I did! All in black (more akin to a bin bag than a ninja) trying to hide in deserted locations for fear of being seen and recognised for the imposter I was.
Three years on, I'm still running (I even actively scour through photos after a race, looking for the elusive good photo that proves I run like a gazelle 😀) and recently I notice our streets are significantly busier with runners than I've ever seen them. I guess some are people working from home so running at different times, or perhaps running from home rather than at work. But I bet there are a lot of new runners out there too, very possibly following C25K.
But here's the thing. I look at them and I really can't tell whether they're new to running or not. Some look hot and bothered (as I was), some look out of breath (as I was), some are running slowly (as I did), some are walking (as I did); but I can't tell if they've just set out or if they've already been running for an hour, I can't tell if they're on a fast interval training run or doing run/walk intervals, I can't tell if they've been running for years or just a few weeks. I'm sure some must be new to running - but I can't tell which.
Remember, you don't have a label on your back when you're following this program. The only thing anyone knows is that you're out for a run. They're either thinking 'lucky you, be my chance for a run soon' or maybe 'wow, wish I could be bothered to do that'; they're definitely notthinking 'there goes someone trying to be a runner', 'there goes someone who shouldn't bother'.
Don't be self conscious as you start out. There is nothing to hide. No one will know you are a novice runner.
Enjoy and good luck.
Written by
linda9389
Graduate
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I'm only ever impressed by runners...I was running up a hill this morning as was another lady, I made it up where as she was struggling and decided to take a breather and walk for a bit. I gave her a smile and thumbs up on the way passed, and hope she didn't feel self conscious. I thought she was fab, it was early Sunday morning and most folks were probably still in their pj's.
Lol, yes...things are a little different now but before lockdown when I was stuck in my office or in a meeting, I'd be so jealous if I saw a runner go by 😆
Excellent! I remember when I realised I'd just run through town one Saturday morning without thinking about other people; it was such an uplifting moment. I finally felt proud to be running in public, rather than embarrassed. But the only thing that had actually changed (tge only thing that had needed to change) was my thinking!
Thank you for this. I struggled a lot when I started- am I dressed ok?,overdressed?, underdressed?, what are people thinking of me as I struggle with my little 1 min jog? And a thousand and 1 other negative ‘I don’t belong here in this running world’ thoughts. But then I passed another runner going in the other direction and I got a smile and a little nod from them and that small gesture had such a big effect on me. She didn’t know I’d only ran for 2 minutes and I’d be walking again very soon, to her I was just another person out running.
Brilliant. Most runners will nod and smile, and all we're thinking is how nice we got a nod and a smile back, whether we've run for years or are just starting out. So be sure to smile every time you see a runnner and you'll be even less distinguishable as a newer runner. Run, enjoy and smile 😊
What a thoughtful and positive post Linda, I can see why you have the "Ambassador" badge. I graduated last week and am loving running which I only took up during lockdown as the gym is closed. It's still not pretty (in my opinion) but I do enjoy the camaraderie of other runners whether it's just a "morning", a smile or a thumbs up.
When I joined the gym just over a year ago I was 3.5 stone heavier than I am now and pretty unfit. I felt quite self conscious particularly having been active and slim for most of my younger life, but it really didn't take long to realise that nobody else there gave a hoot for what I looked like, what I was wearing or even what I was doing... they were focused on themselves and their workouts/sessions.
Imposter syndrome is a recognised state of mind; we convince ourselves we are not worthy, aren't really capable or deserving of what we've achieved. However it is surmountable and I'm happy to say that I now call myself a runner. It might not be perfect form or pretty (think a small step up from the granny shuffle) but I'm running, I'm not far off 5k in 30 minutes and I fitter, healthier and stronger both physically and psychologically as a result.
Fabulous. Youre absolutely right - except for the fact that 5k in just over 30 minutes is no shuffle! I can confess to gym phobia. I never use them. Why? Too self conscious - am sure I'll stick out like a sore thumb 🤣. Having said that, I used the treadmill in the hotel gym this year when we were skiing. It was of course fine and is progress 😊
That's so good to hear! I was (& still am a bit) embarrassed by how I look to others but I do pretend in my mind that I'm at the end of a half marathon so that's why I'm slow/knackered!
I can totally relate to that post Linda, prior to taking up the C25K, I had a few years earlier only used running machines as I felt so self conscious about running outside and feeling a fraud, so I got around this by doing early morning runs at 6am, which I still prefer. My confidence has increased as my ability has increased and once I have my earphones in and the beat of the music starts i just go for it now and I’m oblivious to what people may think of me...,who cares! It’s so much better running outside in the fresh morning air hearing the birds singing than running inside on a treadmill 😁
I totally agree. I bought a cheap second hand treadmill one winter as I wouldn’t consider a gym, but outdoors is so much nicer. I think we all come to peace with ‘public running’ in the end, but when we imagine we actually look like new, inexperienced runners, we are wrong😀
I certainly have - lots of us have! But it struck me last week that new runners simply do not look like new runners, they look like runners. They are runners. Do share the smile with fellow runners when you meet them and enjoy 🙂
I totally agree with this post. For me, the fear of looking like an idiot was by far the biggest obstacle in the way of me starting on the programme. I used to go at 6 in the morning or when it was getting dark and I dreaded seeing anyone I knew. The day I realised that I was jogging along and not bothering what people thought - really barely noticing other people, I was so concentrated on managing to run - was a huge breakthrough, more than any other stage in the process. I'm quite sad to admit that I was so bothered by what other people thought and what is really nice, now that I've got the courage to look at other people as I run, is that I notice most runners do smile and nod encouragement. I often wonder, when I see other runners, how many of them are on or have been on the C25K programme. A lot of them, I imagine.
I wrote a post a couple of years ago describing the moment I ran through town on a Saturday morning without a thought. The realisation that I was running without caring about what others thought was the most uplifting, empowering moment. A true breakthrough. My running hadn’t changed in any way, but my mindset made a quantum leap. That’s a moment frozen in time for me 🙂
Agree! I was not self conscious when I started, but realise why other people might be. I was running at the weekend and ran past a young man who was trying out running- it was sad because he caught my eye and immediately stopped running! I thinkit was because he was new to this, saw me, and maybe felt self conscious so stopped. I may be wrong but that was my impression.
There are lots of new runners out there - just go for it - no one is looking at you - it is your body!
You're in the right place for encouragement. So much info and support to be found here, it definitely helped me to come out of the shadows. Good luck, and enjoy your running 😊
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More self conscious about going to proper running shop than running
Who is this woman doing her final run of C25K
Absolutely the worlds worst C25k-er
Doing C25K for the second time
Out of my comfort zone & into public. 
