Are you looking to go for a run but feel self conscious about getting out there? You’re not alone! I’ve been part of a large running club for almost 10 years, and we attract people of all shapes, sizes and with varying degrees of abilities. The greatest benefit of the club is its constant reminder that it’s not about your ability to run fast, but rather your ability to go out there and just try. That’s all that counts.
The running family, regardless of “club,” is very inclusive — they don’t care how fast you are, how old you are or how much money you make. Watch two runners run past each other on the street and they will almost always acknowledge each other in some fashion. A little head nod sort of saying, “hey you’re out here working too, good for you.”
If you feel self conscious about people watching you or what other people may be saying, just remember: who cares?! They’re not the one out there pounding the pavement trying to get better. That’s you.
This reminds me of a quote by legendary surfer Laird Hamilton: “Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your two ears.” He’s essentially saying not to let your thoughts (usually negative) affect your performance. Pretend it was your best friend who was thinking about starting running. Would you tell them they couldn’t do it? No way! You’d say “that’s great, good for you.”
Next time you start to feel self conscious about running, try and talk to yourself like you would your best friend.
Ok, enough. I need to go for a run. Care to join me?