W1R3

[Minnielala78]

I was feeling really excited about this run, I’d been reading posts all day as I find it really motivating. Again I went to my local park but I felt so uncomfortable, lots of groups of men laying on the grass or on the benches drinking. I suddenly felt very vulnerable and I’ve never felt that before when going for walks. I completed the run on a short street just beyond the park but it’s made me feel a bit blurgh 😩. Anyone else feel embarrassed or vulnerable when running, or should I just get over it? I’m still determined to complete this maybe i’ll feel better when I can run better x

[FrankyC Graduate]

So sorry you felt this way. 🤗 I don't have any real words of wisdom as I live in a small village where I feel very safe.Only thing I can day is go with your gut. Don't run somewhere you feel uncomfortable. Try an alternative time if possible, I find early mornings quieter, less folk about. Good luck 🍀

[nowster Graduate]

Embarrassed, definitely. That bit you can get over.

Vulnerable is another thing. In an open bit of a park you're probably not going to be in much danger, especially if there are lots of others around.

See this post: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Skyblueandblack Graduate]

I think we older plodders (OK I've over 20 years on you and male) feel vulnerable running in close proximity to youngsters of either sex. ......often anyone of any age or sex when we are struggling.I'd guess most parks get a small number of druggies/drunks at some point in the day.

I just either avoided their areas when they were there and lately just chose to run when I knew they wouldn't be there.

Don't let it put you off....you'll soon be running 20 mins non stop while they'll still be......

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Sorry to hear you felt like that Minnielala78, early morning runs are good for avoiding too many people, I find I run a lot better that time of day.

Well done on completing W1R3, you’re doing great, your running will improve over time, be patient and determined and you’ll get there 👍

[sparky66 Graduate]

Ooh Minnielala, how daunting for you 🤗 big hugs 🤗 Please try and put it behind you.. you are out running doing something amazing , please don't let it put you off x

I remember my second run on week one, I wasn't brave enough to go to the park.. just ran up and down a long road repeatedly.. on my second last segment of running I noticed three men sat in a parked van.. I'm sure they were laughing at me..gosh I was sweating and puffing away, bright red.. but I didn't let them put me off my last minute..

But gosh how embarrassed I felt.

5 month's later I'd love to pass them one day on my 10 K Run 🙌

So keep focused on your goal and go get it girl.. 🏃‍♀️🏁

Let me know when you smash your next run 🙏

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

Yes I feel a bit exposed when I'm running, but I think really it's more about my embarrassment. I don't think runners are really more noticeable than walkers.I also feel more vulnerable when I've been out and about recently. I think this is partly due to the fact I've got used to lockdown and all the stuff on the news recently about women being vulnerable.

I occasionally get shouted at or threatened when I'm cycling. I'm in a rural area so I tend to be alone when this happens.

I really try not to let it change my behaviour, after all it's my life to live. If I can't do things I love, it's a very small, sad life.

The one time I've felt in real danger from a gang of young people was a long time ago in a very isolated part of the town I was living in.

I think if you're somewhere you feel fine walking, then running shouldn't be any different.

Good luck, happy running 😊

[Wwps Graduate]

Sorry to hear that. If you can pick a location where you feel more comfortable the. Hopefully that helps. The embarrassment decreases as you go on I think (I was so self conscious at the start!).

I’m female and late 30s so I hear you about the vulnerability of the park and large groups of men, which can be daunting regardless of what you’re doing.

Be gentle with yourself, you’re trying a new thing so there is vulnerability in that. But hang in there. Find somewhere you feel more comfortable so you can concentrate on what you’re doing. I’ve just been doing laps of local blocks near me. And you can always change up where you’re running if something stops working for you for whatever reason x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi Minnielala78 ...that’s an awful feeling, it’s happened to many of us...but I can almost guarantee that as your confidence in your running grows, so will your confidence as a runner and before you know it you won’t even think twice about embarrassment, instead you’ll know that you are actually inspiring others to get off the couch (or park bench) and start running...Whatever happens though, you should always think about your safety first, feeling embarrassed is one thing but feeling vulnerable and unsafe is another...your safety is paramount so please only run where it’s safe if you’re running alone x

[StringsandKeys Graduate]

Just one hour ago I was out for my run and had to run past a college where three teenage lads were walking. I duly waddled past and if they said anything I didn’t hear them but I think they were fine. You know what I think we’re starting to live in a more enlightened society and we’re all the better for it. If I see someone running I think good I them and I expect many more do too!

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

One of my colleagues said she might try C25K, but she would only go out at night, so no one saw her. Another running buddy who does Parkrun in lovely, loud, jazzy leggings once told me she did her first runs round the house and garden so as not to be seen. I think it’s normal, however feeling a bit self conscious is different to running through a park full of sunbathing people with nothing better to do than watch you. You chose somewhere you felt comfortable, which was a great idea. Can you keep looking for more comfortable running places? Maybe each run could be an explore...? Well done for getting out there 👏👍

[Popstess Graduate]

Hi I completely understand where you're coming from! I did my first run in the local park and I felt so awkward/embarrassed/uncomfortable /vulnerable. I think it was a mixture of feeling like I can't run, running then stopping and walking, going back round the same paths because it's a smaller area so feeling like I'm passing the same people in the park, feeling unfit and like I was just generally drawing attention to myself.

I'm sure it was mostly in my own head BUT I've not gone back to the park to run again I just didn't like it, Ive found quieter places to run now they aren't a loop so I have to turn and go back on myself but I prefer that if I pass someone or they pass me (because I'm so slow) I won't have to go past them again like I was having to in the park.

I have to say I prefer running in company than on my own but that's not always possible so I need to get used to going alone and I think finding somewhere you feel comfortable is a big thing.

It's rubbish that we have to think of our routes and feeling safe but that is a reality as a woman that we do have to consider.

Hope you've managed to find a route you feel comfortable with. Good luck and happy running!

[Minnielala78 in reply to Popstess]

You summed how I was feeling perfectly x

[Popstess Graduate]

We can do this! I'm contemplating wk2r2 tonight alone and feeling nervous already but we can do this!! 😁

[Minnielala78 in reply to Popstess]

I’ve just done w2 r1 in the park but apart from two dog walkers both I’ve known all my life there was not another soul until I was finishing my cool down walk and it made all the difference. Good luck with your run, you got this x

[Popstess Graduate in reply to Minnielala78]

Well done!!!! You've inspired me to go for it tonight eeeek! Nervous but I'll give it a go!

[Mittymoo Graduate]

I really get this and how that feeling can add another burden to the run. Like another poster mentioned , getting out early if thats possible changed everything. Now I often have the park to myself which leaves me feeling that I can breathe more easily. Looking forward to reading about the solutions you come up with for yourself