Shy runner

[Drhds]

How do people run in public? So far I've been running around a local park but as the nights draw in, as an evening run type of girl, I don't really want to be in an unlit park where there can be dodgy things. On the other hand, I really don't like people seeing me exercise generally which is why I don't have a gym membership. Any advice on getting over my insecurities?

[Karina1976]

I am on week 8 and the same as you been running round my local park . Tonight I thought o would brave the streets/roads to give myself a bit of variety and ya know what I did not really notice the difference apart from having to cross the roads. Have a go x x

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Time, keep going out and as the nights start drawing in I am sure you confidence will blossom. I have seen many people on this forum with very similar issues to yourself, so you are not alone but they all come to the end, Lycra clad and confident asking for their Graduation badges. I myself grew in body confidence as I started to view my body as machine that runs rather than a host of all my insecurities, running is a great confidence booster.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Many people feel the same but the more you run the more comfortable you become. The truth is that other people are so wrapped up in their own lives they rarely even notice anyone else, especially runners because non-runners think that all runners are nuts 😏 Other runners know how hard it is and generally acknowledge your greatness when seeing you 🙂

At the end of the day most people will admire you for doing something life changing for your health. And the other people don't matter.

[Hidden in reply to Irishprincess]

This is so true, most people are either looking at the pavement or their phones to notice you. Try it once maybe, maybe not even a full timed run, just to see how you feel, you'll probably be surprised at how invisible runners are. Honestly we are the ninjas of the sporting world. You will run toward or past them and they just don't see you. Good luck ninja.

[GiGill Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Totally agree... for most people you are "just another crazy person doing that running thing" (which they would never do)... just go for it, it's never as bad as you imagine!

[Razouski]

Also keep outside if you can. I'm sure the fresh air is better for you than the air con in the gym. I have a gym membership and started my C25k programme there, thinking I would never be brace enough to run in public outside. But after a run with my daughter outside I got hooked to the great outdoors and find running on the treadmill a real chore. I keep up my gym workouts on my rest days as enjoy the other elements and the pool.

Be assured though, even in the gym people are so busy following their own workout plans they don't actually pay much attention to anyone else.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just do it.... I know that sounds really hard, but that first run may be the only one that worries you.

Early morning runs are great.... and folk, if they stare are either jealous... runners who wish they were running. Most folk are just too wrapped up in their own lives etc to notice you!

I went out first in black leggings and a grey jacket.., but that was only, because that was the gear I had...The Original Grey Snail!!! Not any more! The funkier the better..the brighter and bolder, the better too!

Just think what you are doing, and why... think how amazing you are.. stick a smile on your face and try it!

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

[Hidden]

For me it was gradually getting used to it. When the weather got so hot I had to put shorts on instead of the baggy leggings I had been wearing I felt so self conscious but now I don't even think about it. I just had to make myself do it till I got used to it.

[Lorna9339]

As previous replies you will get more confident! I started off in a baggy black fleece and black yoga pants as I was sure people would be looking at me and my fat body! But really, hardly anyone did. I now own lycra running leggings and lots of other running gear! So, it will happen for you - just get yourself out there 😊

[Drhds]

Thanks all, I'll give it a go this week x

[Gabby08 Graduate]

I felt the same, to begin with. I usually run across the fields or at a disused airfield but I've gradually started extending my routes - through a village or round a cul-de-sac etc. Doing parkrun also helped me get over it a bit. On Saturday, I did my whole run along a busy promenade and hadn't even thought about the fact that I was running in public until I read your post. Three months ago, I wouldn't have dared. Try it and you won't look back!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Be open to the possibility that you may not be a 'type' if that holds you back from being more flexible. You could still be right that the easiest, most natural time for you to run is evening but the best time is when you can run, when you do actually get out there. People find out surprising things about themselves too!

[june67 Graduate]

I started running around a football pitch until the heavy rain came then it was too soggy so I tried running home from work along the streets and main roads and I can honestly say I run better!!! I find it much easier and I am less unlikely to give up so it works for me, I did run round a park for a while but found this boring much prefer the streets and this was a surprise to me

[quirkybee Graduate]

Hi Drhds 😊

Ooh, you sound just like I was when I first started cycling a year or so ago. I'd cycle around where I lived and that was about it. I'm not a super confident person, quite shy in some respects, so I didn't feel at all confident to allow anyone see me in public.

After very slow, agonising moments of cycling, (believe me, haha), 2 best mates joined me and I think we knew ever area of our local park after several weeks.

I found that even though I didn't like being in public, sooner or later, you just have to say to yourself, knickers to everyone, I'm doing this for me, for my health etc and regardless of your appearance or whatever you feel insecure about being in public, just do it with confidence.

I found that people look, I look at others, what does it mean? Not a lot...... for me to approach this attitude was a huge thing, but it really does boost your confidence and insecurities.

I now run on the pavement near the main road and then up around a walking track whilst doing the C25K Podcast. I'm red faced, out of puff at times, but I put my music on after my podcast and just don't care who sees me.

I'm not slim, but not huge, I need to refine my curves a little 😂 but I'm doing it for me.

I hope my experience has helped, but either way, good luck. You'll soon build up confidence. Sorry for the long epic story, lol.

[Mary3393]

Runners are a very common sight. Most people dont even notice you and quite a lot will smile or even say 'hi' so give it a go. The variety will be good

[Ashleev Graduate]

I run on the footpath, whatever time of day! I am red faced and dripping with sweat. I make eye contact with everyone, and try to manage a smile. I see a lot of people out who seem similar to me - working to improve their fitness - running or walking.

9/10 people smile back. 1/10 have this grim, pained exercise face - usually they don't even make eye contact.

I like smiling at people. When they smile back, it's a shared experience, and an encouraging boost. They know the feeling (even if they're fitter than me!) and I appreciate it.

I've not had any bad experiences yet. I only use one ear bud so I can hear traffic and other runners coming up behind. I prefer running in daylight, but pretty soon there won't be enough light hours in the day. Be brave - you'll be fine!

[Irish-John Graduate]

One day it struck me, whilst running in the Park, that not ALL the numbnuts and smirkers could have been smited by a totally pissed off Running God.

so - what had happened to them? Where were all those members of Clan Ignoratii who had 'made' me feel kinda bad about me running in the first few weeks?

And then it dawned on me They are still dribbling and drooling their way around the Park, no doubt wondering what the big deal is about wearing clean underpants - and thereby putting great strain on one of their two IQ points - ..but I really do not perceive them anymore!

As you get more confident and comfortable running - the sheer pleasure you get eclipses all that, I promise you.

Do a bit of 'suffering' now - to live like a champion for the rest of your life

Wishing you MANY happy miles in your future