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?

Good for them, I'm a stone or 2 overweight and too lazy/self conscious.

I’m a bigger runner two - I’ve found the Too Fat To Run Facebook group really helpful because it’s predominantly women who are running for running’s sake, not to lose weight. There are folk training for full/half marathons, doing C25K and everything in between.

@PleasantVille

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

These knob heads would act like that whatever people around them do, sadly. Curtailing your life so as to avoid attracting attention from arseholes is no way to live.

Honestly, I do always ‘note’ that they are overweight but my immediate second thought is always ‘well bloody good on them then’. If I see a slim person running I usually think something along the lines of ‘uughh whatever’ (as in, they make me feel bad about myself that I am not as fit/healthy/motivated) so actually probably have a more positive reaction to an overweight person running cause I just feel like ‘good for you!’

I think, hooray another one! I'm not alone

I feel guilty, I should be doing it too!!

I think fair dues to anyone I see running. I want to do it because it's something so many people enjoy but I never seem to get started.

Nothing. I doubt it even registers.

As a former ‘skinny’.... I loved seeing bigger people at the gym and would try to befriend them because I know it can feel intimidating at first. That was the general consensus at my gym.
I’m not so skinny anymore but when I do go for a run I couldn’t care less about what people think- At least I’m doing something so I don’t give AF what a random stranger thinks! 💪🏻😂

I’d be envious. I love being outdoors and active. I don’t think it matters their size it honestly wouldn’t change my thoughts.

@Jellycatspyjamas You beat me to it, I was going to mention too Fat to Run! It's a really good place to go if you're overweight and a bit shy about running.

I also run like phoebe from friends... it’s for my enjoyment- no one else’s! 😂... and I did a very slow half marathon a few years ago!!! 🤣😬

I'm a little overweight and run and honestly couldn't care less ,
Your out there running and it's great.
I do know someone who won't run near home in case anyone sees her which I find odd but she's young and a bit self confident but not overweight.

I always thinking positively of it

I don't pay attention, it barely registers tbh. But if it did, I would think 'good for you and I wish I could run but my dodgy knee prevents it'

Admiration for sure. And I know that most people will probably have really positive thoughts. I’m sure the occasional twat might shout something to make themselves feel better, but that will be really rare and you just can’t stop living life your way ‘just in case’. Do it, OP. Proudly.

Fat people running makes me ashamed that I don’t do it. I’m in awe of anyone who gets off their arses and runs.

I think: fantastic!

I think Christ, I need to haul my backside out for a run

I don't really think anything. They're just another runner like me.

I'd think I wish I was as brave as that absolute legend!

I think 'good for you'. I'm a runner/plodder and always happy to see other runners out and about. And then I worry that some idiot will make them feel bad and hope that they don't let it stop them.

Fair play!

I don't think anything. I only notice runners if they're putting themselves at risk by running in the road with their back to the traffic or something like that.

I think “good for you!” and then I would be in awe. I’m 40 and riddled with arthritis but would love to run as I am also overweight. We have an seniors running club locally and I think they are beyond brilliant. Come rain or shine they are out there. They have my full respect and I would love to be half as fit as any of them.
for you for me