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?

"I wonder if she's a member of Run Mummy Run. What can I say to encourage her? I always sound sarcastic by accident. Oh she's gone. Feck. I wish I hadn't waited until I was smaller before I started running."

I don't think size 16 is larger. I thought from the thread title it would be referring to at least a size 20.

I'd think "good for her!".

Well done on your weight loss and keep going with the running.

Wow I think that's amazing. Please don't worry what anyone thinks.

90% of the time I think "good on her!"
10% of the time (maybe more) I think "Christ, please get a good fitting sports bra!"

Honestly when I was younger, naive and more judgemental, if I noticed them, I might have thought overweight person looked a bit ridiculous and might have even laughed (although not in their face, I was not rude) but I am genetically slim and didn't exercise when I was younger so didn't have a clue how bloody hard running was! Now I run and I often look at others running particularly people larger than myself and think good on them, or how do they make it look easy when I feel like I'm dying!

However what does it matter what others think, you will always get judgy comments whatever you do!
You know you are doing amazing, you've obviously massively improved your fitness as 8k is no mean feat! And you've lost loads of weight - you should feel proud of yourself and ignore the naive, judgemental losers!

Agree that Katie Hopkins is ugly inside and out.

Scicilly Tbh, I probably wouldn't notice. If I did, it would genuinely be something like "Good for you"/'What a swingy ponytail/'nice trainers'.

I reckon most people are too caught up in what they are doing to notice. White Van Men will find something to shout about. I have had 'go on love" and similar. Give 'em the bird next time.

And whatever size I am, I always have a wobbly bum and go really red as if I am about to die. I really don't care, at least I'm enjoying myself.

Honestly, if I spot a fat person out running or at the gym, I think "good for you" as I know it must be harder to get the lycra on and get out there. If I was running too, I'd give you a smile of solidarity

I'm a recent convert to BMF (British Military Fitness)...have you ever considered that? There's a lot of running involved but if you can do 8k several times a week, you could definitely do BMF. The group I go to is brilliantly supportive. There are some uber fit types but also a few people who are overweight and new to exercise and they are encouraged and cheered on by everyone else. Real team spirit and a nice social atmosphere. Just thought it might give your confidence a boost and also make you feel less self conscious exercising in a group?

Nothing different to how I feel about slimmer people running. "Good for them". Or I don't really register anything other than "runner" then go back to thinking about whatever else.

I get lewd comments shouted from vans and cars and horns bapped when I'm walking with my children . Dickheads will always find ways to be a dickhead so pay zero attention. Personally for me when I run my earphones are on full blast, world out music in. Don't give a fuck about anyone around me, totally taken to a different world. Tis the best way.

You'll be noticed but it may not be bad things people think. I'd notice you but not really think anything. I get stares using my walking stick as a slim-ish young-ish woman. Both scenarios are breaking stereotypes. I also suspect you make people feel guilty more than anything. My dad is very critical of over weight women despite being a lard arse himself. He's just a prick for doing that, I suspect many men are critical of women's bodies without thinking the same of overweight men.

I honest think good for them, they're getting fitter than me! I wish I had the balls to.

I think bloody well done. I'm a size 8.... I can't run to the end of my garden. Seriously!! Always been jealous of people who run.

My husband if passing in the car will mention to me some derogatory remark. My response to my overweight husband...... "At least she's running!!!"

I'm in awe of anybody running tbh whatever size good for you

I used to be very overweight so whenever I see an overweight person exercising i think 'Good for them' etc.

However, I did read really awful stories lately about the things that have happened to overweight people running; cars beeping, laughing, men and women shouting offensive things at them (always from cars, cowards). I think you'd need to be prepared for that, and have a thick skin It might have been the DailyMail

I'm a size 16-18 ish, and I genuinely feel inspired when I see people of a similar size running. I also feel a bit rubbish that I'm not treating myself better, like they are. I normally then take a mental note of their work out clothes and try and hunt something similar online, so I can wear it at the gym- I'm forever pinching clothes ideas from women who seem a similar size to myself as I'm a bit clueless!

I'd think bloody good for you if I saw you running. It's hard to be that disciplined if you are thin and so you'd be doubly great IMO!

Well done you.

id either be impressed, or more likely not give it a second thought

Your sister sounds horrible.
When I see someone overweight exercising I generally don't think much unless they're hugely over weight and then the only thing I tend to think is well bloody done because it must be very hard work.

I'd think "good for you" and be slightly ashamed of my unfitness. I can merrily rack up best part of 20,000 steps a day on my fitbit but I just can't run. Triggers my asthma.

I am a size 18. I have finished C25K and can now run for 35 mins.

I have been shouted at by youths in a passing car (fat bum type comments). I have been given the "you're going so slow what is the point" looks by studenty male runners.

On the other hand, loads of people (esp other female runners and older male runners) just give a little encouraging nod.

When I was thin, and saw fat people exercising, I only ever thought "Good on you!"

I think "oh, look, there's someone running."

Other people can be dicks, though.

Katie Hopkins DCs therapy bill is pretty much going to wipe out any savings she perceives that shes making the NHS by not being overweight!!

Even Katie Hopkins herself doesn't believe the shite she spews. It's literally a case of 'what horribly unpleasant view can I put out there to generate more clicks'

Well done to yourself, I run and I'm a 12-14 with big thighs (less wobbly now thanks to running) and a bigger belly than I would like thanks to 2 C-sections, second one for prem twins. I used worry about stares and hecklers but I've been really lucky since I started in august to not have had either (well not that I've noticed or possibly heard over my breathing ).
Keep up the good work