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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To worry about looking ridiculous when I start running?

269 replies

Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 12:35

I have done no very little exercise since I had the dc-a few periods where I've swum once a week but generally not. I am not huge, but a size 16 and not exactly small breasted.

I've decided that I'm going to start the couch to 5k thing I saw on Nhs choices and I was all fired up and ready to get on with it until I started thinking of getting running shoes and sports bra. Then it hit me that I would look just ridiculous and awful running and that the folks in the sports shop would think I was too.
I'm still going to do it, i would look sillier staying big and more importantly unfit andI want to set an example to the dc, but Aibu to think I will look silly for a while, and how long that while will be?

OP posts:
fascicle · 13/04/2013 17:00

Another fan of Shockabsorber Run (just noticed some good prices on Amazon - about £10 off standard price).

Please don't waste time and energy wondering what you look like running, or what other people think. It's not something you can do much about and it really doesn't matter. (Having said that, I've run for years and rarely get any comments. The very few I've had, have been jokey or encouraging ones.) Just focus on enjoying your running and the benefits it will bring. Smile

mumofweeboys · 13/04/2013 17:09

I always feel self conscious but with headphones and cap I can block everyone else.

I wear one of those exercise tops with built in bra over my sports bra for extra support. Then baggy top.

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 18:20

So-I feel inspired to do my first run thanks to you all. Which is just as well because after trainers, socks and bra I'm £143 lighter. But the man in the shop was very nice and apparently my 20 year old trainers won't do the job! Just calculated that I'll have to do 35 runs before running becomes cheaper than swimming but at least I can do it just by stepping out of my front door!

Thank you all! Oh-bought the shock absorber bra that had multiple recommendations!

OP posts:
Lavenderhoney · 13/04/2013 18:30

Well done! You might be bitten by the running bug:) good trainers make a huge difference and don't forget to renew them at maybe 6 month intervals, depending in your level of use.

Thinking back, the funniest comment I had was from an old chap walking his dog who watched me run up a hill and said " cor, I bet you don't eat much bread and butter pudding!" I patted my tummy and ran on:)

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 18:32

Oh, not the twenty year gap l

OP posts:
everlong · 13/04/2013 18:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Alicadabra · 13/04/2013 18:40

I've never had any comments when out running except encouragement from people I know (which is almost worse - I prefer to be anonymous!)

Re: bras, I like Shock Absorber too. figleaves.com sometimes has them on sale (although, alas, usually at the end of the summer rather than the start).

Re: shoes, please don't get trainers, get proper running shoes (yes, there is a difference). And do go to a specialist shop to get your gait checked before you buy. It can be a bit more expensive but not half as expensive as only wearing them twice then before leaving them to rot in a cupboard because you've knackered your knees and can't run any more! As someone else has said Run & Become in Victoria is excellent but there are lots of other places that do gait analysis.

I haven't looked at the NHS couch to 5k thing but I found The Running Bug quite good for tips and training plans. I also used a mobile app (I've used both RunKeeper and MapMyRun) to track my progress as it was really encouraging to see the improvement.

The best motivator though was that a friend and I signed up together to do a 10k run. We only ran together a couple of times (she left me for dust both times!) but it was really good for those days when I was tempted to think "Oh I can't be bothered to run" then thought "Oh but she went out yesterday... I can't let her get ahead". When we did the 10k, I was only 5 minutes slower overall which I was really pleased with. Oh, and I'd gone down a dress size and lost over half a stone, which I was even more pleased with! Grin

amouseinawindmill · 13/04/2013 18:45

One tip is that tighter running trousers will go someway to limit stomach jiggle when you run. I found my stomach really hurt in looser trousers. My running trousers are now tight ones but with a little skirt piece attached, so my bum is a bit hidden Smile.

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 18:52

Ali- don't worry-went to proper running shop and they are running shoes-just used to the word trainers Grin. Had to run (or a near approximation of it) in them to show the nice man they were right. Apparently, it's about more than liking the colour Wink.
Just mentioned this thread on the thread mnhq have started about what's best about mumsnet-I think I'll picture you all cheering me on when I do my first run!

OP posts:
Blowin · 13/04/2013 19:04

OP Get Asics or Nike runners, (personally i think asics are better. You can spend upward of £30-£40, but i got a perfectly good pair of asics for £40 in the sale.

MOST IMPORTANT!! Buy the supportiver insoles for your runners! This is crucial and will prevent shin splints and the like. You buy them separately in a packet, not expensive, a few quid, whip out the existing insoles in your runners and replace with these ones and you notice a huge difference in the support. Also means you can buy the cheaper asics trainers but still get that fantastic support your feet need.

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 19:08

I feel a bit clever that I got asics now-although if the running shop had said wellies were the thing to buy I'd have got those!

OP posts:
abadoo · 13/04/2013 19:11

Go for it. Most people will think good for you if they notice you at all whilst they pant desperately around the park looking like a tomato (not describing myself here at all Blush. Best bra is a shock absorber. Sweaty Betty do them too. I got a dd when I was still bf and it was fab. Good luck with it. It's amazing fun once you get going.

complexnumber · 13/04/2013 19:14

Whenever I see runners who are possibly closer to my ample size, I always think 'Good for you!' and wish I had the resolution to get out there and do it myself.

Trust me, there will be a lot of people admiring you.

yellowhousewithareddoor · 13/04/2013 19:17

Interesting to see other larger people. I'm about size 20 and quite overweight. Separate but linked question. Is it safe? I'd assumed I need to lose weight before I started due to pressure on joints and sheer weight?

chrome100 · 13/04/2013 19:19

I run like Phoebe from Friends and people have passed comment, but you know what? I don't give a fuck. I like running, this is the way I run and sod the rest of them. As long as you're out and about getting exercise it doesn't mater what people think.

viewwitharoom · 13/04/2013 19:22

I run either very early in the morning or late at night and say that this is the best time for me to go out but in truth its also because I don't want to be seen out running. Am size 14/16, completed the NHS programme last year and then lost motivation, ate cakes for 9 weeks! Am now in week 6 and am determined to continue this time!! Tips for gear: Panache sports bra, mens running tops because they are longer and cover my backside, headphones and collie who is always ready to run.

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 19:24

Yellow house-clearly

OP posts:
Original poster
Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 19:27

Sorry - clearly I'm no expert having yet to complete my first run, but I think from what I've gleaned from my trip to the running shop today and this thread is that good, proper running shoes are really key and a good bra. A running shop would advise you-initially over the phone of you don't just want to turn up. My guess is it'll be fine with those two items,

OP posts:
youmaycallmeSSP · 13/04/2013 19:30

Another night-time runner here :o

I never judge another runner or think they look silly though unless they're wearing obscenely short shorts in winter. Ditto very overweight people at the gym, like my friend who feels very self-conscious and thinks people are laughing at her. They are actually getting out and doing some exercise, good on them!

youmaycallmeSSP · 13/04/2013 19:31

Please don't tell me you're going running in just a sports bra and running shoes!

HunterWellies · 13/04/2013 19:31

There's a few of us doing the c25k at the moment. Come and join us here if you like! I'm on week 4 at the moment and am well past caring what I look like running...

KristinaM · 13/04/2013 19:31

Another vote for the shock absorbers run bra

And parkrun. It's free, every Saturday morning in a park near you. Once you sign up you get a text and an email each week with your time. It's really encouraging as you can see your time drop each month at the beginning.

Lots of beginners take about 40 mins to get round, by jogging/walk ing . Many of them are carrying a few extra lbs or not so young. Others are running to help them recover from a heart bypass or cancer. It's very inspiring .

yellowhousewithareddoor · 13/04/2013 19:32

Thanks. I might try losing a stone to get motivation and walk more . . them try and take the plunge!

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 19:33

Thank god for mumsnet again, youmaycallme! Trousers and too too? Grin Until this thread I think I lacked confidence to do it without a paper bag on my head-but I think nearly naked might be too much for everyone!

OP posts:
HunterWellies · 13/04/2013 19:33

Over use of the phrase 'at the moment' sorry Blush

I'm drinking wine at the moment. I'm allowed cos I go running