Obesity and running

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Replies

  • srobertking
    srobertking Posts: 74 Member
    If you have a smartphone try out the app rundouble for its couch25k program. It helps you build up to a half hour of running. The great thing about it too, if you find you're not ready to move along to the next level, you can repeat days as often as you need. I did week one twice.
  • easto_79
    easto_79 Posts: 102 Member
    I started running just 2 weeks ago after losing 40 pounds, still at least another 50 to go.

    I started with 1min run 2 min walk for 30 mins, I'm doing 1 min run 1min walk now for 30, next week will be 2min run 1 min walk and on wards!!

    You can do it, listen to your body
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    i'm obese and i run. i probably have 30 more pounds to lose before i'm just considered fat.

    if it's too much for your joints, try pool running until you lose a bit more weight.

    it's also important to make sure you're wearing the appropriate footwear to support your gait and cushioning needs.

    start off slow. you can always get better at running, but if you start too fast too soon and risk a joint injury, those are very hard to heal
  • CynthiaT60
    CynthiaT60 Posts: 1,280 Member
    I would definitely *not* run at your weight; you have a very good chance of seriously f***ing up your knees and needing a knee replacement years before they want to give you one. Trust me on this. :cry:
    Walking is very healthy; you can always start running when you're down a good bit.
    Good luck!

    ETA: running in a pool would be a great compromise!
  • amcozy
    amcozy Posts: 70 Member
    My mother started running weighing 420lbs... yeah it was in a pool, but she still booked it around that gym pool like no tomorrow. You just need to listen to your body. I started running in 2011 and even a mile felt like a marathon - the more you do it the further you'll go. Just watch for the signs your body gives you and you'll be fine. I've run 3 half marathons now - who knew? Good luck!
  • annemw82
    annemw82 Posts: 97 Member
    I started running at about 265 lbs. I did almost all my runs on a treadmill for the first year and did intervals similar to couch to 5k. When I hit the pavement it was a completely different experience so I would encourage you to do both from the beginning. Like others have said definitely consult your doctor. Also I think it is important especially if you have joint pain to get fitted for shoes at a running store. Also listen to you body and don't overextend it. You can tell the difference between sore muscles and discomfort versus injury. I have an old knee injury and when I first starting running I was in the wrong shoes and not listening to my body. I re-injured my knee and had to start over. Not fun. As far as exercise goes any kind of cross training is awesome and things like squats and lunges are great to build up strong leg muscles. My only other advice is to set a goal to work towards like register now for a 5k fun run in a few months. It will give you motivation to keep going especially since there will be those days you really want to quit. Best of Luck!
  • Jg04811
    Jg04811 Posts: 102 Member
    I started at 290 pounds with the couch to 5k program. It really help me build my indurance to run a 5k and not stop.
  • bkbenda
    bkbenda Posts: 265 Member
    If you want to run without killing yourself start with walking. Build up your walking base, and at a fast pace, not a gentle stroll. Once you have that walking base then start something like C25K. After that, Run Forest, Run!!!!

    I am a fan of building your walking base!

    I started the C25K without having a walking base. It was extremely difficult and I had to repeat several sessions. I decided to step away from the C25K and focus on building my walking base. Once I was able to walk 5 miles at around 4.7 mph every day, I decided to start back at the beginning of the C25K program. It was a success! I now run more than 5 miles daily and up to 10 miles non-stop.

    Enjoy your walks/runs and your successes. Some days will be records while others are just a struggle to finish. Don't rush it and run SLOWLY (speed will come over time).
  • Byemyfatself
    Byemyfatself Posts: 92 Member
    You all are awesome! I thank all of you for your time and great advice. :flowerforyou:
  • zanne54
    zanne54 Posts: 336 Member
    I waited until I had moved from "obese" BMI to "overweight" BMI. I didn't want to put my joints through the additional stress of the extra weight. To prepare for running, I did low impact exercise to strengthen my muscles and start working my cardio up - lots of brisk walking, and swimming lengths.
  • Briargrey
    Briargrey Posts: 498 Member
    5'1", 44, and I started quick walking on a treadmill with intermittent spurts of 'jogging' at 291. I ran a 5K (with walking, in 42 minutes) in August at about 245 pounds, I think. So yep, you can do it! Just pay attention to your body, don't overdo it, start small and slow.

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