I want to start couch to 5k...

[slushie]

...but I'm scared :( not entirely sure why, but I am.

I don't really want to be seen outside attempting to run, but I also want to be able to run. (Am I even making sense?)

Any tips?

I started it last December and would run in the evenings after work so it was nice and dark and hardly anybody could see me. And then I realised that nobody cares and I started running in daylight. Don't worry about "attempting to run", just run. Just follow the programme and start at a nice slow jog.

I started beginning Feb and also ran in the evenings when it was dark and I didn't think I would be noticed as much. First time out in the day time was nerve wracking but honestly no-one pays you a second glance and I have my earphones in with music so I'm in my own little bubble.

As CaiM says just stick with the programme and the C25K thread here was fab for support. Good trainers are a must if you keep it up - go to a proper shop that can tell what type of support you need (you don't have to buy them and can always order the same online after if it's cheaper). Best thing I ever did.

I'm also considering starting this but also scared! I'm thinking of doing it in the gym tho.....

I started it two nights ago and it was an unmitigated disaster. My huge knockers have never been stilled like that, and my centre of gravity felt all wrong and I slipped and fell over. I could run for 30 seconds MAXIMUM and needed a good 5 mins between runs.
Am I a hopeless case? Should I try another sport, to which I'm more physically suited? Like darts, perhaps?

Just do it. Don't decide that you will do it at X point - just get on with it. The evenings are dark now so if you don't want to be seen out running barely anyone will notice you anyway (and to be fair, most people don't pay any attention in the day either)

Sliceoffacutloaf - if you can only run for 30 seconds you need to run more slowly. Even if that means that initially your running pace is as slow as, or slower than, your walking pace. I'd recommend a shock absorber run bra for the knockers issue.

You don't need to worry about other runners for sure. I go to a local parkrun regularly and the people that finish in 20 mins are treated and treat others in exactly the same way as those that finish in 40+ minutes. I've been running for a couple of years now and I've not encountered any snobbery, just encouragement.

Non-runners can sod off, you'll be doing more than they're doing even in week one . Seriously though, I've only been heckled once (unless you count the sheep that looked at me funny) and I've been past a secondary school at kicking out time.

Slice I agree you may have just been going too fast. I made the same mistake when I started. I used an app so had a record of every run and my pace in the running parts of W1 was way faster than I run now. Slow it right down if you can, it doesn't matter even if it's at walking pace. Speed can come later. If your balance feels off then maybe try working on your core strength a bit- crunches and planks and whatnot helps with all that.

Have you thought of starting off with a running machine? It's a good way of getting you into the whole running thing with the plus of being indoors and much more controllable on pace distance etc. You get much better feedback on how far and fast you're going, and when you are comfortable you can go outside knowing your comfort zone.