I don't run/walk along paths by roads, I feel self conscious, not because I'm way overweight, I just don't like people "looking" at me. Oh I'll ride a bike with my boy but that's about it. When I used to run I'd head to the track at the high school when it wasn't being used and run mostly by myself. Then I'd jog up and down stairs. And do pushups, situps. But I'm your basic loner. Yet if you want to run in public I'd say ignore them, tune out the jerks, get into athletic mode and concentrate on what you are doing. One day you'll be the skinny one passing them all!

I totally understand where you're coming from. I only began running last year, and I was VERY embarrassed at first. Luckily, there is a neighborhood close to where I live that is quiet and has little traffic. I started out there because I felt like it was sufficiently private. Then, I started running with a group and we would often run in very populated areas (huge parks downtown with loads and loads of runners!). I was very nervous at first, but on the first day, I found that the other runners (even the ones that I met who weren't a part of my team) were VERY supportive. Many times, people would give a smile or a nod or even a "keep going!" of encouragement. It was great!

You know what? You ignore them.

When I started jogging I was living in a small town in Peru. I've had people tell me "corre, corre" (run, run), or start making lewd comments or signals at me, and even once had a drunk chase me. That's all while I was trying to avoid all of the dog poop everywhere.

Never in the US have I gotten any reaction other than a honk and I live in a town with more than 20,000 undergrads. I think most people won't notice you or won't really pay attention. But if something happens, you ignore it. Health and fitness is about you. Not about what other people think of you.

Good luck!

Just do it. I agree with the others about the music. However, have you considered something like Walk Away The Pounds? Leslie has some "boosted" walking that is actually jogging. You do it in front of the TV. Then as you lose some more, venture out.

Good luck.

In the winter, I run in my quiet exurban neighborhood just before twilight (that's about 3:30-4pm). No one is ever around. You might experiment with what times are quiet in your town.

In the summer, I skip the neighborhood and run or (preferably) mountain bike on the trails, so I rarely encounter another soul.

Personally, I've always found other runners to be completely supportive. Even the hard-core runners will give me a thumbs up or a word of encouragement. I've never even gotten a second glance from others, unless I'm trying to dodge them or vice versa. No one cares.

I also want to say that running really isn't a graceful sport, as fantastic as some people look doing it. Everyone gets red and snotty and has to spit. DH always says I look sexy when I run... personally, I think it's the least sexy thing I've ever done!

I say just get out there and do it. IF anyone yells at you from a car, remember that you're the one out there running and they're the one driving a block to go to the store.

Honestly, that is one of my biggest fears. I walk my dog a lot but i hope to be able to run around the park and not be afraid that i will embarrass myself!