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 thread has just prompted me to rediscover , and it's still a motherfucking joy.

The NHS website lists running as one of the activities listed as a treatment for obesity so not sure why some posters think running will necessarily be harmful for someone overweight.

I think good for them, they are trying to do something to get fit, but then I have a bitchy thought about the size of their thighs in tight pants.

I'd think "good for you."

(I am cautiously trying to start running again - been struggling with hip problems. So far - touch wood - equal time after the run on my physio exercises seems to be doing the trick.)

Pinktaxi 🤨 really?

pinktaxi
What the duck's wrong with you.
That's just weird, you freak.

100 percent... good for you, I wish I could do that (bad knees)

Generally I think, well done. I don't run, I'm skinny fat (size 8 but definitely not fit) so I'm also a bit jealous that they've managed to get the motivation to do it.

I won't say I don't notice more if someone is bigger, I do, but I'd just think it's great that they're trying.

Slightly misguided of you to use this thread to share your oddness, pinktaxi. 🤢

I always think 'good on them!' Whoever it is really, 'fat' or not. And wish that I had the motivation 🤣

I’d admire that person and wish I had half their determination. But we only get there by being ready to try. Week 5 run 1 of couch to 5k. Thank you to all of those amazing people who showed me the way

I think you're wasting your time and should just lose weight befre you begin running. It's too much stress on the heart otherwise

And I honestly don’t care too much now. I belong in those clothes and those running shoes belong on my feet

I honestly think “ you are bloody awesome” and I’d love to beep my horn in encouragement, but I think it would be interpreted like a wolf whistle, so I don’t.

Im always really impressed and wish i could be as motivated as they are. There is something genuinely inspiring about seeing people that aren't particularly fit and overweight running/ cycling / exercising (i say this as an overweight unfit woman in her forties!)

All I ever think when I see someone running be they fat/thin old/young short/tall fast/slow etc is

“Thank god I’m not doing that!”

I have the utmost admiration for anyone I see running because as far as things to do goes it’s down there with snaking the drain for me and I can’t bring myself to like it.

I would think 'yay, go you!'

I used to see a very overweight man walking every day near my house and I would smile at him. I now see him running and he is an average weight- it's so nice.

@Prayerwheel I had such a similar experience to you! Somebody threw some KFC gravy at me and it landed in my handbag. I wasn't even exercising, just walking with my friend.

I made sure that earlier, I was honest, about what goes through my mind and how I feel about it; because I don't think that you could get an accurate reading of how people on the streets will react when talking to a group of (largely) supportive women on MN.

When I'm walking with somebody and they make a comment about a runner's weight, I am not very kind at all when I reprimand them. I think once (with a horrible ex mind you), I was very quick to point out his flaws in response to his jibes about a complete stranger. I don't even know where I manage to pull the inner bitch from, it almost feels like I'm getting defensive on their behalf.

But yes, I wrote that essay to say that there will be people who actually do judge. Silently or otherwise. But I believe those people are far outnumbered by those that have empathy and want to see somebody succeed. And even though I don't know you OP, I want you to succeed so if you're ever feeling self conscious while you're running, take a gander at how 'beautiful' everyone else around you think they are is.

I'd think 'good for her, and I should be doing that'

I only ever run to catch a bus so I am in awe of you. My dh has loved running all his adult life and for a while was overweight.

How you or he has the motivation I'll never understand.
Well done.