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

[Scicilly]

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?

It shames me as I'm not that fit and always find an excuse not to exercise and I think if you can do it carrying a couple of stone more than me, then I have no excuse and I silently cheer for you and say well done!

I think the same thing about anybody I see running i.e. "are they going faster than me?" and "are they training for a race?"

I don't notice other runners unless they are much faster than me!

I'm with sp10nk; sometimes I think - "ow - that looks uncomfortable, you need a more robust bra".

Other times I think "she's bloody faster than me". If I'm driving past I mostly just feel jealous that I'm stuck in the car and she's out there running.

Mostly, the larger the woman the more effort she is having to go to and is therefore deserving of more respect in my book!

There will always be people who disapprove of you existing as a larger woman, no matter what you do.

Ignore them.

Myself, when I see someone run, I don't think anything much, except maybe that they want to catch a train, if I'm at the station.
Certainly I don't judge them how aesthetic they look while running.
It's not a beauty competition, it's exercise.

Yes, people might laugh at you, because they're stupid and pathetic. What they think doesn't matter.

I'm a 12-14 and am quite wobbly of arse and slow. When I'm finding it hard going I know I look shit, and sometimes attract well meaning but slightly patronising comments (from men!) I assume that they think I'm a novice runner who's finally decided to bite the bullet and lose some weight. I've actually been a runner for years and have done a marathon in a fairly respectable time. So I try not to dwell on the size of my fellow runners, anyone who goes out for a run is doing a good thing imo.

I'm in the same position as you and I'm afraid I notice when someone larger is running. I hate it, I feel so conspicuous. I used to run and I've got a treadmill to try to start myself off on private, but it's so dull.

Do not stop though. 20lbs down is jut brilliant. Keep going because you've already done the hardest part and I need to get over myself and do it too.

I would think, good on you for doing something positive about your health. I'm really that people would be rude.

Spring did he apologise to you as well? It was you he shouted at.

I hope this doesn't sound patronising but this thread reminds me of anwoman at my swimming pool. She is morbidly obese. Quite honestly the largest woman I have ever seen in real life by a very significant and margin (as opposed to TV). Anyway she's just recently started swimming. She doesn't actually swim, she walks length slowly. When I saw her for the first time I found myself fighting back tears. Reason being I was so struck by the immense courage and determination that I was in the presence of. One doesn't see that kind of strength very often and it really made me feel very emotional. She didn't notice as I pulled on every fibre of my being to pull myself together and just carry on. But wow, what a woman.

Size would make no difference. But anyone running like Phoebe in Friends would make me eek.

I wish I could run. But I can barely walk so not much chance.

Anyone doing exercise looks exactly the same to me, hot, red, sweaty and knackered! Size is immaterial

I always think well done you, I wish I could.

As long as you have a decent bra on and are not wearing see through leggings I don't think I would notice you. (Advice that applies to any runner) I might 'notice' someone who was very overweight who was running but I'd just be impressed and move on with my day.

Katie Hopkins is a nasty offensive bitch. Ignore her.

I always think "good luck to them" and curse myself for not running more!

I'm quite fat, go bright red, and sweat like fuck. I run very slowly and probably look ridiculous. However, in my head I'm much thinner and faster so I don't care.

I'm a size 22 and have started running. I love it and haven't given a second thought about what anyone thinks. Although to start off with I took the dog as an accomplice/excuse. If I was a size 16 I'd be over the moon, I'm sure people aren't staring at you OP, a 16 is a pretty normal size.

I love it when I see a larger lady running, I'm a size 12/14 and could really do with going myself.

I'm thinking 'good on you love' and spurring you on.

I genuinely think good for her! I think good for you for doing something about your size. I'm a size 10 and think I'm relatively for but could not get anywhere close to running 8k

Fit not for!

I think good for you. And feel guilty about own laziness.

Same for men and women - good for you but watch your joints.

I'd be a bit jealous of you coz I can't really run much. 8k is marvellous...in your shoes I wouldn't really care. If anything, think that everyone is jealous of you fabulous confidence & 8k stamina....don't stop for them.

4 years ago my size 16s were starting to feel tight. It was either buy new everyday clothes or buy running gear. I chose the running gear. No-one ever commented on me (but then again I do live in the countryside so probably a lot quieter)

I did get down to just being able to get into size 12's (was a squeeze and I hadn't got round to buying anything, but I could do them up in a changing room) and I injured myself so stopped running for 4 months. Also ate lots of cake so went back up to a wobbly 16.

Now Im back running on a regular basis and entering many races. Im a comfortable 14 (can't do up a 12 yet - have tried) and one thing I have never ever noticed in all my running life (OK so its only been 4 years, but thats a lot of contact with other runners) is a runner being nasty about another runner.

I said it on another thread recently so have copied and pasted bits, but it works well on here too.

No-one looks stupid or makes a fool of themselves while running and anyone who thinks that the runner does is just a dick and not worth worrying about. Also probably not a runner so you are doing much better than them anyway. The faster runners often encourage the slower runners always seem proud of those running slower than them. They are just pleased to see people running no matter their speed or size

I admire them tremendously and feel motivated to do a bit of exercise myself.