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!

Just get yourself out there OP! It doesn't matter what size you are at least you are trying to make a positive change in your life. And if morons want to make comments then ignore them, you are changing your health and mindset for the better!

I see loads of fat people out running and never think anything of it.

You just have to practice an "I don't care attitude". A "F what anyone thinks" attitude.

I'm a runner and I love seeing people of all shapes and sizes out running though, to be honest, I don't really think about what size people are, I just notice that they're out running and enjoying it and look nice.

I don't get much heckling at all. Only really from older men who feel entitled to shout sexist remarks. It's very rare. But I always confront them if they do (in public) and make a fool of them.

Be bold! Have confidence in yourself!

I used to compete internationally, whilst out training I would get shouted at to "run faster", "out for a slow jog," "running to the chippy," etc. Just never engage with that person, rise above it, swear at them in your head and know that those that shout/heckle would probably not be able to do what you are doing.
Keep going, keep running and keep enjoying it...and if anyone dares to say anything, just know that you are probably doing more than they can and that the benefits outweigh some daft idiot who thinks they are funny.

I dont run but do want to lose weight, but when I see someone who is overweight running, I think 'fair play! You go girl!' They have much more motivation than me. I have great respect for anyone running to lose weight or keep healthy. I say go for it. Anyone who judges you are too lazy to do it themselves.

I'm massively overweight and honestly don't care, but as a 6ft tall woman with massive booobs I get stared at regardless. I'm on week 9 of couch to 5k, so nearly finished. I'm slower than a slug in treacle but I finish every run and well proud of my effort. I'm also doing Joe wicks 7 days of sweat at the momment and want to actually die as its hard but on day 5 today!
Only ever had other runners /walkers or cyclists etc saying morning or keep going or well done or similar.
Honestly no one actually cares at all.
Well done on getting out and doing something op x

OP, I think you are projecting your own insecurities and low self esteem onto other people, and assuming that they will all just be lining up to mock you.
Most people are self absorbed in their own little worlds and will barely register you passing by. Those few who pay any heed will either admire your determination or feel unfit by comparison.
The latter group may include the occasional inadequate misogynist knob who tries to boost his pathetic ego by yelling abuse.
You need feel nothing but contempt for him as you power on past. Please don’t let such dregs of humanity deter you from leading your life as fully and joyously as you deserve. Get out there and revel in your new fitness, celebrate each completed run, and don’t waste another moment caring what random knobs might say. Don’t give them the power to hurt you - you are worth so much more than them.

OP, when I see an overweight person running I do stare occasionally, but only with admiration! I am a lazy size 6 person and feel in awe of people who force themselves to exercise

Only nasty peolle see someone and think horrible things.

Your totally overthinking this, whether I'm out walking, cycling, driving and see other people I dont even think anything about them at all.

Id only take note if my brain registered oghg I like that coat of something, otherwise I think absolutely nothing

To be honest when I see a slightly overweight runner I normally think "good for them" and then "I should really do that"... Then spend a while feeling guilty! So I might frown at the runner lol, but I'm really annoyed with myself!

I’m not overweight but can’t run, or do quite a lot of things, for health reasons. When I see someone running I just feel envy. Especially if they happen to look as if they are enjoying it!

I voted YABU, but do understand the feeling.

I felt like a total imposter - all the gear and no idea - who's she, why does she think she's a runner etc. And as I started running towards the end of a period of weight loss, yes self conscious about shape too.

And all those feelings were wrong

Nearly all runners are friendly and welcoming and it's one of the most supportive networks I've ever found. Yes of course there are a few arses too, but isn't that true of any group?

You are doing brilliantly - I wish I'd started running earlier (which meant when I was much heavier).

When you can, find a running group - parkrun is a good way, but other running clubs are good too (and are not stuffed with scornful elites). Connecting with other runners is one of those recommendations I always thought was bats, until I did it.

99% of people give absolutely no fuck about others on a street. Because they have brains and just carry on foing their things.

You eill be fine

I know exactly how you feel as I have avoided running in public for years! This lockdown I have had to bite the bullet because I can’t get to the gym and it’s actually not bad at all! No one takes any notice (thank god!). Is there somewhere like a park that you can run round that’s likely to be a bit quieter?

Early morning with the dog walkers, you should be proud, it takes guts.

I’m an overweight runner and I regularly get heckled. It upsets me. I know it shouldn’t and they’re the dickheads but it’s my human reaction. But I know that running is good for me so I tend to stick to quieter routes but during the day. This means I’m still getting out and giving myself a nice calm break from home schooling and work without having to avoid the rude heckling asshats.

I think you should just do it too. I felt quite self-conscious when I started running.

This is why we need parkrun back as it provides a safe space for people to exercise, especially women and those who are carrying a few extra pounds.

I only ever think, g'wan girl, give it some welly. Anyone who thinks, you fat bastard, is a wankstain on humanity and not worth a seconds thought. Hth. 😁

I was heckled once, and I just told him to feck off. It made me run faster as I was so annoyed! Honestly it didn't put me off, anyone who dares criticise someone putting themselves out there to improve their health is just projecting. Seeing someone commited to self improvement obviously triggers them, most likely they've given up on being a better person.

Crack on OP, and well done! Running is tough and I bet any glances you get will be from people inspired to pick up their trainers too!

I think if you wanna run in daylight go for it !! I would never laugh or heckle someone who is doing something to make themselves feel fitter or healthier anyone who does are absolutely vile !
So sorry I feel u can’t xxx

I ran at 13st for years ( I am short). I've had way more encouragement than anything. The only two negative ish shouts were one teenage boy who said to his mates 'has she never heard of a sports bra' (I felt like saying actually I'm wearing two and it's still not enough 😅) and one bloke who obviously said something to his friend and his friend said 'don't be a dick she's out exercising'. I run in places that are quiet ish but not too secluded, in the light or dark. Loads of people say 'keep going' (which is nice but I feel like saying I'm not a beginner I've run half marathons for years!) or 'rather you than me'. I wouldn't let it stop you.

Honestly, whatever size you are, twatty people will make twatty comments when you run. The sight of a woman exercising just seems to drive some thick wankers to have to pass comment. Please, please do not let these sad losers put you of enjoying a fantastic, free form of outdoor excercise. Running is great, whatever size you are.

I admire anyone out running, whatever their size and shape. Get out there and do it. You don't have anything to prove to anyone else. Listen to really great running music and ignore any potential hecklers. In awe! Hoping to get my bike out so I can lose a stone or so :)

Go for it! Much more pleasant to run in the day than in the freezing early morning/ at night. If I see someone running, I just think good for you - don't even notice their size. People have got their own stuff going on, they won't even give you a second thought :)

Also, what everyone else has said :)