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?

Whatever thoughts people are having, the fact is that keeping fit in whatever way you want is an excellent thing to do. So don’t worry.

I think good on them!

I totally think good on you. Well done. Every time

I think good for you but you will hurt your back.

Nothing but admiration and inspiration honestly, with a twinge of guilt that I'm not keeping up with my fitness

Whilst most posters here are good supportive types I'd be very wary about assuming the people you see if you do go out are going to be the same.

The world is full of knobheads many of whom will shout rude remarks, laugh at people, physically intimidate you. I'm not a great runner but I'm trying to get better, I'm in a couple of Facebook groups and there are constant posts about bed experiences.

Better to be realistic than kid yourself you're running in MN world

Alas, this is true in my experience. I don't in the least want to discourage you, OP, and in no way should other people stop you doing something you want to do, but it might help to arm yourself psychologically in advance. Because I remember very well how knocked back I felt by a spate of nasty experiences - which culminated in a carload of men throwing a McDonald's milkshake out the window at me and hitting me on the head as I was running on a main road, and a passerby filming the aftermath -- to the point where I would be standing inside my front door doing stretches and trying to psych myself into going out. I'm a confident person, but it really dented my confidence.

I think good on them! About 10 years ago I had a lot of weight to lose, but I was so embarrassed I went to the gym at 5am to avoid people.

Now I just don't care - I go to the gym (not in recent months however and lockdown diet has not been kind), do my stuff and get out. The fact that you are exercising is brilliant and I think the majority of people on this thread agree.

As others have said - the fact that you are getting out there and doing something for your weight and health makes them feel like they should be stepping up like you are. Get out there and feel proud that you are actually doing something about it!

I think I wish I could do that! Good on anyone who can run. I get really bad shin splints, even when walking fast, so can't run. I do keep thinking of trying the c2 5k but this stops me.

Good for you! I wish I could run, but my knees are wrecked.

I’m 46, 3 stone overweight and started running in lockdown. I’ve been waiting for the fat shaming but it hasn’t happened once to my knowledge. I live in a city and I’m often running at busy times and I get loads of positive acknowledgement from other runners. People smile and step out of my way and I always thank them. I wish I’d had the guts to to this before. I’m up to 6.5k now at a reasonable pace and my mental health is improving. No weight loss sadly but emotional overeager and I haven’t gained in lockdown. I have toned up and my clothes fit better. I’m either lucky or so in my own world with my music I’m not seeing or hearing any negativity.

I would think “how are they doing that” because I’m not fat but can’t run more than for a bus I’m so unfit and I would feel very jealous of their running ability

Envy, Im not exactly fat, abit well built Id say, and I cannot run for the life of me!

In concert with everyone else I honestly think bravo. I don't see a far person running. I see a person doing something positive and I hope they succeed in their goals.

Complete admiration and utter shame I m not doing it too...

I think other runners are generally supportive too. I used to run in one of the London parks where the Kenyan long distance runners trained, and they all used to sweetly give me the thumbs up as they approached!

I usually feel jealous because I can't run at the moment! And definitely think "go you" as well. I loved running but gave up when I was pregnant with DD(6) and haven't made it back yet. I've always got an excuse! Main one is DS(2)...

I assume they like running and that's why they're doing it, the same as me. I often comment on people running if I'm out walking, something like 'good job', ' keep going' or 'great running well done' because I like it when other people say that to me, especially when I am trying to push myself.

I always cheer people on when I see them running. It's not easy when you are overweight. Feeling self conscious about your weight is a burden no one needs when trying to get healthy.

Keep at it and don't care what anyone thinks - most people will be thinking "Oh god, I need to go for a jog too..." - however, and I am not sure if anyone has said this, but I am not sure it is the best idea to be running when overweight, lose weight first, as otherwise you will be putting too much strain on your body plus likely give yourself shin splints (like a footballer!) - better to walk really fast until your weight is down a bit, do other exercise to tone up, do cycling and start running once weight is down. Running is fantastic, all those feel good hormones are wonderful - but a long fast walk (maybe 2 hours?) will feel pretty good in terms of hormones release too

I think ‘Well done. I should do that.’ X

I think good for you.

They’re/you’re showing enthusiasm to get fit and healthy and I think that’s amazing.

I think "Bloody hell, 3 years and I still haven't got past week 3 of C25K!"

Guilty. For not getting off my lardy arse.

I'd just think you loved running like I do.

I am lucky enough to rarely ever see a soul where I live now but am a "normal" enough size and a good runner - when I used to run in busy areas the knobs who enjoyed shaming runners would attempt to shame you no matter your size or ability. Realising that helped me to get things in perspective and not take any notice of them; I was yelled at for being fat when underweight too. Often by other women.