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?

This is not something I think about. At the very most my brain might go ‘oh, running person, move out of the way before they run into you!’ I don’t see anything remotely funny/otherwise interesting about people exercising.

Main thing you can do for yourself here is to let go of caring what others think. I found mindfulness helpful for this and it does make a difference

I think good on them and wish I had the bravery to run in street rather than on a treadmill indoors

Would always think - you go girl !!

It’s great to see, I would always think ‘good for you’. But I have a friend who’s ‘heavier’ and is a great runner so I wouldn’t make to many presumptions really.

I see a determined person wanting to better themselves x

I would think I should be doing some running and be healthier

I am skinny & tall but really unfit!
I wouldn't be able to run for longer than 5 minutes. When i see a "fat" person running i admire them.
They do push themselves to run. I am sure they are fitter than me.

OP, get some decent trainers as a priority - you need to protect your knees. I swear by ASICS.

You’re worth the investment. If you get injured it’ll set you back.

I always think it's brilliant. Plus the running community is very inclusive and supportive, all sorts of people, shapes and sizes enter races.

Also, don't think size will preclude you from being a decent runner, there's plenty of larger people running good times.

I think how brilliant are they. I know not everyone is kind and you will get people being rude. It isn’t personal. They are just dick heads. I run with a club and we get abuse, I’ve run with friends and we get heckling and I’ve run on my own and had teenagers racing me.

Honestly, I don't really think anything of it. Maybe a passing 'good for them, rather them than me' type thought but thats it.

I will admit to a bit of a 'wtf' thought though once, this is going back years and still sticks in my head as weird due to circumstances rather than size I think. A woman, must have been at least a size 40 or so, jogging/walking quickly round my street (in circles round the part I lived on, which was a block of 4 houses) in what genuinely looked like just underwear. However at first glance it looked like she was wearing a bikini top type thing, and no knickers but this was obviously due to size just hiding knickers from front.

I have since written it off in my mind as maybe some kind of dare, or even maybe she was drunk, or having some issues..but it always stuck with me and I feel awful for not just ignoring it but I didn't seem actually able to look away as it was such a bizarre set of circumstances alltogether.

But generally, I think nothing of it. Mind, am rather overweight myself so I would be hugely hypocritical to judge in any way except for 'I wish I could be arsed' really.

I run a fair bit, and am in a club, do races etc. I’m reasonable speed wise. I’ve found you can’t judge someone on their size- “large” people can be fit/fast. Someone who is really big/obviously just starting- I think it’s great! If I see them multiple times- brilliant! If I’m marshalling a race/Parkrun it’s all about the people towards the back for me. They are the ones working hardest, showing stamina and it’s tough to keep going at the back. So they get the biggest cheers from me!

I think "Fair play" whenever I see anyone running. I did a short drive on a recent wet morning and saw a lot of people out running. I noticed them because the weather was humid with heavy rain and I wouldn't have wanted to walk far in it let alone run!
In some ways I admire less lithe looking people more. They have the motivation to run for fitness but also have other parts to they're lives.
I can be all or nothing so I admire people who can go for a run in the morning and have tea and biscuits that evening.

I think, good for you, especially if I am in a car.

I think it’s great they have the confidence to do it and wish I did too

I think "great ! But I wish you knew that food and diet is the best way to lose weight"

I also think it must be really really hard running with the extra weight. Perhaps not so good for your knees and ankles.

How patronising. You can read their mind and tell they don't know that already?

Good on them! Wish I wasn’t so lazy and could be arsed 🤷🏼‍♀️

Honestly I think "gwaaaarn good for you". I've started running in lockdown and I love it! I've got skinny legs (especially in leggings) so anyone new to running who sees me out running probably thinks I'm quite fit and an exercise freak, I'm really not 😂 so I usually give other runners a "aaah this is so tough" smile.

Honestly? I think 'good effort' and well done for having a go.

That's it.

I think - gosh I am envious of their self discipline and good on them for making an effort.

I don't think actual words, just a positive glow towards them!

The only time I've felt negative towards an overweight runner recently was whilst running laps on a track when I realised I was going to overtake on the corner and leaving a 2m gap was going to mean I had to run further...which clearly had nothing at all to do with their weight (or them at all really!), and more to do with how much I was struggling personally at that point in the run

Once parkrun restarts I would really recommend it. Runners in general are the most supportive and inclusive group of people I've met, but parkrun truly outstrips that by a mile. It is fantastic. You could always arrange to volunteer or just walk through the park whilst it's happening to gauge the mood if you're nervous. I've run with people who do part of it (e.g. 1 lap of a 2 lap course) and there is zero judgement, just 'well done' and cheers!

Ok you will hate me. But I do a little double take. I think it's instinct as it's not conscious, and I don't think about it otherwise.

And then I immediately pull myself up and think 'good for you. It's not easy to run and running with the extra weight is much harder.' And I think well at least they got off the fucking sofa unlike me who last went for a run about 4 years ago and hurt my hip so didn't do more then found out that's part of the pain barrier you have to go through.

People who really stick with it find it transformative. So I say do what the fuck you want because it's all about YOU getting where YOU want.

If you feel self conscious (as I would) run at night, somewhere very safe. I probably wouldn't wear earphones at night which is a shame as running without music is torture.

But at least you get fitter and then feel more comfortable doing it 'in public'.

You'll lose a ton of weight too, apparently off your stomach (another reason for me to do it). And yoga before will make it so much easier!

I seriously think I wish I could get motivated to do that. I really need to up my fitness!