Can I run?

jmsladky

It sounds simple to just run, but its not. Atleast for me. I am around 5'3 and 190 lbs. I wanna run so bad and someday complete some sort of marathon, even if its just a 5k. I need a plan so I can start. Dont know if I should start on treadmill or outside? I am also heavy chested, which is also a big barrier. Any advice?

nattynat9

Have you heard of Couch 2 5K? It's a great way to build up to a 5K gradually. Google C25K and it will show you the workout plan. Good luck!

audram420

throw on a couple of sports bras and do the couch to 5k program...It works great!! Doesn't matter where you start...I do both treadmill and outside!! Hardest part is to get started!! YOu can do it

Crazyjoe11

Imagine there is a big dog behind you!

Ofcourse you can run but you need to start slowly and build yourself up.

Good luck!!

philOHIO

Runner's World magazine has similar plans. You can view at www.runnersworld.com

FairyMiss

It sounds simple to just run, but its not. Atleast for me. I am around 5'3 and 190 lbs. I wanna run so bad and someday complete some sort of marathon, even if its just a 5k. I need a plan so I can start. Dont know if I should start on treadmill or outside? I am also heavy chested, which is also a big barrier. Any advice?

start with walking, then when comfortble, run a bit, then walk and so on.
thats what i did. started out just running a tiny bit, not when i go out its like 50/50.

oh and i had to basiclly learn the actual movement and co-ordiantion again after breaking my leg about 10 years ago

nickiben

Couch 2 5k is great. You can download it onto ipod/iphone. I used it and did a recent 5k race.

Good luck!!

PBmaria

Before you start: GET GOOD SHOES!!!
Running is hard on your joints, more so witht he extra weight, so make sure you have proper support!

RTricia

just take one step - and you will be hooked! No matter how slow or fast - its the fact that you do it that matters the most.

Friend me if you'd like. I'm 5'0" tall.

StaciO

I am 5'2" and started at 257lb. I started running at about 215 lbs and did the couch to 5k program mentioned above. As for the heavy chest. I started in an H cup and now am down to a DD my best suggestion is an Enell bra. They are a little spendy but the girls don't jiggle. Not even a little. I got my first one through Lane Bryant but have since ordered them online. So yes you can do it!

DancinSMartiPants

Do couch to 5k. Go slower than you think you should, even if you think you're crawling. and I 2nd that two bras suggestion. I always where a regular and a sports bra.

RunHardBeStrong

It sounds simple to just run, but its not. Atleast for me. I am around 5'3 and 190 lbs. I wanna run so bad and someday complete some sort of marathon, even if its just a 5k. I need a plan so I can start. Dont know if I should start on treadmill or outside? I am also heavy chested, which is also a big barrier. Any advice?

start with walking, then when comfortble, run a bit, then walk and so on.
thats what i did. started out just running a tiny bit, not when i go out its like 50/50.

oh and i had to basiclly learn the actual movement and co-ordiantion again after breaking my leg about 10 years ago

This ^ minus the broken leg part...I started running at 220 lbs by walking for a couple minutes then jogging for a minute till I run more than I walk...still working on running the whole time but it does get easier and becomes addictive Good luck!

MinnieInMaine

As far as getting started, google Couch to 5k. Also, use the search function on these boards by looking for C25k to see what others are talking/asking about. I never followed it exactly but definitely improved my running through steady interval training.

I started outside but had a hard time because I thought running meant sprinting and I'd be out of breath in a minute or less. That's fine if you want to just run sprinting intervals but if you want to work on endurance/distance, you need to run slow and steady. For me, it was easier to do that on the treadmill but I learned how to do it outside too.

You'll definitely need a good bra. I personally don't use a sports bra, just a normal one that is very strong and supportive (Cacique Full Support). I know they make sports bras special for those of us with bigger chests though and I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice about that.

I'd also like to recommend that you read "The Courage to Start" by John "The Pengquin" Bingham. It's an excellent book for beginner runners!

josaleigh

I am on week 3 day 1 of the C25K program and its amazing how fast you build up your ability to run. I downloaded the app, c25k pro, on my android phone and it tells you when to run and when to walk so you don't have to time yourself while still playing music in the background. The app made all the difference for me...give it a try! There is a free, Lite, version to start with until you feel the $1.99 is worth it

LolasEpicJourney

I started running at 286lbs. It was hard - but I did it - in intervals. So far I still do interval running. I find it easiest in shorter burst than a full out 5k or anything like that. As for being heavy chested - I invested in some higher quality underwire sports bras that make a big difference - sometimes accompanied by a regular type sports bra for extra support

Ireshgurl

Yes you can run!! Just like every thing in life, practice. It takes time to build up to something like that. Don't overdo it by pushing yourself (like i've done). I've now learned and i just walk outside, maybe slow jog for a little bit. Treadmill is much easier to run on because no resistance, no wind, and other factors so i usually try to run a little more on that. Start out normal and work your way up to it. If you have a smart phone download a running app like NIke+, Endomondo, or Runkeeper. It'll keep track of your runs and everything so each time you can go a little farther and a little faster!! Good luck!!

pepperdine

I am doing doing something similar to the couch to 5k plan - it's a book called Run Your Butt Off by Runner's world (I think).

I started out at about 235 pounds at 5'7". Most of these programs start you out VERY slow - like 30 seconds of running at a time and even that was too much for me in the beginning.

But, you continually build on your progress. I am now at 8 mins of running/2 mins of walking and that's going well. You can do it!!!! Just go very slow and take it at your own pace!

Good luck!!

CarolynB38

I was just over 200lb when I started running with a similar plan to Couch to 5k. I am also rather blessed in the boob department but a decent sports bra helps with that. I would also recommend getting a decent, properly fitted pair of running shoes to protect yourself from injury. As long as you take it slowly, follow the plan and listen to your body you should be fine. Perhaps include some strengthening exercises on your non-running days, once you have gotten a bit more used to it.

chubbychristianchick

Yes you can! I didn't believe in myself and I thought I could never run. I got good running shoes (new balance) I started slow only running about 30seconds everyday now I can go a little longer and I'm over 250lbs... It hurts but it feels great!

sewerchick93

If I can do it, ANYONE can!!!!!!!! I am 5'5", large chested (40G) and 43 yrs old. I started running/jogging when I was weighing 200+ lbs. I did the couch to 5K program. granted I am not a fast runner, but now that I can go the 5K distance, I am working on increasing my speed.

wear a good bra, maybe two...and go at a pace you can handle

fridayjustleft04

Let me start off by saying that I'm 5'1 and when I started running, I was 208 pounds. I started with the C25K plan..threw on a couple of sports bras (because until I have enough cash to invest in one good one, that's just how it is), a pair of shoes and headed out. I absolutely hated it at first, but now I really like it. You can do anything you set your mind to, seriously.

hazelnutflav

i literally went from the couch to 5k and finished a month ago started out at 245 5'6 tall and did it all on the treadmill at the gym.


here is the link
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
you can do it

cree_d

I've been doing jog (more of a shuffle, but at least I'm trying, lol) /walk intervals for a while and have just started C25k. I'm much heavier than you but can't jog outside except on a track because it causes all sorts of pains... I'm not sure at what weight someone can jog on pavement without it hurting like crazy... I wear a bra and a tank with a shelf bra and it seems to be enough support (I'm a Cacique cup size H)

Twinmom1221

I second Run Your Butt Off. I tried starting out with C25K but I found that the interval increases were much to high for me and I wasn't feeling like I could keep up. RYBO has much more gradual increases and really focuses on running slow which allowed me to run longer.

SeattleGrl

Yes, you can! I ran for the first time this weekend (jogged actually) but what amazed me most was how much easier it was the next day. I'm planning on starting the C25K in October when I get back from vacation.
Like some of the others, I'm a 2-bra work out girl!

Sassi50

I second the suggestion of C25K. It will make you a healthy and safe runner. Go slow and if you have to repeat a week, do it....even if you have to repeat it 2 or 3 times. The programme works and teaches you to run properly. Download the podcasts by Robert Ullery (I think that's his name) and they will guide you along smoothly.
And as for the "girls"...a regular bra and a good sports bra will work for now, but once you get running and your weight is dropping consider getting a real runners bra. You want to keep the girls separate and held firmly.
Good luck and remember, one foot in front of the other!!!

BrandNewMia

Couch 2 5K - C25K - GREAT starting point! They also have C210K if you want to go ahead and aim for the 10K. And I agree with the sports bras - you can even wear one of your regular bras, then a tight sports bra (or 2) on top of that.

I am 5'7" and I started running in March when I was about 225lbs. Today I ran a 10K in 74mins - and I have never, EVER, ran before in my entire life. ANYone can do it!

olyrose

I've never been able to run, and the past couple weeks I decided to try at the gym. The first time I set the treadmill for only 12 minutes, and alternated walking and running. The second time instead of walking when my 2 minutes was up, I decided to see if I could keep going, and ended up running 10 minutes straight. The third time I could only make it 6 minutes. The fourth time I ran 16 minutes, and 1.25 miles.

What helped me was setting little goals, like, "I'll run 30 seconds more, then see if I can keep going. I made it 5 minutes, let's see if I can do 5.5", etc. I also played music and kind of tried to read a magazine, just to distract me from watching the time. And I kept this mantra in my head of "this is not hard, I am making it seem harder than it is, I can do this, this is easy"

I'm 32, and that was the first mile I have ever run straight through in my life. I used to think there was no way I could do it, but I am starting to believe that it's just a matter of getting past my mental block.

Start really slow, set little goals, and you can totally do it!

buzzcogs

Yes you can just start slowly and walk when you need to. Concentrate on movement first then start running. Go to a running store and get yourself a good pair of shoes. Support is important! Speaking of support (ahem) make sure you get really good jogging bras if you have "big girls". I'm not very well-endowed and I still wear two! I hate to see ladies bouncing up and down when they run..it CAN'T be good for breast tissues. So get really good bras that make your "girls" immovable when you run!
Good Luck!
Yours in Running!

kgool

I have been running for the last few months and was feeling a stud running on the treadmill. When I started running outside though it was so much harder I was really crushed. I have learned that running on sidewalks and concrete are still too much for me. (I am 40 and my ankles and Achilles tendons just are not ready for it. ) I run a little better on the asphalt, but it is still not easy. I am just starting to run on a high school track near my house. I think this is a good compromise and hopefully I can run on concrete soon.

outersoul

I have been running for the last few months and was feeling a stud running on the treadmill. When I started running outside though it was so much harder I was really crushed. I have learned that running on sidewalks and concrete are still too much for me. (I am 40 and my ankles and Achilles tendons just are not ready for it. ) I run a little better on the asphalt, but it is still not easy. I am just starting to run on a high school track near my house. I think this is a good compromise and hopefully I can run on concrete soon.

This. I had the same thing happen to me except that I continued to run outside and have never looked back. I did half of c25k on a treadmill and decided to switch it up and run outdoors, that's where I found out that running outdoors was harder for me. So I restarted the program and completed it outdoors. The only time I run indoors is when I'm doing a warm up run at the gym before weights. Otherwise, 99.99% of my runs are all outside in all types of weather.