I'm so scared to run outside..even though it feels amazing...

[lightthecandle]

I want to run outside so bad, just because it feels better and I feel like I've accomplished more if I do.

but these are the issues that make me think otherwise:
1. I don't want to get any darker skinned than i already am
2. I"m sooooooo paranoid about others looking at me when i'm running. I don't mind it if I'm a park..but running outside in my neighborhood is very hard for me, bc I fell like i'm being more scrutinized..

are these thoughts normal, or am i just being paranoid and need to get over it?

[The Cloud]

You're not Michael Jackson. I'm sure dark skin suits you just fine.

Are you afraid that people are judging you when you run outside? Of course they are. If that's too much of an issue for you, don't bother with it. But if you really want to confront your fears (and run outside in the beautiful weather), then this is something that you're going to have to do. Will you be afraid? Very, in all likelihood. But what's so bad about being afraid? Maybe you think that there is something wrong with you for being afraid. This is just not true. Perhaps it's not normal, but it's not wrong. Fear is nothing to be afraid of, it's just something that happens to people. It's just another form of pain. Do you let pain stop you from exercising? Only if it's debilitating. The pain of fear is the same. Unless it is enough to make you unable to run, go for it in spite of the pain.

[Jim11]

Just get out there and run... you need to get over these trifles (people will see me, etc)

If you can't get over them, then just run early morning or late evening (won't tan, fewer people around). It will also be cooler out

[EnduranceNinja]

As already mentioned just go do it. I am sure after a few minutes you will be glad you did it. Don't worry about others. I bet many might see you and think, hey I should be running like that person. And yes there is times young people might yell at you but usually they are driving by in a car so fast you have no idea what they are saying. Gosh, teenagers are sooo stupid at times. If tanning is an issue get sunblock. I don't tan I burn so I have to add sunblock when I run and ride my bike. Again if you just get out that door and try you'll most likely be glad you did.

Good luck

[Trezker]

When you're out running there are two kinds of people looking at you.
#1: Those who are jealous because they're too scared to do it themselves (people like you are now)
#2: Other people who run themselves and get a little smile every time they see someone enjoying the same thing they are.

Then there's of course the rare oddball that thinks something else... But why should you give any of your power to them? You don't know them, you'll never know who they are.

Just focus on the running and the nature around you. Nothing else matters.

[outdoorsnewzealand]

A lot of people feel self concious about other people seeing them running. I definitely had that to start with but if you just do it anyway those feelings will soon fade.

[ilovetoday]

What kind of a person would scrutinze you for running anyway? Its is great to do for yourself and if they do
scrutinize you for something like that, I don't think anybody with half a brain or half a heart would bother to listen.
Do what you want to do.

[outdoorsnewzealand]

Another point to note is that by running outside you'll often motivate others to run. There's been many occasions when I've seen someone out running and it's made me decide to go for a run when I get home. I also love seeing other runners when I'm out for a run.

So by running outside you'll be helping others as well as making things more pleasant for yourself.

[Susie]

I can relate. I just started up running again two days ago. Also for me as a female I have to stay alert because of the possibility of being assaulted, yay!

One thing that was helpful for me to break past the anxiety of running in public was to go out and walk the route that I was planning to run and paying attention to how I felt, which was completely at ease. I tried to keep that feeling in mind when I was running that same route the next day and it did help.
Also when you get started you can try doing a run/walk program. There are good ones where you start out slowly, running say only 30 seconds and then walking for a few minutes, then running 30 seconds, then walking, for a total of 20 minutes or half an hour. So that way you only have to endure feeling silly for 30 seconds and then you can return to your comfort zone of walking, gradually building up to solid running. That's what I did and now that I think of it, not only was that method good for building up my physical endurance but also my psychological endurance for running in public! "Couch to 5k" if you google it is one of the plans, but there are others if you google 'run/walk program" or something like that.

Also, I agree with others who have said to wear sunblock (that's what I do) and to jog in the early morning or in the evening. Alternatively you can join a gym and run on a treadmill.