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?

I’m always impressed & think good for them.

I don't think anything because I'm generally oblivious to everything happening around me when I'm out and have scarcely registered you are there.

I agree with everyone else. I like seeing folk of all sizes out!

I run three times a week - you get the odd comment from people trying to be funny, but from talking to my (female) running pals, we all get that, regardless of size or ability. I get told to smile a lot. Yeah, because nothing makes me wanna smile like being told to by some arsehole bloke... 🙄

I'm another that thinks 'Good on you!', but I am overweight and unfit myself.

I don't think anything.

I'd think 'good for you'. I've been that fat runner (I'm now just fat 😅) and I've actually often wanted to call out the car encouragement - I love excitedly cheering people on at sports and endurance events. But I decide against every time in case they mis-hear/assume I'm yelling mean things/think I'm being sarcastic which is what I would have thought... Sad times 😔

I definitely think good for you! I respect anyone who is trying to make positive changes and kick myself for not having the motivation!

A couple of things to consider (I don’t think these when I see runners!)

• Invest in some decent shoes if/when you can. You can check your gait by making your feet wet and standing on a piece of paper (if you can’t get to a shop)

• Invest in a couple of good running bras.. they are worth it!

• Download an app to help you ( couch to 5k is fab but map my walk or Strava will also help you track your progress.

-Build a fab playlist you can zone out too.

There’s probably more tips but these ones immediately spring to mind. The key is to be kind to your feet and joints and to build up slowly so you stay motivated. Runners forums can also be really helpful.

Most importantly ignore any unkind comments or looks..
You rock!!

I think “person running”. Plus admiration as I hate running!

That's me. I'm 5ft 2 and 11st. Trying to lose weight and getting into running (again!). I used to care what people thought. I'd have to build myself up mentally for an hour before going for a run. Now I don't care, lockdown has helped with that. There's so many new runners out there, all shapes and sizes.

These days when I see someone a bit bigger running at the same time as me I tend to think "I wonder if they feel as knackered as I do"

If I see anyone running I think fair play I wish I could run! Wouldn't matter their size. Good luck OP!

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

I’m also overweight but completed the couch to 5k programme a couple of years ago and now run 3 times a week. It took me ages to pluck up the courage to run outside but I really enjoy it now. I plug in my earphones and am happily oblivious to what others may think of me as I puff and pant pass them, red in the face and dripping with sweat😀. I’ve noticed loads more people of all ages, shapes and sizes are running since Lockdown started.

I don’t think anything at all- I don’t tend to pay much attention to what other people are doing or what weight they are- but my husband will often remark good for them if he sees someone overweight doing exercise.

I think amazing and well done to them for being out and running, but then again I think that with any shape or size

Good on them!

I wouldn’t think anything. Runners are runners, wouldn’t even occur to me to notice their size/shape/fitness level.

First impression - 'you go girl' or something equality cheesy but positive. I look hot and sweaty at any temperature over 18 degrees so no judgement on that at all.

Second though - there must be an exercise out there for me.

I think "I wonder if she's finding it as hard as me?" I've just got in from completing the last of my week3 couch to 5k runs which at this point is exactly what you're doing a little jog and a little walk. I'm 44 with a bmi around 37 so im obese at the moment, I'm usually more in the middle of the overweight range but put a lot on during pregnancy/maternity . I've got a 4yr and a 1yr old so need to shift some weight and increase fitness to keep up with them.
Don't be embarrassed and don't worry about what other people think. You're doing great

I think bloody well done. I think it takes a lot of guts to get out there running especially in front of the public.

Honestly, I think it's great. And I respect them more because for the same distance travelled as a fitter person they are working much harder. Plus, I know a lot of people who are fitter and stronger than people thinner than them who don't exercise.

Sorry but I disagree with Pleasantville. Most people are decent and it’s only the minority who would judge. Anyone who is mean about someone just trying to get healthy is obviously a sad person inside and that renders their opinion irrelevant. Also people have got their own stuff going on and will barely notice you or anyone else they see running!

If you did register I'd think 'someone exercising, that's good'. And with respect to your knees because mine don't do running!

I started running when I was 17 stone, it was more walking with a few seconds of jogging to start with, and I did get a few comments. But I'm so glad I kept on regardless, I always think good for you, keep going.

I think cycling would be gentler on their knees

I think that I should be doing it as well.

Seriously it doesnt matter - its you taking control of your fitness. That is what is important.