Fat girl running????
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Go for it!
Go to a running store and get fitted for shoes. Also they usually have some good sports bras there. I do not have a chest issue but I have a friend that has a large chest and she got a sports bra at a running store and cannot stop going on about how supportive it is.
As far as the fear, we are all afraid of new things. I have been running on and off since my early 20's. I have never gone more than 5 miles at a time. I have always wanted to run a half. I am signing up for two half marathons tomorrow and am scared to death I won't be able to do 13.1 miles. I won't know until I try though!0 -
I weigh b/n 207-210 @ 5'2, age 42. Yep im putting it all out there. Something people dont know about me is I would love to be a runner. But im scared. Scared that I couldnt do it at this weight, so I've always been like, "I'll try when I lose some weight". But I want to run to help me lose weight. I remember about 6 yrs ago, I jogged on the treadmill for 11 minutes at a slow rate. It was like around 4.2 mph. Please don't laugh. I have short legs
. Anyway, it felt amazing (after) I ran that! Felt like a major accomplishment. I'm watching a tv show where a girl started running at 374 lbs!! It just looks so darn painful at that weight. But she turned into quite the runner while she lost weight. I worry about injury at this heavy a weight. I would need a really good bra too. I've never been able to find a supportive exercise bra that didnt give me a uni-boob, lol! Sorry to any guys reading this lol. But I've got boobage :0). So what are your thoughts on this? If I do this, where do I start?
Ok, so...I TOTALLY know where you're coming from. Here's my advice. Just start. I started MFP last year at 270, and started running not shortly after. I got down to 229, but after falling off the wagon for a while I"m back to 240. I've run on and off since the beginning of Jan '12. I still have a hard time most days, and I still rarely can run for more than 5-10 mins straight. I'm RIDICULOUSLY slow. I've been within the last 10 runners at a race. But you know what? I LOVE it! ESPECIALLY races. I signed up for my first 5k last march on a whim, about 3 weeks into Couch to 5k (Which In my opinion is the absolute best place to start. You can google it for online/printable versions or download any of several different free or cheap apps on your smart phone). I still havent completed a race where I ran the entire thing, but the atmosphere on race day is incredibly infectious. I've ran 9 5ks, 1 mud run, and 2 4 mile runs in the time since, and I'll be running (well most people call it shuffling along at my pace haha) my first 10K on saturday. I'm terrified, I hate that most people will still look at me and think I'm the fat girl running. But you knwo what? I am. And you know what? I Still love it! Most people don't care. And the ones who do? Well, they've got their own issues and who gives a *kitten* about them, right? If people are that condescending that they cant approve of you trying to improve yourself? Then they're the ones with issues, not you. You're out there, you're doing something about your "fat". Let them stew in their own misery and go run and have fun!
The best best best place to start (in my opinion) is with Couch to 5k. Do it according to plan, don't try to rush it. It's planned for 3 days a week over the course of 8-9 weeks (It varies from plan to plan, but they're mostly about the same). Just do 3 days a week and most importantly get your rest days. You definitely should go to a proper running store (you can google ones in your area) and get someone to fit you for a shoe that fits your foot. That's a HUGELY important thing for running. I had AWFUL knee pains prior to getting my shoes, and they pretty much have disappeared since I got properly fitted. You definitely need to stretch a lot. But the great thing about C25K is that it takes you through run/walk intervals to slowly build your legs. It takes time but it's SO worth it. As for the bra sitch...I have really big boobs (40DDD) and the best one I've been able to find is Moving COmfort Fiona. Not too much uniboobage, but a lot of support. I've gotten all of mine on amazon.
Oh, and my advice...sign up for a 5k when you're ready (or slightly before you THINK you're ready!) They're SO much fun and race day atmosphere can SO hook you!
GOOD LUCK!!!! I hope you get to running!!
Edited to add: I'm 5'5''. Also...it's important to cross train...do some weights, yoga, etc. Make sure you stretch well, before AND after. I also loooove swimming as it takes pressure off my joints but gives me a heck of a work out.0 -
I'm about the same weight as you and i was quite embarrassed to start running around my neighborhood. I knew people was going to be laughing at me even if they never even thought about laughing, thats what i had in my head. One day i said screw it. I made it one block without stopping. I haven't really made it further than one block at a time, but i have ran 5 blocks during one walk. It felt amazing to have ran like that. It doesn't matter what weight your at, it just matters that you are doing what you want to do. Your lapping everyone elses *kitten* that are sitting on the couch! (:0
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Sandy just get out there. I will never forget reading an article in runners world that said try for you mailbox. If you don't make maybe you will tomorrow. I started running again at 240lbs. Now I am 155-160 and I live for my "runners high". I am training for my second half marathon and hope to get up the courage to sign up for the full thing next year.0
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I started with Couch to 5K @ 225 (5'5"). I really liked it because every workout I met a goal. It's very empowering and motivating. The key is to take a rest day when you need it. Listen to your body. Take it one workout at a time.
I just ran my third timed 5K with my best time ever - 32:46! Let me tell you that felt awesome!
Go for it. I may be slow, but I still run! You can do it!
haha my pr for a 5k is 42. You're not slow!! But I TOTALLY agree on the how awesome it felt...I had been running 45+ 5ks for sooo long and my friend kept telling me "you're gunna get under 45 i know it" and i just laughed it off, when I crossed the finish line and saw my watch I pretty much almost started crying lol!0 -
First: you can do it! You have the desire - the next step is finding the right program for you!
Like other have said (and I'll paraphrase) - take it slow and at a pace that feels comfortable to you. Couch to 5k is a great program. I've used it many years ago. (Been an off and on runner for the last 25 years, till 3 years ago when it became my way to lose weight!)
When I started 3 years ago, I was simply walking (so I could listen to my audio books!) I won't go through the whole transformation here, but I eventually started using Jeff Galloway's run/walk method - he uses it as a way of running injury free - something that appeals to me as a middle-aged runner!
A story I love passing on is that he has several interval training plans (2 mins run, 1 min walk; 3:1, 4:1, 4:45, etc.) but the story of when he was recovering from a hip fracture gets me every time. He was only 7 or 8 weeks out from surgery, and having gotten rid of the crutches decided to run a bit. He started with a 5 second run followed by 55 seconds walking. Being a life-long runner, he could do several miles that way, but I thought - what a great idea for anyone wanting to start running. Choose a really small interval, and build on that to where you are comfortable. A friend recently said she was using light poles as her goals (run to the next one, walk for a block). I did something similar to that 3 years ago. (I am now running half marathons pretty regularly, and just finished my first official marathon in March.)
However you choose to proceed, listen to your body. It will tell you when you're ready to make the next step, and it will tell you when to keep the pace/time/distance you've chosen.
But I suspect that you'll get the bug quickly and will challenge yourself. :happy:
Good luck!!
P.S. It is National Running Day tomorrow. Just sayin'.... :happy:
P.P.S: Speed doesn't matter one bit. Getting out there does. If you're in the race, crossing the finish line actually is icing - getting to the start (and everything that led up to that) is the most important part.
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A story I love passing on is that he has several interval training plans (2 mins run, 1 min walk; 3:1, 4:1, 4:45, etc.) but the story of when he was recovering from a hip fracture gets me every time. He was only 7 or 8 weeks out from surgery, and having gotten rid of the crutches decided to run a bit. He started with a 5 second run followed by 55 seconds walking. Being a life-long runner, he could do several miles that way, but I thought - what a great idea for anyone wanting to start running. Choose a really small interval, and build on that to where you are comfortable. A friend recently said she was using light poles as her goals (run to the next one, walk for a block). I did something similar to that 3 years ago. (I am now running half marathons pretty regularly, and just finished my first official marathon in March.)
That's EXACTLY how I got through my first 5k! I ran as much as I could hten walked, then decided to start giving myself two stoplights to run, then one to walk, etc. It worked AMAZING!
Also..YAY National running day...OP...you should SO go for a run!0 -
Also..YAY National running day...OP...you should SO go for a run!
Heehee --- what she said! 0 -
I weigh b/n 207-210 @ 5'2, age 42. Yep im putting it all out there. Something people dont know about me is I would love to be a runner. But im scared. Scared that I couldnt do it at this weight, so I've always been like, "I'll try when I lose some weight". But I want to run to help me lose weight. I remember about 6 yrs ago, I jogged on the treadmill for 11 minutes at a slow rate. It was like around 4.2 mph. Please don't laugh. I have short legs. Anyway, it felt amazing (after) I ran that! Felt like a major accomplishment. I'm watching a tv show where a girl started running at 374 lbs!! It just looks so darn painful at that weight. But she turned into quite the runner while she lost weight. I worry about injury at this heavy a weight. I would need a really good bra too. I've never been able to find a supportive exercise bra that didnt give me a uni-boob, lol! Sorry to any guys reading this lol. But I've got boobage :0). So what are your thoughts on this? If I do this, where do I start?
Oh... sports bras! Aren't they wonderful!? I have the Shock Absorber Active Multi-Sports Support bra and I think it is the best bra purchase that I have ever made! It is comfortable and very supportive. They also had one called the Ultimate Run bra but I found it to be too thin for my liking. The Mulit-Sport one can be a bit tricky to get on and off because it has two clasps but it is so worth the hassle!! And it does get easier once you get used to it. lol One more thing on the bra topic: Do not assume you know what size you wear - try them on because they all fit differently. I went in expecting a D or DD... ended up in an E!
Best of luck with your running. I used to love it and hope to get back into it soon. Unfortunately, thanks to some knee problems that sidelined me as a teen, I need to work up to it slowly. Enjoy - it is so much fun!
Edit to add:
I pinned this beginner's workout program before I joined MFP and started hearing about C25K. Thought you might find it interesting since it sort of eases you into it.
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What they all said! Just start :-)
I'm around the same weight and age as you, and I started running using c25k. I'm not sure if I love it yet, but I certainly enjoy it and as a "old fart" I can happily say I don't give a fat rat's bum what anyone who's watching me thinks of my graceful hippo-like style!
I don't run fast - probably most people walk as fast, if not faster. But I firmly believe that the effort is what's important right now, and that speed will come with experience and weight reduction.
Good bra is important - don't worry too much about the uniboob thing as long as it keeps the girls as firmly anchored as possible!
I found I needed to change the shoes I was wearing too. Who'd have thought my 5 year old, stinky sneakers would be too clapped out to deal with the extra punishment?!
All the best! Go run the good run :-)0 -
Yes. Run.
I'm not knocking walking. I love it. But, after I had my two kids, I needed something more efficient. NEVER thought I would be a runner. NEVER thought I could be. And here I was 215 pounds with a program on my iPhone - not even a running group - sure that I would fail at some point. But also determined that I would get as far as I could.
I graduated in early February, lost 35 pounds and ran a 10k last weekend.
Here are some resources for you (jessiekanga mentioned them too):
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/47-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k-
(this is a totally supportive community for you to post your accomplishments, ask questions and share your frustrations.)
http://flintland.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html
(this has moved just about every runner who reads it to tears. And given us a little extra motivation.)
http://www.movingcomfort.com/Juno/350025,default,pd.html
(great sports bra.)
You can so do this. You mentioned running at 4 mph on the treadmill? I was running less than 2 mph through most of the Couch to 5k program. This may surprise you, but my advice is to slow down until you've built up the conditioning to run for 30 minutes. After you've built the muscle and learned to pace yourself, you can get a little faster.0 -
I am 42,,,,, today actually,,,,,,
GET OUT THERE AND GET GOING!
every day this week at dinner time,, this real fat man runs by, sweating like a pig
I ADMIRE HIM!, I always say, look at him go HUBS!, good for him!0 -
I was wondering the same thing... I'm around the same height and weight as you. I see all these shows with people who weigh a lot more than I do and can manage to run and eventually they learn to love it, becoming great runners. I kept telling myself those people usually have a Dr nearby every time they are running which isn't something I would have. I get shin splints just from running on a treadmill so I plan on trying to walk a bit more outside then work my way into a jog... most likely going to do a Couch to 5k program to help ease my way into it.0
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I started running at 235...I'm 5'3".
Let me tell you - it hurts. Your chest burns, you want to cry, you're exhausted, you can't go more than a few steps without thinking about stopping....but then something happens- your chest stops burning, you start to find that you can run more than you can walk, you stop counting steps to breathe evenly, your body adjusts....and you're a runner.
It's worth it. If you want to do it, do it. I've been running now for almost 2 years, and I'm down 100 lbs total. I am registered for my first half marathon and I cannot wait.
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't, because your heart will tell you differently.
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I run and I am about 30 lbs over weight, I started with couch to 5k and I LOVE it. ....yes the jiggly fat is uncomfortable but worth the runners higher you experience from it. I have not found a good sports bra, so I wear my regular bra, and then a sports bra over that...those babies aren't movin! Go for it girlfriend!! And yes I am INCREDIBLY slow....my "run" would not be considered a run to anyone, anywhere.
Also, my advice - get off the treadmill. Running outside is a totally different experience, mentally and physically.0 -
Yes, you can run! There have been many good suggestions posted already. Go to a running store and get fitted for shoes, and find a good sports bra. Personally, I like Moving Comfort, but there are many good ones out there. They are expensive, but are worth it! (same with the shoes).
C25K is a great program, and also check out Jeff Galloway's web site - he has a section for beginners. Start wtih a shorter distance/intervals and then increase over time. Having properly fitted shoes and not doing too much too soon will help prevent injuries.0 -
You've had tons of good advice about getting going with running (good shoes, C25k - or do a beginners course with a running club - there are loads about at the moment and they are exactly for people like you plus will help motivate and get you out there, run off-road if you can, your knees will thank you for it) but I wanted to comment on the sports bra thing - I feel it is a specialist subject as my girls are now 32 G but have been much bigger!
Sports bras work in one of two ways - boob bandaging ones that basically squash 'em as flat as possible like Shock Absorber; and ones that owkr by encapsulation, like the Panache 5021. I have found, over the years, that the boob-bandaging ones give me the uniboob and although they stop the bounce they aren't very confortable. For my girls, the Panache one is the most comfortable, most flattering, and least jiggly bra I have ever found. I can't rave about it enough - it has been a revelation after years of squeezing into shock absorbers! Go and try a few on and see what works best for you. Good luck!0 -
Oh. Forgot to add - I'm 41.0
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I was wondering the same thing... I'm around the same height and weight as you. I see all these shows with people who weigh a lot more than I do and can manage to run and eventually they learn to love it, becoming great runners. I kept telling myself those people usually have a Dr nearby every time they are running which isn't something I would have. I get shin splints just from running on a treadmill so I plan on trying to walk a bit more outside then work my way into a jog... most likely going to do a Couch to 5k program to help ease my way into it.
If you're getting shin splints, you're probably reaching too far forward with your legs and hitting with your heel. Try slowing down your forward speed and landing with your foot more under you. Also, get fitted with good running shoes, or at least buy shoes that are a couple of sizes up from your street shoe size.0 -
What show are you watching that is inspiring you all? I WANT to see it, if I can.
I'll add my 2 cents in with everyone else: You CAN do it! I did C25K a few years ago, and slowly worked my way up through 5Ks, a 10K, and a half over the next two years. Take your time, do a walk/run program (C25K, Galloway, Hal Higgdon?) to increase your speed and endurance. Get fitted for great shoes, and do a nice long warm up and a nice long cool down. I didn't like the 5 min walking warm up, so I would do a fitness video warm up, then go out and start the C25K warm up.
When you get a few weeks into the program, sign up for a 5K that will be run a week or two after your "graduation" from C25K. That will give you a bit of a cushion to repeat a week or two, but still get you motivated to get through the program.0 -
I am 6'2" and right now I weigh around 243 and I am running. I just started running regularly around 1 month ago. I have had to take it slow at first I would just run from one mailbox to the next then walk till I recovered then jog to the next mailbox but now I can run for 2 miles. Im not the speedest person, I usually run at about 5.4-6.0 on the treadmill. At first I tried to push myself to hard and I could feel shin splints coming on so I backed off a bit (slowing down and taking shorter strides). I also think its important to invest in a good pair of running shoes! Since Im larger I have more weight coming down on my legs and feet and I think it helps to have the right shoes to support you.0
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It sounds like you've taken the first step, making the decision that you want to become a runner. Now you need a plan to translate that decision into action.
A couple of previous posts have suggested starting by walking and I agree 100% with that. Depending on how active you've been recently your body needs to given time to adapt to new stressors.
I haven't personally used the C25K program but there seems to a be a lot of fans around here. When I started running I could barely make it around the block without feeling that death would be a blessed relief. I kept my plan simple. First I walked. Then I "ran" (more like shuffled) for 1 minute followed by 9 minutes walking, then 2 minutes running followed by 8 min walking etc etc until I could slowly run for 10 minutes and very gradually built it up from there. A little over a week ago I ran my 5th half-marathon and have signed up for a full marathon this coming October.
The keys to success are simple, consistency and patience. To progress you need to be running (or run/walking) 3 or 4 times per week. A treadmill can be a great way of making sure you get your runs in in bad weather (I run outdoors all year 'round now but not everyone is crazy like me) and I say patience because we all try to progress to quickly. Most running injuries are a result of trying to do too much, too fast, too soon - take the time to reach your goals injury free, you'll have a much more enjoyable journey. Don't forget rest days, cross training on non-running days is a great idea (strength training really compliments running) but you should have at least 1 day per week where you do noting more strenuous than going for a walk or relaxed swim, bike ride etc (low impact, low intensity). Be warned.......running is addictive!
Have fun!0 -
Hi... I started running right after my divorce and at first I could barely make it one half of the track before gasping for air... kept up with the run/walk and was up to 3 miles every chance I could... felt great and noticed a big change in my body... well that was 5 years ago and I got lazy... just started back last night.. could only make it around the track once...slowly...:( but i am determined... if you need a running buddy add me as a friend we can motivate each other... l0
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I am with you on everything that has been said. I am 5'5" and weigh 205. I started C25K two years ago and managed to lose 30 pounds but never made it all the way through (life derailed me). Now I am back to trying to lose the weight (again). I have made it my goal for this summer that I will start again and by the end of summer, I want to be able to job for 1 mile without stopping. Obviously this is a much slower pace than any of the beginning programs but I also have knees issues which makes it alot slower for me. But I will get there. Summer basically starts for me next week and I will get out there and do this. I need to do this for ME!!!!
I will send a FR.
Good luck and get out there. We may be slow but we are out there doing it0 -
What show are you watching that is inspiring you all? I WANT to see it, if I can.
I'll add my 2 cents in with everyone else: You CAN do it! I did C25K a few years ago, and slowly worked my way up through 5Ks, a 10K, and a half over the next two years. Take your time, do a walk/run program (C25K, Galloway, Hal Higgdon?) to increase your speed and endurance. Get fitted for great shoes, and do a nice long warm up and a nice long cool down. I didn't like the 5 min walking warm up, so I would do a fitness video warm up, then go out and start the C25K warm up.
When you get a few weeks into the program, sign up for a 5K that will be run a week or two after your "graduation" from C25K. That will give you a bit of a cushion to repeat a week or two, but still get you motivated to get through the program.
Thx for ur reply! I think the show was called Extreme Weightloss. I just stumbled upon it. I dont know the channel or anything but I figured I will google it later.0 -
Thank you all for your encouragement! !!!! Ive got a stomach virus right now but will soon get out there and try this running thing lol. Thanks for all the great advice and pointers. And congratulations to all of your successess with running!! Muaaahhhh!!0
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You can do this! Download the free C25K app to your phone and start today! Oh, be sure you get a sports bra that's going to keep you stable so you're not fighting those! :laugh:0
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i'm 5'2" inches aswell and i like to run as well, but i don't want to be that fat person attempting to run... the only running i really do is trying to keep up with my really tall friends when walking with them...0
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Just chiming in to say...if you are heavy and feel embarrassed to exercise, or be seen struggling to exercise, let that GO!! You should be amazingly proud of yourself for any attempt you make. If I see a fat person running, I never think to myself "haha", I literally say out loud "good for YOU dude/lady!" Because they are out there trying. Special place in hell for anyone mocking someone trying to better themselves and be healthy.I was 236 lbs I was embarrased to even walk let alone run. then I just decided to do it, I started out walking when I got to 3 miles a day I decided to walk and run in intervals and it really helped me to split it that way. I have spinal cord injuries so I still cant run the whole way but now I'm up to 6 miles a day. Try it that way and I'm sure you can do it:flowerforyou:0 -
Put on your running shoes and start running! It doesn't matter how fast or how slow you go andit doesn't matter how far you can go. What matters is that you do it! I run and I am a team leader with a running group. I always tell the group of new runners that the only way you will become a better runner is if you start by being a beginner runner. Everyone runs at their own pace and you would be surprised at the range of body types and sizes that there truly are in the running community.
The more you make this a part of your routine,the better it will get. Even if you start with only 1 minute of running and 2 minutes of walking...it is a much better result that not starting at all.
Good luck!0
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