Need encouragement please

[Geegee4]

Since the beginning of March I've managed to get myself running and can now run 5k without stopping. I should say I'm about 18st and a size 22. I have been feeling positive about being able to run 5k but in the last two weeks I've had two nasty incidents of passerby shouting quite hurtful things to me and the last two times I've gone out for a run my heart just isn't in it any more, and I just give up. I just don't want to be the punchline of a joke, and make a spectacle of myself. Reaching out for some words of encouragement please...

[LeaLeander]

I'm sure that is discouraging but just remind yourself what measly, petty little minds they must have. Who cares what such cretins think? They have no idea what you are dealing with or where you are in life. And if they have nothing better to do than critique others they probably aren't doing much productive with their own lives. Most people who see you probably admire you.

5K is amazing in only a couple of months. Focus on that and the improvement to your health and let the morons wallow in their own pool of misery. Can you wear earbuds and some motivational music or podcasts?

[abear]

You definitely shouldn't let them get to you (easier to say than do I know), but you are out there doing it, improving your health and they are just idle, rude passers by. Nobody has the right to do that to you - you are doing great and have achieved a lot, don't let mean strangers ruin that for you.

[Papergirl1968]

There was a thread the other day in which women runners were having derogatory comments shouted at them, and even getting drinks thrown at them by occupants of passing cars. So its not just you, if that helps.
I'm a similar size and couldn't run five steps let alone 5k. It's an incredible achievement so congratulations and don't let these morons put you off.
You won't always be big, but they will always be dickheads.

[LaPharisienne]

This makes me so ANGRY! You are an absolute hero - well bloody done on getting out there and making such fantastic progress.

BTW lots of people who don't say anything, to the extent they notice you, are probably thinking how brave and impressive you are. Imagine how inspirational it must be for other women your size to see you out there getting it done!

[MumOnTheRunCatchingUp]

Op if you are on Facebook then join us all on the running group 'runmummyrun'

Lots of support there!

[DavetheCat2001]

OP the people shouting at you are not only imbeciles, they're probably jealous that you are out there doing something amazing that they know they wouldn't be able to do.

Get yourself some headphones, plug yourself in and ignore everyone around you. DON'T GIVE UP..don't let the the bullying cnuts win xxx

[Geegee4]

Thanks everyone. Will keep this all in mind as I set out in next hour or so. Really sweet responses!

[DavetheCat2001]

How was your run, Geegee4?

[Geegee4]

Thanks for asking- sadly, it was rubbish. I seem to have lost whatever I had mentally that got me through those points in a run where I just want to stop. So, I stopped a few times and cut it short. So disappointed. I really enjoyed the feeling after achieving 5k without stopping. Going to go out again tomorrow.

[RothermeresFolly]

This makes me so angry too.

You are doing so brilliantly. I have just started exercising again after a period of illness and it is nearly killing me. I am really impressed you have got to 5k without stopping and find it inspiring for keeping going myself. Please do not give up now. You have come so far, got through the hardest bit and it would be such a shame to stop now. How dare these absolute shits do this. I don't post much but my fury propelled me to log on! My fingers became possessed!

Yy to the motivational music and podcasts idea. Also, this sounds a bit daft but I sometimes pretend I'm in a computer game and any obstacles in life, such as dealing with a tosser, wins me extra bonus points that go up on the corner of the screen in my head. When I collect enough points I treat myself to something damn lovely. Bit daft I know but it might work.

And you know that anyone normal and decent will be with you all the way. Don't let wankers spoil this good thing for you.

[LadyAshley]

I think you're doing really well: I was overweight (am still not thin!) when I started running and it is hard anyway without stupid people!

Don't think I'm mad, but I'd suggest you try a running club. I resisted joining my local one for about a year as I was scared I would be the fattest/slowest and that everyone would laugh. But I've just started, and it is really true that there are all shapes and sizes there! I am slow, but they are all really nice and encouraging, and I feel less self conscious lady jogging along as part of a group. Well, at the tail end of a group

Whatever, don't let them put you off!!

[LadyAshley]

I'm a bit jealous, frankly, that you've achieved that since March! Took me blimming ages! So don't be disheartened

[RothermeresFolly]

Agree a running club might fun and good support.

I came back on to say also, if you felt like it you could post any nasty comments you get on the everyday sexism website or their twitter feed. The more we all shout about this kind of stuff the less acceptable society will think it is.

Might even be worth starting an ongoing thread on the exercise board here for people to post such stuff.

[Lonoxo]

Sorry to hear that! Please don't let it detract from your achievement! Running 5k is just the start. If you can run 5k, you can probably run 10k and if you can run 10k, you can probably run even further. There will always be idiots out there. From time to time, I get comments or people staring or horns beeping and I'm slim. What makes it worse is there could be a couple of female runners in front of me but I will get the attention. I put it down to jealousy from unfit people who wish they could run or have the motivation to run regularly. If you have a sweat club near you, they do organised 5k runs with rewards for regular attendance. Keep on running!

[NamelessEnsign]

Well done on 5k!

I have just got back up to 5k post-baby and it feels amazing. If it is any consolation, I have had all sorts of abuse from men in vans over the years, even when ultra slim and toned. It's not about you, it's about their immature cockwombleyness. I find a cheery wave the best response because then they are never quite sure if you know their mums .

You don't always have to run 5k though; if you want to get faster and further you can try hill reps or interval training and run 3k at a faster pace. Or 7k with some walking. Variation is key.

Usually I think very intently about what I'm training for (in my case, to be more competitive at my chosen team sport). But last night I started outlining a novel in my head, which kept me going for ages.

Keep it up!

[OneFantasticFox]

Firstly, congratulations on your achievement so far. Going from 0 to 5k is hard work. I've been running for 2 years now and have run a marathon and a few half marathons but it was getting from 0 to 5k that was the most difficult step.

Please don't be discouraged by the remarks of others. You are out there running - being fit and strong. Be proud of yourself for that. What is there to be proud of in making hurtful remarks to strangers?

I run regularly but am far from slim - I am carrying excess weight and don't look elegant or graceful running. I have attracted derisory comments from idiots who think it is funny. Do you know what though? I have never once heard or seen another runner be anything other than encouraging.

Run strong. Run proud. Well done you.

[glenthebattleostrich]

Some people are so pathetic they need to make others feel shit to make themselves feel better.

I'm a 14 - 16 about 3 stone overweight and get comments whenever I run a certain route. I think screw them. I'm out there doing it, they are on their arses in their cars.

You are doing brilliantly. I'm 6 weeks into couch to 10k and am 5 runs away from 5k and can't wait.

[Geegee4]

Thank you everyone who has commented. It really means a lot, and I am looking forward to smashing tonight's run...it's one of the only things I do for myself. X

[LaPharisienne]

Keep it up! I love hearing about people getting into exercise - it's the best x