Page 6 | Be honest, when you see fat people running?

MageQueen · 01/08/2025 14:23

I genuinely think it's amazing and also feel a bit embarassed that I'm not doing it.

DH works in a gym. His view, as an exercise instructor and professional, is that the people for whom its harder for whatever reason are the ones we should all be the most impressed by. He loves watching a new person join one of us classes and, over time, get better and fitter and enjoy it more and has zero tolerance for any sort of cliquiness in his classes.

If I get out for a run, even if it's just 20 minutes, he's always genuinely impressed and pleased for me when I get back! Exercise is so important that as someone who does it a lot, he loves it when other people make the effort to do something so good for them.

Isobel201 · 01/08/2025 14:23

I say good on them, although I'm finding ways to exercise without having to run as its not good on the joints if you're heavy.

Greenalien1 · 01/08/2025 14:23

I always think "good on them"

LoveToRun866 · 01/08/2025 14:24

I'm a runner and i always think 'bloody well done' to anyone, regardless of shape, size, weight, age, gender, or ability. I took up running in my early 50's. It's challenging but the benefits are immense. Well done also, OP, with the weight loss.
I have on occasion been yelled at, beeped at, stared at, and sniggered at. People can be judgemental. I sometimes think they are slightly envious. I've also had many more encouraging words of 'well done'.
I've stopped caring about what others (might) be thinking. Maybe that's an age thing. If what i look like amuses someone (red face!), it's their problem, not mine. I'm doing it for me.

I wonder if you run alone, with a friend, or as part of a group? There is a fantastic women's running club - very affordable - where women empower women. It's 261 Fearless, a global community of women runners. Maybe there is one near you. If so, give it a go! It is very inclusive.
Good luck with your running - do it for yourself.

TaborlinTheGreat · 01/08/2025 14:24

I think well done. I always think well done for one reason or another when I see runners - if they are fast or look strong or have impressive runners' legs, cool sports kit or a swishy pony tail, or if they look like they are finding it hard but are slogging away . I started running when really pretty overweight post-dc, so I know how it feels.

Stripeymouse · 01/08/2025 14:24

I’d think bloody well done because it’s hard work to run and it’s scary doing it in public where people can see you.

HeadNorth · 01/08/2025 14:24

If I think anything, I'm impressed they have got their trainers on and got out there. As a former runner - I know that is the hardest bit. I think all runners feel a little frisson of support when they see anyone running.

Lavenderflower · 01/08/2025 14:25

Truthfully, I don't take much notice.

TheeNotoriousPIG · 01/08/2025 14:25

I always think that it would be nice to have the confidence to do something like that, without worrying about what other people might think.

Thus, well done to anyone for having the bravery to get out there 🙂

RosaMundi27 · 01/08/2025 14:25

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’?

I always think "well done you" when I see anyone overweight out running or taking exercise. It takes courage, and I'm sure when people are very overweight they feel like shit, and probably self-conscious too. But I really admire people for working on their health and trying to get fitter.

CalpolOnToast · 01/08/2025 14:25

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.”

How horrible and patronising to be told to look people in the eye and perform gratefulness to them when you're just trying to run and listen to your music.

DisforDarkChocolate · 01/08/2025 14:25

Admiration and respect here too.

No judgement from me at all.

dampsquib94 · 01/08/2025 14:25

"Good for her/him"

TtbbOnTheFloor · 01/08/2025 14:25

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.”

God this is so horribly patronising

DorothyWainwright · 01/08/2025 14:26

TyroleanKnockabout · 01/08/2025 13:47

I’m not a big fan of cardio, but it is good for heart health.

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Exactly. And just because they're running doesn't mean they're not also doing some weights / yoga / bootcamp etc.

The best exercise is what you can fit in, tolerate enjoy and stick to. And if you can only go running, then go running. At least it's not a chair for 30 mins.

BellissimoGecko · 01/08/2025 14:26

I always think ‘well done’.

TtbbOnTheFloor · 01/08/2025 14:26

This is why I don’t do parkrun. I’m not cut out for exercise with other people

Seawolves · 01/08/2025 14:27

I hate running, I admire anyone who gets out there and does it regardless of their shape or size.

Hotfeetcoldfeet · 01/08/2025 14:27

I also think ‘well done!’ If I see someone running who isn’t a natural, front of the pack type. It’s harder for some people to run, and that’s what I respect; their determination and mental strength to get out their and fight the fear and do it anyway attitude, not what their body looks like.

Tabitha005 · 01/08/2025 14:27

I'm 'big' (a size 16-18) and around 14st and when I see someone much slimmer than me running, I flip it in my head and just think: 'I'm having to work a lot harder than they are to shift my carcass around and therefore I'm burning more fat'! 😃

NameChangedOfc · 01/08/2025 14:27

I think the same that when I see a "fit" runner: "but, my love, where's the predator?? What's the need??" 😂

Jokes aside: I always admire people capable of doing strenous physical activity, whatever their size or shape.

I understand how you feel: are you working on "exorcising" the voice that says all those awful things to you? You do not deserve them, at all.

Epidote · 01/08/2025 14:27

I think nothing, to the one to their own. If they like running good for them. I hate sport so no for me thanks.

pettingzoo · 01/08/2025 14:27

I think 'good on you', but then I also worry about their knees! But that's because every time I've taken up running I've fucked up some part of my legs or feet doing it.

Easipeelerie · 01/08/2025 14:27

I clock it for a moment but I def don’t judge negatively. I briefly think something like, “Oh that’s good.”

unicornpower · 01/08/2025 14:27

I think absolutely nothing other than ‘well done you!’ I am struggling getting back into it and I want that willpower!

Be honest, when you see fat people running?

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