To worry about looking ridiculous when I start running?

[Molehillmountain]

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?

Well done Molehill

Hello! I'm a big fat porker. A size 14 on a good day and I started running at New Year. I have the bonus of living in the country so when I go out no one really sees me! I'm not particularly bothered what others might think of me running anyway. People who are stupid enough to shout abuse at joggers are thick little simple life forms anyway so don't worry about them.

Do you live anywhere near the country? Do you have friends who live rurally? It might help with your confidence to map a route out in the country where no one will see you until you feel good enough about yourself to go back to where you live.

Also for bras, I thought shock absorbers were good until I discovered the Enell www.boobydoo.co.uk/enell.html I swear its absolutely amazing and they do not move at all! I also ride and wish I'd discovered this years ago because it really has made a huge difference to me. They aren't very sexy (what sports bra is!!?) but its worth every single penny. I'm a 34G/H. In fact sometimes I just wear it as a normal bra because its like I've had an instant reduction!

Good luck and just go for it. Once you've started you'll wonder why you were worrying about what others think.

Just wanted to let you know Molehill you inspired someone else already! I went to bed thinking about your thread and today completed my first walk run in a year (since recovering from illness) with my favourite hairy, 4 legged "personal trainer". I feel euphoric! So glad you did your run and it went well for you too. Let's keep it going.

Ooh cherries, I feel a bit tearful! I can't honestly say I've ever been someone's inspiration to exercise before! Go you! Well done!

Hurrah and well done you!

And me! First run last night since before I got pregnant with youngest son who is now 18 months. I am a really really crap runner. I managed 4 months before pregnancy wiped me out and went from monumentally useless to moderately rubbish in that time.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Oh! And for the first time ever, I was wolf whistled at by a gang of yoofs. I assume they meant it sarcastically as I am a size 16/18, my mega norks were strapped into an enell sports bra - the best sports bra ever but so unsexy. I was also clutching my running leggings and knickers which were sliding down - they fit but the tie at the waist is lost.

Instead of being mortified at attracting their attention, I though 'I must tell mumsnet'

it'snotunusual-well done! No obviously but some and maybe a . Actually, sod it, we've earnt a if we want one!

I have just started C25k again at a size 16 and very unfit. Only on run 2 but trawling about for the relevant thread I found a post I put on this time last year being proud of myself for doing 40 minutes! It does work!
I run in ancient leggings and t-shirts BTW so u don't need to spend a fortune on gear - ignore the gazelle like springy ladies in coordinated Lycra. You don't need all of that stuff if you don't want it.
Remember JFDI.......
Just
Fucking
Do
It.

Well done dementedma Ooh, but I do want the gear a bit! Not having it though! My lovely shoes are enough and the wonderful shock absorber. Honestly, I forgot that I was a size sixteen with 34g (but bigger in normal bras) boobs. Until I looked in a window, I was a springy gazelle lady. Answer-don't look! The sheep cared little.

Go for it! There was a woman on TV once who had been obese-she was so embarrassed that she started by running in a coat with handbag so that it looked as if she was running for a bus!! The weight started to go and she dressed properly for it.
I see quite a few 'larger ladies' when I am out running and I just think 'good for you'-nothing else.

Well done mole!
I'm hoping (?) to go my first walk/run tonight

Well done OP. I started recently doing very basic running, mix of walk two minutes,run one minute. I found that I got caught up in achieving the times,and forgot all about whether anyone could see me or not. It's a great feeling.

I've been running on and off since school but have been flagging recently as my fitness is low and I couldn't be arsed to get back out there and work to get it back but your thread has reminded me how good it feels when it goes well and so I'm going to dig my trainers out and go later. The short term pain is definitely worth the euphoria when you have a good run and those feel-good hormones kick in! And I always feel I look better when I'm regularly running (even if in reality I probably don't!)

Hey OP,

I second the recommendations for Shock Absorber sports bras - totally the best. Enell are also good as they don't half strap you in. When my boobs were huge I would wear a Shock Absorber and then a Sport Jock crop top on top just to avoid as much movement as possible. The most comfortable way of running with boobs is to strap them close to your body. Bloody hard work getting the kit off once when you go for your shower, but I think it is worth it.

As for trainers, Asics work for lots of us. You can get bargains online if you go for last year's styles.

Don't worry about looking crap. I used to dribble. Really. And it would get all drippy and mixed in with sweat. And then I'd wipe it away with my hand - this is when I could hardly breathe but was fighting to keep going - and then I'd have to wipe my hand on my leggings or top. Yeuch!

You notice that people who run say 'When my boobs were bigger...' The operative word is 'were'.... if you keep running you get toned and shapely and even more gorgeous and your boobs may even start to behave themselves at a slightly smaller cup size.

Also, set yourself attainable goals or you'll never go out. If you don't feel like getting your trainers on, just say to yourself 'Oh I'll just potter out for 20 minutes to say I've done it.' And then you do it.

Good luck!

I started c25k this week. I've done one run so far. I'm a 16-18, 36G chest. I wear a sports bra that's actually too small but actually it does the job, no black eyes or discomfort and I got it from ebay.

I ran up on the local school field - out of the way, round one of the rugby pitches. I ran round half the pitch (60 seconds) and walked the other half (90 seconds) - it was really helpful to see the line coming up at the end of the run and thinking 'nearly there' when I felt like giving up. I nearly stopped but didn't - and by the time I got home I was knackered, but after a quick drink and a rest I was up doing the Shred!

Brilliant, OP - I started running when DS2 was 1 - I went early in the morning, so no one would see me and ran round our local rugby pitch. In the beginning I could do no more than 3/4 of the side of the pitch before needing to have a rest. I now do 5k easily within 30 mins, and do so at least 3 times a week. Running is the most fantastic therapy, both physically and mentally, and honestly, if I see someone who is just starting out I think 'Good on you' - keep at it, you will not believe how much better you will get and the personal rewards are amazing.

Ahhhh!!!! That's so lovely Mole! I can't tell you what a special day it was for me. I have been so depressed at being ill and thought I would never get out there again. Running is my thing! I'm not good at it but I am stubborn and just love the fact that if you keep putting one foot in front of the other you will get there, slowly but surely! That is my motto by the way...."slowly but surely completes the race"! Happy running to all, let's keep each other motivated!t

Hooray to that! Question now is will I find the next run harder or easier? Not sure what to expect.

If you are following c25k then you might find the next couple of runs easier. I am finding the start of each new week tough, as it steps up a gear, but then by the end of the week I feel ready sort of for the next challenge.

I'm starting week 5 tomorrow... It ends with a non-stop 20 minute run

Flisspaps - I am one run ahead of you so let's keep at it.my next one is tomorrow so finger s crossed for success

Week 5-impressive! You'll do it! It would be nice to feel easier-it was manageable today and not at all overwhelming, but it'd be great to see progress and that it's easier. The front of my calves feel stiff today but apart from that I appear unscathed and actually more energetic than I would be normally.

Fliss-when's your next run? Good luck! We should "graduate" together.

Demented-you've nearly done week one? Fab.

Thanks mole. Yeah, W1,R3 tomorrow and then onwards and upwards

I completed w1r1 this evening. So proud of myself I'm telling anyone and everyone!!! Good luck to everyone! xXx