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?

If this thread is helping you to gain confidence with getting out there and to counter some of your negative thoughts, OP, then that's great.

I would try to work on not caring so much what others think of you too, though. I think it's easy when you're overweight and face constant judgement to feel lesser and to develop a sense that you owe an explanation to the world as to why you're doing what you're doing. Especially if you're also a woman.

But you don't. You can do whatever you like and if you want to go out running, then everyone else who objects or shames or ridicules you for that can fuck right off.

I used to prepare for the inevitable shouting from passing cars by rehearsing 'well, at least I'm doing something about it' or 'at least I can lose weight, you're always going to be a cunt', or whatever. But then I realised I don't owe them anything and it's none of their fucking business. Why the hell should you grant judgey arseholes, who may or may not materialise, this much headspace?

Just concentrate on what you want to achieve. Don't let them stop you.

To all those who think they are too far to run, run to slow or uncoordinated and get really anxious, just by getting out there you are lapping everyone who is sat on the sofa!! More people looking will feel bad that they arnt doing any excercise than worrying about how you are running

Things I think....

1. Nutter! but then I think this every time I see a runner - especially if it is very hot or raining.
2. Nice leggings/top/hairband etc - if I notice such things
3. Wonder if they're doing C25K?
4. Nice trainers
5. They obviously have far more will power than me!
6. Wonder if I've seen them at Park Run?
7. Wonder if they'll stop at the level crossing or run back and forwards
8. I really MUST get back to running again!

I am a fat runner (well, not at the mo because injury and crippling lack of will power and self esteem has meant I've not been out recently).
When I was running I was hugely self conscious if I met any one and started imagining all sorts that they were thinking. 95% of the time the people I encountered either said nothing or were supportive.

I must add my voice to the chorus about Park Run. I was very nervous about going but I was supported and cheered on, encouraged, given great advice and accepted, as was my 15 year old DS (who has an ASD) when I took him. I've had people come back to run with me after they've finished because they knew I was on for a PB and wanted to help. I've had the people lapping me yelling encouragement, Tail runners pacing me etc.

In fact, OP, you've inspired me to check the quality of my trainers and get back out there!

I wouldn't notice at all, you'd just be another runner.

Insofar as I notice at all, I think "oh, a person running". Tbh, I just don't think about people I see all that much, unless I need to navigate around them. Runners are everywhere, and for better or worse many people just aren't thinking about you at all.

I won't pretend that arsehole misogynists protected by vehicles don't exist and don't occasionally pop out arsehole comments. I recommend a pair of headphones and regular watching of this, which never fails to make me want to get moving:

You would only see me running if there was a 20 foot spider after me.

Sometimes, I think 'is this just a fad, because it doesn't appear to be working'. That is completely awful to think, I don't for one second feel proud of thinking that. If I saw someone regularly running, and over time they lost weight and became much fitter, I'd feel even more ashamed of myself for judging.

I've had to lose a LOT of weight in the past. I know the struggles. I don't know why my brain automatically jumps to being that judgemental. But don't let dicks like me put you off doing what's best for yourself x

Honestly, what is a little depressing is how many people on this thread can't conceive of any reason someone would be running other than weight loss. Have people become that divorced from their bodies that they can't imagine moving them for fun and enjoyment? Or for all the myriad other benefits of exercise - improved immunity, better physical and mental health, self-efficacy and confidence, achieving goals, social connection - even if not an ounce is lost?

Well I live in a city, I don't think that it looks particularly fun to run around the grotty streets here. If it was a much prettier area, I would probably see it as being for more than just weight loss.

I know how much it will be benefitting them and hope they keep at it so that they reach the sweet spot where running becomes enjoyable.

If it's a day I've been out I think good on you. If it's a day I haven't been out I think good on you, you're lapping me sat on my arse.

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I would be full of admiration.

I was that fat girl 3 years ago, I was 17stones with no self esteem or confidence when it came to running.

I started doing the C25K, found it hard to find things to fit me & was always comparing myself to the slimmer runners in my group.

But my excellent Run Leader & the group got me through it. Halfway through the course I found I didn't care what other people thought anymore. And that was the key-it was my negative thinking about the perceptions of everyone else that had stopped me giving it a go in the first place.

I don't recognise myself now, though. I am 5 stones lighter, down 4/5 dress sizes, and I trained to become a Run Leader so I could encourage people of all shapes and sizes to run, starting with C25K.

Running in a group helped as they were willing me on. I know it'll be hard to do that now with Covid19, but do you have a buddy that would be able to do it with you?

Happy for you to PM me

Oh and I was 55 when I started

I totally agree @SeagoingSexpot - no concept of the idea that someone might want to run for personal achievement, enjoyment, mental health benefits - if you’re a heavier runner your either just starting out or it’s not effective yet. So bloody depressing.

Good for them wanting to get healthy.

I think wish I could do that

I think 'good for you' because it shows you are doing something positive about your health. The people who would laugh are probably fat or unfit themselves so you shouldn't take any notice.

I wish I had your gumption as although I am slim I am not fit.

Good on them. That's it. No judgment more admiration.

Like others have said, I think ‘good for you’! Honestly, don’t worry what others think.

Whenever I see a runner I think its nice to see the person (whether overweight or otherwise) outside and being active. Then feel slightly envious that I can't run much anymore due to knee problems. If they running at a particularally fast pace then I also wish I could run so fast too!

I hear so many people who are overweight saying they are scared to run because of what people think, which makes me sad because they are missing out.

It doesn't matter what strangers think, but I also appreciate for some people that concern does have to be overcome.

I’m a runner and I’d think good for them!

I've been where you are , I just wasn't brave enough to go out running in public , instead I invested in an exercise bike and a handlebar kindle holder . I haven't looked back since and have managed to lose 5.5 stone. I think exercise is about finding what works best for you , there's lots of things to choose from and it doesn't necessarily need to be running , you are far more likely to suceed at getting fit if you do something that you enjoy , it's about lifting up your self esteem .

I think "good on them! Doing more than me!!"

I’m usually too much “in the zone” of running out of breath to notice anyone else when I’m running.

If I wasn’t running and saw you I’d think “Jolly good!” Although I’d worry about the potential damage to your joints.

But I’m envious - you say you love running and you’re good at it. I run, not well or fast, and enjoy the feeling I get from it but for about half the time I’m running, I don’t love it and I’m not very good at it.

I think 'good for you' and hope they stick at it as it's brilliant for mind and body.