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Exercise

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Original poster

Embarassed to run...

33 replies

NatalieW2014 · 17/09/2015 10:37

Hi Everyone, I really want to start running for my fitness and to lose weight, I have everything I need, exercise clothes, sports bra, running trainers and a brill heart rate monitor watch which tells me how many calories burned etc... but when it comes to getting out there I just cant bring myself to do it! I have very large boobs you see (G cup!!) and I'm terrified of people watching me and commenting on them! It sounds ridiculous and I sometimes think to myself if I wanted to loose weight that badly I wouldn't let it stop me but it does.

So what I'm asking is, has anyone else ever had similar feelings when starting to run?

OP posts:

CMOTDibbler · 17/09/2015 10:40

I think everyone feels self conscious when they start to run, and unfortunately the only way to get through it is to get out there and run.
If you have a really good sports bra, they are unlikely to notice your norks, and with earphones in you wouldn't hear anything anyway.

Original poster

NatalieW2014 · 17/09/2015 10:46

Yes your probably right, I think I just need to give myself a kick and do it, I'm sure once its over I will feel so glad that I did it!

OP posts:

EmmaGellerGreen · 17/09/2015 10:46

In the nicest possible way, it's better to stop thinking about it, get your trainers on and open the door. That is the hardest bit! No one will think anything other than that you are getting out there. I bet you will get lots of cheery "hellos" from other runners / dog walkers etc. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes of runners, all of them doing better than people sitting on the sofa at home!

ExplodingCarrots · 17/09/2015 10:47

I was like this but once you're out there you honestly won't care. You'll see people of all shapes and sizes out running. I stick my headphones in and block everything out

As CMOT said , as long as you invest in some good sports bras you'll be fine.

tabulahrasa · 17/09/2015 10:50

The only comments I've ever had have been things like, ooh you're putting me to shame or, I feel lazy now or things like that.

Well and mocking about my bright pink trousers hurting people's eyes (they were reduced) but that was from my friends, lol.

I was 4 stones overweight when I first went, so yep, hugely self conscious - but honestly no- one cares, they're mostly busy doing whatever it is they're doing.

Original poster

NatalieW2014 · 17/09/2015 10:51

Thanks EmmaGellerGreen and ExplodingCarrots, I know you're both very right, I think I need to find a route that's not on a main road and maybe go early morning to start with, once I gain confidence I probably wont care at all! I have a friend who sometimes runs with me but if she ever says she cant go I just don't bother and then I feel rubbish about myself for relying on other people.

OP posts:

Original poster

NatalieW2014 · 17/09/2015 10:52

That made me laugh tabulahrasa! Im also 4 stones overweight and a size 16 (very short at 5ft 1!)

OP posts:

tabulahrasa · 17/09/2015 10:57

You won't care once you get in a routine, honestly...I'm sure I run like phoebe from friends, arms and legs everywhere only with wobbly bits encased in Lycra.

The only people that even look at me are the ones who walk their dogs at the same time...and like I said, they usually say something nice.

textbook · 17/09/2015 11:02

I have GG's and wear two sports bras to hold 'em down while I run. Don't let your boobs stop you!

Jenga2703 · 17/09/2015 13:25

I'm an HH cup and hated running when I started as I was slow and had to walk, felt self conscious about how I looked etc. But the more I forced myself to go, the less I cared. Just turn the music up and stride with pride past anyone who looks like they're gonna make a comment! I started out running evenings quite late so there were less people about - mornings would also work if you're good at getting up!

Original poster

NatalieW2014 · 17/09/2015 13:53

That's what I worry about tabulahrasa lol that I look silly or people will think I'm not running correctly. I had never thought of wearing two textbook, I'm fairly sure my sports bra is good its from bravissimo, so it best be for the amount I paid lol

I think that's what ill do Jenga2703, I don't feel confident enough to run where there are roads but there's a nice field near my house which I can go to before work. If I can drag myself out of bed! lol if not it will have to be after work!

Thanks for everyone's advice I do feel a lot better now :)

OP posts:

NKFell · 17/09/2015 14:00

I'm always very impressed when I see someone running- no matter what shape, size, age etc. If you ran past me you'd get nothing but admiration!

nmg85 · 17/09/2015 15:49

Been running for about 7 weeks and still struggle but see massive improvement in my stamina. Anyone who looks at you when you walk or struggle is probably just jealous that they don't have the confidence to try. I admire anyone who tries to run. There is an older woman (At least 70+) I see when I walk my dog who runs slower then I walk but my goodness do I admire her for getting out there and keeping going. It is scary but well worth doing. I use the 5k runner app on my phone and in just 5 weeks I have gone from running 1min and struggling to running 10min without stopping.

Original poster

NatalieW2014 · 17/09/2015 16:11

How often do you run nmg85? I have the couch to 5k app on my phone which is what I'm going to start with I think :)

I used to do spinning class 3-5 times a week and absolutely loved it, I was getting to the point where I could see my body changing, my bum was getting higher and less cellulite but it was just so expensive to keep going so I haven't gone in months.

OP posts:

nmg85 · 17/09/2015 16:24

I started at 2 - 3 times a week but past few weeks I have fitted in 4, I do Tues, Thurs and both weekend days. I know you shouldn't run 2 days in a row but it is so much easier at weekend.

lastqueenofscotland · 17/09/2015 16:47

Running two days in a row is fine nmg! I've run 9 days in a row before I rest. Sometimes run twice a day. Different strokes for different folks.

Whenever I'm not feeling it I fin picking out a good route or two that I've not done before helps. Maybe that's just me. Love exploring new places out running.

saltlakecity · 17/09/2015 19:48

I'm 5 stone overweight with big boobs. I've never had any bad comments when running apart from once in a race when someone said to her mate 'some people shouldn't be running'. I finished that half marathon with a pb time and she had stood in the crowd all day. Stupid woman!
Go for it. I've run 4 half marathon races now, 2 10km races and a few 5km runs. I enjoy the races more than the training and everyone is so positive about it all. I've had some lovely comments. My legs are super strong now. I've not lost much weight but that's because I can't get my eating under control. I'm so much fitter though.

saltlakecity · 17/09/2015 19:48

It's fine to run two days in a row!

ExplodingCarrots · 17/09/2015 19:54

Couch to 5k is a great starting point. After that I just built it up and eventually followed a 12 week half marathon training plan and I done the race in July. I was a size 16 when I started. I've lost 2 stone and I'm a small 14 now.

The only negative experience I've had was when a teenager shouted 'you fat bitch' ..I replied 'well yes, that's why I'm running !'

Most just shout positive things like wow wish I had your energy etc

carabos · 17/09/2015 19:54

Put your earbuds in and you'll soon be your own bubble, oblivious to anything going on around you. Most people are totally wrapped up in their own world anyway and if someone does catcall you, so what? Sticks and stones and all that...

stilllearnin · 17/09/2015 19:54

I am a 32 H and I run. I use an Enell sports bra and nothing moves. Also, join the c25k thread on here - its really good. Before you know it you'll be up and running.

FortyFacedFuckers · 17/09/2015 20:02

I am a GG cup as well and too embarrassed to go out running although I'm probably more bothered about the fat. I have had an incredibly difficult year and the weight I have put on is disgusting. I really need someone to kick me up the arse!

dingit · 17/09/2015 20:10

Natalie you are the same size as me and I run. My boobs don't wobble as much as when I'm doing other exercise, usually anything involving jumping.
Dd 17 wears two bras, an ordinary one and sports one, although she gets more comments as she's a young leggy blonde...

TriJo · 19/09/2015 10:02

I'm currently a 32H/30HH (~14 weeks pregnant) and running regularly. One really good sports bra and it's fine. Don't ever let your boobs put you off running - I've never been small up top - I haven't been smaller than a 32F or sister sizes since I was a teenager - but have been running regularly for 7 years and have completed 3 marathons, 11 halfs and loads of shorter races and triathlons.

RockNRollNerd · 19/09/2015 16:10

A couple of times when I started I reminded myself of the new Sport England adverts - it sounds very corny but it's true. I was slow (and wobbling!) but I sure as hell was lapping everyone on the couch. If you're running in daylight you could also get some sports sunglasses - I had some already and wore them automatically as I started running in July when it was occasionally sunny. I found that not having eye contact with people ensured I didn't get psyched out. Really though what everyone else has said, just go for it and don't let it get to you.

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