So I don't know what put me in the mood to try a little bit of running. I've really been working on my fitness levels for the past 8 weeks or so and I guess I wanted to see how things had improved. Anyways, I decided to head out to the track at my college (which is right by a main road) and give things a go. I did the first workout from the C25K. Not going to lie, it was pretty rough (putting on the theme song from "Rocky" kinda helped ), but I was proud of myself.

Today in the library I ran into two friends of mine, both cross country runners, both incredibly fit. They mentioned that they saw me running when they drove past the track. For about 2 seconds I wanted to craw under the table and hide. Forget about the fact these are girls I practically lived with, who know embarrassing secrets about me, who've held back my hair when I puked, and generally seen me at my worst and best. I don't know why it was so humiliating to me that they had seen me trying to run.

Then I actually listened to them: they were talking about how proud they were of me for getting out there and "doing stuff" (our way of saying making things happen for yourself). One gave me a how to avoid shin splints tip. I mean, of course they were proud of me, of course they weren't judging me; they love me and they're nice people. And then my humiliation shifted back into pride.

Haha, I'm not exactly sure where I was going in this little essay, but I knew it was a moment I wanted to share here. But I still don't know why I/we get so embarrassed when the people notice our hard work! Anyone, anyone, Bueller?

Wow! Thats great! The C25K is a great program. I never completed it, but it sure helped me. The first time I did it to help get me in shape, but then joined the Rugby team. Rugby is enough running on it's own, so I stopped the c25k. Then I broke my ankle playing rugby (maybe I should have just stuck to running. lol). After I healed, I started the c25k program to work my way back into running. My ankle still doesn't like the impact of running for over 1-1.5 miles, so I didn't finish the program that time either, but it does work. I think its great that you got out there. Every so often, I see one of my super fit friends at the gym. (She spends like 3 hrs there each day!) I always initially get the feeling that I don't want her to see me. I mean, who wants to see me working out. No one. Then I get over it, and say hi. We talk for a bit, normally while on the stair climber, and our workouts go by faster. I don't know why we want to hide that we are working on ourselves, but I do get that feeling to. I think it is because I wish I hadn't gained the weight in the first place. In any case, I did, and now I am correcting that. So to heck with embarassment. I am trying to get it so that I turn heads (for the good reasons) so I should get used to people looking at me. Im hot... even if other people don't realize it. (ok... it seems I may have needed a pep talk, cause I just gave myself one. lol)

Great job today. Keep up the good work!

I've had a really similar experience too... also while running on the track when I was in college! Ran into two friends of mine (one a certified personal trainer, the other working towards that goal), in great shape. They invited me to join them for a workout and I wanted to run the heck away. BUT I resisted the urge, and actually took them up on their invitation. I ended up really enjoying it, and I could (mostly!) do the workout with them. Did I mention these are male friends, which definitely upped the intimidation factor for me. I ended up working with one of them during the summer, and ran together regularly. It was great for my health, and I gained a closer friend, too.

So, sounds like we're all benefiting from pushing through our embarrassment and not assuming that the people around us are judging us negatively... because they really, really aren't

I think it's only normal to be embarrassed about what others "think" of us. There use to be alot that I wouldn't do out of fear of what others would think of me. Over the last year that has changed alot and now I don't care so much. The only activity that would really get me was running or sometimes just walking outside. I've been doing C25k for 6 weeks now and I was embarrassed to have anybody watch me, including my husband.

Runners are usually VERY encouraging folks. I've noticed that even elite runners will praise those of us who do well to just jog. I think there is a real cameraderie in running (either that or a desire to have more folks with the same type of insanity). So if anyone has any negative reation to your being out there you have your proof that they aren't "real runners". Poof to them.

Aw congrats! Awesome friends, and AWESOME that you can run!!

I definitely get embarrassed when I'm working out.. sometimes I'll get this kick of confidence that lasts until I catch a glimpse of my reflection! Maybe today at the gym I'll just focus on being PROUD......

that's awesome. By the way, there's a C25K in 2010 thread if you want to join us along you're c25k jounrney. I'm currently on hiatus from running because I hurt my knee, but I still lurk in that thread and there are plently of other excellent ladies that are active in it!

It is interesting how other people's reactions surprise us because we're so prepared for negativity. About a year ago I joined a biggest loser spin-off challenge at my gym. My trainer was a guy I went to high school with and I was sooooo embarassed at first. But I ended up loving him as my trainer, and he's such a sweet guy!

Way to go on starting Couch to 5k! I just started myself, and just did W1D2 today! I go to the gym, and I was so embarrassed to start running the first time. It was like I thought everyone else at the gym was going to look at me and laugh, or something. But when it was time for me to start running, I realized that nobody else at the gym even really cares what I'm doing LOL

I'm so glad you had a positive experience, and that your friends were proud of you, and that you are proud of yourself! That's always a great thing!

You should be proud! Taking the first step is always the hardest. When I was over 200 lbs, I began running (using C25k) at the gym and I was sure that everyone was staring at this clumsy fat chick huffing and puffing on the treadmill. When I got enough courage to run outside, I was surprised at how encouraging everyone was, but yes I do remember feeling embarassed that people were complimenting me on my running. Running is seriously tough. Even "thin" folks struggle with running. My instructor for an athletic conditioning class is training for a half marathon and lemme tell ya..this lady is RIPPED but she admitted that she struggles so much with running because her body is not used to the intense cardio. So you should be so very proud of yourself!!! .

Aw, thanks everyone! I really want to keep doing the C25K program, but the weather has been thwarting me. I love that the snow is keeping me out of classes, but it's also keeping me out of my aerobics classes and off the track. Ugh! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some warmer and less snowy weather soon so I can keep it up!

Fat Pants is right! Running is the most intense cardio! Jillian Michaels has said she doesn't like running more than 2 miles!

I totally get what your saying! I absolutely can't stand if like even my husband is watching me exercise! I like doing it and I feel great about myself afterward and I usually even tell him that I had a great work out earlier, I just get so embarrassed! I don't know why though lol

Go you!

I really get embarassed when anyone watches me work out. I literally wait until no one is home and I know I've got the time to work out before someone will be home. It feels like when anyone sees me jogging they're going to point and laugh, but... that's yet to be the case. Just need to get over my own mental blocks at this point.

Hmmm. I think the reason I feel embarrassed is because I feel like people seeing me work out draws attention to the fact that I'm overweight and trying to change that.

Or at least, that's what I used to feel. Now I've decided that I don't give a crap. So, the hot guy at the gym just saw me with my jiggly bits jiggling, and a red face, and sweat pouring down my neck and forehead... well. So what? For every red-faced, sweaty, "kick-this-treadmill's-***" I rock at the gym, I get a little closer to my goal, and when I'm at my goal... I know I'm gonna get checked out a WHOLE lot more when I'm not running at the gym.

The C25K program is awesome, btw. I never finished it, but it really got me out there and running and enjoying the workout. I think it's great. I never finished it, because it stressed me out a bit too much to focus on the timings, but... because it got me started, I can now jog/run for 30 minutes straight, no problem!

I like your attitude!