I seriously canNOT believe this is fr real! What is wrong with people?! I think it's awesome - screw them, they're jealous you're actually doing something about it! You GO Girl!

Oh my gosh! Where do you live? This is horrible. You should be so proud of yourself for starting to run and getting on a healthier track. Just wait until you're fit and can sprint by without so much as a backwards look... they'll eat their words.

I think people who do this are jealous that you're taking steps (literally) to get healthy, while they're on their way to sit on their couches.

I was going to say the same thing as michiny - they see you out there doing something for yourself and they aren't motivated enough to do the same for themselves - they are jealous. You keep on runnin' girl!

Listening to your ipod is definitely the best advice for this. I get the same thing, comments and honking, leering old men offering me a drink off their hose. I play my ipod loud and just smile and wave at everyone. I am able to relax and not hear any comments they may be making at all.

I TOTALLY can relate to this. *hugs*

I'm definitely not thin either, and when I began to exercise seriously - whether I was in the gym or outside or in a specific class - people would ALWAYS have to make these snide comments. Even if you're NOT exercising, that's just how it is. People are really really rude. It is a terrible way to be treated day in and day out.

I applaud you for sticking with it, and take Fit's suggestions to heart, especially the iPod. They can't talk to you if you're not primed to listen to them.

Personally, I switched to running indoors/doing other training in a gym, and took up martial arts as something fun to do. I'm not very good, but NOBODY wants to cross a girl that'll kick you in the face!

i say keep up the good work!! here's a story i find really inspirational:
http://www.startribune.com/slideshows/16799551.html?location_refer=Healt...

he was 500lbs, and started riding his bike and committed to getting healthy. wow.

sadly, jerks will be jerks. if they aren't making rude comments, they'll honk and whistle.

i actually don't agree with fitsugar as far as wearing headphones, as i think when you're exercising outdoors, it's important to be really aware of your surroundings.

"NOBODY wants to cross a girl that'll kick you in the face!" - margokhal

HILARIOUS!!! And so true - I took a semester of Karate in college and I felt like such a badass!

This IS INSANE!! I can't believe people are this rude to you. I was nervous about this happening where I live now where world class runners train all the time, but it hasn't happened here. I get the nod for my effort out there. People should be supportive of anyone out there putting out the effort.

Can you find a school track to run on before or after school starts if you are wanting to avoid running on the street with folks making these comments? Perhaps you can find a running buddy because folks are less likely to trash talk when you are with others. Consider joining your local running store running club... they are for people of all levels. The running stores also have great information about running routes or trails that their employees should know well.

I was a bit overweight for awhile, and I would have comments thrown at me just walking or crossing the street. I know how much that hurts and how infuriating it is. Please don't let it get the best of you!!

Fit's suggestions are right on. Are there any running or biking trails in your area where you can go? I find being surrounded by other people who are working on fitness to be inspirational. Also, if people are focused on their own regime, they usually won't bother any one else. However you handle this situation, just keep your head up because you are doing something so fantastic for yourself!

Dude- where do you live? Someone on here will run with you-and kick their asses. Please tell me you live in Boston. I'll do it.
I bet you look so cute running. Go get 'em!

Love,
a runner whose roomie described my fresh-from-the-shower-naked-butt as "whaBAM!!!!"

It is absolutely terrible that some people think this behavior is ok or funny. Starting an exercise routine, especially running, should be praised, not derided. Keep doing what you're doing and forget the jerks are just jealous of your commitment and determination!

How do people think it's ok to do that? Are they doing anything that's good for their bodies? Probably not. People should be encouraging towards someone trying to do something that's beneficial to their bodies, not be rude and obnoxious. People shouldn't even have to go out of their way to run with less people around just to avoid the snide comments. I don't get people's logic when they say things like that to someone.

I am so sorry you have to deal with this. Would it help changing the time you run? Sometimes, even a half hour earlier or later would help you avoid some of these people and allow you to enjoy your run more fully.

that is truly terrible! ignore the comments --- you should be proud of yourself for running and getting in shape! keep at it

This reminds me of something a friend once said in heavier times to some cat-calling jerk: "I can lose the weight but you'll still be an @$$hole"

You can't change others; you can only change yourself. In the right frame of mind, those types of comments are clearly coming from laughable, pathetic people.

I agree with "tsp" about not wearing headphones. Or at least keep the volume low. People are completely oblivious when they're plugged into their iPod.

I agree with everyone else. How awful to hear such negativity. I'd suggest the earbuds but with the sound low or off (for safety's sake). It takes a lot of courage and motivation to exercise -- and in public! You are an inspiration. I can tell you for certain that there are some who are secretly applauding you but feel too shy to yell that out.

And, yeah, ignore the naysayers and don't give them the time of day. All your energy should be directed to you. Keep up the good work.

Come back here and read the comments in this community when you need a pick me up. I'd love to hear how your running continues. I'll be sending good thoughts your way, Hurt but Determined Debbie!

I've had this happen to me. It was a guy with a CB radio on the top of his truck yelling "Why aren't you running faster?" I didn't take Fit's advice, though. I told him to get out of his f*cking truck and talk sh*t. He drove off awful fast.

I feel self conscious when I run too. I just run at night in my neighborhood. I'm safe and no one can see me sweatin'.
Don't quit! =)

That sort of thing kept me from running outside for a long time, but the more I've been out there, exposed and in public, the easier it has become. One of the things that I like about runners is that they tend to be supportive of all levels. I joined a group to start out (local running lists will often advertise the time and place of their meets), and it really helped me realize that we all come at this at our own levels and your successes are personal. Pretty much everyone has been supportive, even as I huff and puff miles behind the fast group.

I also love that if you start running timed events you'll notice that running is a great equalizer. Unless you're pro, it kind of doesn't matter how old you are, how much fancy gear you have or how much you weigh. It's you out there doing your best.

This happens to me all the time. I run with a friend who is in amazing shape and people always make comments like "better keep her running". It drives me bananas. Just put in your headphones and be cool with the fact that you can probably run circles around those idiots in cars or strolling on the street. Just keep running. It's a great mind/body thing. Hopefully you can get some good tunes and get into the zone. A nice jogging song is "Green and Grey" by the Virginia Coalition. If you're in a bad mood, go for some Rage Against the Machine. That works for me.

That is awful! There is no excuse for such rude and mean behavior. I think the other people posting are right: they are jealous, they feel guilty they aren't making such a healthy effort, and they should be ignored.

In my hometown, there was this older gent who started running one day and consistently went out every day. He was not in good shape, but he was certainly determined. I took a different route for a while, so I didn't see the incremental progress, but when I saw him again I was amazed! He was faster, stronger and so lean--in just a few short months. Running is the only thing from which I've seen such results.

You are doing a great thing! Keep up the good work and you'll see the results you want. Then you'll have to watch out for the cat callers and whistlers. Still, the same advice applies: ignore.

I think it's funny that people keep asking, "where do you live?!" It doesn't matter where you live, people are like this wherever you go. I'm a speed walker, and I'm also overweight. I get comments all the time like, "You'd better start running!" Even with headphones on and the iPod on, it's impossible to always ignore these comments. I've gotten them from teenage boys, adult women, everyone. People are just... rude.

I can't believe people do that. That sucks!
Go on training and show them how it's done!!!

I think running in a group is a great idea. You can join this thing called www.meetup.com and search for (or create) a running group in your area. I would also recommend going to a high school track (when it's not in use) and using that. It's boring, but it's good for charting your progress. Also, trail running is great in that you will get away from people and really get an awesome workout.

I love Brindey's comment. As a Boston runner myself, I totally agree with her.

And finally, just remember that you are joining a community of people who have ALL struggled with their weight somehow. And we all love running, despite the good, bad, and ugly. So feel proud of yourself, and know that we're all behind you cheering.

Bethie, Only 2 people asked, and one was asking because she was offering to be a running partner....

I can't believe that people would actually go out of their way to yell at you for doing something healthful. LOSERS! Whenever I see someone (overweight or not) running, walking, jogging, etc. I always think to myself 'way to go! good for you!' So, there ARE people out there who respond kindly.

wow the fact that people can be so disgusting and rude is amazing and beyond me.

KNOW that you are way better than these eff-ers by doing what your doing (and probably in every other way imagineable )

I CANNOT believe anybody would do that!
But just DON'T give a darn about what other say. It is GREAT that you are out there running! Like Fit says, these people are probably not doing much of moving anyhow. At least you have the STRENGTH and COURAGE to be out there! KEEP IT UP!

People can be harsh and awful sometimes.
I had the same problem when i started running, I started to run with headphones with up beat songs with empowering messages. I suggest Love today from Mika it always makes the world feel like a happier place when i hear it

Even living in Chico, CA at one point in my life at my heaviest (almost 300lbs) I started walking, and no one made comments to me. We are talking party college town USA. I felt horrible, and felt like people were staring, but no one ever said it.
Now where I live in the Central Valley of CA. they are Horrible! (and I weigh 170!) and I jog/run)
SO with that being said....
USE the ipod, is there a school you can use the track in the evening? I did that for years. And as for the kids making comments,
ignore them, kids are thoughtless, period and now days, honestly, a lot of them don't have parents teaching them the right ways. They only mimick what they see and hear at home, or they are tryin to b cool in front of friends.
It hurts to the core, I have lived it I know. But like they said, just smile and act like they are saying the nicest thing to you and wave, and it usually confuses the snot out of them. If you continue to do this everytime, people will either stop harrasing you and not say anything, OR they will start talking nice to you or ask you for help with a problem. At least that has been my personal experience. I'd be interested to know what your outcome is, and what you chose to do as a response. =0) Good luck sweetie!

foxie, sorry if you feel I was overreacting, but several people commented that they can't believe this happened, and then some people wanted to know where. My point is just that this kind of thing can happen anywhere - big city, small town, etc.

Don't blame your weight - whenever I'm out running in skimpy clothes (it's hot in Houston in the summer!!), I get leering and cat calls, and when I'm out running in sweats I get rude comments about my "weight". I agree with fit about going to a park; most neighborhoods I've been to in this country have an area where it's hip to go out and run, and no one will mess with you there. (How stupid, though, that we have to resort to that because other people are jerks!)

Remember that people are vocal with the bad and not usually with the good. There are people who are impressed with your hard work!

When I see a very heavy person running (and yes the negative is that I do take notice), I always give a silent nod of congratulations in my head. The willpower it takes to turn your life around is admirable. I know even if I gain a mere 10 pounds that running is hard and its hard to push my body to move since it feels weighted down.

Keep up the good work and please try not to let those horrible people's comments get you down. Maybe form a mantra in your head for yourself such as "each run takes me one step closer to shutting you up" - something to turn their hurtful words into something positive for you.

If you live in Chicago, you can come run with me!

People are a-holes. I get harassed when I'm running by some 10 year old boys that live in my neighborhood. It's so annoying.

I can't believe people are so rude Whenever I am in my car and see ANYONE running I feel so inspired and think "good for them!"

I make it a point to give a wave or thumbs up to people
I see out running. It always makes me think "You Go Girl!" when I see someone out running, jogging, even powerwalking. Taking the time to get your butt moving shows you care about yourself, we should be shouting encouragement!

I don't usually comment on this site and this is my first time. I felt that I have to say 'don't let them get to you'. Run because you want to ... run because it makes you feel good ... run because you want to do what you want to do. Don't acknowledge those other folks they don't have the courage to do what you are doing ... if anything feel sorry for them. I agree with everyone else and that this is awful but don't let it stop you one little bit.

I suggest (like others) the earbuds.

OMG! I am seriously annoyed that anyone could be so rude. I have to echo what everyone else is saying. Forget those losers! While they're putting people down and doing nothing, you are taking a positive step towards your health and well-being. You rock! You deserve major props for taking the time to improve your fitness. It is not easy to do. I say turn up the tunes, and keep running, knowing that you are SO much better than they are.

Also, why not get a running buddy? There are all sorts of websites and stuff dedicated to matching up people of similar fitness levels. Having a workout buddy makes it easier to stick to your workouts, and people might be less inclined to yell at you if you're with a partner or a group.

You are amazing! Don't listen to those people, the don't deserve it. Go with the music (not too loud, though, just enough to drown them) and keep on running. Good luck!

Exactly as another poster said..it doesn't really matter about your weight, it's that you're existing lol. I'm very thin and if i'm walking I get comments about the way I look or my weight or my clothes, whistles, screams, howls, hit-ons, and just some really weird things (like last night while walking out of the store, it was like 10pm and I had on a fitted jacket and pants from bbsp and some absolute freak kid just started ranting out of his redneck truck...OMG I'm so skinny I'm so skinny...over and over and then just literally screamed). You just have to learn to ignore it b/c the comments will come no matter what you look like, big or small, it's the fact that you're existing that gives people the assumption that they have the right to comment to you.

Just think of how sad their lives must be if they are taking that much time to avoid their own concerns and trying to put you down and have an effect on you!

Just know that you really aren't alone:)

I just want you to know that those people probably don't realize the hurt they're causing you... I think you're incredible for sticking with running, as it is something most people can't do... keep going.

People are always going to make obnoxious comments. I pay a lot of attention to my running clothes because I was sick of guys honking their horns or making lewd comments. Fit's right, just put your headphones out and say "screw 'em." You're doing the right thing taking care of yourself.

I agree with what people have said - It is UNBELIEVABLE that people would yell those comments. You've obviously acknowledged a need to get fit, and you're doing something about it, which is SO much more than many people can say. Probably including all of those yelling. Grab some headphones and just forget about those losers!

People are mean.

Wear headphones, find a really ritzy, sleepy, suburban neighborhood near you that you can drive to and run there.

No one is usually driving around those parts.

And wear all black, I always feel I blend in better when I'm in all black.

OOO and wear a baseball cap, that way you dont have to see them.

You go girl! The best revenge is looking GOOD!

It is a shame that people are such jerks. All summer I was running at 6.00 am, and I saw almost no one. Since it has been too dark in the mornings, I have changed to running after work and I'm more self concsious. But now I run with my pit bull -- she is pretty effective at keeping the commentors at bay!

Ha. Well the joke will be on them when - in about six months or so - you'll be looking HOT and HEALTHY and they'll be whistling instead of taunting.

I agree -- those are awful comments.

However, I think it's a catch 22. I'm lean and fit, and sometimes, I receive lewd comments, and obscene gestures. One time, when I was jogging along the street, a car pulled up, and a man exposed himself to me. He was fully aroused. In my opinion, my work-out clothes gave adequate coverage (two layers of tank top, cleavage completely covered up, mid-thigh jogging shorts, etc.).

Some people are awful and rude. It doesn't matter whether you're fit or heavy. Some people will mistreat you regardless. JMHO.