We're do I start

[Dawn221]

How do I get over the embarrassment of running in front of people?

[Miller2]

Stuff em! Do it for you and you alone. I've had all sorts of comments thrown at me since I started (usually white van men) but I just ignore them and I'm so glad I didn't let it put me off because I absolutely love running now - it's the best thing I ever did and I really can't imagine life without it. I started the programme in March 2016 and waddled round like a puffing elephant (feel free to read my posts from when I started) in lycra. It was not a good look but I wasn't there to look good, I was there to get fit. There will always be a few idiots that want to offer their opinions but that's their problem, not yours. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in (but get good shoes) and seriously, don't feel embarassed, turn any embarassment you may feel into determination and have a go. You may find it's the best thing you ever did! I still don't look like a "runner" (though there is no set standard as to what a runner looks like) and when I stop running my thighs and belly carry on for a moment but I am fitter than ever and much happier too. This forum is great for support - post about all your runs, good or bad, and us folks will help you along the way. Please don't let embarassment stop you from having a go, the first run is the hardest, if only because you have to leave the house and make the decision to do it, but it could be the best decision you ever make Give it a go!

[misswobble Graduate]

You will! We all do 🙂

Crack on ✔️

[Rignold]

Come to the realisation that no-one is looking at you as you run. With the possible exception of other runners who are in their cars and thinking "Damn it, I wish I was running."

Really. No-one you pass is remotely interested in you running, or whether you have bad running form, are fat, are wearing weird clothes (well, within reason. If you are running wearing a mankini and a snorkel, perhaps...), are red-faced, are puffing like a walrus on crystal meth or are sprinting to a PB. The truth of the matter is the only time pedestrians notice runners is if they are about to crash into them, and not always then, even.

We all feel self conscious when we start running. Or doing anything we haven't done before. But it is all in the mind.

I run wearing a huge vest thing and holding a big camera on a selfie stick which I am having a puffing blowing conversation with at the moment. Can you imagine how self conscious that makes me feel? Yesterday I had to bare my body to the world on camera to show how much weight I had gained in a year off training...

Just run. No-one is looking. No-one is judging you.

And if there is anyone who is... well **** them for being such judegemental *******s. Their problem, not yours.

[Dawn221 in reply to Rignold]

Thank you that has helped I'm always being told I can't do things or I shouldn't do them. I guess I just need a good kick in the right direction.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

I'm reminded of a story I read once about James Dean, the actor, when he was about to star in the film Giant with BIG movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson (he wasn't quite so famous at that time). He kept worrying about "how am I going to act in front of all these people. They'll all be looking at me and judging me". So he came up with an idea.

On the first day of shooting, before the cameras rolled and in front of hundreds of extras and said BIG NAMES, he strolled over to the side of the set and unzipped his trousers and peed. His logic? "If I can take a pi** in front of them I can act in front of them".

Now I'm not telling you that so you can do the same 🙂 but what I'm saying here is that it's not just you. Many of us felt the same way when we started but after a while you don't give a toss and start wearing really bright multi-coloured running gear. No one is looking at you. Honest.

[Rignold in reply to Irishprincess]

If you take a p*** in front of them, they might though. Probably best to follow the spirit rather than the actual letter of JD's example.

[Miller2 in reply to Rignold]

haha

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

I hope he washed his hands after!

[Wannaberoadrunner Graduate]

Know that they are probably concentrating on their own fitness and not looking at what you are doing.

[Wizziewood]

Way back in the winter when I started C25k I would sneak out as it got light dressed completely in black and pray that I wouldn't see anyone. I didn't even tell hubby the first week! Then, to add to my paranoia builders started work near bye and I had to run past them as they stared work. But I kept going, no one has ever called out to me, no one has every laughed at me and now I really DON'T CARE! Believe me, endure your embarrassment and it will disappear, when you're totally exhausted you won't care either. This is all about you, you're the only one who matters so go for it. You can do it!

[Dawn221]

I love the idea but that might get me too much attention lol

[Paullyon]

Know exactly how you feel , in to week 2 now, at first I dreaded if I met someone , mostly dog walkers to be fair. Was praying that my running time would be up before I met them . Because I've done a few of the runs now and know how it makes you feel when you complete , still dread meeting them , but carry on running with much more confidence , even started saying morning to them ! Keep going ....

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Some great word of wisdom above, also remember that nearly everyone one of us felt the same the first step out the door, so you are not alone. One of the things I love about this forum is watching someone start, nervous, just like you and go through the whole program and then come and request a graduation badge, all Lycra clad and brimming with confidence. If I had a charity pot for every story like that I have heard the charity would be booming. Take a deep breath, tell your self you can and take that first step, you won't regret it.

[Whatsapp Graduate]

You have nothing to be embarrassed about. Fitness is the new black (or something much more profound). Everyone's doing it these days, walking, running, cycling.

If it helps, pick a quieter time of day, like early morning when there are less people around.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

I always think to myself that no-one knows how long I have been running, could be in the middle of a really long run for all they know, which is why I'm going slowly... Its not like I'm sprinting for a bus, this is proper running we are training for.

You will love it...don't worry about anyone else..do it for you.😊

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Yes Jan, I always think that too ! xxx

[ancientrunner Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Yes, I think that too. No one knows I'm only 5-10 mins in and not at the end of my final long run before marathon - as if!!

[Rachael113]

Turn it in it's head .... when I started running, I'll be honest , I was the butt of a few jokes , a complete **** head I worked with , told me I would break pavements .

This made me more determined to prove people wrong . I actually found all the ultra fit looking runners were the most supportive when passing them on the path I ran on .

I started running because I got running envy , I couldn't run but wished I could , so decided to do something about it , I think anyone who has ever made fun of me , it's only ever said more about them than me , I think most people admire someone for doing something, I know I do .

It took me a couple of months before I braved the main roads , but once you do it a couple of times you will be fine , don't let people steal your thunder , it's your running journey , not theirs .

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Some absolutely amazing replies here...really wonderful and totally hilarious!! They should give you the general idea...

I think though, I must be a real exhibitionist... I enjoy being out there...

It did not and does not bother me at all...! I noticed that folk walked faster, a lot faster than I ran at the start, but that is about all, I think.. then I just graduated from the first pair of black running leggings,( when I knew I was going to do this whole thing)... to the funkiest ones I could find..and I continued in that vein

I think I am too busy looking around even to think about other folk and, too many years as a teacher probably helped Plus, if I can give folk a laugh, a smile or whatever then great...

And.. wonderfully (or wickedly, like some of us).. if I run past a line of cars waiting at the railway crossing or queuing on the road.. I pull my tum in, lift my head high, find a burst of speed and run like I am a real runner.... I love it!!!!

So... having read all the advice... just go out there and strut your stuff you are doing it.. favourite quite for this is

"Self-confidence is the best outfit, rock it and own it !

Go for it!!!!

[nikkiwabit Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

One day I might be able to pull my tum in

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to nikkiwabit]

Love it...!!! But.... it has taken me a while... bum clenches, tum tucking and boob thrusting... and I still look weird x

[nikkiwabit Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Bum & boobs I am quite happy with. All my extra 1 - 2 stone is out in front!

[fatboytorunner]

maybe join a group if you feel conscious - i attend a running group where we have a couch to 5k type programme over 10 weeks and have groups start together - that way everyone is in it together and from what I have seen the support from each other is amazing - apart from that as most others have said "who cares" its their problem not yours .... you never know you may just inspire someone to start running as well - i run the same route home on every run .... a guy turned up for a newbies session two weeks ago and he said he had seen me change over the last 18 months as i run past his house very regularly .... i don't know this person but he saw the t-shirt for the running group did his research and joined as a result .... you could have an impact on someone without even knowing it ..... good luck with your running and the main thing is enjoy it .... there are lots of people who would give their right arm to be able to do what we take for granted. Who cares if you are not the quickest or look like you are gliding over the ground as long as it makes you feel good that's all that matters

[damienair Graduate]

Excellent replies above. If you have a 5k Parkrun close by your house you should pop along sometime. Even just to check it out. Every shape, size, age and fitness level take part. Some run it in less than 18 minutes and some walk the course in an hour. The loudest applause is for the support of the runners or walkers at the back of the field. Be proud to be off the couch and doing something positive for yourself.

Damien

[fatboytorunner in reply to damienair]

Totally agree! Park run is amazing

[MarkyD Graduate]

Simples: by running in front of people and not caring what they think.

[NickMG Graduate]

Hi Dawn - I'm glad you posted this. You should be proud and not embarrassed. Here's why. I used to do a lot of exercise and stopped completely after injuring my back 10 years ago. Back in April I was driving home and had just picked up some beers from the shop. I saw a woman who was overweight jogging towards me wearing a couch to 5k T shirt. I was inspired by her. I felt if she was going out and doing that then so should I. I got myself some runners looked up the programme and started week one, I'm now on week 7 and really enjoying it and already feeling better for it. If I saw her again I'd give her a big hug and thank her for inspiring me to get off my backside and get on the programme.

[Hidden in reply to NickMG]

That's a fab story👍

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

Most people aren't looking. Some are but either (1) f they are like me they are thinking " good for you, go for it" or (2) they are not worth the effort of worrying about and you can bet they couldn't do it. You are doing something good ignore them and keep going.

[Gran4z Graduate]

I'm not sure you do 🙃, I especially don't like it when the school kids are around...but actually they aren't bothered and it's likely neither are the other people. So just go out and do it, and remember they probably don't even see you...and may be you are quite possibly doing something they wish they could! We are the winners, we are doing something positive. Well done you!

[IgaT Graduate]

I think most of things have been already said. I just want to share my experience from before running times.

I was always looking at runners! I envy them, I worship them. If they were not magazine type of runner, I was astonished, amazed, happy and pround of them. While at the same time ashamed that I cannot run.

But now on my week 3 of runner journey and I am proudly "running" (bearly crawling) with red face, no breath, but waving and/or smiling to anybody who is looking

[Fatnorthernlass]

I used to look at runners like they were a different species to me, I really envied them and not in a nice way! Now I'm running I pass them and think,'... that will be me soon or that's cool gear or you go girl/guy' if their build resembles mine!

Most people are really interested in themselves so even if they do notice you it's for that second then they are back into their internal monologue...whatever that may be! So run like nobody is watching because they probably aren't 😊

[KimLoulou Graduate]

I have come to the conclusion that to everyone else I am not that important and they don't really care. In all honesty they probably won't take the eyes from their phone. If they do think anything they probably wish they could run!! Just do it.

[Allia]

I've just started this programme and feel the sa,e way! I've got over it by going out early in the morning before I go to work. Start time of about 5.15/5.30am. No one is about then and I can feel my confidence growing!! Also, I wear a cap when I run... working on the theory if I can't see them... they can't see me!!!!!