails here so that was good to read :) great job on getting out there for a run
    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.
  • alexandra0690
    alexandra0690 Posts: 53
    Don't worry about people staring at all! Besides, no one really looks "cool" exercising. They just think they do :)

    psh. i KNOW i look cool.
  • littlepinkhearts
    littlepinkhearts Posts: 1,055 Member
    I never got over the shyness, I just do it anyways. I also go to a school track to run, cause there's mostly no one there usually.
  • ErinBeth7
    ErinBeth7 Posts: 1,625 Member
    I was pretty shy at first too. I actually run on a fairly busy road, it's also a bike trail and most of the people running on the trail are not beginners. One time I was running up the hill and these two guys who were casually carrying a conversation and running like it was no big deal high-fived me and said something upbeat. I couldn't understand what it was, but it didn't have a negative tone to it. I was surprised because I probably looked like a hippo stuck in the mud.
  • ingalynn
    ingalynn Posts: 136 Member
    1) read this blog! http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/617199-hey-fat-girl?hl=hey+fat+girl&page=18#posts-9671207

    2) I go to a school track nearby early in the morning. There is usually no one else there so I don't worry about it, but occasionally I cross paths with someone and always remember ^^number 1.

    I started the couch to 5k and just finished my 3rd week. I am now running 3 minutes at a time. Doesn't sound like much, but I know I couldn't run that long 3 weeks ago.

    Good luck.
  • janeite1990
    janeite1990 Posts: 671 Member
    I look at it this way:

    If I run for two minutes and then have to slow to a walk, anyone driving by has no idea how far I've already run. For all they know, this is my warm up or my cool down. AND when I see anyone running, no matter how awkward, overweight, or slow, I think YOU GO GIRL because anyone who does something positive for her body deserves nothing but praise and positive vibes.
  • geordiegirl27
    geordiegirl27 Posts: 307 Member
    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.

    What a fab letter & it's very true.

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