Fat and running

So I'm over weigh (19st) I've just finished my second run of week one and I've tried to avoid people due to the embarrassment. I really want to say screw them I'm running to try to loss weight and not be overweight but my self esteem won't let me 😢

[Stephen_UK Graduate]

Don’t avoid people. Enjoy your run and be proud of yourself.

[Emlist29 Graduate]

Well done on finishing your first 2 runs.

I’m in the same position, running to aid weight loss (I’ve got 5 stone + to lose).

When I first started (I’m now in week 9) I would run after dark to avoid being seen but now I have embraced the daylight I’m so surprise by the response I get. Others runners and dog walkers say hi, morning or I might get a thumbs up or even a wink. The running community are so supportive as it’s clear I am a newbie!

You have nothing to be embarrassed about, you are doing amazing and should be proud!!!

Always remember, you are going better than if you’d stayed on the sofa.

This program is magic so happy running. x

[Jerichomile Graduate in reply to Emlist29]

You’re in week 9...... 💐🎉! You are SUCH A HERO!!!!

[CharlieChurch]

Hold your head up high and enjoy your run. Well done for starting. It's amazing how quickly you get over the embarrassment, honestly. Concentrate on the way your body feels, your breathing, your music, and ignore those around you. Good luck ☺️

[backintime Graduate]

Well done on finishing your 2nd run. There are people of all shapes, sizes, levels of fitness and ages on here, be proud of lacing those shoes up and running, anyone should applaud you for getting out there and doing it ! Stick with it.

[Hidden]

Thank u everyone. Maybe in the future I won't run in the woods away from people x

[molly1973 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

No need to hide away, as others have said already: but running in the woods can be lovely too 👍

[Jogunlikely Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Ah but BigBird the woods are my favourite place to run. There is something about the stillness. First you think it's silent but if you listen carefully they have their own background music. 💕

I'm jealous you get to be there. 🤗

Enjoy your running, you are being AWESOME and sod everyone else 💪🏃‍♀️

[notquiteretired Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hi BigBird87, it really doesn’t matter where you run , inside or outside, early in the morning or in the dark, the main thing is you are moving. The more you do it the more your confidence grows, keep it up you doing great😊

[Hidden]

It its lovely in the woods tbh and I take my dog with me too so he enjoys it too

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Nothing wrong with running in the woods, especially in this weather. You get shade, a softer landing.. no pollution/traffic... I loving running in the woods, especially with a pooch 🐶.

Don't let anyone stop you from doing what you want to do. But I must say I do love running when/where there's no one around. I used to run after 11pm so I'd have the roads to myself... Looks a bit dodgy though. 😬 👮‍♂️👮‍♀️🚓

[Thickthighs Graduate]

You run wherever you feel comfortable and keep going. When you’re ready you can go public. I run in a fairly busy area but mostly busy with cars. The people I meet smile and say hi. The traffic I don’t even acknowledge (except when crossing junctions 😂) I just focus on my run and music. I’ve found it’s a great way to get lost in my head and not stress about anything in my life or what’s going on around me. Give yourself a pat on the back you’ve embarked on a journey to a new healthy you don’t give a damn what others say this is for you! 🙌😊

[Jerichomile Graduate]

I want to send you so much respect and support. You are out there doing something so many people want to do and daren’t. You’re brave, strong and you’ve found the guts to do it. We are all cheering you on. Post here often and know the whole C25K community is 100% with you. 👏💐

[Jen302 Graduate]

Don't think about what people think as other people will always have an opinion. You can't please everybody. Your only out there to please yourself.

Your out there to improve yourself; be healthy, happy and enjoy running. Hold your head up high and be proud. We are all proud of you in this community..

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well done so far... I’m hoping that you’re very proud of yourself. Let the pride grow run by run, start to see how awesome you really are... then at some point go show everyone else... you may well inspire someone just like you to get out there and do this.

[Julia187 Graduate]

Don’t ever be ashamed, the reality is no one cares, probably most don’t even notice, I never noticed runners until I started running myself. Just get out there with your head held high, you should be very proud of yourself.

[Algernon_Moncrieff]

I'll mirror everything that everyone else has said here, I'm massively self conscious when I'm running, and will choose times and locations where I'm unlikely to run past huge numbers of people. But I'm doing this whole running thing for me, so refuse to let someone's hugely witty size-related comment piss me off, that said I'm normally plugged into some tunes or a decent podcast so can't hear anything anyway.

Really nobody really notices you, I think its more your self awareness that tells you they do. Keep going, don't worry and just enjoy being out there

[TeeBedders Graduate]

You are doing great!

I totally understand the embarrassment. That first run (I’m on week 1 run 3) I could have easily talked myself out of it because I thought I’d get looks of disgust or that they’d think I’m lazy slowing to a brisk walk but you know what? I have my music on and before you know it you’re past them. Gone. It’s not as scary as you think it is at all. I try and think, ‘what do I think when I see runners’? And I’ve always thought ‘good on them’! Keep going. You’re out and you’re doing amazing xx

Sorry that was long 🙈 x

[Pianism Graduate]

I ran my first 5 weeks in the dark around a deserted football pitch, so I do recognise your worry. Your self esteem will increase dramatically as you move through the programme, have no fear. For now, headphones on, eyes front and get through the runs. I believe people who see you running fall into 2 camps... 1) "good on you!" 2) idiots.

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

Hold your head up high! (You’ll run better that way, too! 😁) You are doing something amazing! Everyone here has been there at some point, so we’re all rooting for you. The support here is the absolute best, so post on here often, and tell us what’s going on. It’s so helpful to read about other people’s journey, and it’s surprising how similar a lot of them are.

Love,

A fellow wobbly runner. 😁

[Hidden]

Thank u everyone u have all been so lovely x

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Hi BB! You’ll find plenty of we larger folk on the forum and I think all of them will say well done on getting started - that really is the hardest bit. And the more you’re out there the less you will worry about what people may think - you’re doing this for you, no-one else! So blinkers on, music (or other entertainment) sorted, deep breath and hit it...! Oh, and don’t forget to let us know how you get on!