im to embarrassed to go for a run :(

[PepperPigsPorkScratchings]

i need to lose four stone. but its not just the losing weight i NEED to get fit and keep the weight off. i do a lot of walking as i dont drive, but i want to start running or jogging etc but i feel too embarrassed to go running, incase i get laughed at by people i pass etc. its making me quite down hearted. i felt so emotionally ready but now im chickening out. i scared that if im laughed at, it will make me give up altogether.

Get on your comfy clothes, pull on your trainers and plug into your iPod. You don't need to run, just walk with purpose! Build up to a jog.

Pepper, get yourself over here to the C25K thread.

Lots of us, all shapes and sizes and levels of fitness, following an NHS podcast which talks you slowly and carefully how to do it :)

Noone will laugh, they'll think - well done you!!!

Yes Pepper, come to our new C25k thread. All shapes, sizes and fitness levels.

Decent sports bra.
Half-decent trainers (I like dark colours as they don't shriek 'sport' at you quite so much).
Then clutch an envelope in one hand as an excuse and run to the nearest post box.
Repeat till initial embarrassment has faded.

thankyou :) i shall hop on over now :) i've bought new running trainers etc i was so looking forward to it! i thought of starting with power walking and building up!

thankyou tho, its horrible when you feel a bit silly but have no-one who understands what you mean or feel.

xxx

noone will laugh. go to a dog walkery place, they're used to being friendly to strangers.

Pepper please don't feel embarrassed. Head over to the January Couch to 5K thread as there are a lot of people in the same position as you.

I started running at 3 stone overweight. I felt very self conscious, but to be honest didn't need to be. Nobody stared or laughed. I came to the conclusion that even if they did laugh I wasn't bothered - I was doing this for me.

Other more experienced runners are generally very supportive and I've had an enormous amount of help and pointing me in the right direction from people at work who run.

If anybody does laugh then you can be very sure they're not a runner themselves and therefore you can feel very smug as you're doing something so positive and investing in yourself.

I've now lost that 3 stone and even wear proper running gear now although to begin with I wore DHs very oversized t shirt as it hid my backside.

All you really need is a pair of good running trainers and a sports bra - then off you go!

Come back and let us know how you get on - you can do it!

thankyou sofa :) i have a very oversized out of shape t-shirt and i bought some new running trainers :) i have 4 stone to lose, and in my kitchen i have a board i made saying lose the spare tyres, get fit and in caps its says YOU CAN DO IT!!!! its staring at me every day so there's no giving in!! :)

I would highly recommend the c25k. When I started it I ran around the side streets near me in a loop so I wasn't on the main road. Once you get going with it you can try main roads or the park. I loved it when other runners started giving me the nod.

If you live in a relatively safe area, why not get yourself a hi vis band thing and go out in the morning while it's still dark? By the time the light mornings come round you'll be full of confidence and won't give a stuff who sees you :) good luck!

Most people won't even notice you hun, and the ones that do are more likely to think "good on you!" than anything derogatory, you never know you may even inspire them to get out and do it too!

Agree with MummyGuyett. Also even very fit runners get shouted at by morons sometimes, not to put you off, but if it happens try not to take it personally. It's sad that some people are ignorant but that's their problem.

I pods are perfect for that reason. With music pumping in your ears you can't hear a thing.
I agree that most people you meet will think you are fabulous for getting off your bum and doing something. If anyone laughs, well who cares, in a few months time you will be racing past them.

I've just lost 3 stone by running and following WW at the same time. The weight has just dropped off me. The same can happen to you too.