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

OP - good for you!!! And if you do get any comments, let me assure you, whatever the comment is, your weight genuinely is irrelevant. The sort of twatty bloke who makes comments to women runners will do it to anyone - I've had the odd stupid comment from a twatty bloke and I'm slim.

Do not ever let anyone put you off and do not give up. Runners don't diss other runners, so any twat that comments will not run themselves. Remember, however slowly you run, you are lapping everyone sitting on the sofa.

The endorphins are unbelievable - running is the best - good luck!

I would think you were awesome.

I'm a few stone lighter but find running too hard still to do much.

I've lost weight and got a lot fitter this year thanks to Fast800 and Joe Wicks workouts. May try the running again soon now I won't have as much weight on my knees and that my core strength is a lot better.

Good for you! I'm overweight too and wasn't doing enough. I got a bike to work scheme bike and have been cycling since April - I'm certainly fitter, but was going to say that I see loads of people out running snd they're all sorts of weights.
Can you drive? I cycle about 5 miles out of town and many people park by the local canal and walk/run there so they're j be it just pounding the streets
Good luck

Op I would be jealous.

I'm about a 18!/20, a couple of years ago I did couch to 5 k, managed a (very very slow) 10k run one day on my own.

My best moment was plodding along in the dark on the road one even g and a woman coming towards me in the same boat, we could both barely speak such was the effort of jogging but we smiled, made a thumbs up at each other and carried in, it made my d . More than the time someone drove past me shouting "You're too slow". Like I don't know that haha!!

I would worry about your knees. If your doctor thinks running on hard surfaces is a good idea at your current weight,go for it.

Good luck! Inevitably some moron will shout something stupid at some point. But they'd shout at anyone, size regardless, and it's a reflection on them, not you. I lost 20kg a few years ago by running 30 mins every other day and it's been a revelation: go for it!

OP I would think so good on you! Keep this thread for encouraging comment from us as that weight comes off! xxx..

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.

Walking has seen me lose no weight whatsoever. Infact I've gained it.

You will be an inspiration to do many people and you won't even know it! There was a man a my gym, when I first started going. He was very large. I have up after about three months. Then got back in to a year later. He was still there ! This time he wasn't walking on the treadmill , he was running and was half the size ! Every time after that, I lost the motivation to go, I thought of him and made the effort !

I would take my hat off to you. Go for it Op.

@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.

I’d have to agree with this. I’d totally applaud your effort, but it would be misguided.

Running when overweight puts a lot of strain on your joints, and will cause issues with the elasticity of your skin, which is likely to exacerbate the excess skin problem you will be left with as you lose the weight.

Also, while it varies from person to person, I find steady state cardio makes me ravenously hungry.

Lose the weight first, then take up high impact exercise.

I went for a 45 minute brisk walk this morning! I felt much better for it. I'm fairly young and my joints are in good condition. I'm going to go for another walk this afternoon and might try a little jog to see how it feels.

Thanks for all the encouragement! I had all your words in my head whilst I was walking today, I can do this!

Course you can do it! Brilliant start, well done.

45 min brisk walk was a great start. It's good you feel better for it. It's tempting to go from nothing to everything but when you do start to introduce some jogging then I really recommend a minute or two one or two times per walk and build up slowly so you don't risk damage to a ligament or get shin splints . You absolutely can do this 👍

Well done!

In terms of your initial question: if you were someone I didn't know, I wouldn't even notice, beyond thinking 'I ought to get out for a jog'.

If you were someone I knew, I'd give you a big grin, shout "well done", plot how I can get you to enter a local 10k race I help organise once you've got C25k under your belt and think 'I ought to get out for a jog'.

The hardest bit is getting out the door, OP, you're faster than everyone else sat at home (including me!!).

Im working from home the last year and house is at the beach so see people as they go by every day. There is a lady who I first noticed in January who is probably very similar to you. She started out walking and I see her running every day now, you can really see so much difference already. My first thoughts on seeing her were 'bloody hell its cold out there' followed on by wow, good for you. She smiles everyday going by now. Lovely to see!

I would be very impressed that you were taking positive steps to get healthier.
It does take some time though so don’t get disheartened if you’re not 10st over night. It will probably need a healthier approach to food too.

But really, what anyone else thinks is irrelevant.

Good luck.

If anyone did ever laugh at you then they are utterly ridiculous. I congratulate anyone whose willing to make changes to their lives and make themselves healthier. That's nothing to be embarrassed about. Good for you.

Well done on the walk.

Just as an aside (you may be aware already) that exercise alone won't be enough to lose weight.

The only really way will be to create a calorie defect in your food.

You can't outrun a bad diet.

Whenever I see anyone running whether big or small I just feel admiration for them and wish I'd get off my arse and do the same!

what everyone else said plus definitely use the C25k app - its a great way to build up slowly. Every once in a while some teenage (and / or male) twat might say something but really, its pretty rare and so what? Just have a ready made comeback "fuck the fuck off" works well and leave it behind you. If someone hasn't already said it, do get decent trainers - you don't have to spend loads but make sure they are proper running shoes not fashion trainers. I like asics. As you're just starting out (and Covid) getting them fitted isn't really necessary or likely possible but look at going up half a size and jump about a bit in the shop to see if they have good bounce. Good luck - oh and do park run when its starts again. Its awesome for group spirit.

I'd be thinking 'go on girl'

Good luck

The only thing I ever think when I see anyone running is ' I must get out for a run'

Just go for it, no one looks or cares. I'm a curvy girl and I like to run, I was self-conscious at first but you will soon stop thinking about it I promise.

I'd be thinking good on her! Wish I had the balls to do it.
I'm nearly 13st and hate it. Today dd asked me to run with her she's 3. So a run to her but a walk like jog for me. I felt so self conscious.
Fair plays to you food luck

Good not food.