That was meant to say how do I get over the embarrassment of running in public being a big fat unfit nobody?

[wannabef1t]

[theriddler]

Honestly, there's no magic ingredient.

Just get out there and do it. You'll quickly realise that if anyone pays you any attention, it's usually an encouraging smile.

And if the worst comes to the worst and they laugh or call names (which has never happened to me so far), who cares - you're wearing headphones, and you're doing something to improve yourself.

there's a saying on here that someone coined - smug & pink: that feeling where you'e completed the run, no matter how hot, sweaty and out of breath you are, you have a smug grin for having achieved something.

[Beek Graduate]

If you try to pick a place and time when fewer people are around it is not likely you'll be seen. But what does it matter if you are seen? My guess is that many would quietly envy you for having the bottle to do this programme. Anyway, you are doing it for YOU, not any audience.

It would be a really sad shame for you to allow this concern to prevent you from knowing how great you will feel doing the plan. You have so much to gain from doing it. And another thing you will gain is self esteem and confidence!

GO ON - GIVE IT A GO! and find out for yourself how much better you can feel!

If it gets tough just come back here for support from those who know the issues and will understand and encourage you!

[lizziebeth57 Graduate]

I have just come in from a great run. My 4th after graduation and by far the best yet. I was wearing my new aldi running trousers ( or whatever they are called) and a fluorescent running top. I would never have worn anything like that at the beginning but running has really increased my confidence and self esteem. I even took a 'selfie' to send to my daughter in New York, entitled 'I have no shame'. However, I think being hooked up to a mp3 helps as does smiling at folk as I pass them ( or they pass me). Please don't let this worry stop you. You are doing great things and I hope your thinking about yourself will change as you progress through the programme.

[wannabef1t]

I am just back from my first ever run, walk, run...feel fantastic. Thanks for all your encouraging replies. It was very tough, but I guess the first one is always going to. I am definitely going to concentrate on my run rather than any funny looks. Looking forward to run 2 on Saturday. Thanks everyone.

[lizziebeth57 Graduate in reply to wannabef1t]

That's great. Well done

[rockchick69 Graduate in reply to wannabef1t]

That's the spirit....who cares what others think. I know it's hard to begin with, but now you've done it once it will be easier. In a few weeks you will be smiling at the people you pass....honest Keep on going you have done the hardest part.... xxx

[wannabef1t in reply to rockchick69]

Thankyou so much, wish I had looked for this support earlier.

X

[Vegetarian51 Graduate in reply to wannabef1t]

Really really well done to you. People aren't thinking what you look like, they just think "Fair play to you for getting out and exercising". I was a size 18 when I started in June - post operation, post redundancy, more wobble than run! Although I've lost weight, it's the lift in my confidence and mood that is most encouraging. You'll find the runs make you feel good about yourself, and more confident in all aspects of your life. Be kind to yourself - I did week 1 twice and week 2 twice (I was doing it on a hilly bit, moved to a flatter route up to week 9 and have now moved back to the hillier route). Best advice I got was get good shoes, don't run on concrete and I got stretch tubular bandages for my knees, which I think helped. Leave a good time lapse after eating before running. Start on a flat route. Follow all the other tips on this site - they really do help. I also found turning the music volume up to a certain point helped me to kind of zone out. Hard to explain but experiment with it and see what works for you. And Aldi have good gear today. For an oldie like me, it was a revelation how the new style of gym clothes help you to keep warm but not dripping with perspiration and sticking to you. In the beginning, the pace of the music was a bit fast for me, and I had to consciously slow down a bit just to get to the end of the run. Read the tips on here and find out what works for you personally. Enjoy your run on Saturday!

[SQUIZZER27 Graduate]

You're out there and you're doing it - that's fantastic! I'm no skinny minnie either but we have taken the plunge and want to improve ourselves and that is why we're here No matter how slow you are going, what you look like, or how you feel you are still lapping everyone on the couch!! Keep up the good work xx

[runningchick Graduate]

Now don't be hard on yourself, wannabe. You're definitely a 'somebody' because you've made a great decision to be fit I admire you for that!

When I first started, I went for runs in places where there weren't a lot of people around. Now I'm on week 6 and fitness levels improved so feeling confident enough to not be bothered about being seen. I am sure your confidence will also grow as you go through the programme!

Seriously- I see a shapes and sizes when I'm out; a lot of people out running are like myself - not skinny and not wearing cute those sports cropped tops and tiny shorts!

Please...give it a go! I had absolutely no fitness when I started and now the 5, 10 and 20 minute runs are not difficult....and I'm an ex-smoker!

Take care and well done you!

;D x

[Tati Graduate]

Can I just add that you don't have to be overweight to feel self conscious. I'm quite slim but I couldn't run for toffee at the start. However I used to think that someone glancing at me might think 'oh she's a runner' and then wonder why I was puffing and panting and walking! I'm not fast now and never will be, but I can run for 40 + minutes and you will too. Well done on starting and enjoy the rest of the programme.

[deb54 Graduate]

I love that you have made a start! I only get smiles, 'mornings' and the nod from people. Listen to Laura, talk to your community on here and you'll get there! You can do it!

[DeepnGreen]

Nobody's a nobody.

I went to the doctor with a particular health problem and my doctor said I should lose 2 stone. "How very dare you?" thought I, "I'm not even fat!". Anyway, I started C25K at end of May this year weighing 14st 4lb. After a month of running I felt much fitter but was 14st 5lb! ("Muscle weighs more" was my friends refrain) In August I was 14st2lb. Yesterday I was still 14st 0lb. Was it worth it? Hell yeah, I can now run 6k in under 35mins and I've had to buy some new trousers as the old ones don't fit. Apparently the weight thing is also dependent on biscuits, curry and alcohol but who in their right mind is going to give them up?

[caribougrrl Graduate]

When I started running my dad remarked that he could never do that, run outside where the neighbours could see him. I told him me neither, but I had to get over myself because it was either run in front of the neighbours or keep sitting on the couch thinking I should go for a run. When I told that story to my good friend, he said, that's exactly it: sometimes you have to get out of your own way. I like to think that sometimes people see me and think, well, if SHE can do, surely I can do it.

Anway, good for you for getting out of your own way.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

You are NOT a nobody, you are you and you are doing something to improve your health and lifestyle. Congratulations, well done and when you are out there running hold your head up high and be proud of your achievements. It takes lots of stamina and strength to run and if anyone has ever tried it they will agree, its not easy, so no shame just pride