Self Conscious While Running: Things Every Runner Should Know

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Along the way, I picked up a couple of strategies that seemed to have worked for me.

Oh! before I forget, Amazon has just launched Amazon Music Unlimited.

Signup for a free account to get 30 days unlimited access to 50 million songs, anywhere anytime.

It can be a great music option if you are looking for new music for a workout.

You can cancel the account anytime if you don’t like the options.

Also, here are some strategies to build running stamina as a beginner.

Let’s continue the story…

I left sports when I went to college but my love affair with food never ended.

As the years passed, my fitness level tanked and my waist size rocketed.

Despite my doctor’s warnings and the astonishing stares from my family, I never acknowledged the fact that I was getting fat.

From being a mere 2 kg overweight, I gradually became almost 20 kg overweight and became officially obese.

I kept on doing the same things aka eating, sleeping and being chained to my desk.

My only exercise was shaking my head to any groovy music I can lay my hands on for free.

In between, I went for yoga for a couple of years with no remarkable weight loss.

As that yoga studio shut down, I was back to square one.

I know, I could have joined any other studio, but they were not good enough (lazy finds her excuse).

In the meanwhile, my health plummeted and losing weight became constantly becoming urgency (as per my doctor, I didn’t agree with him though ;))

My family started pestering me to start a workout. Do you know how nagging families can be?

But hey! that apparently works.

I finally (and reluctantly) agreed to go running (which is supposedly the fastest way to lose weight)

Me and Tracks – What A Joke…

 On 15th March, I finally dressed up for running. It was around 5:30 AM in the morning. 

I took a glance at me in the mirror.  I had an athletic body in my back in the days as I used to play volleyball and basketball in my school. 

The person I saw in the mirror is not the same. She is fat, totally out of shape and looks more aged than she actually is. 

Not that I didn’t know this fact, just that I did not wear proper sportswear in a long time. 

And the transformation made me gasp in shock. 

That youthful look was gone, that confidence in her persona was gone. Changing her back to what she was, seems impossible. 

At that moment, I just wanted to curl up like a ball and go back to sleep and forget this morning like a terrible nightmare. 

Still, somehow, I pushed myself out of the door with all these thoughts still in my mind. 

It was almost around 6:00 AM. The streets were empty with a few stray dogs roaming around. 

I started to jog and realized that I cannot continue more than 20 secs at a time. 

Another jolt of reality. But still, I continued. Walking for some time and jogging for 20 secs. 

After around 10 min, I hit the main road. And guess what? It was filled with the morning hustlers. 

I literally froze. Everybody was watching me (in my head, of course!). 

They must be thinking What this lady is doing? Look how fat she is? How funny she looks? 

The moment these thoughts came to my mind, I took a U-Turn and headed straight to my home. 

But the athletic girl inside me was screaming. She didn’t want to be this unhealthy anymore. 

It was sheer pain and agony I was going through. 

I picked up my phone and called one of my friends. 

She has been a fitness freak for almost her entire life. 

Poor thing, she listened patiently to my entire rant and offered her help. 

We agreed to go together every morning until I can overcome the fear of running in public. 

And then my journey begins… 

4 months from that day, I’m not anymore scared to run alone. 

I’m least bothered about who is watching me or whether I’m judged. I’ve stopped being embarrassed to run in public. 

But I know what running in public anxiety means and you will be too shy to jog in public in the beginning. 

Here are a couple of strategies that you can follow to get past this fear and anxiety before running. 

How To Get Over The Feeling Of Self Conscious While Running?

When you are just starting out, you will be worried about how you look, what people think of you.

It is more so if you are overweight or trying to run for the first time.

But truth be told, ‘NO ONE CARES’ about what you look. It is a harsh truth, but this is how the world works.

Being said that, let’s look into some running tips on how to tackle this.

1. Change Your Focus

You are getting self-conscious because you are thinking about what others think of you.

This is making you too shy to run outside. Get over it.

As I told earlier, people are too busy with their own lives and their own problems.

They don’t have time to think about how awkward you look and feel.

I agree there are people who will make fun of you when you try to make a positive change in your life.

But it is not you what they are after, they just want to kill time and have fun over others’ expense.

Come back a year or two afterward, they will still be there trolling people and getting even fatter.

Whereas you would have become fit and will look much healthier and younger than these average Joes.

You may be thinking that your family and friends will laugh at you?

Call them up and let them know about your positive lifestyle. I can bet my life on this that they will be more than happy.

In-fact, they will be proud of you. But still, if you think you are still, not ready to face public yet, then:

• Remember that these are just your thoughts, you have the power to change them
• Pat yourself on the back because with each lap, you are beating everyone on the couch watching TV. You have every reason to be proud of yourself.
• Think about all the jealous look and attention you will get in your office. (Bitchy! I know ;))
• Run Early Morning or Late in the evening when there is less crowd. [Leave your headphones at home. You need to be alert and safe]
• Drive a couple of blocks from your place and run there. No one will know your there and you will be too self-conscious to run outside
• Drown yourself in some upbeat music.

2. Dress The Part a.k.a Like A Runner

Do you go to the office in your pajamas? No right?

The same applies to run as well. Make sure you dress the part.

This will ensure that you are in the right mindset when you head out of the door.

Get a pair of new shoes, a couple of smart running outfits and you are good to go.

Your gears play an important role in your success. So select them wisely.

This is what you will need:

Running Shoe – Visit your nearest sports shoe store and ask them to do your gait analysis.

Once done, they will be able to suggest the right shoe for your feet.

Be sure to understand the shoe selection process and don’t get caught off guard.

Comfortable Outfit – If you are not comfortable in your outfit, it will show.

This will surely leave a big dent on your confidence. Make sure your outfit is comfortable.

You don’t need to go all out and get 10 pairs of clothes. Get a couple of tights and some cool looking t-shirts.

You will be good to go.

Sports Bra – If you are a woman, you know what I’m talking about.

The last thing you want to experience is people staring at your assets when you are trying to shed some pounds.

We get enough that kind of attention anyway and don’t need any further.

Having a proper sports bra will bring some peace to your already overactive mind.

3. Get a Running Buddy

If you are just starting out, having a running buddy will make it much easier for you to stay focused.

It will encourage you to run regularly and you can motivate each other.

However, see to it that your buddy shares the same goals with you. Otherwise, it can do more harm than good.

You will soon start comparing yourself with that person.

Also, your buddy may lose interest to join you if you are not at her level.

So, eventually you people will stop showing up and your progress will be halted in the tracks.

4. Run In Less Crowded Area

This problem of being self-conscious arises when you think people are watching you.

What if you could take people out of the picture. Your self-conscious problem will go away in no-time.

Do some research about your nearby areas. Find out someplace which is a bit secluded.

Make sure that the place is safe. You can then go running there in the early morning/evening.

[NOTE: Leave your headphones at home. Stay alert and safe. If unsure carry a pepper spray with you.]

Try this until you get confident.

Conclusion

These strategies will help you to deal with your problem of feeling self-conscious while running.

It is only a matter of time that you will become confident.

Don’t ever give up because you are feeling awkward.

Remember you are brave enough to start this positive change in your life.

People will be there to mock you. They even mocked Columbus when he said that the earth is round.

Do you remember those mockers’ name? Neither does anybody.

You know better than that. Say in mind “WHO CARES?” and run on.

I wish you all the best in your journey. If I can do this, I know you can do this too.

Stay Safe and Happy running!

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