Running question.

chelseathinspired

So I was wanting to start running. I'm at about 300lbs though. So obviously I realise it isn't going to be easy. I was thinking of starting Couch to 5K, but is that good for a beginner.? I don't really exercise at all to be honest. I am wanting to start exercising though. I however am low on money right now, so I picked running because well . . . thats free. I could use some opinions from runners. Please (:

dawlschic007

Couch 2 5k is a great place to start. It starts off with mostly walking and then adding short running intervals in slowly each week until you are running the full 30 minutes.

lauleipop

Couch to 5k is a solid program for getting started running.

The act of running is free. The shoes for running are not, and you will need good shoes. They don't have to be extremely expensive, but they need to be the right shoe. A specialty running store can help with the choice.

Summer5555

I am also doing the C25K, it is a great program with all the podcasts available to mix it up a bit. I didn't follow it to the rule, I didn't progress each week as I would do week 1 for a month, week 2 for a month, etc. I also had trouble jumping from week 3 to 4 so I added a week 3 1/2.
If you decide to go this route, listen to your body. Rest an extra day if you need to, walk if you need to skip an interval and pick it up the next round, don't go too hard too soon remember it's not a race. Maybe ice your knees afterwards and most importantly get good runners which you only use for running.
An orthopaedic surgeon told me that running will not damage your knees as long as you are keeping the distances small but if you have knees that are somewhat buggered then running is not good for you and you should do low impact for your cardio.

myjourney2

I am starting c25k with my trainer tomorrow evening. We will be using an outdoor rubberized track.

I went out and bought new running shoes. I had them fitted at a running store. They are expensive but well worth the price. I walked 3 km with my trainer on Saturday in them and had absolutely no knee or back pain. When I try to walk in my normal cross trainers that I bought at Wal Mart my knees and back get really sore.

Let us know how you make out. Oh, by the way, I am 257 lbs now. I was 272 at Christmas.

LJgfg

For me, Couch to 5k was too much to start. It was great for some of my friends but I couldn't do it and that really, really discouraged me. Eventually, I figured out the only way for me to get moving was to do what made me feel good and so I went for plain distance instead - at first only walking, then walking with a few running steps, and now I alternate walks and sprints, but still focused on distance. It feels so good to run! Once I reach my goal distance, then I figure I'll start working on increasing the runs vs. walks and reducing my time. It just takes me longer to reach certain training goals than other people - and I'm learning to be okay with that. Never underestimate the inevitability of gradualness *grin* It's why I'm up to 2.5 miles total distance now and am confident about finishing my 5k in May. Not saying Couch to 5k is bad - just that it isn't for everyone and that's okay.