C25K How much did you weigh?

garnet1483

So I am NOT a runner. Never in my life have I been a runner. But I'd sort of like to be. My question is, how much did you weigh when you started to run? (C25K or another program.) My knees are not super happy with me at any given point, and I'm thinking I shouldn't even think about starting a running program until I'm under 200, to try and alleviate some of the pressure on my knees. But I'm curious about what other people have done? Was your weight an issue that you considered at all, or did you just get out there and move?

steph1278

I was over 250 pounds when I started. I am down to 242 now and starting week 7 today. I am slow, but I am moving and burning calories. I would say to give it a shot if you feel up to it, but listen to your body. Repeat days or weeks if you need to. I never thought that I would be able to run, but I can now run for 25 minutes straight. I love the way I feel when I am done. Good luck to you.

Lynvincible2012

Started last week at 148lbs. Knees absolutley KILLING me....

KimertRuns13_1

I was pushing 240 about 3 years ago when I started C25K. I kept with it and have lost almost 90 lbs and have not only completed several 5ks but 10s, half marathons and most recently ran my first marathon the first of this month.

phillieschic

I was right around 170 when I started...I'm at 160 now and I'm on Week 7. And I LOVE C25K!

teeley

started it at 275, I am still over the 200lbs (just) and I run 5-10 km all the time..

<<<<< oh and those are my running legs!!

ChristyK720

I just started last week and I weigh 227. I'm not the fastest but I'm burning calories and proud of myself! I'm looking forward to week 2!

laurenrx

I started at greater than 250lbs and it did hurt a lot... I run SLOOOOOOW. I care more about duration (time wise) than speed right now. I think that helps. It gets easier on your joints, just listen to your body and take your time.

BobbyDaniel

I started C25K at about 210, knees were killing me until about week 4 when the weight really started to come off.

rebecky27

I'm starting Week 5 today (after several weeks of repeating week 4). Currently at 243lbs. When I started, I was at 255.

Good running shoes is key....made the mistake of running in the shoes I wear at Zumba during week 1...and couldn't walk right for a few days!

ChristyK720

just noticed you live in LA as well...I'm in Slidell! How cool!

cattracy0829

I am currently at 180 and I am now up to running 30 minutes straight...I learned I had to slow down a bit (I was trying to run too fast before). I have to admit it is much easier to run now that I am under 200lbs.

lizard053

I started at 196. I'm 185 now and finishing it up this week (in theory). The key is to go at your own pace. It's not a race, it's a lifestyle!

The best thing you could do for yourself is to go and get fitted for a proper pair of running shoes. This will save your knees a lot of suffering! If you can find it, go to a running clinic, so they can help you with your stride to minimize injury.

cadency

Started over 200. I had high end nike air max 2011 and tried running with those... HORRIBLE for my knees. I switched to vibram five fingers and have no pain in my knees or in my ankles. Sometimes, I have 'em in my feet but that's because I'm using new foot muscles

So... invest in good shoes! Makes you more likely to stay committed.

femme62209

I was 215 when I started C25K and it was rough but I was able to get through it. I had to repeat some of the weeks several times until I felt comfortable enough to move on. This was in June. Now, almost 11 months later I am training for my first half marathon and I ran 10 miles 2 days ago (current weight: 171). You can do it!! I know it is so hard, but if you just keep pushing, I promise you'll get there! You WILL be a runner!

ickybella

175, I think. My knee gave me some trouble as well, because I'm 97 years old. I started taking fish oil and that helped. Maybe look into join supplements? Also, make sure you are wearing the right shoes. I went to a running shop and they analyzed my gait and all that. It was worth it.

debstanley4

I started it at 273.

beckers80

230 started on week 2 You can do it, just start slow and speed will come later.

CarrieAnne22

I was just under 200 when I first started C25K and I have good days & bad as far as my knees are concerned (I have a previous knee injury from a car accident), so some days I nurse my knees and go easy on them. Some days I go balls to the wall and push beyond my previous limits. It just depends. I have a friend who is around 250 and she said that doing C25K on asphalt was too much for her knees to handle, but she does just fine with it on the treadmill.

I think it's going to vary from person to person, day to day, but my best advice is to just give it a try. Best of luck!! :flowerforyou:

BettyBlueEyes

I started C25K at 174lb back in December, did 5k by early Jan, and a half-marathon on 1st April. I was worried about my knees as I'd had previous problems, and I think I was right to be worried. Knees continued to hurt throughout training, so I am now back down to 4-5 miles max and will stay there, but mainly doing cross training/cycling instead. Now 161lb though

moodyfeesh14

I'm 298 and just started it it is really hard but i found out a lot of my pain was caused by my shoes, not my weight. I went to this store that scans your feet and picks out a shoe that fits your needs, its still really hard but I have less pain and it is easier to run now.

BamaBreezeNSaltAire

Ladies, I HIGHLY recommend seeking a proper fitting of shoes. Any problem with supponation, or pronation can throw your knees and hips out of whack. Also remember that you are using muscles that haven't been stressed in a while and that will make your joints hurt until they are strong enough to keep them aligned correctly. Add some strength training, it will help with the pain. I've been a runner since I was 12, off and on due to injury, babies, etc....my knees where killing me when first starting back and then I sought out proper footwear for my issues, and added strength training. What a difference it makes! FYI I'm 154 now at 5'3". FYI when seeking a proper fitting, don't go to the mall or a random sports store, they typically are hired help that do not know the difference between pronation/supponation etc. Find a specialty footwear store that specializes in sports shoes, I warn you, a good fitting pair of running shoes will cost you roughly $120, but I swear it's worth it. You have the rest of your life to stand and walk on your feet and knees, YOU are worth it. Your feet are like protecting your head when biking!

love22step

I had a knee injury a year ago, so I worked at strengthening the knee with walking and weight training until I got down to about 140 lbs. I started C25k in January, and I've recently completed 2 5K races, and I'm about to start week 3 of Bridge to 10K.

A lot of heavier people are able to run, but if you're already having knee problems, you might want to put off running until you lose more weight and get your knees in better condition. While you're strengthening your knees, modify workouts to keep them low impact. Best wishes!

Afterthought: I also went to a store specializing in running shoes and was fitted. I bought one pair and, shortly after, I found another pair of basically the same shoe at a lower price. Now I have training shoes and race day shoes.

jang711

Not doing the C25K but the non runners guide to marathon running (similar program in the begining). I started at 235 and my knees and everything else was killing me. I invested in a really good (for me) pair of running shoes and the more I ran the better my knees felt. I'm now just under 200lbs and ran 15 miles last week over several days with little or no knee pain.

Go for it and run at your own pace, I'm the slowest runner out there but I'm doing this for me and my time clock. My goal is always to finish.

Good luck.

kimad

I was 245 when I started running... never had an issue with my knees, but I didn't have the lung capacity... I thought I was having a heart attack more than once, but I pushed thru and now it doesn't even phase me. I love to run!!!

I say go for it now!!!

Edit - I agree, get a good pair of runners.. I started in sketchers and the shins hurt alot.

rhe276

i have only started running this week weighing 267 pounds. My knees hurt, my ankles hurt, my shins hurt....but only when im running. Ive found that the pain that was originally in my knees ALL THE TIME as eased after just a week. The only way i can explain it is that the pain i feel when i am running is a good pain (if there is such a pain) because i am using muscles that are used to sitting on the couch doing nothing! I already have more energy and no longer walk like a heavily pregnant lady! After just a week!! I think this could be just what you need, but if your unsure seek medical advice first. BTW i lost 7lbs this week, which i know is through running. Im not saying its easy, and theres a LOT of walking involved at the beginning but you will get there! Good luck!!

love22step

175, I think. My knee gave me some trouble as well, because I'm 97 years old. I started taking fish oil and that helped. Maybe look into join supplements? Also, make sure you are wearing the right shoes. I went to a running shop and they analyzed my gait and all that. It was worth it.

You definitely look good for "97 years old." I trust that was a typo? :laugh:

JSheehy1965

Started at 240 and now I'm 218. It's amazing the difference I feel running now from a few weeks ago.

garnet1483

Thanks for the input everybody! I think I'm definitely going to wait a few more weeks before I start, but I feel better about trying it now. I guess I should mention that my knees hurt due to previous injuries. I can dance and walk without pain, so that's how I've been getting my cardio in, and it's working, I'd just like to keep pushing harder, as my stamina and strength grow. Jogging seems like a good way of doing that. Also, thanks for the input about the shoes!

bjbixler

Everybody is different. I started running at the very beginning, wehn I was around 255. I am now 180 and still running... albeit much more efficiently and faster. It seems like most of the advice here is good.

-start slow, avoid doing too much too soon
-listen to your body
-properly fitted shoes
-cross training/strength training

Good Luck!

TIMY2012

i am currently over the 200 mark, havent excercised much any in MANY years, felt motivated the other day and thought i was going jogging, got about 5 blocks and felt the pressure in my knees. So now i am starting with brisk walking and squats, the squats are also hard on my knees but i believe water for lubrication and time and continued excercise will help