Good looking! Running with confidence

[Thinkweightlast]

Hello amazing runners!

Just thought I’d share a few thoughts on facing the fear of running in public...

I’m sure lots of people on here are trying to improve their fitness and waistlines and the thought of hitting the streets and making them tremble fills you with dread. I know those feelings as a larger lady myself.

My approach to dealing with this might not work for everyone but in case it helps anyone here are my thoughts:

1) If anyone is judging you for your size: you are RUNNING! What more could their judgy minds want from you??

2) Most people are probably far more concerned with their own lives and have barely noticed you. You aren’t that interesting 😜

3) Do the occasional jazz hands/shimmy/singalong or wear a bright orange bumbag (I recommend all of the above), if anyone wants to judge you these tactics will at least distract them, and probably scare them away! 😃

Finally, stay amazing, don’t let people lie to you about lockdown rules and looking forward to graduating next week...week 9 tips welcome 👍😃🤜

[Joanney69 Graduate]

I love this 😍

As someone who started c25k early in the morning in semi darkness, just because I didn't want to see people - or people to see me more to the point, I totally get that feeling. But as the weeks went by, and I completed the next run & the next, my confidence started to grow & it didn't matter quite as much if someone saw me. Now, I just don't care 😂 as you say, I'm running 🏃 it may not be pretty or fast, but I'm lapping all those still on the couch 🛋

When I can go shopping again, I'm going to buy some bright leggings for a change from the black.

As for week 9, just enjoy it! Run, slow and steady and slower again if you need to. You can do it, you're a runner 🏃 ☺

[Thinkweightlast Graduate in reply to Joanney69]

I’m sure you’ll light up the pavements in your funky new leggings!

I definitely find that the programme helps with my confidence, too!

Thanks for the lovely response and the tips😃

[Fionamags Graduate]

I never bothered what anybody thought about me. I stopped all of that when i hit 60 - the age of 'Don't give a xxxx'! ( I loved turning 60 - so liberating!!!)

I love the idea of jazz hands and singing. I bet people give you lots of space? Hahaha. I don't think you need any tips for week 9 - its only 2 minutes more and you'll smash it. Just visualise that shiny badge next to your name.... Good luck and I shall look out for your victory post.

[Thinkweightlast Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Thanks for the encouragement! I do find people generally step well aside, but that might just be my scary looking red face.