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Does anybody else ever feel awkward when they have to run in public?
Back in the day, when I knew a train I could catch that would make me right on time for work was scheduled to show up in minutes, I often told myself that I would try and walk as fast as I could. If the train was gone, then I would just have to wait. Now, I could have done a light jog to get there quickly. But at the time I thought, This is New York. Nobody runs unless they’re running from something. So, as you could probably guess, despite my best quick step, I often missed those trains. And as I would stand there on the platform, watching as the rear lights of the train moved further and further away, knowing that I would have to wait 10 minutes for the next one, I would think, Maybe I should have run…why didn’t I?
Because it’s awkward. That’s why. Especially when you live or work in a busy area where people are always out and about. It’s like everyone’s eyes immediately rest on you because there you are. Running. In public! And if you’re not one of those seasoned runners with a good stride and form, you look a little crazy. And to make matters worse, running for something, as in, to catch that bus or train, often leaves many of us looking panicked and out of breath, rather than relaxed and focused.
But as of late, I’ve said to hell with all that apprehension. After a string of unpleasant moments in my life, I recently made the decision to stop worrying about what other people think and do what I feel like. If I want to dance to “Baby I’m a Star” on the train, I’ll dance. If I want to wear high-waisted jeans with a shirt tucked in at all times (to show off my hard work on my stomach), I’m going to do it. And if I want to run on the streets, whether for a train or for exercise, I’m going to do it and tell detractors, as the little girl in that viral Vine put it, “Worry about yourself!”
So a few weeks ago, after months of running on a treadmill in the gym, I started pounding the pavement in my neighborhood, trying to keep a good form and have long strides. I wanted to look like one of those White folks who zips through packs of people unnoticed. However, what I realized is that it’s not that easy when you start jogging in places that are nowhere near parks. Everyone is either walking from the train, to their home, to get fast food, or just standing idly by on the sidewalk in my neighborhood. So people either became alarmed when they heard me approaching (their faces screamed “Do I need to be running too?!”), or looked really hard at me because I was an anomaly. I was a Black woman running for fun in the ‘hood (ain’t no gentrification happening in my neck of the woods, but I love it). Oh, or they tried to stare at my butt. (Note to self and reader: Buy longer workout tops when possible.)
Despite the initial humps, I have to say that I felt good. So good that I decided to keep running past my stopping point and ended up running like a madwoman for 45 minutes. When I hobbled to my finish, in front of my apartment building, I was covered in sweat, an older lady waiting for the bus was staring at me, and I was breathing very hard. However, I felt extraordinarily accomplished, proud of myself for keeping up a steady pace and pushing through a cramp. And more so, pleased that I didn’t let the eyes on me slow me down, literally or figuratively.
It’s Women’s Health Week and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. With that being said, if I had to provide some tips to help you get over any initial concerns or embarrassment about running in public, I would say one thing to know is to stay focused. People may try and say things to you as you run, so having your music up, your head high and your gaze straight ahead of you will block all that out (and they’ll be out of your sight within seconds). Also, dress the part by having a secure sports bra and clothing you don’t have to worry about. You’ll feel a lot more awkward if you have to pull up your yoga pants every few steps or your breasts are moving up and down more than your knees. And lastly, be cognizant of the fact that the initial run will have you a little self-conscious. But once you finish, you will have all the more confidence to hit the ground running again and again. And the stress you will be able to get rid of, along with the weight, is also a bonus.
I have since gone on to run out in public at least once a week on top of my regular workout routine, doing so in my Brooklyn neighborhood and also on Riverside Drive in Harlem, next to the water. I run until I can’t run anymore and have managed to improve my time to an hour without stopping. And with every goal I reach in my aim to become a serious runner for health purposes (and to tackle a marathon or two down the line), I’m happier than ever. Not only because I feel stronger, but because I am finally living outside of my comfort zone, and the experiences I’m having are truly worth whatever momentary embarrassment or awkwardness may come–and then go.
