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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:
abadoo · 13/04/2013 19:45

PhoebeC, you might find that you're not as back to square 1 as you expected. I used to run, then didn't when pregnant but after, having pushed a buggy around for a few months, I got up the courage to run again and found I was nowhere near as unfit as I thought I might be.

And your beach story is FANTASTIC! Well done you - I shall remember this one and employ it (thankfully no one has ever said anything to me that I have heard at least).

MDA · 13/04/2013 19:48

Used to drive home from work locally, about 10 years back. Was a woman of routine.

Used to see another woman of routine.

First clocked her on the way home in around Springtime, around the time the clocks changed. Not sure why I noticed her, I just did. Might have been the red face.

Saw her every day thereafter for months and months.

Saw her go from a size 18-20 (I would guess) to a neat 12, maybe a 10. Then I changed job.

I changed my job, she changed her life.

youmaycallmeSSP · 13/04/2013 19:57

:o Don't forget socks, pants and a hi-vis!

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 20:10

Pants? Erm...special ones? Have got fancy new socks but may need to wait until I've done an actual run before purchasing hi vis. Dh has just asked what I will put my phone in while the nice lady is talking to me about what to do next via couch to 5k podcast. I thought my hand. Another sign of naively? Any suggestions?

OP posts:
youmaycallmeSSP · 13/04/2013 20:13

No, just normal ones. Unless you aren't wearing a hi-vis, in which case ones you wouldn't mind showing off to paramedics :o

Artyjools · 13/04/2013 21:03

I'm a size 16 and I'm also charging towards 54. I started couch to 5k over a year ago and I went through all that "oh people will laugh at me" stuff. The only comments I ever heard were very encouraging / supportive ones. I used to take the dog in the hope that peope wouldn't notice I was running.

I amazed myself as I almost got to the end of the programme, but then various things were going on and I had to stop. Today, I have started again at Week 2. I'm cross that I allowed it to slip, but I know that I did better this time than the first time. I had to drag the dog as she is in a worse state than I am!

Honestly, it is a brilliant programme. Just do it!!

viewwitharoom · 13/04/2013 21:16

I nicked my husbands soft shell jacket and put phone in the breast pocket. The jacket covers my backside and has long sleeves which help keep my hands warm. Some running leggings have zip pockets for phone etc.

cocolepew · 13/04/2013 21:29

Im joping to start running again. I haven't did it for about 4 years. I put a couple of extra stone on due to being ill with gynae problems. I had a hysterectomy in August..

I used to run in the dark too. When starting off I run between lampposts. Then walk between the next ones and gradually build it up.
I run with headphones in and once the battery died on my ipod. It was then I realised I sound like a train huffing and puffing along Blush.

Good luck!

ReadytoOrderSir · 13/04/2013 21:44

I was size 22 when I had to go to a meeting on the 3rd floor at work when the lift was broken. By the time I got to the top of the stairs I genuinely thought that I was having a heart attack. That evening I was in Tesco as they were putting up signs for the Race For Life. I decided there and then that I would sign up to lose weight.

Colleagues and friends were so stunned by the prospect of me running that they were very generous with their sponsorship.

I did it. I was slow, but I did it.

I got the running bug and ended up organising our company's team entries to various 5k, then 10k events. It culminated in us doing a 1/2 marathon!

By then I was size 14.

As the slogan goes ... Just Do It! Smile

QOD · 13/04/2013 21:49

I've skipped thru a lot of this, but I started running and went from wearing all black to now have 2 fluorescent tops, we do a lot of country lane running and you need to be visible!!

What I really noticed last year when I had it in my mind t start running, was that after watching my sister do a 10k race, people that were beating Ghurkas, in military kit/regiment t's were size 18 or 16 or 14 ...l people were soooo much bigger than I thought.
You won't stand out

Try and join a local club, it reaaaallly helps.

QOD · 13/04/2013 21:50

I have an arm pocket thing from Lidl, it's great, fits my phone and room for a key and best of all, stops me bingo wings flapping!

Ellietryingtofly · 13/04/2013 21:53

I went for my third run tonight. I don't usually take my keys but had to because DP was going out. I ended up putting them in my bra! Probably not the greatest idea but as a complete beginner I really didn't need the distraction of holding my keys!! xXx

QOD · 13/04/2013 21:56

I bought some 3/4 trews from primary and they have a zip pocket above your bum crack. Handy for a door key!

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 22:07

And now I've bought a pink arm pocket on eBay! I sense running has shopping as its sister sport! Not buying anything else, just not!

OP posts:
Smudging · 13/04/2013 22:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Jo2508 · 13/04/2013 22:17

Another advocate of the arm holder for your phone and key here, and for a cap. And a special water bottle that has a handle is also useful.
I really hope you enjoy your journey into running - I started just over a year and a half ago, had no idea what I was doing but did at least get myself a decent pair of running shoes. I rashly decided to set myself a goal of running a half marathon 12 weeks from when I started - it was incredibly hard work, but I absolutely loved it and went on to run a marathon less than a year later.
I've not had any unpleasant comments, but I have been shocked at what a twat I look like running when I catch a glimpse of myself in windows! At first it did make me feel a bit self-conscious but now I couldn't care less - I love running, and even when it's a bad run, it's better than doing nothing.
Something I found really motivational was listening to the Marathon Talk podcasts on my ipod on my runs - not only a distraction from the pain, but really inspirational and informative.
Good luck!

Julie63 · 13/04/2013 22:48

Molehillmountain

Go for it. I think most people would respect you rather than sneer at you. Good luck.

Standingonlego · 13/04/2013 22:52

go molehill, running is great! Another vote for both shock absorbers bra and park run !!!!

seriouscakeeater · 13/04/2013 22:59

wow what a fantastic supportive thread! MN at its best Grin
not just full of judgy pants haters

Go for it OP x

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 13/04/2013 23:26

Don't tell anyone, but I might do the first run tomorrow! Those shoes are made for running (or at least a brisk 5 min walk followed by alternating 60 seconds of running and 90 seconds of walking Wink.

OP posts:
Cherriesarelovely · 13/04/2013 23:44

Sorry if someone has said this already, don[t have time to read the entire thread, but I have massive boobs and since I got myself a shockabsorber running bra I literally am not aware of having boobs at all!

I have been ill this year so unable to run but I previously I ran for 10 years and had all kinds of strange things said to me...the funniest was probably when someone shouted "wobble, wobble, wobble" out of a passing car! I genuinely did not give a toss. I started, like you, really, really gradually and progressed to running half and full marathons, I made tons of lovely friends through running and it made me feel fantastic about myself. I cannot wait to get back to it.

Please try not to give anyone else a second thought. I just think "I am running, you are not, deep down you are probably jealous"! Basically, really don't worry about it, WHO CARES what they think? You are getting fit, achieving something and probably inspiring others! Go for it!

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 14/04/2013 08:05

Shhh! Tell no one but I'm off for a run! My feet look the part-the rest a bit less so but I've downloaded my podcast and am about to go!

OP posts:
youmaycallmeSSP · 14/04/2013 08:07

When running in daylight I wear sunglasses so no one can see my eyes, SAS style :o

Good luck!

QOD · 14/04/2013 08:39

Hey we'll done!

I should go really ...

Original poster
Molehillmountain · 14/04/2013 08:44

I've been! It was great! I actually ran and the podcast was brilliant-just as I thought I hope that block of running is up soon...it was! Lovely morning, saw one other runner who was walking at the time and a lot of sheep who bleated. Can't really tell if they approved or not - their lambs were very lovely though. And equipment worked-no noticeable chest wobble and shoes comfy. Thanks all-I'm absolutely sure I wouldn't have gone if it weren't for this thread. Next run Tuesday...

OP posts:
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