AIBU to think I will have to run in the dark

[BackBoiler]

Or through the woods just to stop feeling self-conscious? I haven't been running for long so not great but it is free and I can do it round near home so no time scale to plan to....great!

However I went out today and stuck to the local roads....I got gawped at and even pipped at by the typical 'white van man'. Im not great at it yet and found it really off putting! I need some moral support because I really want to exercise to feel good!

It's annoying isn't it? I had to sign DD up to the gym due to the amount of harassment she was getting while running. It's a fairly common issue unfortunately: www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45337810

Good on you for working on your fitness!

I carried on truthfully.

I'm going to have to carry on but it's infuriating. Who are these men as I can't imagine my DH or my Dad doing this?? (I know you cannot say for sure)

It's so annoying. I find running with a large dog improves it!!

My husband started running on an evening as soon as it started getting dark early so it's not just women who feel judged. Just make sure you can been seen ie reflective clothing and/or torch.

I don't run with my glasses so I can't really see if anyone gasps at me . I also wear headphones. I always admire people who I see running so I like to think that's why they are looking. Just ignore and carry on .

Gawps not gasps ( I hope no one gasps at me )

I used to run in the woods OP or at night, I did it because I was 16/17 at the time and either getting followed by men in cars/vans or builders staring at me and yelling 'nice ass/legs' etc.

It's a nightmare and made me so self conscious. It doesn't build you up at all like they may think.

Don’t worry about it, those that judge you or say anything are idiots that aren’t worth thinking about.

If it helps, I quite often drive past runners that look like they are struggling and I want to wind the window down and encourage them to keep going, I don’t because my guess is they’d rather not be noticed, but I can assure you there are a lot more people driving by who have respect for you doing it than there are idiots that would shout or laugh, you just notice the idiots more because they draw attention to themselves.

Keep it going, chances are less people than you think even notice you and as your running improves that number is going to drop even more.

If you’re enjoying it - which it seems you are - don’t let idiots put you off it. Good luck!