soon to be runner/jogger/whatever im able to do...lol

FruitLoop05317

ok, so this will sound kinda strange maybe, but i need some tips and suggestions. I have set a goal for myself to start running/jogging once i hit 260. i decided that when i was still in the 300s. it sounded like a good weight. it also seemed much less atainable...(i know kind of sellin myself short i guess) anyways, im now only 14 pounds away and i am going to stick to my word. i have a pitbull who loves to run and silly as it may be i promised him mommy would run with him (SORRY MY PETS ARE MY CHILDREN...LOL) anyways it is getting very close to time to start, any runners out there who started close to my size or even if you didnt any tips for someone who hasnt purposefully ran in years?? and feel free to add me as well i may need help...lol

Athena413

I started running at 282 and am now down to 251 in just a few months. My biggest tip would be to GET GOOD SHOES! This is especially important for us overweight runners because we need proper support or else your knees and lower back will be screaming at you! If you have a local running store, most of them do free gait analysis and can fit you to the shoe that's perfect for you. I did this a month or so after I started running and almost immediately noticed a difference...no more pain! Also...don't start out too fast. If you get any sort of pain in your side (this is called a stitch) then chances are, you're going to fast. It's nothing to worry about...it's just a build up of lactic acid in your muscles and will go away, but can still be very annoying. Start out with a walk/run plan...Couch to 5K is a great one...and work your way up to the longer distances and faster speeds. Also...just so you know...treadmill running and outdoor running are two totally different animals! I prefer outdoor, but I think it's a bit tougher. Of course, if you're taking your baby with you, then I'm sure you'll be outdoors. I have a pitt, too, and he LOVES to go for walks/runs...but most of the time I think he's walking me instead of me walking him...he's a beast!

david081

Start with a brisk walk, then after you can do a couple of miles, begin adding in short sections of jogging and build up slowly. I started this way in January, and can now jog 5+ miles none stop. Also (very important) get a heart rate monitor so you don't overdo things - it will give you more confidence also... have a look at the C25K programme to see how people build up to running...

Good luck

David

Athena413

Also...be sure you're properly hydrated!

Lollyvoddy

I started somewhere over 200lbs. At first I walked, then jogged a bit and worked up to it. My knees really suffered carrying all the weight and impacting on the joints. I started taking some supplements especially for joint support, and it really helped. I run six days a week now and love it. Have fun!

Athena413

They say with every 5 lbs you lose, it takes 20 lbs of pressure off your knees...isn't that crazy?!

dontstopnow

definitely was going to suggest c25k as well. you can read about it here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml basically it eases you into jogging/running. i'm starting week 2 this week!

BerryH

I second the advice to get good shoes, and get a great running bra too! Beforehand, build up to walking for 30 minutes, going as fast as you can.

You don't need a heart rate monitor start, just find a pace you can maintain where you're slightly out of breath. You should feel able to speak but not sing or say whole sentences.

Before you start C25K there's no reason you can't introduce 30-second runs into your walk just to start getting used to the new action.

When you do C25K, don't be afraid to repeat a week you find difficult. You're much more likely to succeed in the long run. And go as slow as you need.

Good luck!

UltraRunnerGale

I started running at age 44 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had never run a step in my life. I wasn't really overweight, but had a few extra pounds. What I did was walk for two minutes, then run for two minutes. I had a watch that I could set that would beep every two minutes. I did this for months and even ran/walked races doing this. One day I was doing a race and on a downhill when my watch went off. I thought "I think I can still run" and did. I wound up running more than walking at this race and never used my two minute watch again. I still walked when needed but I was, at that moment, a full-fledged runner and I never looked back! I've gotten more joy out of running than any other activity I've ever done. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm NOT fast by any stretch of the imagination! But it has served me well and been a HUGE stress-reliever!! When I don't know what to do about something or my stress level is out the roof, I go for a little run. Helps clear the mind and I have had some epiphanies while running! Good luck and I hope you wind up enjoying it as much as I have. I am now a runner of 9 years (at 52) and have no intention of quitting until I'm in the grave! I know runners in their 90s!!

Black_Swan

I have to agree on the good shoes - the best you can, really, its a matter of serious health!!!
And then... just take it very easy. If you can run only 30 seconds in the beginning, that is totally fine... you will see, improvement will come and pretty fast, the biggest advance is usually in the beginnings!

elliecolorado

I started running at 265lbs (my high weight). I agree that C25K is a good way to start even though I don't use it. I set up my own schedule and have gone from running 60 seconds and waking 4 minutes in intervals to now running 1/4 mile (about 4 minutes) and walking 1/4 mile (about 5 minutes) in intervals. Also agree that having good running shoes is the most important thing.