What would you think of me?

[Mysillystory]

Im 17st, unhealthy, unfit and I need to get my bum in gear.

I've decided to sort my diet and lack of exercise out, and plan to start running. I would prefer to do it at night when it's dark, however the only time I have is in the day time.

Im really anxious about people seeing me run and very embarrassed.

So, what if anything, would you think about a larger lady running? Am I going to make a fool of myself? Any handhold or words of encouragement would be fantastic.

Thanks

If I saw you, I would be impressed at your efforts to get healthier. I think probably I'd also hope you were approaching it with care and starting slowly.
Go for it OP, and good luck!

I'd be thinking good for you, I wish I had your motivation. Don't let what you imagine others might think hold you back from doing something good for you.

Wouldn’t bother me BUT I wonder if it’s better for your confidence to focus on walking for a while to help you feel more ready for running? Just aware it can be hard to motivate yourself if you’re expecting a negative result.

Whenever I see people running who are obviously just starting out, I'm impressed and mentally wish them luck. Do what you need to do for yourself and good luck!

I would think one of a few things:
Shit, I really should get my ass into gear.
I wish I was motivated.
She’s going to feel (and look) great if she keeps that up.
I wonder if she wants a running partner.

The only people who judge larger people exercising (negatively) are narrow minded & ignorant. Their opinion is not worth anything.

How about doing it with a friend - someone I know really enjoyed getting in to park run and although that can’t happen it might be more fun with someone too

BTW! I am v large and would definitely have to walk first. I would build up to a run!!

I'd think you are wasting your time running, you should lose weight first. Start by walking. 17 stone of pressure on your heart isn't good.

I have seen one large person jogging/walking for almost a year and notice now and again that they look happier and healthier. Go for it. I always give a mental cheer when I see them sticking to their jog, rain or shine.

I started one of my clients running at a size 22. I don't weigh them as I think it's counterproductive. She's now a size 14 and runs regularly. You can do it.

People will look and be impressed. They'll be arseholes but why care for the opinions of arseholes.

Im a fatty and I ran all last year and am starting again this week, tomorrow hopefully.

Whenever I see anyone running, big or.sma, slow or fast, stylish or frazzled I always feel A. Jealous because I love running and B. In awe because I know how difficult it is to get those trainers on and get out the door, once you are out it's easy!

That you are like the dozens of people who pass my window each day trying to get fit. Nothing out of the ordinary at all.

I would wish that I could join you

I literally wouldn’t even think about you for a second, it would be entirely unremarkable

I think that’s a good thing!

@grassisjeweled

I'd think you are wasting your time running, you should lose weight first. Start by walking. 17 stone of pressure on your heart isn't good.

Disagree with this a little bit, I have a large friend who started running to improve her health and fitness. She loved it and ended up doing a marathon. Each to their own, I hate running but if I saw you I'd wish you well. At this point I'd say running, walking, gym, swimming, cycling whatever exercise makes you happiest will work best for long term health and weight loss.

@Mysillystory

Screw what others think.
Run then walk or just power walk for an hour.
No one cares or remember so do t worry. X

If I thought anything (I may not, I can be vacuous) I would think ‘ it’s good to see so many people enjoying outside exercise - a real positive of lockdown’.
Good luck OP, hope you enjoy your running. Give me a wave as you pass by 😁

Honestly? I really don't think I notice anyone running and think anything. May cross my mind that I wish I had the motivation.
Go for it! Cheering for you!

Full marks to you, Mysillystory. Whenever I see a larger person running I think “good for you and bloody well done”. I have nothing but admiration for fellow runners who are somewhat older/larger than me. Go for it.

Thanks everyone so much.

I had to do a short sprint once about a year ago and I felt a rush. I enjoyed it. I'm so motivated now, I just feel embarrassed. I'm going to walk a little way so I'm away from people I know, and then try having a jog, and see how I go. Even if I manage a very small amount, I'll be really pleased with myself.

I would start with some power walking or hill walking. 17 stone is a lot of weight for your joints with the impact of running. Strengthen your body and lose a bit of weight first and it will help to protect your joints.

I think everyone at first feels anxious about running no matter what their weight, once you've been running a few weeks you soon forget about the people around you. It's great that you are making a change.

Come on over to the couch to 5k threads. It starts really slowly, and there are lots of us on there who encourage each other to progress. I'm just about to go for a run in the dark !

I’d think, I really ought to get my butt into gear and go running as that lady is putting me to shame. Runners are really supportive of each other, whatever their size or speed, I run and have yet to meet anyone rude, everyone greets each other, it’s a nice community and I am far from being small. Go for it but take it easy so you don’t put yourself off, maybe try the coach to 5k.

Good for you. If you are running on pavements using lampposts as markers is really helpful. You could start with walk 2, run 1 and then once that gets easier try walk 1, run 1. Before you know it you will be doing things like jog 5, sprint 1, walk 1. Have fun. I wish I was motivated like you.

If I see a larger person running I think well bloody done, good for them!