How to get over fear of running in public?

[Tortoisetroubles]

I really want to start running and it probably sounds stupid but I'm paralyzed with fear I'll be attacked as I jog along deserted country lanes at dawn/dusk. Then I think I should go in my lunch break on the pavements instead as that will be safer but then I picture people shouting and laughing as I wobble along. I'm obese and scared for my health if I don't get fit and lose weight but it's going to be (long) while before I look like a proper runner. I get as far as the door, all kitted up, and bottle out each time. I've tried looking for safety tips online but ended reading horror stories that make me feel worse. How do other women get over this? DH just laughs and says there aren't attackers in every bush, and I know part of it is irrational but then it only take one and I know it does happen, even if it's rare. Do I just need to ignore the fear and do it anyway? Do people care if you run in the day? I do see people running round here regularly and just think "I wish that was me!"

[Tortoisetroubles]

Thanks everyone, I'm glad I posted this I feel more confident already with all of your tips. I think I will give parkrun a go to help me get braver. I'm going to stay close to home and put my headphones in when I pass my neighbours so I can't hear what they're saying!

I like the idea of a treadmill but my exercise bike is covered in dust in the garage. I know that I need the motivation of having gone somewhere and having to get back again otherwise I lose motivation half way through.

[ShinyHatStand]

Ignore the average speed on park run.
Look at the range.
For example last week my local parkrun had a range from 17 minutes to over an hour. The back walkers don't let anyone get left behind. It really is for everyone. The volunteers are people like me who do it because we love to see everyone out being active.

[cestlavielife]

Get bone conuction headphones so you can gear your surroundings like a car or siren et

Headphones so you completely cut off could be dangerous
You still need to be aware of surroundings

[Tortoisetroubles]

Thanks I'll have a look for those headphones. I've not even walked with headphones in before as I'm worried about someone creeping up behind me so I don't worry I won't be leaping into it.

Thanks for the Parkrun reassurance. Sounds like you volunteers really look after people, I will try it out once I've got started.

[Ferntastical]

Another option if you don't get on with the conductor earphones (they make me feel a bit nauseous) is to get earbuds and just put one in, leaving one ear free.

[HandShoe]

Another recommendation for those bone conductor earphones. I did used to do the one earbud in thing which worked well, but then the races said you couldn't wear normal headphones only bone conductor ones so when mine packed up I got some of those instead.
Bonus is that as well as being able to hear traffic approaching (country roads) or other runners/cyclists, it still looks plausible that I can't hear so it helps me completely ignore the rare but v annoying shouty man in a van etc..
Worth checking the review though - my current ones are a bit quiet (even at full volume) if there is much traffic, previous (more expensive) ones were much better.

[Isonthecase]

Parkrun is definitely supportive, I got way more enthusiasm from volunteers when I was at the back than the middle!

[Ffffffs]

+1 for parkrun. When I started parkrun, I couldn't even nearly run 5k, and lots of people run/walk. There's explicitly no judgement. And it's ace to have encouragement from the volunteers!

I also bought myself a peaked baseball style running cap to hide behind :). I can dip the peak down to avoid people's eyes and bingo I'm invisible as I run v v slowly past....