feeling very self-conscious

I have been doing the C5K in the gym on a treadmill and have recently taken it outside, but I feel very self-conscious and find it hard to motivate my self. I know I am being silly, any Ideas on how to overcome this???

[achydunlin]

I tend to wear my hoodie (I usually run in the evening when it's cooler) with my hood up and my ipod earphones in and concentrate on Laura. I tune everything else out.

On my first couple of runs I used to feel very self conscious and didn't like running if I saw anyone else, but I don't care now. I get waves and hellos from dog-walkers (I'm a dog-walker myself so know most of them and they usually ask where my dog is - he's too old to run though) and I feel a bit daft then.

I usually feel very daft if I come across a 'proper' runner - i.e. someone who hares along and makes me look like a tortoise, but they must have started off like us?

[ju-ju- Graduate]

When I started in feb I'd only go out in the freezing darkness as I didn't want anyone to see me looking silly. Now I'm ok- ish. I try and zone them out but I don't like running on the road as people in cars stare. The best is going out when no one is around that's far more my comfort zone. My best advice is just ignore them as best you can?? I always smile and say hello to everyone although sometimes I just get a dirty look back so I usually swear at them under my breath- after theyve passed. Good luck xx

[eveshamgal Graduate]

I'm just shy of 19st and just about to start week 5. I did the first couple of week 1 runs Round a local park at 7am because I didn't want anyone to see me but I got bored of that so took to the streets.

At first I was self conscious about it but after a while you realise no one really cares. They are going about their business, going where they need to go etc. I do look out for shocked faces though when they pass me haha

[wannanewme Graduate]

This is one I battle with myself. Things to try - wear something you wouldn't mind answering the door bell in (skinny lycra running tights are not compulsory!), wear a cap with a peak (somehow it makes you feel less visible), run with a friend (preferably someone who looks less like a runner than you! or maybe an obvious runner to make you seem athletic by association), choose a route where people have better things to do than watch you (ie not down the side of a traffic queue), play your very favourite music so you'll get lost in that, go out in the rain - fewer people around, but most importantly, try to remember that it doesn't matter in the slightest what anyone else thinks; you are doing this for you, for your health and ultimately the hope is for your enjoyment too (and actually, I doubt many people are being judgemental anyway). Try to feel good about yourself, what you are doing and what you've achieved, think positively (don't leave the house thinking "Oh no, another run. I'm going to look a right muppet, I hope noone sees me", instead think "great, chance to have some me time and get some fresh air. Really pleased I'm doing C25K, I'm getting so much fitter".

I know it's tough, I could really do with taking my own advice on this too, but keep going - the more you do it the easier it will become both mentally and physically. Happy running!

[Anniemurph Graduate]

I used to be very self-conscious, and then I tried looking at it from a different perspective. When you're driving, or in a park, how much do you really look at a jogger or a cyclist? I found that I might possibly register that there is one on my horizon, but actually, I tend to ignore them. In fact, it's more than that - I didn't really notice them. I do now, of course, because I wonder if they are doing c25k! Another thing that helps me is a totally selfish attitude, as in, 'I'm doing this for me, and your opinion doesn't matter'

I hope you can work it out. All the best with your running, and let us know how you get on.

[danigrant]

I used to feel self conscious too. Then i figured out that i am the one that is actually running and i have nothing to be ashamed of! People driving by are probably not noticing or inspired. Go get your run on!

[Jany]

Don't be self-conscious! I think, if anyone is looking at you, they're probably thinking positive things- "she's doing well", "good for him", "I should really take up running" etc. And if someone is thinking something uncharitable- well, that reflects poorly on them, not you- doesn't it?

I always get very hot when I run so I've never been able to run in baggy sweats/hoodies etc. I had to get over my insecurities quite quickly in my little shorts and tight vests! Honestly, I suspect that no one is aware of you and what you're doing but if they are, they're thinking kind things. I know I do.

[nomoresloth Graduate]

As the others already said, there is no need to be self-conscious! I'm overweight, have a beetroot face after 5 minutes in every run and don't look very attractive when I'm running (I can see my reflection in a window in one passage of my route so I know exactly how I look ). I'm running and that is why I don't look like a beauty queen (which is actually silly, in my opinion. I can't understand these women I meet in the park, wearing full make-up and a stylish hairdo when they go out for a run... Why???). The mportant thing is that you are out there doing something for your health and fitness. If the people look at you, what will they see? Someone who cares about her health. Perhaps someone who doesn't look sportive right now but at least someone who tries to do her best to improve it. So, don't worry!

I run past a hotel breakfast room (where I can also see my reflection) and many of the hotel guests are watching me while they are having breakfast. To be honest, I feel proud not to be one of them, eating greasy croissants and sugary jam but be a (more or less) proper runner who is passing them.

Just go out and don't care about the people! In my case as an overweight, I think I would be more embarrassed to be seen eating junk food than running it off my hips.

Good luck with your running and don't be too self-conscious! There is no need to be!!!

[FirinBlanks Graduate]

I run first thing in the morning when there's only other runners and bin men about. It's also cooler so you get the benefit of not going too beetroot,

[Hidden]

Thank you for all your replies, It's nice to know that I am not the only one who ends up with a beetroot face, I think this was one of the reasons why I felt so self-conscious. All your kind words have made me feel more motivated and even though I have a very busy day tomorrow, I am going to try my best to get outside for the last run of week 7.