On being seen by people

[Runip]

I know a lot of new runners are nervous about being seen running in public (I well remember the pterodactyls in my stomach the first time I headed out), so I thought I'd share a little positive from this morning in case it helps anyone.

I was running in the town centre, and even though it's Sunday there was a bit of traffic about. The thing is, virtually every time I needed to cross a street and a car was coming, the driver would slow down and wave me across. It may not be a big thing, but it said to me that, rather than viewing runners with the derision that we seem to expect when we first start out, these drivers were showing respect for what I was doing.

If you’re scared to be seen, please try to just give running outside a try. Sometimes it can really make your day ☺

[Irish-John Graduate]

Self- perception

Where, in the absence of trustworthy data.

I try and figure out who I am by attempting to read your mind about how you think of me!

A while back, I realised that - as long as I am not doing anything that is overtly, inherently or insidiously harmful to someone - I can be myself and they can think their own thoughts

That and getting a T Shirt made that says "Sahara Death Race 2013 Survivor" will suffice in any public arena

[mrrun Graduate]

There are people who are very self conscious and instead prefer to run during ungodly hours, or indoors on a treadmill or, sadly, not running at all. In reality, the majority of people don't waste their time looking at runners, the site is so common it's become no news, effectively making us invisible. Admittedly, if you really make yourself a prime target then you will get noticed (I wear NBA tops, running through often busy London locations), but that's one's choice. Once you venture out a few times and figure out that nobody says anything, the whole world becomes open and more comfortable. As it should be!

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to mrrun]

I found I literally don't hear any of the idiots anymore. I'm too busy enjoying my run internally than being the rather self-conscious externally-focused beginner of yesteryear

I knew a former Special Forces guy over here. He was saying that sometimes they would be in a Hide for a week at a time, hardly moving a muscle while observing or waiting for a target. I asked him how he handled the boredom when just waiting

"I think my Happy Thoughts" he replied.

I think I understand now what he meant

We really do create the external through the medium of the Internal

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Exactly. I had some excited Celtic fans waving and shouting 'Larry Bird', as l ran past (all American, all in Hyde Park, for some reason), and some guys who gave me the thumbs down but l enjoy both reactions anyway. Idiots don't bother me any longer neither, running brings freedom, they can't take that away.

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to mrrun]

Sod the lot of 'em

Onwards and upwards Mrrun

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You are so right . 2 out of my 3 runs a week I have to cross roads and you do get the odd driver waving you across and it's very nice 😊

[Hidden]

I always think of UnfitNoMore when I read these posts. How he was worried about what his neighbours might think, and then later found out that he inspired his neighbour to take up running, I think that's a brilliant story. How many people have you inspired on your run today? What an amazing thought.

I will say this, it's definitely more popular now in the UK, when I was in my early twenties, I wouldn't see another runner on the road, now It's almost impossible to go out for a run without bumping into another runner. So keep inspiring!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Fabulous! ❤️

[MarkyD Graduate]

So true Viki. Thanks for posting.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you.out there and flaunting it