Am i too heavy to start running?

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  • Dawners98
    Dawners98 Posts: 120 Member
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    I would say that it really just depends on you. I've heard it both ways and I didn't feel I was ready to start running at the 243 I started at. However, I've never been much of a runner, so that may have been part of it.

    If you do decide to run, please pay close attention to your body. Don't ever 'run through the pain' and be sure if you do feel a little tender in the ankles, knees, hips, or anywhere, to take more than just a day or two to recoup. There are plenty of non-impact exercises you can do while you give your body a rest!

    Whatever you decide, good luck!!!
  • gp79
    gp79 Posts: 1,799 Member
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    I'm 6'3. I started running again at 292 lbs, the heaviest I'd ever been. It sucked...but over time it became much easier.
  • Articeluvsmemphis
    Articeluvsmemphis Posts: 1,987 Member
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    yep you can start, :) I can run (on the treadmill), at first almost a mile, but that was at a 4.0pace(jogging) I'm up to 4.3so maybe 1/2mile right now is where I'm at. just takes time to build endurance
  • CaptainGordo
    CaptainGordo Posts: 4,437 Member
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    EVERYONE CAN RUN. Just pace yourself... Go a lot slower than you think you should go for the first few 'runs'. I started C25K at 285lbs and did the first two weeks before deciding that I'd stick with cycling for the moment. I couldn't keep up the running segment for very long at all - sometimes only 20 or 30 seconds.

    A few months later, I now realise I was trying to run too fast. I started doing some intervals on the treadmill and was running only 1kmh faster than I walk and can keep it up for a couple of minutes at a time. I've now taken up Bikram Yoga so have shelved running for a while. I have to keep finding new workouts because I get bored so easily!!
    YES! Keep in mind that C25K can be tailored to your needs. Feel free to repeat days/weeks until you are ready to move on to the next one. :drinker:
  • crazyellybean
    crazyellybean Posts: 999 Member
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    Try the C25K... I started it at 297lbs, even though I did not make it, I tried it about every 15lbs after that, I'm not on my 3rd round and am up to Week 5! ... You can do it!! oh and I'm now 262lbs!
  • SpringFever19
    SpringFever19 Posts: 180 Member
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    I was a round mound of 262, and yes, I started running.

    Well, it was running to me. Most people crawl faster, but no worry; I was out and doing the best I could.
    Sometimes I'd run to the end of the street, then one driveway past, then another, and before long?

    ONE MILE!

    It was not long before I was running 2, then 3 and I stopped increasing after 4 miles. I lost 64 lbs so far, and do various other forms of cardio, but I still do my runs a few times each week.

    Go slow, and do not be too proud to stop for a walk if your body says stop.
    Make sure you get a complete physical and talk to your doc before starting.

    This all, absolutely. My best friend (and me too because regardless of weight, I was not a "run-for-fun"ner) did this and now she is running 5Ks, the treadmill, outside, inside, she is amazing. Run one block, then two. Run to the next mailbox, the next car, next crack in the road, and when you get there, ask yourself if you have to stop, or can you keep going. And as always, most important of all (after you talk to your MD), LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! Not your head, your body. It know better than you when you need a break or when you can keep going. Good luck!
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
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    I weighed over 300 lbs when I started C25K. I had been walking for 9 months before that. Blowing out a knee was a major concern of mine. However, as I progressed through the program my knees got stronger. That was two years ago. I've been running off and on since then. I ran 8 miles on Saturday and I weigh 292 lbs. But like the C25K Program I only run 3 days week in an attempt to prevent over use injuries, so far so good.

    Just listen to your body. There is a difference between pain and discomfort. Stop if there's pain. You should probably ask a Doc. But if you've been walking and cycling your joints likely have some infastructure to ease into something with more impact.
  • bcampbell54
    bcampbell54 Posts: 932 Member
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    1. See your doctor, check for knee or ankle issues, assuming he has already cleared you from a cardiac standpoint
    2. Invest in good shoes, well-fitted
    3. Take your time, repeat weeks as necessary

    There, I think that sums it up
    Couch to 5k awaits!
  • Karebearninja
    Karebearninja Posts: 32 Member
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    In addition to what people have already said, if you decide to start running (even vigorous walking), I'd encourage you to take the time and money and invest in some good running shoes.

    I agree with this! I started running a few weeks ago and I've gotten shin splints which are a pain. Pun intended.
  • PoohAA
    PoohAA Posts: 12 Member
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    My opinion, as a med student, is: it depends. If your blood pressure is under control, you have no other heart / muscle / skeletal / neurological / ... etc conditions that would limit you or put at an increased risk for injury, and you CAN run, then go for it! The health benefits from weight loss are incredible. That said, be sure to do it right. As so many people have said, pay attention if anything hurts. Get some good shoes, don't overdo it, and consider using a track and dividing your time between running and other training like using an elliptical, bike, or probably best for your joints, swimming.
  • ema727
    ema727 Posts: 18 Member
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    I started running a little over a year ago at almost 250lbs. I tried the couch to 5k program and did not really care for it. I became frustrated with the fact that I could not run a 5k in 30 minutes. I joined a running class which uses the Galloway method. It is also a run/walk program but you run/walk your entire distance. I ran my first half marathon in March of this year and ran another one in October and improved my time by over 13 minutes. Just Google Jeff Galloway, he is an Olympian marathoner and continues to run/walk marathons today and I believe he is 60s or 70s now.
  • Erica_theRedhead
    Erica_theRedhead Posts: 724 Member
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    If you can do it, running is the best way to get the pounds off in my opinion. It takes a lot of energy to move a 200-something pound person for an extended period of time. Just be careful when starting. Make sure to go slower than you think you need to, and you can always increase speed as you progress. Don't get too spent by trying to run too fast at first. Also be wary of any pain that you feel (joints, lungs, chest pain etc.) I started when I was 280, but developed patellar tendonitis becuase I pushed it too much at the beginning. Good luck!
  • conchita962
    conchita962 Posts: 327 Member
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    I think watching this might answer your question. This is amazing!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtq1OkbD1VU&feature=related
  • pomegranatesquash
    pomegranatesquash Posts: 3 Member
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    Oh My! Thank you all for taking the time to answer my question. Im in awe of everyone who has started running at a "heavyer" weight than normal, very proud.

    Im going to make a doctors appointment right now (just to get checked out), i already have specialist shoes as i started to walk massive miles earlier in the year (managed around 6/8 miles in one sitting lol)

    I cannot wait to get out there. Will keep everyone posted and join that club for support. Thank you again

    Nessy x
  • sarscott
    sarscott Posts: 189 Member
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    I started at 320 and am currently 304 and in week 3 of c25k and it actually feels good. I definitely"run"ally slower than most though, but I've got to start somewhere.
  • ooOOooGravy
    ooOOooGravy Posts: 476 Member
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    I was 260lbs when i started C25K back in July, i completed C25K and now run 4 days a week... i LOVE running, i now weigh 222lbs and still losing :) Best of luck on your decision
  • Ant_M76
    Ant_M76 Posts: 534 Member
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    Good thread. Infact it inspired me to purchase a pair of Asics trainers during my lunch break :p
    Think I might have to try C25K!
  • iuangina
    iuangina Posts: 691 Member
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    I started running at 336 lbs. It hurt like hell, but it got easier over time. The shoes are super important. I would also suggest starting on a treadmill because it's a little more forgiving on the joints. You kinda bounce on it instead of hitting the hard concrete.
  • AJDistel
    AJDistel Posts: 93
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    I started at 245... it was hard at first, but I wanted to complete it so bad, that I kept going. It will be a challenge, but it will be so worth it. I just did my first 5k the beginning of this month and it was an amazing feeling. I wasn't first, I wasn't last, and most people would consider my run a "fast walk" but I don't care. I'm moving faster than people on the couch and that's perfectly fine with me. Good luck and take your time. It will get easier the more you stick with it.
  • AshinAms
    AshinAms Posts: 283 Member
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    I started running at around 300 pounds, and just ran for as long as I could, slowly, then walked. I got up to a 5k in 35 minutes then had a car accident and stopped training. I am currently around 220 lb.

    I am building up again now and I set the treadmill to a very slow jog (6.5 km/hour) which I can also walk if I want to.. I use a heart rate monitor to keep my HR within the correct limits (not all the way at my max) because I find that if I'm struggling the HR tells me first before my ankles and knees start to signal that it's time to stop. I keep the time that I train constant (31 minutes) and only increase the speed very slowly - ie. over weeks & months rather than days. The fastest I run now is 8.5 and only for very short intervals.

    Your doctor will probably not know/not care (in my experience) so take care to listen to your body, get a good pair of shoes, some good socks, a pair of compression tights (if you are big in the behind like I am) and most of all, try to enjoy it!

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