I started running during my lunch break, so CW knew about it as did my family. Other than that, I didn't say anything to anybody until they noticed I was losing weight. When asked, I'd tell them about the changes I made to my diet and that I had started running.

I have dealt with the chuckles, but found them to be more motivating than anything. When I was training for my frist race (A HM) I told a girl I had worked with before, who i knew was a runner, so I thought she would be cool to me about it, but she just kind of looked at me and chuckled, "you're running anf half marathon? Mhm." I knew she thought because I wasn't skinny that there was no way I could do it... even on race day I didn't really feel like I looked like runner, but I did the race, and finished, which was my only goal.

It took me nearly two years to accept the "title" of runner. I kept thinking that because I was only running 4-5 miles, every other day, that I wasn't a real runner. My running buddy has convinced me that I am indeed, a runner but I rarely say anything about it to anyone unless they ask. People who don't run generally aren't all that interested, and they don't understand any way.

Congratulations! If you feel like it, tell anybody who will listen. It's a great accomplishment. I know where you are coming from, though. I didn't tell anybody at work either, until one day my boss told me I was looking "fit". I was grinning ear to ear.

JelloBelly, Please accept my apology from the male race.

You go girl! Just keep it up. Your doing it for you not him and your being a great model for your daughter.

You've taken a gutsy step in starting to run. Don't let anyone ever try to take away from what your doing!

When I started C25K, I didn't hide it from anyone, but I also didn't run down the halls at work announcing it. If it came up in conversation, I would tell people I had started a running program and that I was signed up to run a 5K. I never received a single snicker. There may have been some people who laughed behind my back, but, if so, I don't know and I don't care. I'm a runner because I say I am. Even after losing 122 lbs, I'm still overweight, but so what? I'm doing something positive to make my life and health better. I'm now training to run/walk a half marathon. I put it up on my white board at work and I've told everyone I know.

And to JelloBelly - when I first started trying to lose weight, my DH was not very supportive. It wasn't that he tried to dissuade me, but he never really celebrated my successes with me. There was a lot of tension around the fact that I was doing something that he needed to do as well. It's taken me over 2 years to get this far and he's come a long way. He finally told me after I had run my 5K how proud he was of me, so hang in there. Don't let him sabotage your efforts.

Marilyn