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?

Oh and seconding park run. My brother does it and loves it and you will get nothing but support.

I'd say stay off the roads early morning when white van men are out. Early evening is the struggling athletes time slot of choice. When most kids are home having supper and there's less traffic.

Ha, PP has this bit right too if I spot you when not out myself!

I think well at least they got off the fucking sofa unlike me

I commend their enthusiasm and determination... it is almost 1:30, I’m still in bed and I am not even that fat.

Having said that, being the lazy anti run person I am, I have found some good excuses to avoid running over the years, my last one is that running raises cortisol levels which make you fatter at my age

I think good on them and respect because it's bloody hard work.

Good on you

I honestly always think "good for them, I wish I had their will power to get off my arse and exercise"!

I have this fear. I'm a 45 year old, obese short woman with about as much grace and coordination as a scarecrow. I'm doing C25k and I get puffed out after running for a minute. I hate seeing people when I'm out...there have been days when I've been too crippled by anxiety to make it out at all. 😔

I always, without fail, want to cheer them on. Or just say "go on girl!" Or any other positive affirmation, cause running is hard. Acknowledging you need to lose weight/get fit is hard. And the more support the better. I'm always really proud of them for taking the steps, not in a patronising way...more of a "you got this. You rock" way.

@scattercushion17

I'd think 'good on you for making proactive steps to be healthy'. You'd have my utmost respect.

I think, I wish I could run, as I also know it is the best way to get your heart rate up. Keep going I admire you, you are doing your own thing.

I would honestly think good for you and keep it up, would try and catch you eye and smile.

I did the c25k 5 years ago and had a really unhelpful comment repeated to me by my 'D'H that someone had seen me out and I looked knackered. I must admit it stopped me going out for a while but I did complete it. I then discovered spin which I loved until lockdown. In lockdown I've completed the c25k again and I have a very wobbly tummy but I'm past caring.

Get yourself out there, don't worry what other people think.

I've been more admiring since starting running myself. I'm in a running group on Facebook which seems to be quite anti people who have started during COVID. I do not understand this. I'm sure they weren't all bloody Paula Radcliffe when they started.

Runners, whether they are fat, thin, male,female, and any other adjective you want to use are so common place in my area you dont pay any particular note towards them. They are just someone jogging.🤷‍♀️
I did say before that I would think I should do something myself if I saw a father runner but I tend to think that about any runner really. However deep down I know I wont!!

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

1. I don’t run to lose weight
2. I do know that good and diet is the best way to lose weight
3. See number 1.

I'm very fat, and couldn't run if I wanted too (arthritis) but when I see anyone on the larger side running I genuinely want to stop them and tell them how much I admire them I obviously don't

Same for people in the gym.

I spend my life trying to fade into then background as I hate being looked at and inevitably judged. I have nothing but respect and admiration for people who put themselves out there.

Not RTFT

I think good for you

And hope no one makes a nasty comment to them or laughs or anything

If I think anything, it’s “fucking hell, good on you!”.

I recently graduated c25k and found it physically tough to move my body with a BMI within normal range, so genuinely hats off to anyone undertaking it or any exercise habit with more body to move and with the social fear that comes with exercising in public.

I think "great ! But I wish you knew that food and diet is the best way to lose weight"
Do you really invest that much time thinking about some randomer exercising!!
😂

I think good on them. Sometimes, I wish someone would tell them a better sports bra would make all the difference but that's for their own comfort and success, in no way derogatory.

PolloDePrimavera you're in the wrong group! Every running group I've ever been part of is incredibly supportive of other runners, especially beginners.

Right now I'm envious. I was running prior to getting the virus. It will be sometime before I can and feel able to run again.

I think ‘good for you’ too. And then I feel a bit lazy.

I think "Bloody well done".

Good for them! Everyone runs now OP. Well not literally but all types. Even I've had a go!
Go for it!

This thread is lovely. I've recently started running and after reading these replies I might venture out of the local cemetery where I've been running in the evening so as not to attract stares.

I think good for you trying to get in shape! I also think, I hope they are eating well to make the most of their efforts running!