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 I'm out running I wave and say hello to every other runner.

If I see someone when I'm driving I think "go on girl - good on you"

I think good on them, and huge respect for the effort. I’m a small person and I notice the difference carrying a couple of kilos extra makes running - if I feel that way I imagine people carrying a few extra stone are pretty much running with weights and it’s a serious achievement!

I always give them a mental cheer - they’re out exercising while I’m rolling past in my car doing nothing, I know who deserves the cheers!

I'm impressed by anyone running as I've always hated it no matter what size I've been. Watch your knees though - my extremely fit 16 year old is speed walking more than running now as it affects his knees (rugby injury) and even though it takes longer still gets a really good workout.

I think most people will think good on you. I’ve recently started running and I am mega fat. I’ll be honest, you will probably get arseholes who snigger but fuck them, I have my headphones and and pay no attention.

Hoohaah I agree, a runner round here is just another piece of the furniture. I don't go "look there's an elderly man out!" "There's a woman with a double buggy!" "There's another cyclist in Lycra!" "There an overweight runner!"
We only notice stuff that relates to us. If i has a baby I'd probably notice the double buggy. If I run I'd notice the runner. If I'm a twat who hates fat people/women, I'd notice the overweight woman running.

Good for them.

I’m with the “good for you, but watch your knees” PPs.

However, given that my slim young dds (12, 16 & 19) regularly get people (for people, read men) rolling down car windows to shout abuse at them when they’re running, I think RL is different from MN.

I think good on you, and I wish I had your motivation and enthusiasm.

Thank you for asking the question OP, I have been wanting to do a couch to 5k for the last couple of years - but as I am very overweight I am terrified of people laughing at me and that has been the single block to me starting.

Well done, keep going.

Good for them. Although I definitely don't have the courage

Echo the others - I am impressed by anyone that regularly runs!

I think “good for you” and wonder about your knees ... mine would never have taken it and I’ve never been a runner for that reason. (Not laziness, I do plenty of other things.)

I don’t really think anything.
If I notice I feel pathetic. As in ‘they are going for it, whilst I have the will power of a jelly fish’. Because I am aware that it probably takes more grit to get started than if you bound out of the door looking like a gazelle. (I am not gazelle-like and only a bit over weight)

I think it’s amazing and it gives me a kick up the ass to get out there and do the same thing. Seeing anyone no matter their body shape doing physical activity is wonderful and makes me feel inspired to have the same dedication.

Go for it gal :) !!!!!
(Sorry to sound all American...).
Seriously, I would be very impressed & wishing you all the luck in the world.

I always envy them for having the confidence to go out running, no matter their weight.

I think well done.

Agree I'm really impressed and think good for you.

I also want to stop some people to tell them about shock absorber bras because I think that could help them. I never would!

I once had someone slow down, wind down the window and shout "Gregg's is the other way". But who cares what anyone else thinks, running makes me happy even if I am not the ideal shape.

I think "go you".

I couldn't run if my life depended on it!

When I was a size 10 or even now at a size 16!

I think "I wish I had the confidence / self drive".
I can't run. I'm too lazy.

I either think nothing, feel guilty it's not me running or think "fair play"