I would like to start jogging/running but im scared that if I go out and do that people will look at me and stare.. I have alot of kids/teenagers around where I live and where I would run.. I just dont want them laughing and pointing at me..

I would like to know how others have over come the fear of going out for a run

What if i was to speed walk instead would that have the same effect as going for a run?

 

Maybe try the treadmill first until you get good enough to speed past the teens before they have a chance to shout at you?

Generally, even if you are slow you are moving fast enough that even if people do shout and comment you have moved away fairly quickly.

Heckling is a perrenial (sp?) problem though. For me it is van drivers. There seem to be a lot in my area whose particular fetish appears to be purplish sweaty women. Judging by the amount of "whoaa darling's" I get.

I find running with music helps you to ignore the idiots, but I do get a bit of pleasure from shouting at them before they shout at me. Sometimes when you see them hanging out of their vans with their slack jaws working as they try and think of something to shout at you, I find shrieking "QUICK!! THINK OF SOMETHING TO SAY! I LOOK RIDICULOUS!" usually stops them in their stride.

Teenagers I understand can be intimidating. Especially as these days they are more likely to stab or shoot you. But you are the one that is doing something positive for yourself. You will improve quickly and soon be able to fly past them before they can engage brain.

Good luck!

xx

Well, first of all if you can find time early in the morning, or are in a safe neighborhood and could find the time at night, those would help you get out there.  There are hardly any people up in my neighborhood at 6am or at 11pm.    When I started running (I was nervous of my image) it was at 5am.  And I couldn't run more than about 2 minutes (over weight and grew up in a smokers home, plus smoked myself) at a time.    After you've broken the ice and done it a couple of times... you stop caring!   :)  Also music in the ears helps me to ignore the rest of the world while I work up a sweat and better MYSELF for MYSELF  :)  Good luck!    And remember... you'll never know until you try!!

I used to feel the same way as you when I first started running.  And like Coppertop, I set my clock to dawn and ran before anybody else was up for my first few months.  I slowly gained the confidence at running, to not care what others thought.  I've been running 5 years now, and it's a huge part of my life.  I still get a few lewd comments, but I am usually in my own dreamy little world, or concentrating too hard on hitting a speed or distance target to care.  And if I do care - I rant a little here on CC and get lots of support, and suggestions on what I could shout or gesture back!

Original Post by fruitcake88:

I would like to start jogging/running but im scared that if I go out and do that people will look at me and stare.. I have alot of kids/teenagers around where I live and where I would run.. I just dont want them laughing and pointing at me..

I would like to know how others have over come the fear of going out for a run

What if i was to speed walk instead would that have the same effect as going for a run?

Honestly, I would suggest the speed walk and not the run.  You'll enjoy it more, and AS LONG AS YOU GO THE SAME DISTANCE (yes it will take more time), the calorie burn is similar.  If you really want to turn up the meter - find a long hill or long set of stairs.

Running is overrated for weight loss unless you're on a strict time schedule - the biggest downside to running is the high injury rate - and if you injure yourself you're out for the season.

I used to have this same fear. I'm a teen and didn't want people my own age----the same people I have to face at school everyday----to be making fun of me as I am panting and sweating along the sidewalks (especially the boys, you know?) So, I would power walk instead. After a while though, I realized that their presence could serve as a motive to run, rather than a fear to run. I found out that most had respect for the effort and saw it as impressive. Now I spend my gym classes running the straights and power walking the curves of the track even though I am the only one doing it. (Actually, a few classmates have joined me now, so we have a little running group growing.) It doesn't matter that people can hear me breathing heavy while I run by or watch me sweat and struggle to keep going. Just put on some tunes and focus on your own zone. If you're over-conscious about people watching, use it as your drive to pick up the pace and show them how tough you can be.

 

And also from a teen's perspective, I've never personally thought or heard anyone else my age think much of someone jogging by. It's just normal.

 

Good luck :)

I've taken alot of everyones advice and thank you... You have given me the motivation to go out and do it.. And first thing this morning when I woke up (8am) I put on my jogging bottoms, a top and my trainners and went for for a power walk and on my way back home I jogged back (I was knackered!!) Was only out the house for 10 mins if that! lol... I hope to get better and be able to last alot longer.. Think I was knackered because on my walk down its downhill, but once I was running back its all uphill, I ll get better  

Thank you for the advice, gunna try going for a walk/run every morning now and stuff what others think. Thank you

Is ten minutes okay to start off with? I ran this morning and it was about 10 mins when i got back home I felt knackered! Should I increase it everyday of add 10 mins or so to my run every week?

Starting with 10min is perfectly fine and I'm very impressed that you conquered your fear! Excellent!

I started by walking the dog around the block. Actually, when I began, the dog was walking me. I'd add a block each time and eventually went from 10 minute walks to 30 minutes. It's 3 months later. Now I jog most days without the dog, so when I do bring her out she's the one that has to work to keep up with me. When we return home, she heads straight for the cool kitchen floor and collapses.

Good for you wanting to do it. Don't worry about what people will think. I know that is easier said than done but try not to worry. You are out there trying to better yourself. Most people that would judge you in anyway don't exercise or are must mean anyway. So don't bother with them. Hold your head up, get an MP3 player and listen to something you like and just do it. :)

Original Post by skookum:

Starting with 10min is perfectly fine and I'm very impressed that you conquered your fear! Excellent!

I started by walking the dog around the block. Actually, when I began, the dog was walking me. I'd add a block each time and eventually went from 10 minute walks to 30 minutes. It's 3 months later. Now I jog most days without the dog, so when I do bring her out she's the one that has to work to keep up with me. When we return home, she heads straight for the cool kitchen floor and collapses.

hehehehe i see the dog:)

i always liked walking, but becoming obese hindered my enjoyment i was getting form it, as i was quite tired, especially when walking uphill or if there were any stairs.

i woved to walk at leat an hour a day every day, and more on weekend. i do not jog yet (too heavy, fearing of what my ankles would do), but walking definitely makes me more fit.