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Original poster

Be honest, when you see fat people running?

352 replies

22O725 · 01/08/2025 13:27

When you see an overweight person out running what do you think? As a morbidly obese person I always used to admire their confidence and ability. I am now an overweight person (size 16) and I still feel like the size 24 I once was. I feel like everyone is looking at me and thinking ‘look at the state of her’.

Do you judge fat runners badly or do you think ‘well done’?

OP posts:
KawasakiBabe · 01/08/2025 15:28

If I’m in the car, I shout (to myself, not out the window, lol) “woo hoo, go girl”. Totally full of admiration.

i used to be a professional athlete, fit from top to toe, training 6 hours a day. I then retired, had kids. I topped the scales at 220lbs at one point. I got my shit together and lost it, Then DH and I split up, I lost massive amounts of weight and then put it on again. It has been a roller coaster!
I’ve had people judge me to my face and regret it!! never judge another person for trying, not a chance.

MsNevermore · 01/08/2025 15:29

“Wow, he/she’s doing better than me!”……..

Very much in a “good on you” way, because I’m someone who’s in the healthy weight range for my height…..but I look at the treadmill in my garage with disdain. I tell myself I’m going to get my shit together and start using it regularly, and I don’t.
Anyone regardless of their size who’s actually getting out there and exercising is doing better than I am!

FrippEnos · 01/08/2025 15:30

I think "good on you, I wish that I had that motivation"

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BunnyLake · 01/08/2025 15:31

I actually saw an overweight person running yesterday. I don’t consciously think anything as far as their weight is concerned, I tend to think more, I daren’t run myself as I’ll probably trip over.

thecomedyofterrors · 01/08/2025 15:31

My internal voice says “Good for her. I wish I could get out and active.” Admiration and respect to those addressing their health with exercise when it’s not necessarily easy or fun!

MarioLink · 01/08/2025 15:32

I think well done and that they have their life together making time to exercise. I then think I need to exercise more but remember I hate running.

OneNeatBlueOrca · 01/08/2025 15:34

I don't think anything good or bad. Same as when I see and overweight person in my gym. They're there because they want to get fit and possibly lose some weight, just like me.

WhatdoesitmeanKeith · 01/08/2025 15:34

Wilfrida1 · 01/08/2025 14:17

I immediately think of this :

Hey, Fat Girl.
Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you cringe.
You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

You are awesome.
If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.
You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.
You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.
You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.
I bow to you.”

Absolutely awful.

MumWifeOther · 01/08/2025 15:35

I always think “good for them”! I think that about anyone I see excercising if I’m honest. I often think they always seem to be more radiant and cheerful.

nosleepforme · 01/08/2025 15:39

I think ppl making an effort when overweight is great!

Backforawhile · 01/08/2025 15:39

I think “I want to go out for a run!” Unless I’m already on one 😂 in which case I’ll smile at them.

fetachocolate · 01/08/2025 15:40

Admiration and annoyance at myself for doing so little exercise

WorcsEdu · 01/08/2025 15:41

I’ve run 6 days a week for many years - I think it’s great to see people of all shapes and sizes! I also say hi to every runner I run by as I think we’re a great community :-)

BustyLaRoux · 01/08/2025 15:42

I always feel absolute admiration. Same as seeing someone overweight or new looking in the gym. Doing their best. Having a go. Probably feeling weak and self conscious, but fucking getting in there and doing it anyway. I always smile, as I want them to feel welcome and not judged in any way, but I’m also wary not to overdo it as I don’t want them to feel patronised. I am sure 99% of people are not judging or thinking anything other than well done and keep going.

NoodleHorses · 01/08/2025 15:46

I think ‘good for them’ the same as when I see overweight people in the gym, or cycling, or currently in the mirror. The menopause has bitten me, but I keep eating sensibly, keep lifting, keep going out on my bike, keep walking at least twice a day with my dogs.
No judgement here, just positive feelings.

Aliksa · 01/08/2025 15:50

In the past as a younger fitter person size 10, I would judge choice of clothing (why doesn’t she buy a better bra, she’d be so much more comfortable) but I’d also think “that’s brave and really good to see someone trying.”

Now as an older fatter person with chronic knee issues I think “I wish I could run , keep it up, use it or lose it!”

Recently I got used in a ln ad campaign to encourage people to get fit - I am now literally the poster child for fat people having a go! I’m simultaneously mortified and proud of myself, iyswim

TonTonMacoute · 01/08/2025 15:50

Definitely well done, see also overweight cyclists.

Seeing people taking obvious steps to improve their health and well being, how can you not want to encourage them?

Newnamesagain · 01/08/2025 15:51

Mostly impressed with a touch of concern about joints but I have that for everyone who is overweight or running.

eqpi4t2hbsnktd · 01/08/2025 15:51

I'm slim and can't run for the bus!
Bravo anyone who can run.

DrMorbius · 01/08/2025 15:52

I have run and been going to gyms for over 40 years. Done marathons, triathlons, in my younger days, did body building, all sorts.
When I see fat people (usually looking sheepish) in the gym or out running, I think welcome to the gang. In this gang we are all on our own journey and this is yours. Nobody's journey is more valid than any one else's journey. I just hope you enjoy it, like have.

WordsFailMeYetAgain · 01/08/2025 15:54

A while back there was a larger girl who used to run up and down the road, we live on a fairly steep hill and I was totally in awe of her. I honestly felt like going out and applauding her - she was amazing. I just wished she had invested in a sports bra because, honestly, all I saw her her huge boobs wobbling.

FortheloveofCheesus · 01/08/2025 15:54

I have nothing but admiration for anyone getting out and exercising.if anything I have more respect for a larger person, for whom it is probably a struggle, than a lean person with a natural runners build who enjoys it.

muddyford · 01/08/2025 15:55

I always think well done. I'm no racing snake and can't run now (bloody knees).

TheBoldZebra · 01/08/2025 15:56

I admire anyone running irrespective of size or age. Its a slog at times and when people are putting themselves out there to get fit and care for themselves this should be praised not judged. 😊

comfybeforeall · 01/08/2025 15:56

22O725 · 01/08/2025 14:57

Also what’s with so many people recommending the gym, lifting weights? Is that the holy grail? It didn’t interest me in the slightest and there is not a chance in hell I want to join a gym, I’m just enjoying being outdoors and doing a bit more exercise than I thought I was able to do.

Strength training is important if you are running regularly. It helps prevent injury. Again, my physio told me they see a lot of runners who have injured themselves as they only run and don't do strength training.