Honestly... what do you think when you see fat people running?

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I am overweight, really overweight! And I have huge issues about my body and health. I need to do something about this, more for my own health and confidence than anything else. I used to be very fit and run a lot, and I love running. So as well as eating healthly etc I have been trying to take up running (well walking and running in intervals) again. But even when I try to choose quiet times and quiet places I am always so embarrassed when someone sees me, I just think they are laughing as this overweight, almost 40 yr old puffing and panting away.... so that's my question really, in absolute honesty what do you think when you see larger/ overweight people running?

I'd think good for you, but someone I know who is large was told not to run by her GP because of pressure on the joints in very large people.

And being nearly 40 is nothing. People of many different ages run.

I think I should join them.

I just think bloody well done

I am internally cheering them on. They obviously want to make changes to make themselves healthier and I think it is fantastic and brave. of them.

Such hard work. If you're quite heavy you're carrying a whole extra person around with you (or more if morbidly obese).

@ragged

Such hard work. If you're quite heavy you're carrying a whole extra person around with you (or more if morbidly obese).

I'm sure op knows that

I think good for you but hope that you're not permanently damaging your knees! I'd stick to super speedy Nordic walking to lessen the impact until the weight is down significantly.

Wow, I've just come back to this after going out for another run and honestly I'm ovewhelmed by all the comments. I know there will always be people out there who are 'knobheads' as a previous poster put it, but I will also play all of these comments in my head when running. I needed to hear this - thank you so much for the collective support. And thank you to those for the advice - yes good bra is an absolute, but I do need to invest in some new trainers when I feel ready to brave the shops again! For context I am size 16-18.

Thank you - this thread is like having a band of cheerleaders in my head!

I think, good on them! Especially if they are a woman, as women are subject to a lot of misogynistic comments when running.

I’d rather see a big person running or out fast walking than some skinny lolly pop head person!!

I'd be really envious and hate my fat self for not being as wonderful as you for getting out and going for it.

And I keep picturing how easily I used to be able to run 10miles and really enjoy it - at the moment it is really hard work, but I want that feeling back again!!!

I'm on a great roll today, nothing I post fails to offend folk!!

I wasn't talking about OP. I haven't seen OP running so how could I know what they look like running. The 'you' is a generic not specific to OP. I am guilty of only reading first post so didn't know OP had posted they are very large (or have they?). Or maybe other people consider "overweight" and "fat" (the words OP used) always mean carrying at least 7 stone extra. Fig if I know.

I wonder what the offence taken will be like when I next post "I like tea."

I think they're doing a damn sight better than me. I'm classed as "healthy" and can't run for 2 minutes. I applaud anyone that can, no matter their weight. But if you want to take up running then good for you, no one else's opinion matters

I think good for them too

I'm usually jealous that they've the confidence to run in public and wish I could

To be fair to you @Ragged I am carrying about 5st over, which is the same weight as my son, so I do actually picture it like that, like I'm running everywhere whilst carrying him, and you're right it is really hard work!

I would agree good for you OP, go for it! I would also feel a bit guilty that you’re out there working on your cardiovascular fitness, reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke, Improving muscle tone, extending your life expectancy, all the stuff that running is brilliant for, and I would think gosh I should do the same.

@Amrythings

Honestly anyone I see running it's 95% "Go on you girl you!" and about 5% of the time its that and "Must not stop people to explain about sports bras".

There's a lot of ladies round here who have taken up running but don't have bras up to the endeavour, and oh god I don't know how they're not in agony.

Yes. If I see someone running without a decent bra I always think how uncomfortable they must be. I've got quite small boobs, but couldn't imagine running without a high impact bra on.

@PhilSwagielka it’s such a brilliant group if you’re at all nervous about being out and running - no judgement at all and lots of encouragement. There’s a really good beginners 5k program if, like me, you struggle with traditional 5k run-when-we-say programmes.

I don’t. I just think ‘person running, get out of their way’. Their size, shape or age doesn’t even register.

One thing that's really cheered me up in the lock down is to see people of all shape, form and age going for a run. It's actually spurred me on to go running regularly so good on you OP!

I feel envious!

I loved running, but due to osteoarthritis, I had to have hip replacement surgery 4 months ago. I’ll need the other one doing next year. I walk and cycle a lot now, and that helps keep my weight in check.

Look after your joints, and good luck! 🏃‍♀️

I think 'fair play to you'...I should be doing it too & I wouldn't care about the wobbly bits...it is that someone might have to resuscitate me on the side of the road that worries me! Keep going OP...if you are gaining from it yourself then rest don't matter...

I wish I had the confidence to go running and get fit and healthy too.

I need to lose baby weight but feel super self conscious running outside in public.

I wish I didn’t.