Honestly... what do you think when you see fat people running?

[SignatureTheme]

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?

Genuinely don’t take any notice of anyone running no matter what their size.

I'm always impressed. By anyone running actually. It's not easy, every run takes willpower to head out and to keep going. The only time I feel a slight pang is when I've seen people running in very hot weather recently who don't look that fit - not necessarily size related- but I think that's my own personal issue as I really can't tolerate running in the heat, whereas others can.

I also think good on you! and a couple of these people I have seen over the last three months keep getting slimmer and slimmer, one of which is DH, five stone down and still losing. (Not in three months I might add)

You are never too late to start, too fat or too unfit. we are fifties BTW

I think good for you. Keep going. I mentally cheer them on. Every credit to anyone trying to get in shape and lose weight. I include myself in that bracket. I wish I’d started this at the start of lockdown. I’m 17lb down and feeling great. Best of luck OP💐

I think good on you and I should get out too

Isn't it horrible that the first thing someone worries about is what other people will think about them doing something positive.

I honestly wouldn't give it a second thought OP. Actually, I would be glad that you weren't on a bike trying to run me over. We live close to the river and the place is currently swarming with the lycra brigade.

Absolutely think “go that girl!”. With a side order of “right, I’ve got no excuse, I must run today”.
So you’d be motivating someone else, as well as impressing them.

There is a lady who runs near where I live. She doesn’t have a typical runner’s physique and she always seems to be struggling with running but she keeps it up. I am full of admiration for her and wish I had the balls to do it.

Honestly? I think 'good on you'. It's obviously a really positive thing to do.

Like you, I’m overweight and pushing 40. Have just completed week 5 of a couch to 5k programme and ran for 20min today with no stopping. Actually I haven’t lost much (if any!) weight but I feel fitter and I think the benefits are mainly psychological knowing I’m getting fitter and achieving something. I’m hoping that once I can run the full 5k I will start to lose some weight.

If I saw you running I would be delighted to see someone else like me and think ‘good on us’!

Having done c25k as a very unfit person when I started, whenever I see anyone running I think 'good on you'. No one ever made a shit comment to me when I was running and tbh if they had I probably wouldn't have cared as keeping breathing was my only focus!

I think ‘good on you, it must be hard for you but great you’re doing something for your health. And I’m not running so you’re doing better than me!’

I think “good for you”. There are lots of runners in our local park, all shapes and sizes and levels of fitness, going at all kinds of speeds.

I don't particularly notice, unless they're wearing something bright or colourful that catches my eye then I think... that's nice

Same as other pp, I always admire them for their courage to tackle their issues. I also hope that it works out for them and that they are successful in their weightloss/ get healthy journey

I feel so proud of them !
I think good for them, this has taken real effort and they are obviously focused on doing something about their situation (not necessarily weight, could be mental health, or to achieve something competitive, etc)
I think they’re doing a better job of running than the millions sat at home watching tv - including me!

I think good for you, and wish I had the motivation myself.

I normally say in my head “good on yer!” and mentally give them a little cheer. And if they smile or catch my eye I’ll say hello and isn’t it hot or what a perfect day for running or whatever.

Honestly OP 95% of runners find it hard at the start, out of shape, puffing, red faced, etc. So even if you see some amazing gazelle-like figure go past, the chances are they too will be giving you a cheer and willing you to keep it up

I'm impressed by anyone out running! My knees are too knackered to run, so I'm often slightly envious as well. But go for it and hopefully you will enjoy yourself :)

I honestly always think 'I wish I had their confidence/motivation' I have just ordered me and DH a bike as we are very overweight and I need to do something about it. I get bad pain in my lower legs when I walk to fast/run so jogging/running is a no-no for me. I'm hoping I can get out on my bike, either on my own or with DH and DS and start shifting some weight. I'm lucky enough to leave near some good woodland/countryside so don't have to drive very far to access good trails etc. Not being able to go away this summer has made me re-think our summer holiday plans and we are going to make the most of our 'stay-cation'

I'd think Good for you I wish I had the confidence to run.

I usually think 'oh god, I'm so lazy and unfit, I really must start doing that too'

anyone running can do better than me at the moment I just wandering aimlessly out and about until gym reopens and i can see my friends again
Usually a bit in awe of anyone running no matter what size they are!

Just impressed with a side of watch the knees - and only that because I know if I run too much as bigger me it tends to make my knees sore - am fine with a few stone off.

I think you’re great.