How do runners deal with...

[Neededastealthname]

People who stare? Maybe I'm being oversensitive here because it's the first time I've run for a while and I'm doing it for my mental health more than my physical but I couldn't shake this couple today who were walking their dog (not because I'm incredibly slow before anyone suggests it ) no matter which direction I took in a park area there they bloody were staring at me! I felt so self conscious I cut it short and now feel like an idiot for doing so.

Headphones on and look down at the path in front of you, zone them out

I used to run in the woods - great way to avoid everyone! Now we've moved and there aren't any woods, and I hate running on the road. But mostly because it's boring, not because I mind people looking at me. They all just wish they were as awesome as me!

Realise that they are probably impressed you are out and running. Whenever I see soemone running, especially when I'm in the car I always want to roll down the windows and shout some encouragement at them. I don't, because I think it would be weird, but still.

They admired how hard you were working? I doubt they'll be there most times when you're running.

Headphones and wrap around shades

I don't think people stare. Why would they? It's not exactly a rare sight to see someone running. I have never felt anyone staring at me, perhaps it's because you already feel self-conscious?

Honestly. They're very unlikely to be judging.

They might be trying to work out your brand of trainers or something. Don't ever worry about what other people are thinking. You'll drive yourself crazy!

I second the head down, headphones-in idea. I wear a cap with the peak pulled down low too. It's tempting to check people out to see if they're looking, but resist the impulse & keep your eyes on the road. It's brilliant that you're running, don't let the stary buggers put you off

Headphones, shades (even if it's not sunny) and appear to be looking the other way works for me.

That, and getting older I find I care much less.

I did, to my shame, give the finger to a group of tourists who mocked my running (like did actual 'comedy' fake running movements pointedly as I approached) through a scenic spot a couple of weeks ago though. That's probably not the best solution though.

By getting in to my own 'zone', mainly.

Though I do nod at other runners (often see the same people out and about)

I tell myself that I'm so fast that I'm just a blur so no one can really see me anyway, obviously this isnt exactly true

Whenever I’m looking at a runner I’m thinking something along the lines of ‘good for them, I wish I’d got my arse into gear and gone on a run today’

Sunglasses/baseball cap. I don’t think people really do stare much, but it can feel like it. I don’t care these days but I was self conscious about it when I started out.
I also remind myself that, unless you’re doing really short laps, no one you pass knows how far you’ve run - it could be 10metres or 10miles - so it doesn’t matter how fresh or otherwise you’re looking.

They're the weirdos not you. Ignore and carry on.

Cap, shades, headphones.
Don't give a fuck attitude. Let ’em stare if they want