To feel too fat to run in daylight 😔

[Trulyatraditionalman]

Hi all. I'm 31 and on the wrong side of 15st, and am currently doing Couch to 5k whilst trying to make healthier choices in general. I just can't shake the idea that everyone is staring at me when I'm out and about, so I only go on runs in the dark! I'm absolutely terrified of being heckled (I was bullied for my weight at school). The problem is that I also feel unsafe out running in the dark, so it's a catch-22!

For someone very overweight, I actually feel like I have relatively good fitness levels and don't get puffed out on my runs until the very end. I absolutely love running and wish I didn't feel so self conscious.

Am I being totally unreasonable to feel like this?

YABU - People don't give two figs what size you are when you're running, just crack on whatever time of day
YANBU - It's understandable/I've had experience feeling the same way.

Feel free to give me a stern talking to!

I think that you should just do it!!
It's a great program to do, and people will just think "I wish I could do that" if they see you.
Promise me you will go out?

Go early in the morning. Unsavory people are less likely to be up and about then.

When I see someone running (no matter what their size) I just think, good on you. I run and I’m overweight at the moment by 2st so I know how you feel. When I get into the zone though I don’t notice anyone else or if they’re looking at me.

If someone looks at me and thinks, she’s fat, well so what? It’s the thought of a passing stranger which will not impact me one bit so let them think what they like!

Good luck with your running!

I go to a small local park, it takes 5 mins to walk there which is the warm up, then I do laps around it. Is there anywhere quiet near you that you could use?

I think the vast majority of people will think positively, most of the rest will be feel bad that you're getting out there and they're not, and the rest.. well there's always dicks in the world, and we can't live our lives by what they think.

You'll be the winner at the end of the day, and they'll still be dicks

Honestly no one gives two hoots!
I run a lot and when I see a larger person out running genuinely the first thing I think is “good for you”

I spend a lot of time dog walking and I see runners all the time - I honestly don’t look at anyone’s size, I’m just impressed that they do it!

I always ran at night to avoid attention (can't now due to hysterectomy).Also made sure I never ran in skin tight stuff, always a baggy running jacket .
Has anyone else ever wondered why women's fitness stuff is ALWAYS skin tight?

I feel nothing but admiration when I see overweight people working to improve their health, especially now.

@grafittiartist Thank you! I'm already on week 2 run 2 and have managed to complete it all with relatively little effort. I was bashing out 5ks a few years ago when I was a few stone lighter and I feel frustrated that I can't do it straight away, but I really enjoy the programme anyway! Every time I've been out it's been about 6.45am so still dark. I don't feel completely safe but try to stick to well-lit areas. I have ambient sound on on my headphones so at least I can hear my surroundings still!

Oh gosh please get out there and run. Personally I think anyone out there running is amazing, even more so if overweight as it must be way harder. At the moment so many more people are out there exercising so seriously you will not be the only one. Please run and hold your head up high and proud

@DenisetheMenace

I feel nothing but admiration when I see overweight people working to improve their health, especially now.

this, and im overweight as well

I dgaf how fat anyone is when they're running as long as they don't puff their covid breath all over me.

I'm fat and slow and have never been heckled. I can't promise that you'll have the same experience, but most people will not notice, and most that notice will wish they had the motivation to get out there themselves.

I hate running in the day so I get up for runs at sunrise and it is a great way to start the day

There should be an option to vote both ways. It’s totally understandable you feel the way you do and generally people don’t pay any attention to others out running (unless you are overtaking too close!).

Honestly, get some headphones (if you can run safely with them in) and get out there. You’ve made some great positive changes and you’ll see that reflected in your weight.

If I ever notice an overweight person running I think how great it is and if I notice a slim person running I also think how great it is! there was one lady who ran past me every morning at the bus stop for a long time and I saw the weight drop off. Good for her!

I run regularly and I love seeing new people on my routes giving it a go. It's 100% more achieved than not doing it. Anyone judging you for self improvement can bore off and get a life, and in reality I doubt anyone is looking at you - there are SO many more runners in my area since Covid restrictions, of all shapes/sizes/ages etc. DO NOT be put off - exercise is great physically and mentally. I now run 20-30k a week and am aiming for my first marathon before i'm 40 (36 now)... I started with C25K four years ago.

@grafittiartist

I think that you should just do it!! It's a great program to do, and people will just think "I wish I could do that" if they see you. Promise me you will go out?

I second this. Tbh, my manners go out the window when I see people running and I do end up staring (no matter their size) because I just think, why can't I be fit like them?

Just zone people out. Most people will not bat an eyelid and, if they are looking, chances are they are not viewing you in a negative light.

At the moment you'll mostly meet other runners/joggers and I am one of them. The only thing I think when seeing bigger runners is 'hello, fellow runner' and I will smile at you and possibly say good morning/afternoon if I have the breath. I started C25K last August and now run 3x a week, have lost a stone and am generally much happier - go for it. Anyone heckling you is a twat and doesn't deserve your notice.

Go early!

Have a word with yourself!

Honestly, why would you even care if someone was judging you. It says more about them than about you if they were judging your size while you are actually out running

Think no more of this and do not let your own demons stopping you do what you want to do

I’m sure people are not thinking that. They’re more likely thinking well done! I would go before it gets light and then have a lovely sunrise to start your day. Doing your run first thing is amazing for your mental health and will help you make good food choices through the day too.

I think it’s brilliant you’re doing this! 💪🏻💗

I get it, I really do.

I was over 15 stone starting C25K last year and wasn't brave enough to run 'in public' aka not at 6am for ages. It was daylight by virtue of being the summer but largely deserted streets. Whilst my weight has gone down, my size is still huge (hopefully that'll change soon) but I run at all sorts of times now.

No one has heckled me, although running past a group of teenage boys did make me nervous that it'd happen they didn't say a thing. I've had an old man check if I was OK (I'm a very red faced once I start moving) and other runners will smile and wave even though I have no idea who they are! That's the total extent of other people interacting with my runs.

YANBU for feeling that pressure but you would be unreasonable to let that perception stop you running.

Get your trainers on and get out there.

One of the biggest boosts I've had is joining a social running group. It's all virtual at the moment via Facebook and Strava but it's incredibly supportive and there's all sorts on there from women like me who a fast walker could pass and 5k is still an achievement to women who run 20k up mountains for fun in their lunch break! It's a woman's only group too so that makes sharing things a bit easier (for me at least). Maybe have a root around for something similar if you think that'll help.

Funnily, I am slim and feel too unfit to run in the day light. I look at runners (of any size) in awe, like HOW can they do that? It's such a skill.