Too shy to run...

124

Replies

  • Dani_wants_to_be_fit
    Dani_wants_to_be_fit Posts: 550 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.

    I love this! I'm printing it off and carrying it in my bra. If things get hard while I'm running and no one is looking I can read this and hopefully will be motivated to carry on.
  • geordiegirl27
    geordiegirl27 Posts: 307 Member
    Don't worry about people staring at all! Besides, no one really looks "cool" exercising. They just think they do :)

    Love it!

    I'm the same. I really need to up my workouts so I don't plateau and want to run. I've started the C25K on the treadmill at the gym but I'd love to just run whenever and wherever. Scared of getting laughed at!

    Having said that, I've watched a guy walking every day for about two years. When I first noticed him, he was a BIG guy. Every time I see him, he's plugging away at his walk (a fast one) and I think Good for you mate!

    These days he's almost unrecognisable -- he kept on with his daily walks and now he looks amazing. About a third of his former self! I want to get out of the car and give him a hug for doing so well, but he'd prob think that was creepy!!

    I want his motivation! I need to get out there don't I? :blushing:

    Yip! Well done on your C25K so far but once you're outdoors it's a differen experience it's the best!! As for the guy a friend of mine who I've only known as a runner list something like 5st by starting to walk then jog. He's now a formidable runner but he's never lost the love & passion for it.

    Go get em tigers!!
  • krystyleee
    krystyleee Posts: 219
    Honestly, I was like this at first too. I spent so long not wanting to run because of the way I thought I looked or because I thought people were staring at me But then I sat down and thought about it. Would I rather get over my fear, run, and feel great about myself? Or sit and feel terrible about myself for not running ANd because I think people are watching me? Girl, trust me. It's not worth it to care so much about what other people think to the point where it stops you from getting to your goals. And I've realized, it was all in my head. People are outside running or at the gym for the same reason you are so don't let it get to you!

    Get to runnin'!
  • falsecho
    falsecho Posts: 81 Member
    I'm more impressed by those that I see that are working towards completing a mile for the first time than those that are doing a 20 miler for the 20th time. Though running 20 miles is pretty dang impressive. :-)

    Get out there and run. Enjoy the community that comes with running. Be the inspiration for the next person that is feeling judged and/or shy.

    You got this!
  • mommamisty823
    mommamisty823 Posts: 99
    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 read this and almost started to tear up :cry: (in a happy way). This is so great. I just started running (literally yesterday, doing the couch to 5k) and I was nervous at first knowing people would think, "She is so not good at this." (or worse). I just told myself that everyone has to start somewhere.
  • Moriarty_697
    Moriarty_697 Posts: 226 Member
    When I first got into running, my usual route took me down a trail that was well populated with ridiculously fit and thin people in fashionable exercisewear. It reminded me of my first time working out in a gym in that it was only intimidating for a very short while. I soon realized that most everyone was too busy running and sweating and rocking to their ipods to really care about anyone else. Just go for it. You'll feel better for it.
  • jlk220
    jlk220 Posts: 2 Member
    I felt the exact same way seeing how I live in a college town with a bunch of sorority girls always out jogging. so finally i just sucked it up and put on headphones to distract my attention, then drove to a rich/nice neighborhood (so i definitely wouldn't know anyone, ha). i never noticed anyone looking at me or anything.
  • PayneAS
    PayneAS Posts: 669 Member
    18429001_1180.jpg

    That's what you keep in mind when you start running.
  • SyntonicGarden
    SyntonicGarden Posts: 944 Member
    See if there's a store that sells running shoes. A lot of them have running clubs and some even have "classes" to teach you how to run. They're usually very welcoming to people getting into running. :)
  • abnerner
    abnerner Posts: 452 Member
    I started running at 207 or so, with no sports bra and my "flab" flopping all over :) But I did it. No one is going to look at you bad, in fact, many people will probably be sitting going "man, that girl can run, I wish I could". Don't worry about what others think, just do it for YOU!
  • haylz247
    haylz247 Posts: 435
    i think you just gotta have a "i don't care" attitude! i wouldn't run outside but i do at the gym. i ignore everyone around me.
  • Dani_wants_to_be_fit
    Dani_wants_to_be_fit Posts: 550 Member
    18429001_1180.jpg

    That's what you keep in mind when you start running.

    Love the picture! Think I'm going to print this off along with the blog post and the not stopping picture and create a motivational scrap page to turn to if I feel like stopping.
  • OfficiallySexyVal
    OfficiallySexyVal Posts: 492 Member
    I used to feel the same way when I first started running and what made it worse for me was I went to the gym with co-workers that have been running for years and here I was 300 pounds, trying to run beside them at a 5.0 pace and was only lasting maybe 2 minutes if I was lucky. Finally one of my co-workers noticed I had stopped running and asked why, I told her I was embarrased running next to them.
    She told me that, I am doing this for myself no one else and that I shouldn't care what other people thought. She told me about the
    Couch 2 5 K progam and it helped tremendously. Just recently she told me how great I was doing! It feels amazing!
  • iron_jj
    iron_jj Posts: 446 Member
    I felt the exact same way before I first started running. One day I just decided to do it, music on/world off and just run. You will notice no one is going to pay attention to you really. Go do it! :wink:
  • ChcolateLady11
    ChcolateLady11 Posts: 359
    I know how you feel OP!

    I think people will be looking at me too :-/ and I dont like it.
  • betsyb27
    betsyb27 Posts: 2
    Any time Is see ANYONE running I say "go Girl!" or "Go Mr!" Start with interval training....walk 2 minutes, run hard 30 seconds, walk 2 minutes, run hard 1 minute. ALternate until you go for about 20 minutes....and fine tune the pace to what you are able to comfortably do. There is a great APP for the iphone which is free...from couch to 5k. Even if it is not your goal, it's a great guide.
    Good luck!!! JUST DO IT!!! Wear shades and a baseball cap for that incognito feel :D
  • FitnFabMichelle
    FitnFabMichelle Posts: 161 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 -_-

    GREAT JOB!! :)
  • Dani_wants_to_be_fit
    Dani_wants_to_be_fit Posts: 550 Member
    I'm going to hate myself for this tomorrow but I have set my alarm for 6.30am and have placed it right at the top of my wardrobe so I will need a little step to get it which I am putting downstairs and it's set to go off every 5 minutes if I don't get it (I find it really hard to do early mornings) so that should wake me up to get going.
  • Christine_Bean
    Christine_Bean Posts: 5
    Google running clubs in your area and join one. Runners love to recruit other runners and share tips and knowledge. Many running clubs offer the Couch to 5K program throughout the year so you can meet other new runners and get motivation and training from seasoned runners. Plus then you'll have new friends to run with outside of club activities. Other runners will not judge you. We were all new runners at one point. And if somebody is going to judge you from their car or kitchen window, who cares. At least you have the guts to get out there and run. I saw a quote on Facebook a few weeks back that said "You don't have to be great to start. But you have to start to be great." So lace up your running shoes and head out on the road. Good luck!
  • krisleve
    krisleve Posts: 7
    i use the outside track at the local high school (it's literally a 4 minute walk from my house). It's free and it's easy to keep track of the miles that i run/walk. If i go early enough in the morning, there is nobody there. I started slow and now i'm up to 3 miles! I never thought i would have said that 3 months ago!
  • kbmnurse
    kbmnurse Posts: 2,484 Member
    Get over it. No body is looking at you and if they are who cares? Start by walking and then add some running. Alternate running with walking.
  • squidgely
    squidgely Posts: 29 Member
    I understand, I feel the same. I wear my headphones and the music right up. I run on streets and roads so I have to pass a lot of people, some I can tell are commenting but I can't hear them so I block it out! Could they run 4 miles straight no stopping? Err, no! Today a southern electric van passed me and they stared in a really obvious I-want-to-make-you-uncomfortable kind of way . I'd be lying if I said it didn't affect me, but I really want to do this so I have to ignore it!
    Listen to music, look at the road ahead and ignore everyone. You'll get there.
    Xxx
  • 3LittleMonkeyMom
    3LittleMonkeyMom Posts: 259
    Ok, I admit, when people are running on my road, I LOOK. And I look hard....because it should be ME having the guts to get out and run like them, but I don't. I don't have mean thoughts in my head about them....only about me for not doing it!

    Don't be afraid, strap on some shoes and go for it!!! :drinker:
  • MrsFolk
    MrsFolk Posts: 205
    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?

    You're doing this for you, not them - get your butt out and get some fresh air - you'll love it! And you don't have to start off running, no need to hurt yourself. Start at a pace that's comfortable for you, get your heart rate up then work up to a fast paced walk (power walk) then if and when you're ready, a light jog. Do this several times before running so you build up your endurance :)
  • TOPsRocks
    TOPsRocks Posts: 15 Member
    I am working my way up from walking to sprints intervals with a goal to participate in a 5K walk/ run in Sept. Today I saw people looking at me when I was running. My first thought was they were thinking, "Look @ that fat lady! Sure looks stupid trying to run. Hahaha." I just turned off the negative dialogue running thru my head & replaced it. . .

    I am doing this FOR ME. I deserve all the healthy benefits I am getting. I am strong. I run faster & longer every time. I am SO worth this. This is for me . . .

    Then I turned my head so I would not see the stupid people looking at me.

    Just do it~ No more excuses! :smile: That is what I tell myself.
  • rachelmorgan77
    rachelmorgan77 Posts: 131 Member
    Here's my advice (and I'm too ADD to read through all the other replies, so someone might have already said this). Don't let anyone else dictate what you're going to do. Live your life for YOU. Do you want to run? Then run. Are you doing it for someone else? Then forget it. Guaranteed, if other runners do see you, all they're thinking is "Good for her. I wish I was running right now." Don't live your life in fear of what others think - it's too short, and your health is more important!
  • Pentdad
    Pentdad Posts: 23
    Hey folks fatman here again...

    A fatman has less of a problem than a fat lady. That problem is other men.

    Men will holla and cackle from their car windows at a chubby girl running along the road.

    And if shes fit and lithe they will holla like wild dogs.

    I wouldn't jog down busy streets if I was a lady due to these reasons.
  • tjk71
    tjk71 Posts: 167
    Just do it! I used to feel that way & then decided I really didn't care what anyone thought I was doing it for myself! Now when I see someone who is a little out of shape & out walking or running I think.....good for them and it makes me want to get out and do it! You will feel so much better once you do.
  • cobaltis
    cobaltis Posts: 191 Member
    I agree, just do it! Start in local neighborhoods, work your way up to major streets, or just jump in and run right by the mall! Smile knowing your improving yourself, and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks! I realized it wasn't a big deal when I saw other runners, overweight etc, and I just thought "good for them!"
  • Dani_wants_to_be_fit
    Dani_wants_to_be_fit Posts: 550 Member
    I should point out my shyness is not a weight related issue. I use to be a lot bigger than this and I feel good in myself for the weight I have lost, especially since working out and toning, I've gone from a UK 16 to a UK 10 and I am proud. I know I have a way to go, but I'm starting to be happy with my shape.

    It's just more the judging for being unfit. I've never been able to run 30 minutes before, but I still use to have better stamina than this before I was sick (I use to run at the gym) and feel like I have just gone back to stage 1. I've had a serious issue with bullying in the past and it has really knocked me down my self esteem and I just picture being laughed at for being breathless and stopping etc. Childish I know, but it's something I am really going to work on beating. Have the alarm set for tomorrow fmorning at 6.30am to get out and have a run, failing that a good workout.

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