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

I would think 'good for her'

I'd just be jealous that my knee injury means I am not running atm.
I've been a social jogger for 30 years. During that time I've been fatter, I've been thinner, I've been faster and slower. The only people who judge and the ones who just don't get running; it's not their sport. And you're already more of a runner than they are.
Faster runners and running club members almost always support other runners and running is one of the most inclusive sports I've been involved in Run, walkrun, whatever you like.
Go for it OP and come back and tell us all about it.

I’d think “good for her” too, then I’d probably immediately forget you - nobody cares, nobody is watching you, other runners are in their own little world most of the time. Go for it!

In the first lockdown I lost about 20 pounds (didn't need to lose more) by walking daily and healthy eating, didn't run once. I also used a Weighted hula hoop daily. You could achieve the same results with the same tactic if running feels an issue to you. If I did see you running however I'd think it was fab that you had that motivation

I'd be thinking that I wish I could join you as a running partner.

@wizzler

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 !

Oh that sounds great, thank you, I have just downloaded the app. Where abouts are the threads please?

You're all making me feel a lot better. I'll start with walking and see how I feel.

I would be very impressed that you were taking control and exercising to improve your fitness. I'm down to size 8/10 from running and even I have days where I feel too fat to go out on a run. But when I get out the door and start running I forget about feeling self-conscious because no one is looking, and instead feel powerful. Make sure that you invest in a great sports bra, the only runners that I stare at are the poor women who have boobs flying up into their field of vision!!

I try not to be critical of anyone based on their weight, but sometimes in my head I do fall into silently judging (I'm not proud of this and I would never ever vocalise this thinking.) The reason I say this is to let you know that even someone with that mindset would still see someone overweight who was actually trying to change this and think that they were doing a great job!

I would feel inspired and impressed. I'd think if she's doing it why shouldn't I !?!

I met a lady your size on the beach who'd been open water swimming. I told her how inspiring she was to me and we had a lovely chat.

You'd be a positive role model in my eyes.

If I saw you running I'd be more likely to feel guilty that I can't get my arse in gear than to judge you!

Run when it's safe, run when it's pleasant, run in the daylight.

I like to record all my runs on Strava for a bit of personal competition. I try to challenge myself to run further or faster each week. I'd happily be your Strava friend if you wanted some accountability - pm me if you do, but no pressure!

I ran at that weight. When I see someone bigger running I only ever think good for you.

I second using mapmyrun or strava to see your progress. Realising you ran the same route a minute or two faster is such a boost.

I started running 2 years ago and weighted 15 stone. I joined a local running group and with their encouragement and support went from never running before to being able to run 5k within 2 weeks.

I was so worried about people looking and laughing at me but honestly, nobody is looking at you and if they are who cares? You're doing something amazing for yourself!

Good for you! Hopefully you can access this link and find it motivational - runners bodies come in all shapes and sizes!

www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/why-these-two-women-ran-london-marathon-in-their-underwear

I'm a larger lady and I run and I don't give a shit what people think.

Live your life, for you, as you please. There are no disadvantages to getting fit and active and lots of advantages.

I've never had any negative comments other than a random woman shouting 'at least you're getting outside love' at me across the road

@wizzler

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 !

Exactly what I was going to suggest

Couch to 5k is great, I have the app and it’s a great way to start running/walking and you can listen to your own music or a podcast too

Good luck & good for you getting motivated - have you got decent trainers? It’s worth getting some good ones if you’ve not been running before

I see loads of larger people running in the park where I go for a walk. I have nothing but admiration for them! I’m reasonably slim, but they are far, far fitter than me. I’d struggle to run round the park once

If you can do it, good for you.
Although a pp did put it quite harshly, 17 stone is going to take a toll on your heart and joints. I lost weight last year (started heavier than you) and certainly felt a difference on my joints doing simple things like climbing the stairs.
Do what feels comfortable. Well done!!!

I'd think you are amazing for getting out there and doing it and I'd be cheering you on.

People who think negative things about you are really not worth your head space.

I’d think good on you, bloody well done and wish that I could join you.

When we move house next month one of the first things I am buying is a treadmill. I am 17 and a bit stone, size 20/22 and very unfit.

I can’t bring myself to go out on the streets straight away having never exercised before but I’m hoping to build up my stamina and strength on the treadmill and see where I go. I get my youngest to sleep by 8ish, then I sit on the sofa and watch crap on tele and eat crap most nights. Instead, I will get her to sleep and head straight to the treadmill. I can’t wait. I need to make a change and feel motivated for the first time to do it.

@Mysillystory the couch to 5k threads are in Exercise, in the Health topic

During the first lockdown I used to see a woman from my bedroom window go past every morning. She was a larger lady and clearly unfit but she started by briskly walking past and then one day she broke into a run. I wanted to open the window and shout:

"Good for you girl!l"

I really admired her. Good luck.

I’d think “bloody hell, good on her. I wish I could motivate myself to get out for a run”

I would just think there is someone running!! People pass my house all day running or all sizes, I really can’t say I notice that I think, wow she is big or she is skinny! Seriously!!

I would say to myself well done lady, good for you and when I see it , that's what I always say/ think.

Running is so hard ( I run 3x a week) whenever I see someone larger or someone just starting the only thing I ever think is ‘ well done for having a go’ and I hope you enjoy it.
Go for it!