Too embarrassed to run Outside..sometimes

To each their own.  But for me it would be the reverse.  The gym is CROWDED with lots of people "people watching".  The streets are pretty much empty except for some drivers who are probably spending more time looking at the road than a person running.

I don't really care what people think and run anywhere I want.  I know I look like a lumbering giant (6'8" - 236), but I only think about how I'm getting faster for my next race, and probably can run farther/faster than 90% of the people that may "judge" me by my appearance.

Sounds like you're giving up lots of opportunities to inspire people.

Remember, sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel might be...

you. 

When I first started training for my first tri, I would only run at dark as I didn't want anyone to see me. I was embarrassed and felt silly/stupid and uncoordinated. I could only run one side of my block without feeling so out of breath. So I totally understand. It will get better.

It took awhile but I ran outside in the daylight and now 5 years later I love to run, run on the busy road of my town waving at all my neighbors and friends.

My life has changed so much in a good way by tri training. 

I like that  

anyone else have to listen to *those guys* in the rusted-out red pickup trucks shouting *sooeey* at you when they drive by?

 i stuck earplugs in my ears.  then used cassette tapes.  then cds.  then, thank God, Steve Jobs finally invented the iPod. 

i don't give a flying fig what anybody thinks about what i look like.  i am not on this earth to satisfy somebody's need to make a nasty comment.  Therefore,  im gonna run when where and how i wanna run.  you got a problem, look the other way.

have a great day!  keep on truckin!

kate

I used to feel self-conscious about my body when I exercised until I did my first triathlon. Even though it was just a sprint after that no one could tell me a thing. I didn't matter how big I was I had done something that most people couldn't even dream of. Although I also happen to be a naturalist - I hate clothes - I really don't care what other people think of me when they see me working out. Screw them - I say. I am never going to let what someone else says or does stop me from completing my personal goal. NEVER. Why limit yourself to what others believe? Go with your own faith in who you are.

I so get where you are coming from on this one...and I've had the rednecks in pickup trucks drive by and holler...rrrr 

It's hard to remember, but by getting out and running, biking etc...you're doing so much more than the other huge percentage of americans still sitting on the couch.  And it is hard, there are days where I feel like there aren't enough clothes in the world to cover up that extra weight...but you know what?  There are other days, when I think screw them, I'm doing this for ME and not to impress them.  I LIVE for those days...the days when I'm so confident in me and what I'm doing, I know I could do pretty much anything I want.

Live for the conquer the world days! 

I wish I had said this...it rocks.

Not everyone who owns a pickup truck is evil, you know

Now kids in their tokyo drift-style cars like to holler at me much more.

I hear you on this one, dude... felt the same way myself cuz I run like an oaf.  But as this thread indicates, it's really a problem with our attidude.  I really like the "giving up a lot of chances to be someone else's inspiration" comment.

I used to feel that way, but now I realize that anyone who says anything about what you are doing.....can't do it?  I've often envisioned having someone give me some lip, and me just inviting them to join in.

You don't like me running.....lets see if you can keep up.  Im not fast, but I can run a long way.  You don't think I can ride well......pull you bike up next to me, lets ride 100 miles....

Just relish in the fact that they CANT do what you are doing!