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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To worry what people think when they see a larger women running?

207 replies

Scicilly · 23/05/2016 20:10

I am a size 16 and been working hard at losing weight (20lbs down thus far!). I love running (well puffy jogging really) and am working up in distance, now 8k, 3 to 4 times per week. I have had real confidence issues recently and feeling quite conscious now I've extended the route that I run in some more populated areas and feel like people really stare at me. In reality I know most people probably really don't care but I remember a Katie Hopkins show (really not someone to listen too I know!!) in which she said she always thought what a state fat people were in when they run, and my sister who is a personal trainer says she always thinks fat people running looks a bit 'pathetic' - and yes she said this to my face when I told her I had taken up running! I've also had school kids laugh at me and a builder van pass and they shouted 'run fatty run' (though that was ages ago). What do you honestly think when you see larger people running? - I get I may not be the finest sight compared to some of the people who pass me but getting to me now. Dh thinks I'm being silly and as he points out I'm 20lbs on what I was when I started so I should be feeling more confident not less... but I still feel some people see me as something to laugh at... am I imagining things maybe?

OP posts:
TheWizardOfOs · 23/05/2016 20:13

I think you are amazing and do a silent cheer.

wombattoo · 23/05/2016 20:14

Well done on you weight loss. Thanks
I always think - good on you to anyone who jogs/runs. Size 16 is the average size I believe, but to anyone who feels overweight and I am then I think they should be applauded for having the courage to get out there and do it.
I don't think anyone would laugh at you

Gardenbirds123 · 23/05/2016 20:14

I think good for you keep at it you can do it

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 23/05/2016 20:14

I don't think anything differently to when I see anyone else running. Usually "am I in the way?". And then "I need to go for a run."

pointythings · 23/05/2016 20:14

Speaking for myself, I see a person who is doing something positive for their health and for their future, who is doing their best to save the NHS and the taxpayer some dosh and is therefore generally a good egg.

Also speaking for myself I'd say 'fuck 'em' to anyone who said or thought anything nasty.

As a fellow runner (though nowhere near 8k yet!) and weight loser (44 lbs in the last year) I say good on you and go for it.

HaveYouSeenMyHat · 23/05/2016 20:15

I genuinely think "Fair play".

Well done on your loss so far and inspiring improvement in fitness Flowers.

When I run I feel really self conscious. I usually wear sunglasses and that helps .......as if that hides my identity?!!! Confused

wombattoo · 23/05/2016 20:15

Wizard has said what I was trying to

Stylingwax · 23/05/2016 20:15

I think, and often say (in my car), 'you fucking go girl'. Respect to anyone who runs, especially to fellow ladies who are, like me, carrying a little extra ballast.

snowgirl1 · 23/05/2016 20:15

I think "good for her!"

RosieandJim89 · 23/05/2016 20:15

I drove past a "large lady" this afternoon running with her slightly smaller friend. At first I thought "eeeeee! that's not a good luck. (Just being honest by the way) Then I thought - to be fair to her I can't run more than a couple hundred metres without keeling over and am 3 sizes smaller so fair play to her! Also I had just finished a gym class and was bright red in the face and looking pretty crap myself! I reminded myself not to be a judgemental prat and gave a mental congrats to the women.

bumbleymummy · 23/05/2016 20:16

I'd think "Good for her." :) Put headphones on and ignore any assholes that shout at you. You're doing brilliant.

NotNob · 23/05/2016 20:16

I love running and feel an affinity with fellow runners, regardless of their size. Good for you!

Stylingwax · 23/05/2016 20:16

probably the blokes who shout run fatty run are the same who'd shout nice tits at a skinny thing, so they'd get you one way or the the other arseholes

randomsabreuse · 23/05/2016 20:17

I'm a 12 and just started running. If I see someone when I'm actually out running I'm worried they think the ghost train is chasing them. Otherwise if I haven't been for a while I feel guilty I'm not running as much as I should!

OhMrBadger · 23/05/2016 20:17

I always think "you star? Wish I had half your get up and go!"

Andbabymakesthree · 23/05/2016 20:17

Fair play to them and i wish I could be as confident

Earbudbitter · 23/05/2016 20:17

I know I always say.. 'good on them'

RunRabbitRunRabbit · 23/05/2016 20:17

Sometimes I think "good for you". Mostly I don't think about other people I see on the street though unless there is something very unusual about them. A size 16 woman running isn't very unusual. I probably wouldn't even notice you.

Fannycraddock79 · 23/05/2016 20:17

I always do a "go ON girl" (sounds more like gaworrrrn gel) in my head, nothing to be worried about, no ones really looking, just get out there and bloody do it.

steppedonlego · 23/05/2016 20:18

Whenever I see anyone running I do a silent cheer for them. I often think of shouting encouragement as I think if it was me it would be nice to hear, but I refrain incase it causes embarrassment or is seen as sarcastic, so if you want to do me a favour, next time you go out jogging, give yourself a "good on you girl" from me

44PumpLane · 23/05/2016 20:18

Honestly....... What I think when I see larger people running is typically "good for you" before berating myself for not running myself (I hate running, get so out of breath but have done couch to 5k before so know it's bloody hard but doable over time- so I start getting annoyed at myself for not being arsed when others clearly can)!

I have nothing but positive thoughts about people getting off their butt and doing anything active, and genuinely I am so lazy (not proud of that fact but I like to think I'm self aware) I feel a jealously for people's commitment- more so when I see larger folk running as I know it must take even more mental strength to start in the first place.

For perspective I'm about 25.5 BMI and a size 12 with way too many wobbly bits- you have nothing but my respect and anyone giving you grief is a massive douche!

Thecatknowsshesboss · 23/05/2016 20:18

I'd smile at you as I ran past in the opposite direction, as I always do to fellow runners.

RiverTam · 23/05/2016 20:18

I think there goes someone who may well be fatter than me, but who is also fitter and less lazy than me. If I think anything at all. If anyone saw me (size 12) running they'd probably want to call an ambulance.

Devonjade · 23/05/2016 20:19

I think good bloody effort! Getting amongst it. It doesn't matter how fast you go, just that you go.

Then I think I should go for a run.

Anyone who says anything negative is a knob.

froubylou · 23/05/2016 20:19

I think what an inspiration you are.

I am the same size as you and can't run to save my life. So if I see someone out running I am very jealous. If it is someone who isn't a perfect size 8 and sporty looking I have even more respect.

And if anyone shouts anything at you flag the fuckers.