Anyone else self conscious when walking?

[stevo216]

When I started it was usually in the dark and I felt self conscious running, now lighter and busier but feel ok running its when I am walking at the beginning and end in my colourful trainers, tracksuit bottoms and t-shirt , I look like a right chav! Lol.

[tomlertoos Graduate]

I've found the solution to this....if I wear dark shades, I pretend no one can see me!!

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

I know what you mean; I occasionally feel like this too. When I'm out and about during the day, whether it be when I'm working, generally milling about or just out, I always look at other runners carefully; no-one else seems to be walking! Of course, they may have just been walking but I won't have seen that. Maybe Tomlertoos' suggestion of dark shades is a good idea!

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to Miles_Yonder]

Miss you here

[Hidden]

Where I live there are quite a few people who simply go for 'health' walks so I don't look out of place, even in running gear. However, I don't think you really have anything to feel self-conscious about and it's nobody's business but yours what you are doing. Why not just enjoy the warm up and warm down walks and try not to worry about what you look like. Best wishes.

[Windswept1 Graduate]

Good advice from Fitmo. At least you know & can be proud of what you are doing

[LSBeech75 Graduate]

Hmmmm - running gear isn't the best in the world is it??? I always remember what someone on here said once (sorry guys - I can't remember who it was). That was 'you look like someone who is exercising!' So true! And that's so much better than those in their living rooms & in their cars. Just enjoy & try not to worry

[runner56 Graduate]

I think thats why it is best to run in the morning if you are self conscious. There are generally less folk around and those who are there are too busy trying to get somewhere than pay attention to not so little old me.

I may have to venture out in the afternoon next week. Will see how I manage that.

[Hidden]

I think all the replies here offer good advice. I was and still am self conscious as I struggle round, my face goes bright red and splodgy and I always feel people are laughing at me, but are they???? If I see someone else struggling along while I am driving I always think good onyou at least you are out there doing it!!!!! My trainers are brightly coloured so is my top but it's more for safety than anything else so don't worry, chances are they don't even notice you !!!

Keep at it best regards

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

Hi

I was listening to a television interview recently when a tourist said he though the British rude. People ignored him in the streets he said. The interviewer turned to a Londoner whose reply I agree with completely. It's not rudeness, he said, the truth is that the British people, by and large, will let you go about your business if you don't interfere with what they're doing.

Go running or walking in the most garish colours you like. Cycle in Lycra if you wish to. I might ignore you, but you have my absolute support to do it anytime and anywhere you please!

[stevo216 Graduate]

Shades sounds like a good idea. I also have my mp3 player in One oftose pouch things on my arm. It makes me feel more legitimate!

[Rockette]

You know what I used t I be the same , I'm re doing c 2 5 k & you know what now I feel proud to be strutting mi stuff clad in mi running gear ! After 9 wk of injury I am gratefull & proud. Enjoy !

[carole01 Graduate]

I still feel self conscious so when waking I intersperse with stretches - a sign I am warming up or cooling down. When running I always speed up to pass people which can effect my breathing making it out of sync for a while. I think I too will get a cap and shades sounds like a good idea. Wish it didn't bother me but it still does. Hope all the advice helps there are very wise words above ^^^

[Renka Graduate]

I am old enough not to care a jot what anyone thinks of the way I dress. I usually have my earbuds in and I just nod and smile at anyone I meet.

I believe that 'everyone is too busy minding their own business to be looking at you' and I really got up my ex mother in law's nose when she said 'everyone will talk about me if I do/wear .....such and such' and I asked her why she thought she was so special and important that anyone would even look at her. Oooops

[Nilzed in reply to Renka]

Oops!

[pikey30 Graduate]

Ha ha I felt the same way when I started and now 2 weeks after graduating I feel the same way. I have recently bought some lycra bottoms from Aldi which doesn't help at all. I have actually been wearing a beanie hat pulled down low with my head down, and a tracksuit top that comes down low enough to cover my modesty. Last night however I ventured out without a hat, and what can I say? the whole world was looking and laughing at me. That's how it felt anyway.lol. I'm sure they were admiring glances really, well that's how I sell it to myself. Keep up the good work and to hell with the fashion police!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I'm laughing so much...thats brilliant...I know what you mean, people look at me in all my garb walking along and think what a right tit getting all dressed up for a walk...I want to tell them I'm on a warm up walk...however afterwards its obvious what I have been up to as I am utterly wet and red too, and generally I'm staggering!!!!

[HeleneCorsa Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Yes - I've even had a few thumbs up and compliments as I stagger home magenta-faced! I think most people are far less hostile or judging than we seem to imagine.

I think you need to give your excellent gold outfit a day out again sometime soon...

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to HeleneCorsa]

ha ha this is a very old post and its nice to be reminded.... I have just bought some new gym gear that is very loud, but gold wins every time

[HeleneCorsa Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Ha ha yes, I didn't notice how old it was when it popped up! Silly me.

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to HeleneCorsa]

Its so nice to be reminded of old posts like this, thankyou

[Hidden]

I'm generally OK to be out in running gear, and even finish a run by going shopping sometimes. The only time I've felt really self-conscious was when I tried power-walking 5K on a non-running day, to see how fast I could go. Actually, that was also the only time I have ever been laughed at I must admit, I turned round and told the young people in question that they should try matching my speed for 3 miles and then see how much they laughed!

[Nilzed in reply to Hidden]

You tell 'em, Dewines!

[Far2Fat4ThatDress Graduate]

Well I have had my colours done (I'm a summer!) so I made sure that my running kit is in my 100% colours - blue bottoms and a burgundy top - I maybe fat but at least the colours suit me!

[stevo216 Graduate]

Well as I suspected it is not just me. Mind you looking like a chav is probably preferable to the first time it gets too hot to run in jogging bottoms and I have to unveil my pasty white legs! Lol

[Tattoojunkie30 Graduate]

If it helps any I have blue and bright green running top, grey beanie, grey arm warmers, black stretchy pants and silver trainers.....I am NOT at all colour coordinated! Lol but it doesn't matter what matters is that you get out there and run! I sometimes feel like a prize prat when I'm walking home with all the dog walkers coming out but then I think I don't care I just ran xxxx miles! Plus my music is turned up so if they say something I can't hear them anyway!

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

Once I mentioned at home that I felt silly going out in running shorts and hoped I wouldn't see anyone; perhaps I ought to change. My daughter told me to keep the shorts and put a bag over my head if I was that bothered about it. I grudgingly conceded she had a point.

It is all a question of what you are used to. I don't think twice about going out in my running gear now and if I am walking then surely it is obvious what I am about to do/have been doing. I am sure people don't even notice. Not long ago I left the house and almost immediately walked into a bloke in a Borat mankini so I am sure my ninja outfits are small fry by comparison.