To those big losers out there :-)

Cookme1

In my opinion running right off the block is not a good idea. From all I have read, walking is the best way to start. Move up to some short runs at a moderate pace and increase as you feel stronger and lighter.
If you have access to an eliptical trainer you can adjust your cardio to your specific needs.
It has been my experience that most people that start out with an intense jog, stop jogging and trash their whole program eventualy.
You can even chart the level of your walks on MFP.
IT seems that when starting a new life style and exercise program "baby steps" is the way to start and stay interested.
Good Luck

lucythinmint

Started at 255lbs. I couldnt run so I walked and built up to running 5 miles a day 5 days a week. After I lost more I switched to 3'days of running and 3 days of lifting weights. I still love running and will fit in a run when ever I can. :drinker:

Enigmatica

I lost 90 pounds by walking. My speed increased over time as I lost weight and gained condition. I didn't start running until I was already at a healthy weight and mainly just run for the sheer joy of being able to. Ten years ago I thought I'd never run again. It's amazing what our bodies can do with some time and effort.

aftergypsies

I started running at about 230lbs. I am now about 200 lbs and I am getting better and better. I stopped running for a few months and came back to it or I'd be further along. I love running. Just go as fast as you can without feeling like you're gonna pass out and keep at it. Your stamina will increase incredibly. I have tried all kinds of DVDs and workouts and I find running to be my favorite so far. You can do it too!

dorseykm

I started running last August at ~218 lbs. I've been running ever since, tracking my food on MFP and doing occasional strength training. I've lost over 50 lbs and I'm not done yet. I've run a 5k, 10k and my first half is in a week. Start slow with good shoes and you can do it!

annemw82

I started running on the treadmill at 255 lbs and just like everyone else when I first started it was really difficult. But i think that is the case no matter what size you start at. It's all about building endurance, knowing your body and testing its limits. I went from barely being able to jog at a 4.5 for a minute to being able to jog and entire mile at a 5.0 and I still weigh 230 lbs. Just get moving and never be ashamed of how hard it is or of your ability level or if you need to walk for a few minutes. I personally love run walk intervals. The point is you are doing it...and that's way more than all the folks sitting on the couch watching tv can say!

jestersvk

I started running pretty much at your weight.... It was hell, and I couldn't run for more than 3 minutes. And after those 3 minutes I couldn't really continue. But with time I got better and now I can go for about 30 minutes without stopping. It could be better but I don't really like running so I use it only as an exercise fill on days when I couldn't go swimming. I also don't go to a gym (at least not regularly) and except for a few pushups ans situps I don't do any other exercise.

My personal advise if you want to take up running is to get some good shoes. They won't make you run faster or longer like the ads would have us believe but at least your joints wont hurt as much.

kyle4jem

I started cycling and then hit the pool as the summer came to an end. Swimming is most definitely my #1 exercise of choice and I couldn't have lost as much weight so quickly and safely without it :bigsmile:

Unfortunately, I can't run as I'm pigeon-toed and if that wasn't bad enough, my ankles give way after about 2 mins too, so any dreams I have of doing a Sprint Triathlon would have to involve power-walking rather than running.

cherbapp

I gotta respond...my weight loss goal is similar to the OP...I think you want to lose 90 pounds right?

I started walking in October of last year...and lost about 25 pounds...I was around 235 I think when I first attempted the Couch to 5K program. I ran the first minute...but just about died the second minute and I was super frustrated and quit. Well I kept walking...anywhere from 10-20 miles per week...and just last week I felt the urge to RUN!

So now at 212 ( I am 5'9")... I just started the C25K program again. And I completed the first two days with no problem! Yeah it's tough, but the sense of accomplishment makes following the program so worth it!

I just started a little group of about 7 of my Facebook friends and we are all doing it together...if you decide to start, you might wanna do that too. You then have accountability and it helps to share your accomplishments!

And I will second ( maybe 8th) the comments on get good shoes. They are worth more than the $100 in pain if you don't do it.

JenRedesigned

Hi! I started Couch to 5k 5.5 weeks ago and I love it! I'm 6'0 and weigh 276lb currently. When I started out I had some pain in my hips, but I don't have any now. Please, take your running outside! It feels great to get outside and work your tail off! I go to the track at the school right down the road.

voyagerintrepid

After having done ballet for 10 years my knees don't like it very much when I run no matter how many times I get fitted for the correct running shoe. I prefer dancing. I've been doing Zumba at home plus bellydancing. I haven't lost a lot yet but I do believe doing what's fun is way more important to your success. I started at 230 so don't be scared! We all started at some point. Good luck to you!

Athena413

I started "running" at 290# - but honestly, long slow cardio isn't the best for weight/fat loss. After a certain point you start burning muscle (this is partly why distance runners typically maintain or even gain weight during their training). Muscle is what burns fat, and if you're burning muscle by doing too much cardio, you're being counterproductive. Your best bet is to do a moderate amount of exercise balanced between cardio and strength training. The strength training will help you build/keep muscle and give you better tone once the fat is gone. You'll look better in the end and be a lot stronger than if you just do cardio.

Lift_This_

I have always hated running....even on my lighter days in high school....hated running that mile in PE.

At my heaviest I started walking first just a mile, and as the weight came off the miles got more and more. I walk at least 5over to six miles a day and now I have started running and love it!!! Up to running almost 1.5 miles but it is added into my walking miles.

My ultimate goal is to run a 1/2 marathon.

Elise_healthy4life

I started running at around 264 With the c25k to ease myself into it I wasn't running very fast but was doing the running movement I was working on stamina first then to work on speed Im going back to it tomorrow after being sick thinking about just starting the program again since i just also started 30day shred oh I'm at 231pounds now and I have never been a runner

cloveraz

I've just started working on integrating jogging into my fitness regime, along with biking...I'm loving the challenge of it all. I might not be able to jog for more than two minutes at a time, but I usually try and jog two minutes worth every 10 minutes. I don't even think about it, it's weird, i just kinda WANT to do....I've been swimming since this journey started and can pretty much go non-stop...Just wish I knew how to go faster, my mechanics seem to be okay, just something ain't clicking in the speed department...I think that is what irks me the most about swimming laps...I like riding my bike and finding that my stamina gets better and my push up the hills get better...Just wish my old tailbone injury would be kinder to me afterward..There are so many healthy activities out there, and so much of the world too see, that just sticking with one activity would bore me...My ultimate goal is to participate in a triathlon and finish....I don't care what place I come in, I just want to finish....Good Luck to you ALL!

gailygail99

I do not run, never have run and have no intention of running. I do cardio at the gym. (stairmaster, arc trainer and treadmill and the fastest speed i go is 3.6mph. I also lift weights.)

Cheshire_Kat

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.

This is a great idea.

Hoakiebs

I mainly walked, first 60 minutes then 75, then 90, then 105. I set a weight at which I would pick up running (210 lbs.) and started throwing in some intervals of running, then gradually working up. You can do it, but make sure you go get a GOOD pair of running shoes. Take your old shoes to a good running store and spend at least $90-100. Gradually work towards where you want to be. For some the pressure on the joints is too severe, which is why the elliptical is so popular.

Givemewings

I started running at 229lbs...and now 9 months later I am 177lbs...so it does work, but it's not the only thing I have done. I did Jillian Michaels 30 day shred, zumba, davina fit dvd and lots of walks in my lunchtime. I started with C25K if that helps. Friend me if you would like support

kerrymh

Started running once I had lost most of my wt because I could! And I started at around 225 and my friend has been running since she was 260lbs. don't let your wt stop you plus for most people it starts falling off!
I do 30DS not religiously but just started that to get some resistance training in and I will join the gym in the fall.
Running is addictive for some..I can't say I'm addicted but just finished 10k and looking at starting to train for 1/2 marathon in the fall/winter.

AMS58

I tried running but it just wasn't really my sort of exercise. I love the gym, mainly classes, pump (weights), step (cardio) and yoga. I am also doing the 30DS.

LJ327

I started my weight loss weighing 203lbs and I was scared to run on the treadmill at first. I started walking on a treadmill at a pace of 5.5km and walking up an incline from 4 to 5.5 gradually depending on how I was feeling. When I got down to about 180lbs I gradually increased to running once my confidence grew. I started at a pace of 7km and now I do between 8.5 to 9km. When I first started running I only ran for a minute at a time. I can now run for 2 minutes and then I walk for 2 minutes as I get bored of running and I find that the 2 minutes of walking gives me a chance to have a drink, change a music track and wipe the sweat from my brow! I lose around 1.8lbs a week and I run like that twice a week. I also do two Zumba classes. I probably could increase my running to 2 and a half minutes and I will probably do this if my weight loss stalls! Oh and I only ever stay on the treadmill for around half an hour.

Dauntlessness

I don't consider myself one of the biggest losers yet. I want to lose 103lbs. I'm only at like 60 and I have been struggling the last 8 months. I lost most of my weight in the first 6 months. This is what I did:

When I first started to work out. I walked the treadmill for around 1-2 hours a day 3 days a week. I had a 2k diet.

About 2 months in, I started strength training about 20-40 minutes 5 days a week, then walked on the treadmill 1-2 hours, 5 days a week. 1800 cal diet.

Since then I have dropped my calorie intake about 100 calories at a time to see what make me gain/lose weight. I will never ever go below 1400 calories a day. I just don't think its healthy for me.

At this time I go to the gym 6 days a week. All 6 of them I strength train alternating upper and lower body, abs and back every day. I am just starting to lift heavier and I LOVE it! That usually takes me around 1-1.5 hours. I do around 30 minutes of moderate to high intensity cardio a day. I am suppose to take Sundays off but I always end up doing a bunch of stuff around the apartment or going for a walk.
Currently I burn around 700-1500 HRM calories a day. It is usually averages around 900 HRM calories burned per day

I found that buying an HRM is very beneficial. MFP estimates and the machines are almost always inaccurate. They overestimate by about 30-50%. I suggest one with a chest strap, Polar FT4 is what I use and has never messed up on me.

I was at a 1600 calorie intake for months and that was working for a while. Currently I am trying to boost my metabolism and raised my calorie intake to 2100 cal a day. I am really struggling to eat enough without filling my diary with junk.

I guess the best advice I can give to you is push hard. Always push yourself and never get comfortable. If your not sweating, your not working hard enough.
Simple: Exercise and eat right. There is no secret weapon. Fad diets wont work in the long term. Just keep it easy.

Oh and here is a tid bit you might like: For every pound of muscle you gain, you burn an extra 50-100 calories a day just sitting there! I know it give me hope for the future that I will be able to maintain my weight later on

ball858

I started at 250 and was running then, but obviously my running is sooooo much better now that im under 200.

I have now set myself a 1000 cal challenge when i go to the gym (2 x a week and I do bootcamp 4 x a week), I have to burn 250 cal on each machine and it has to be within 20 min - this includes the treadmill, stepper, crosstrainer and bike, maybe a little swim in there too.

My calorie intake is 1700 net (most days) and i'm still losing at a steady rate.

You can do anything if you put your mind to it Good luck

basschick

I started out with walking and doing pilates and then progressed to walking/jogging intervals. After I had lost about 30 lbs., I joined a gym and did lots of classes -- kickboxing, Zumba, circuit training, hip hop dance, yoga, Centergy (a fast paced combination of yoga and pilates), barbell class (high reps, low weight), water fitness, spinning, step aerobics, etc. I went to about 4 classes per week. On the other days I would maybe do the elliptical machine, exercise bike, or do jog/walk intervals. When I was getting close to my goal weight, I started running but I've never gotten very good at it. I can run a 5K in about 38 minutes. Now 10 months into maintenance, I mainly do heavy lifting and only run occasionally.

pdj1220

I am in a little different boat, as I have had both hips replaced. Running is not an option for me at all. I walk, started out at 325 pounds walking a mile a day, and gradually increased to 4 0r 5 miles at a 4 mph pace about 5 times a week. Lately I have been having some more joint pain, so I am back down to 2 1/2 miles, but still getting out there!

SafireBleu

I am .2 away from 60 lbs lost. I don't run. I do DVDs and the elliptical.

DeadEyedSuburbanite

Seven years ago I lost a fair bit of weight, going from 270 lbs to 180 lbs. I managed to keep it off for a few years until I got married, moved to a different country and made a bunch of other lifestyle changes that sent me back up to 235 lbs ( That's my background.

I never ran when I was losing or maintaining, but then I never got down to my ideal weight either. I did want to take up running but I couldn't find good running shoes (weirdly shaped feet) and I was worried about my joints (rheumatoid arthritis). So the main exercise while losing was weight training at the gym three times a week, cardio on an exercise bike every day and pilates classes two times a week. I found a great gym that opened at 6am. They had showers and a breakfast bar so I used to get up early, work out, shower, then eat breakfast before going to my job. I think having a gym that fit in with my lifestyle made it heaps easier and it was good to have the opportunity to change my exercise routine when boredom set in. During this time I also had an exercise bike at home.

During maintenance I swapped to walking every day (40 - 60 minutes) and pilates (at home with DVDs) four times a week. This was because I moved and couldn't find a good gym in my new area.

I think that finding a form of exercise that you enjoy and fits your lifestyle is much more important than doing a specific type of exercise. I put the weight back on again in part because I couldn't as easily fit exercise into my routines anymore.

belgerian

I started on eliptical only then went 45 min on eliptical and 45 min on treadmill. I did not worry about speed just did my best. Evuentually I moved to the treadmill only 45 min to 60 minutes then kept increasing speed (HIT). Now Im purely outdoor runner and ive lost about 80lbs by running and eating right. I am looking to start some form of weight training. Oh yea and I run 5-6 days a week 8 miles each time sometime further if I can work it in. My daughter calls me obsessive.

theshow4jsu

I would say if you're new to exercise, don't start off running...too many injuries can happen. I did the elliptical and circuit trained for the first 6 months before I stepped foot onto a treadmill, and actually started running by accident. All elipticals were down for maintenance for a few days so I started running and haven't stopped. Totally addicted to running now. I love the feeling, the "runners' high." I also would add that you need to continue strength training while running. Running alone is great but injuries can arise. Make sure you are still working your legs during your weight sessions.