To those big losers out there :-)

100over

Just wondering for all you big losers out there, how many of you have picked up running as an exercise compared to how many exercise in the gym or do dvd's???

It seems whenever I read a big weight loss story, the person has started running during their journey. I really want to start, just really scared to at 223 lbs.

Leah

liftingheavy

I am not really a "big" loser compared to most folks on MFP but I did reach my goal weight. I mostly used the gym, but I tell ya, the folks that run, even on the treadmill seem to really drop it fast.

Don't be nervous about it... I've seen folks that were heavier start walking on the treadmill, then trotting/walking, then picking up the pace.

I turned around 8 weeks later and barely recognized them because they were so much leaner. If your knees are good and you have a good pair of light running shoes, go for it!!

oxoxo

I started at just over 240lbs... mind you at that time I couldn't run for 30seconds without feeling I was going to die. I still have A LOT to loose but I now run for over a mile straight, slow... but I can do it! And at first I hated running... but the better I get the better it gets and the more I enjoy it. I love seeing the progress.

100over

Thanks Vickey and good for you for reaching your goal weight, no matter what it is :-)
That's what I've noticed.....they seem to lose it a lot faster. I need to invest in a pair of shoes. I wish my son was better on his bike so he could come with me - it would open my schedule up a lot more, but he's still on training wheels.

kylejh

I use the gym (an hour of cardio on the elliptical every morning), but also walk 3-4 days a week (an hour at either 3.5 or 4.0 MPH depending on the day). No interest in running.

vim_n_vigor

You don't have to start by running. I have been working up to running for a while I started walking - slowly and not far. Now I walk/jog more than 5 miles most days. I am not a big lose yet, but I will be. I am only a few pounds less than you. Just work your way up!

100over

oxoxo.........do you run outdoors on a treadmill. I have had my poor husband buy and then get rid of sooooooo many treadmills I don't think he'll get me another one - lol. So I might have to prove myself by running outside first, but I find that intimidating.

kmckeown1971

Just wondering for all you big losers out there, how many of you have picked up running as an exercise compared to how many exercise in the gym or do dvd's???

It seems whenever I read a big weight loss story, the person has started running during their journey. I really want to start, just really scared to at 223 lbs.

Leah

Hi there!! I did my first 5 k at 220 last year.. did I walk some of it.. yup.. did I run some of it.. yup.. did I puke.. nope.. did I finish last.. nope.. did I finish... HELL YES!! if you want to start running the couch 2 5k program is awesome and you will see it refered to as c25k.... YOU GOT THIS!!! I am 216.4 today and am still out there, and loving it!

Kandy

Jers43

I am not a big loser . I reached my goal mostly through running..mixing in other sports. The cool thing is you can run almost whenever you want, you don't have to go to a gym you can just go out your front door do as much or as little as you like. As long as someone can keep an eye on the kids!

Linbo93

At 220 I couldn't run 30 seconds without being completely winded. I started a 'couch to 5k' program and got up to 90 seconds, then stopped. Just recently (at 208 ish) I starting running/walking on a treadmill. I jogged for as long as I could at a slower pace and have kept up with it ever since. I can now jog 10 minutes at a time at a 5.0 pace. I'd say if you're interested, try it now! Start slow, don't try to force yourself to go 5.5, 6.0, or anything you see others doing. Start with 30 seconds on, 2 minutes off, or whatever you're comfortable with. Try to push yourself a little bit further each time you workout. I thought I would hate running and the treadmill, but I find that every time I get on it, I do a little bit better and now I look foward to it sooooo much because every workout gives a small NSV...you'll be surprised!

Oh, and I find it helps to have awesome music with a strong, driving beat! The less you think about the act of running, the less you watch the clock. That's how I discovered I could run for 10 mintues straight... Good luck!

tpittsley77

I have taken to running a bit, working on the c25k program. I realize that I will never be a long distance runner. But I enjoy the endurance I am building up running. I do plan on completing a 5k by end of summer.

do4fit

I've lost almost 100lbs, in Nov I started with a personal trainer and she had me start running. We run most days now that it is nicer out and assigns it as home work sometimes and sometimes I will go for a walk run. It's not my favorite thing in the world but it is something different. I do still work out at the gym and sometimes will work out at home with my body weight.

100over

kylejh.......well that's a pretty good walking pace. An hour on the elliptical, omg. Good for you on your weight loss.........you're almost at goal :-)

Kimmer2011

I'm still just walking, but I really like it, as long as it isn't too cold out.

Jers43

Running outside is the best!

CaDez613

I think your son riding his bike, even with the training wheels, is a perfect workout partner. Keeping pace with him will ensure you start slow and don't do too much too soon, thus avoiding injury. As you both get better, the pace will pick up naturally.

gmarriottfccla

Hey, I'm 208 lbs, and started running yesterday. It was a great desicion and I don't regret it whatsoever! I ran a mile in twelve minutes! To be honest, I didn't run the entire time, but I still got there! Just keep in mind that before and after running you should stretch for 10-15 minutes, or else you'll be unbearably sore the next day! Feel free to add me and keep in touch! (:

philsykes

I started by walking my dog for a few miles a night after work and twice on a saturday and sunday, as i had bad shin splints and this helped build the muscles up in my shins....
After a couple of weeks i left the dog in the house (dont worry he still got a walk as well!) and started to jog, found a pace i was comfortable at and i havent looked back since...

I wouldnt waste my money on gym membership get out in the sun / rain / snow and enjoy the fresh air!

Christine1110

I have never ran....I feel as long as I'm not just sitting around, and I keep moving I'll be fine. I do walk everyday.

100over

jers43...........yeah, I've heard outside is better for your muscles etc. because of the natural changes in the terrain. We're in a rural area so the blocks around here are pretty big since everyone is on at least an acre, so it would definitely be a good start. Thx.

smkafka

I work out at the gym. It helps motive me when I see the other people working their *kitten* off!

BigMech

I started running as part of my journey. I started at 490lbs, so there was no way I was running then, but about the time I got down to 360lbs I was able to run my first full mile, and now at 230lbs I run 15-18 miles a week on average on top of 5 days a week at the gym.

Running is a great full body exercise, great cardio, and running outdoors is great, either by yourself or with friends. I find I tend to run faster when I have running buddies, as they tend to push you more. I also do a lot of weight lifting as well for building muscle mass and tone.

I would start out alternating walking and jogging, and as you build endurance and fitness, the jogging pieces will get longer and he walking pieces will get shorter, and eventually you won't need the walking breaks. This is how I went about it.

Invest in good running shoes as well, they will help keep your ankles, knees and hips healthy. Nothing worse than running in old, worn out shoes.

jazzalea

I don't run or jog... but I literally danced my *kitten* off .... crank up the tunes and start shaking it


There are no fat ravers

100over

philsykes.........ha ha......I'd love to take me dog, but he's so insane and crazy, he'd trip me and I'd end up falling on my face. He only goes to open dog parks - lol.
Every day I get closer and closer to that first step........I don't know why it's so hard for me.

100over

wow BigMech............good for you. Running at 360lbs and now 15 miles a day. That's insane. Your wife and son must be soooooooo incredibly proud of you.

insights2

Well-fitted shoes are a must- find a running store where the staff will look at how you walk/run, and fit you properly. Makes ALL the difference.

ccrawshaw

Don't let running intimidate you. Go at your own pace and set goals!! It's amazing how quickly our bodies adapt and change based on what we ask of them.

A bit of motivation and an all-around kickass blog for your reading pleasure.

http://yousignedupforwhat.blogspot.com/

paulwgun

Starting weight 315lb at about 287lb i started to do c25k on a treadmill, after being fitted properly for running shoes

Next month i run my first 10K race

Do it there's nothing to fear!!!!!! follow NHS C25K (google it) they have a mp3 download that tells you when to run/walk

Just don't try and sprint like Usain Bolt LOL, what i mean is take it slow, when i started i was really slow, im not fast now mind :bigsmile:

some on here even repeat the days until they are happy to move on to the next

theres a group on here to http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/47-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k-

GO FOR IT and good luck and happy running :bigsmile:

TrailRunner61

I'm not a 'big' loser but I have lost 35lbs. After I got down to 150 I started C25K and I'm loving it! I couldn't do it before I lost weight because of knee pain and I still have some but it's tolerable! I've lost 6lbs since I started jogging.

If you want to jog/run in the future, I'd suggest you start walking daily. Before, I would start out too fast and it would be such a hard workout I'd not enjoy it, get super sore and burnt out! I started out walking VERY slowly at a pace I enjoyed then added time, then eventually I walked faster. Once I was able to walk 3.5 mph easily, I started jogging and it's not so hard. I do however only jog at 4mph (treadmill speed) since I'm short! I'll do the same as I did with walking and eventually pick up speed after I get the time in. Maybe! We shall see.

Good luck and if you really want to run, you'll be able to, provided your knees can handle it. Take your time, lose some weight first, walk and ease into it slowly. YOU can do it! <hugs>

amycarol59

I started my journey 18 months ago and just started running in the last 3 months. I downloaded the c25k app but could not do it I was way too winded. So I downloaded a run/walk app where you can set your times I started with 1 min run 3 min walk and stayed with it until I felt I could keep going so on my 3rd week I upped my run 15 sec and lowered my walk 15 sec. I had a heart rate monitor and for interval training I would let my heart rate get to 80% and then in my walk when it reached the 110's I used this as a guide when i would walk i would look at how fast my heart rate would fall and use this as a judge of when to set my times. I went from adding 15 sec. one week to adding 30 sec the next. when I got to a 3 min run 1 min walk I really pushed it and bumped it up to a 5 min run and a 1 min walk. I did this for 1 week. I just upped it again to an 8 min run 1 min walk. my next step is 10 min. although I just got pneumonia this week and can't walk or run I am hopeful that in the next week I will be out again. I run on a trail that is not on flat ground I started on a track but the closest track to run for me is 10 miles away so I decided to run around my property which is 12 acres I love it getting out there running in nature has only opened up more to me wanting to feel the freedom of living and moving through life. I have just picked up mountain biking would love to spend everyday just out riding or running. Its a good life. You can do it I am 216lbs. now so you are right with me so get ready and just take the first run.

melizerd

I picked up running but only because I was looking for something else to do.

I started at 242 (I'm 5'7") and I could NOT run early on it was WAY too much for my knees. So I only started running when I was down to about 180ish. And I did it because I wanted to. Not really for weight loss.

For weight loss and toning I've just focused on diet first, then I added in cardio, then weights. I'm doing the 30DS (30 day shred) right now to tone up more.

Running can be great but you do NOT need to run to lose weight, run because you like it (love it, hate it LOL!) not because its the best weight loss tool. I'm a HUGE fan of the C25K (I think they are calling it ease into 5k now). If you're looking to start running, it's interval training anyhow. You MUST have good shoes, get fitted at a proper running store (Not a "sporting good store")