Self conscious

[pinkot5carrot]

I am new to running and need to lose some weight but I am very self conscious about running in my village where I know everybody. I would run somewhere else but I am only young so if I do my parents have to take me. Any tips to get over my self consciousness

[Ripple73 Graduate]

I felt the same when I started. My tips are: go very early in the morning , say 6am , wear a baseball cap, sunglasses and always look straight ahead when you come across someone. Wear clothes you are comfy in and just do it. Everyone feels conscious, I just did a run and was going so slow, others could overtake me by just walking.

[BeckaMusicka]

Headphones. Keep looking straight ahead. Go earlier or not at ‘peak’ times if you feel safe doing so. When I first started (i.e. many years ago), I adopted the attitude of: I’m running. Slowly, but running. You’re standing there. Not running: you don’t get to judge. It did help!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Nobody is going to judge you, even if they notice you.

This is for you..........it doesn't matter what others think.

Enjoy your journey.

[N3llyB Graduate]

Me too, especially being a size 18/20 I felt so silly. Just ask yourself, what do you think when you see someone running? What about when that person is overweight or very slow or sweating buckets? I bet you dont think anything negative! I bet you'd think, wow good for them! You wouldn't think "they should not be running in public"! I see people (like me) running and I think wow you go girl! Go early in the morning at first and I promise you will get more confident. I go at peak times now, still super slow and bouncing along but I couldn't care less. I can run for 35 minutes and so many people couldn't say that. ALSO think about the future, if you don't run you'll look back and wish you hadn't cared so much. Make it so you look back and feel proud of yourself for overcoming your fears 💛 x

[Brunsamarathon Graduate]

I was the same when I started . I really didn't want anyone seeing me struggle and looking like a beetroot with all my wobbly bits but do you know what, the people I did encounter all encouraged me on. One lady said 'I wish I could do that'! I live somewhere where everyone knows everyone else too and it is daunting.

You will find people are more in admiration than thinking negatively of you. The ones that do have no self confidence themselves.

You are doing an amazing thing for yourself in wanting to improve your health and fitness. Take the tips that the lovely people give you on here. Most probably felt the same as you to start with. But be really proud that you have decided to start this journey. You will love the benefits and it will improve your confidence no end 🏃‍♂️👍👏😁

[Blackcat2111]

Hi there, I understand, I've been feeling that way, but today I decided to start. I went really early so there wasn't many people about, and I'll probably do that till my confidence builds. Just try and push aside your thoughts of other people, and focus on all the positives in doing it, you'll be glad you did it. I find it helps when I'm questioning doing something is to not over think and just do it, might sound easier said than done, but it actually is, as I've got older I've realised this, and you'll only regret it if you don't give it ago. Is there somebody else you could do it with maybe? For support, I asked a few people but nobody was interested lol but you can do it, good luck ☺

[PJByrne]

I've just started the programme too (2 days in to wk1 after this morning) and I'm exactly the same - but everyone I passed this morning smiled and said hello. I guess it'll just take time for us to get used to this new thing