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 see a few very large ladies in my area running, my reaction is always "Wow, that's fantastic, she's a lot fitter than me, I couldn't run for 20 yards!"
It takes guts to get out there and make changes.

Start slowly and warm up first to prevent injury :)

Couch to 5k is an awesome introduction to running. I always admire people who make the effort to get healthier; definitely no judgement.

www.c25k.com/

good luck!

Nothing but respect, would think good on you and be a bit envious of your motivation

I did C25K last year, the program is really good and you can repeat a week if you feel you need to.

I'd recommend a good running bra, especially if you're busty. Shock absorber are the best for me.

I would think you are awesome. But maybe start with walking if you are self conscious. If you can manage an hour long walk at a brisk pace beach day weight will drop off. Listen to a podcast to motivate yourself. Good luck

Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate it. I'm definitely going to have a much healthier diet, I've signed up to Noom to help teach me things about food and work on my psychological use of food. I'm going to do this, I need to do this.

@Mysillystory l joined ww last year in August at nearly 19 stone by Christmas l lost 3 stone as l started running with c25k, l did a 20 min exercise dvd as well , after 4 weeks l felt amazing and you will too. There was a thread running at the same time on here, something like 100 days to get your act together, it was amazing support, Good luck l hope l see a thread from you telling us all of your success.

I would only think good things seeing a larger girl trying to get healthier!

I'd give you a little cheer (in my mind)! As you ran past.

I always thing 'good on you!!' When I see a (fellow) beginner.

I ran my first 3K last summer and I remember the awkward moment of walking and then breaking in to a run. But you get used to it v quickly.

I would probably think good for her, and I hope she keeps it up and gets to the point where running is enjoyable (because I’ve never stuck it out long enough myself but am very impressed by people who do)

Also, my husband has struggled with his weight for years, even though he exercises a lot. He started using Noom just before Christmas and has already lost over 2 stone, the weight just keeps dropping off. It’s not even really a diet as such, it’s just changed the way he thinks about food. He would definitely say it’s worth the money.

I would be impressed! I started running in lockdown and had the odd teenager laugh at me but i feel part of the running crew now where I live!

I always think 'good for you' when I see fat people running. You will lose weight quickly - running is great!

Go for it!!! I was similar and at first found is super embarrassing, but then you realise that nobody cares!

BTW for weight loss: exercising with weights is great, a lot less feeling like death and a lot more results. Couldn’t recommend enough. A PT is expensive but I would die for mine, it more than pays for itself (as I’m eating less!) because having someone equally motivated who can push you to exactly your limit is crucial. The one worry when trying to do it yourself is injuring yourself, or going too easy.

If you want an AMAZING PT recommendation do message me! A lovely woman who makes you feel so comfortable and supported, who will also sort out your nutrition

I saw exactly the same thread on here not long ago. I would be full of admiration. I think you should start with walking though. Half an hour of brisk walking a day. Next week an hour.
Then on the third week run for one minute the. Walk for one minute. For twenty minutes every day the first week,
Half an hour the next, gradually increasing the running time each week.
Honestly, no one is going to judge you. Quite the reverse. What about doing it early mornings rather than evenings?

Top walking tip: download Netflix on your phone and use it as couch time. A few episodes in and you’ve done 15,000 steps

I’d think good for you.

But I would go to a physio to get your knees looked at first - I buggered mine up running when fairly overweight. They’ll be able to tell you if your knees and glutes are strong, how to build them up if not, or advise to lay off running if your knees don’t appear up to it.

@Mysillystory the couch to 5 k threads are under Exercise in the Health topic. See you there!

If I noticed you (which I probably wouldn't, I'm in a world of my own when I walk!), I'd think "good for her".

Go for your runs and enjoy OP .

If I actually noticed I’d be quite jealous. I can walk for miles but I can’t run more than a minute, I literally feel like I’m going to pass out. I’m quite small but very unfit.

Don't let fear of the reaction of others hold you back.

Id think good for you . Just a word of caution though if you've not run before or have but not for a while then go carefully as it's very tempting to launch into a routine that is too much too soon and end up injuring yourself. I found walking for an increasing amount of time good and then adding 2 mins of running into each walk and building up gradually .

If I saw you I'd be willing you on and would give you a big smile as we passed by.

@Dutchesss

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.

This!

I would start with brisk walking too. It builds fitness.
You are still burning calories and if you keep your pace up it is effective cardio too.

Getting your fitness up will make easing into running so much easier.

I’d assume you were trying to lose weight.