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?

I would probably think of your joints but I think that about a lot of people I see running regardless of size. I think that because I have serious back issues and running (or any high impact) is a no no for me.

Generally when I see overweight people swimming (my exercise of choice) I think nothing other than we are all trying to get fit and improve our health. As you used to run a lot I imagine your muscle memory is there and will help. Enjoy it but look after your joints and do whatever runners do to protect them e.g. good running shoes.

I don't think anything if I see someone running.

Good for them! What else could you think?

I would feel embarrassed, not by the runner, but embarrassed of myself to be so arsed lazy that I whinge all day about putting on weight and do bugger all to sort it. I admire over weight runners far more than the skinny ones!

When I see anyone running I think “I feel your pain” when I see someone running at an innapropriate time e.g middle of the day when it is hot I think “absolutely bonkers”.

Another one who just thinks “well done. Good for you”. I have a lot of respect when I see larger people running as I find it hard enough to get motivated and pluck up the courage to put myself out there and do it as a very average sized woman. I think it must take much more determination to make the change when you have weight issues to don trainers and pound the pavement...

I just feel guilty that I haven’t done any exercise for far too long and should probably get off my butt!

I'm very overweight and have started running - I love it. I'm aware I'm slow but I want to be fit and healthy, and I'm getting there.

Bottom of my list is what other people think when I'm running - they don't get a say.

Can I just ask Sig Theme, you say that once you were very fit and i presueme that you were the right weight for your height etc?

So where did the exta pounds come from ?, poor eatring habits or any other resons that you can speak off?.

Like others have said get out there and start burning it off don't be body shamed by any sod!!

Says Just here!, rather overeweight but rather tall large, wish running intrested me sometimes;!

Honestly think they are amazing and then wonder why I'm so lazy

@scattercushion17

I'd think 'good on you for making proactive steps to be healthy'. You'd have my utmost respect.

This. I honestly and genuinely think this.

1/ Good on you
2/ Running is hard
3/ I hate running
4/ Why don't I run more?
5/ See no.3
6/ Wish I had the determination they had
7/ Shit - I'm lazy
8/ Why don't I start running again.
9/ See 3

I would think 'good on you' and give you a big smile.

New 50 year old runner here and definitely 'good on you'. Don't let anything or anyone put you off.

I think good for them they are likely fitter than me and I'm slim hats off to them

I think they're trying to get fit? Good on them.

It's the mega fit looking people I scoff at running, mostly because I'm jealous

To be honest, every first time probably feels a bit insecure. I'm quite slight in frame but very very unfit and no stamina and I was insecure when I was huffing and puffing when I started Couch to 5K. My SIL who's a runner asked me whether I ever bother gawping at runners? The answer was no.

I think "good for them". Then sometimes get annoyed at myself for not having the stamina/motivation to get fitter. That's when I see anybody running though, which is what I notice (the fact they're running, not how heavy or not they are).

I think “we’ll done you”, because I was that fat person once.

I have been obese, and I am now a healthy weight so I understand that obesity is a choice, and so is getting off your fat arse and doing something about it.

Well done! (Well done to everyone getting fit really).

Unless they’re going way faster than me, in which case I say to myself. I’m concentrating on distance rather thand speed today.

I don't tend to think about it.
Sometimes joggers make me jump (I'm hard of hearing), but that's pretty much it.

Or I'll think "I should really do regular exercise too".

Honestly... would think you are amazing and bloody good on you.

I think, Fantastic!

@Brabera

I think ‘good on you, take care with your knees’

Me too. Keep going!

I love to see anyone running so definitely wouldn't judge. It really is a sport that is open to everyone and the majority of runners are very supportive of all abilities.

I'm a fat runner, I don't think anything different when I see a fat or thin runner. I smile at any women runners and ignore the men.

I follow some wonderful larger runners on Instagram -many of whom manage marathons- and so now I don't see running as something reserved for thin people.

I hate the assumption that we must be starting out, or not very good though. Recently I got a patronising 'well done for trying' shouted to me by another very tiny runner who I ended up easily out pacing and saw her looking very put out that I was clearly a stronger runner than her when I passed her for the second time. I gave her the same encouraging remark, she didn't seem to find it that helpful.