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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:
FurryTurnip · 23/05/2016 20:49

I think bloody well done! I'm a runner too, and as someone else said, when other runners smile it's not sympathy or patronising, it's comradeship, and whether overweight or not, running can be really tough and a smile from someone else slogging it out on the same road can perk you up. Keep at it, and remember the hecklers have probably never ran a step in their lazy arse lives. Well done!

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 23/05/2016 20:49

YNBU, I'm afraid arse holes get you like thst, though. They call you for being over weight, but. At the same time theyll mock some fat for exercising. They can't fuckin have it both ways.

crankyblob · 23/05/2016 20:51

Dont worry about the fuckers who shout from vans or the sofa judges! They are sitting on their arses and you are lapping them every time!

Keep it up Grin

DustyCropHopper · 23/05/2016 20:53

I am also a size 16, 26lb down from January 1st. I don't run (I am clumsy and even walking carries a risk Wink) but I do walk and I do understand how you feel. I walk along the seafront almost daily (at speed, not a stroll) and often wonder what people think. If I saw you I would think you were awesome! Keep up the good work. To be fair, I prefer worrying about what people think about me when I am exercising than when I used to imagine what people thought of me when I was a large size 18 eating out. I would imagine everyone who saw me was thinking look at that fat cow stuffing her face with more food. (This is a personal thought to me not what I think about anyone else).

YorkieDorkie · 23/05/2016 20:53

I'm a very unfit woman and when I see fellow larger women running I always stare because I'm so bleeding envious! That's probably what everyone is thinking. Good on you!

lljkk · 23/05/2016 20:57

I'd Probably be thinking something like "Why she's so much faster than me when she's so much bigger??" Envy

cheapandcheerful · 23/05/2016 21:00

I would admire you for being confident enough to get out and run no matter what people might think.

girlinacoma · 23/05/2016 21:02

Whenever I see someone overweight or unfit jogging, I feel quite emotional. I don't mean this to sound patronising as I am a size 20 and have tried (and failed) at running in the past.

I just have so much admiration for you :)

OnYerBikePan · 23/05/2016 21:05

There are some people who run on our trail who are carrying a fair few pounds extra - when I see them when I'm out running I always admire them. I'm sort of 'standard size' bloke but quite fit. Nothing to lose or prove. But others meet the challenges you talk about OP and run anyway.

so yep. Unqualified admiration are my thoughts.

Silvertap · 23/05/2016 21:05

I think 2 things;

  1. you go woman! Amazing stuff that you're Giving it a go!
  2. that's what I looked like 4 stone ago, I'm so chuffed I started and carried on. I hope she does too.
OnYerBikePan · 23/05/2016 21:06

X -post with girlinacoma

OTheHugeManatee · 23/05/2016 21:06

If I see someone running who's carrying a bit of spare I think 'go you'. I'm sturdily built and have been that soldier. It's hard on the knees to begin with and takes willpower to get to a good distance.

Arseholes who shout from vans are just that, arseholes.

SpringHasNearlySprung · 23/05/2016 21:08

I run every day and never notice people's sizes. I had a wanker shout "MILF" at me two weeks ago as I was running up a hill towards home. I saw his car parked at DH's surgery (which is next to the house) so I went in and saw him in the waiting room with his friend and a dog. I was furious. He visibly cringed when I walked in and went an odd shade of red when DH came out to shout him in. DH saw me and asked me if I'd had a good run. I looked at wanker and replied "I had a great run but apparently I'm a MILF according to this guy." He apologised to DH and couldn't get out of the surgery quick enough during his appointment. Keep running OP you're doing great and remember those that are shouting must live desperately shallow lives that they feel the need to shout comments.

Bettercallsaul1 · 23/05/2016 21:08

I feel admiration for anyone out running - it's the running I notice, not the person's build - and I feel guilty that I'm not emulating them!

PerpendicularVincent · 23/05/2016 21:10

I would think good on you for getting fit.

I am far larger than you and exercise a fair bit - if anyone doesn't like it or makes a comment then they can ram it up their arse. My body, my business.

Keep going Smile

ShoppingBasket · 23/05/2016 21:16

I think "fair play to you". Then I think"why can't I do that? You can do that. Right! From tomorrow Ms Shopping Basket you are running!"

Wombat87 · 23/05/2016 21:17

I am skinny fat (slim but very unhealthy). I always look at larger people and have the 'good for them' attitude, they're making much more effort than I am and they are doing something about it.

A lot of people will give a mean comment. That will happen. But don't let it put you off.

Acornantics · 23/05/2016 21:21

I high five from my car, that's what I do when I see people running, getting fit and putting faith in their own abilities.

I'm pretty fit, but my issue is that when I do any cardio exercise I sweat so profusely I look like I've been baptised by submersion...so I wear a silly headband in classes and out for runs to stop the sweat dripping from my nose/forehead/chin. I was initially really, really self conscious as no one else seems to have this issue...but now I don't care as I'm there and I'm doing it and getting fitter even day!

Bettercallsaul1 · 23/05/2016 21:22

What you have to remember, OP, is that women have abuse shouted at them for doing anything outside - walking, standing, talking to their friends and all women are targeted, no matter what their size. Pay NO ATTENTION to misogynist
throwbacks, OP - they hate us all and are trying to drive us out of public space. It is not personal - it is their peculiar, hateful mindset.

Needmorewine · 23/05/2016 21:25

I think "good on you".

They are sad little people. Ignore ignore.

springydaffs · 23/05/2016 21:26

I think YESSS! YOU GO GIRL!

and hope she's going to keep it up.

Re white van drivers people calling stuff out - someone once shouted out GET ON YER BIKE when I was pushing my bike up a hill.

People are full of shit sometimes.

Yukduck · 23/05/2016 21:27

I always think how lovely it is that the person running has that much energy and is out there enjoying life.

You go for it. If I am typical of "most people" I admire runners and if you are carrying a bit of extra weight so what? It is fitness that matters and it sounds like you enjoy being fit.

helenatroy · 23/05/2016 21:34

I run in my local park (not currently as pregnant and too much of a scaredy cat). All shapes, sizes and colours and nobody pays anyone else the slightest bit of scrutiny. Mostly we nod to each other in a "made it out of bed" kind of way.

mynamesnotMa · 23/05/2016 21:38

As a runner I think nothing ....I'm too busy enjoing my self righteous runners endorphan buzz.
YABU to give any credence and reference to Hopkin s she's a fool.

Enjoyingthepeace · 23/05/2016 21:39

Silent cheer. I promise, a genuine silent cheer