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, and then I'd wish I was brave enough to join you.

And look after your hips & knees...& def the good bra tip!!

I am a sometimes runner and think 'good for her!' and 'I need to go running again....'

I think good on them.

I would love to run outside, but I'm so self conscious I would have an anxiety attack.

I think - good for you

Brilliant, go for it!!!

Sometimes I do want to recommend a running bra (not a sports bra). This thought applies no matter your size,weight, shape.

I wish I could get back out there but my pelvic floor is knackered.

Honestly? I think - good for you, you've started. I hope you keep it up

Good for you!

When I started I did get the occasional heckle from white van man. But he was usually eating a pie. So I just told him to fuck off in my head, then carried on.

I think good for them, then feel guilty that I'm not running!

@JoyDivisionOvenGlovesx

Good for you.

Every single time.

i was going to type this - so totally agree!

Really just the same as when I see anyone else running but, I must admit, with an extra dollop of admiration thrown in.

I always admire them because I don't have much discipline myself in that area and they have actually peeled themselves off the coach, put their runners on and got themselves out there. All power to them.

OP you go for it, girl! Seriously. The ones who are judging you really aren't worth your time. I know that's easy to say. I think the more you run the less you'll care. The first time is always the worst!

Good for them for trying to improve their health etc.

I think good for you.
If other people are staring and laughing that's their problem.
A few years ago I used to swim at a particular time every week. One week a group of 10 morbidly obese people arrived with a trainer. It seemed to be their first time in the pool for possibly a long time. They really struggled with the activities they were asked to do.
They came to the pool every week for almost half a year. The difference after even a couple of months was huge. They were able to swim several lengths when they hadn't been able to do anything at the beginning. The weight loss was really noticeable.
All I thought was good on them for turning their lives around and for sticking at it when it was bloody hard work for them. Good on them for getting into a pool knowing that some people might stare at their bodies and judge them. I hope they kept up their healthy lifestyle once the group stopped meeting.

"Sod that"

But then I think that whenever I see anyone running

Of course people aren't laughing. They may be like me and envious. I'm trying to lose weight and would do so much better if I could run, but I 'fast walk' instead as running takes so much effort.

If I see someone on the lanes running, especially if they are fat, I am full of admiration and always think, if they can do it, why not me?

I used to see a very overweight man jog by regularly and I always thought "good for you" when I saw him. Over the months he lost loads of weight. Now when I see him I still think the same, but with a tiny bit of "ugh, healthy git!" thrown in too 😂.

I’m a 57 year old overweight runner. I have done two half marathons. Honestly? I think people care far less about what you’re doing than you think they do! So just do what makes you happy. The exhilaration that you’ll feel when you feel your body getting stronger will be well worth it! 💜

I would think good on you ,

Good for them...

I need to get out and run....

Oh god everyone is faster than me when I do get out ....

I do go somewhere quiet as I don’t want my neighbours to see me 🙈

In absolutely honesty - I think good on them. That's if I even notice.

This thread is lovely ♥️

I am a slimmish runner and I have nothing but admiration for anyone who is out there working on themselves.

I have an overweight friend who goes running, she says that people are very encouraging- in fact overly so. One man jogged alongside her for a while while telling her she was doing a great job (which she said that while well-meaning he wouldn’t have done that if she thin and it made her stand out)

I'm very overweight and I started running last year. I had one group of young lads laugh at me and shout run fat girl run. But everyone else has been lovely shouting well done and keep it up and you're doing amazing. Don't worry what other people think just to get out and do it