OBESITY/RUNNING/WOMENT/MEN

DEEDLYNN

Soooo....do you think that an obsese person can run? I'm not looking for Answers about how it might impact knees, joints, and potential pitfalls of running.

I just want to know if obese women can run...like a 5K. Can a woman of 300 lbs run? How does she start?

Why is it you see men over 300 lbs start running, but you seldom see a woman over 300 lbs running? Is it because we are built different?

I'd like any and all thoughts on this....so that I can ponder.

Thanks,
Dee

seekingstrengthX2

Have you ever watched the Biggest Loser? They usually run on the very first episode! And they are mostly over 300lbs.

I think u see more men because they tend to pay no mind to what others think about them. Women tend to b more self conscious and worried that people r making fun of them.

RUN!!!!

ATLMel

with a quick consult with your doctor, a woman of 300# can definitely run. Take it slow, listen to your body, and get the right kind of shoes. Start with a Couch to 5K style program that alternates running and walking.

As far as obese men vs. women running, I think it's likely that obese men generally aren't as embarrassed about being seen running. For some reason, some obese women I know feel like you have to be in shape to workout......no idea why.

Shannon2714

I was going to say exactly what ATLMel said! Check out the C25K program!! You can Google it and print the entire thing out for free!!! It is amazing! I started at over 250lbs, and I was able to run with this program!

kimbux

"If you think you can, you ANN. If you think you can't, you're right."

YES - women who are 300+ lbs can run. Start out by running 30 seconds, and walking for 90 seconds. Do that for 10 minutes... .then walk another 20 minutes. Work your way up to running more and walking less.

Women worry about what someone will say if they are seen outside trying to exercise - most men don't care... that's the difference!

DO IT - and good luck!

sandylion

They absolutely can, it will just be a lot of work! To start, I would look into a program like couch to 5k to give some direction. I have only tried running a few times on account of my screwed up feet, knees and hips making high impact exercise kind of a bad idea if I want to be able to walk in 10 years, but I wish I could because of the great exercise, runners have the best legs ever! And there is definitely a cool-factor to being part of the "runner" club. I definitely don't have the expertise to tell you how to train, but I know my brother in law did the couch to 5k program and he was pretty heavy when he did it, and had a lot of success!

Go for it!

BerryH

I ran a marathon while borderline obese! Build up gradually with a programme like couch to 5k (C25K) and repeat weeks if you need. Here's the simplest verion:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Here are my beginner's tips, hope they help :flowerforyou:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

Bear in mind point 1:
When you start out, it’s HARD! Even if you think you’re fit, running is so different to anything else you’ve done before you will get out of breath quickly. Stick with it. Can’t manage a minute? Go slow. Still can’t? GO SLOWER!

Now... get out there and RUN!!!

reaolliemama

Yes!!! I KNOW they can...you start by going out and walking and then pick up speed to run...if you can only run 30 seconds the first time it's okay walk again until you feel like trying to run again, the next time you may run for 40 seconds or more, eventually you'll be running longer and longer...as for being self conscious I agree that women tend to care what others think, but since we aren't mind readers, just tell yourself they're thinking "Man, I wish I could run like she is!" Chances are they're thinking "You go, girl!" and you may be an inspiration to others...

lacroyx

Have you ever watched the Biggest Loser? They usually run on the very first episode! And they are mostly over 300lbs.

I think u see more men because they tend to pay no mind to what others think about them. Women tend to b more self conscious and worried that people r making fun of them.

RUN!!!!

pretty much this. I started @ 400#+. Didn't care what others thought. I have seen big women runners too. over 300#? no idea I know better than to ask how much they weigh.

sdavis448

250 lbs here (started at 297)... I just started the c25k program.. but.. i do iton my treadmill... not brave enough to run outside.

paul_draper

I was obese when I started running. Coupled with cycling and dieting used this website I was merely overweight in 2 months, within normal parameters in 4. I used the C25K program which alternates running and walking, gradually increasing the amount of time running.

timboom1

Anyone can run, maybe not far and maybe not fast, but if they stick with it and be smart, every week will show improvement.

fzyfrog

I was almost 300 lbs when I started running. Yes, you can do it. You just have to get out there and take it slow and easy!

Bmontgomery613

Oh, I didn't know they couldn't run. I started running at just under 300lbs. Take it slow. I've even been known to do some of the c25k weeks for a couple of weeks at a time. You can do this...just take it slow and listen to your body.

Also, I've signed up to do my first 5K on July 14th at which point, I will still be obese. Obese women can run, just make sure you listen to your body and talk to your doctor.

And, you go girl!!

blkanmld

I use the C25k program and its awesome!! Just push a little harder on each run and you will see results.. if you dont feel comfortable progressing just do the next week over again. but dont become stagnant!! If you use a Heart Rate Monitor like I do you can see how many calories you burn it will motivate you to run harder.

smcwllms

I'm a male, aged 43. I weighed 368 lbs when I started running (C25K) seven months ago. I was fine, I just monitored my heart rate and pushed myself as much as I possibly could. I weighed in at 261 this morning. If your doc says you can do it, you can do it.

RilantheFirebug

I was around there when I started C25K. The first month was awful on my knees. Like needing to be pulled off the couch, groaning all the way up the stairs, ease yourself into chairs, awful. But! Once that first month was over my knees adjusted and have been fine ever since. If you can push through that first bit you will love it!

teeley

I started running just shy of 300#...

FloridaAimee

I started out at a little over 200 lb (225 by my mom's scale, 220 by my scale). I started out walking as fast as I could for a week, and then started following the couch 2 5k program. If you have a smart phone or iPod Touch, there is a free app for C25k, and it is wonderful! I have had to repeat days, and after getting sick and being down for 4 weeks, I just started over. I have lots a lot of fun doing it, too.

Last night I did my C25k work out, week 1 day 3 (see, I told ya I had to start over), and it was almost EASY. You CAN do it!!

Shoes make the biggest difference. When I first started I was having terrible heel pain. After talking to people about it, I went and got new shoes. No, I didn't go to a running store, I went to Khols and tried on about 10 different pairs of shoes labeled as running shoes. I got a pair of AVIA for about $40.00. A couple of weeks ago, my feet were KILLING me after a walk/run. I put new insoles in them, and all is right with the world. However, I have logged a LOT of miles on these shoes (and all on gravel/black top) so I need new ones (the bottoms are wearing away!), so I will be going to a running store in the next 3 weeks and getting evaluated and fitted for a pair of running shoes, since I've discovered I LIKE RUNNING and will keep up with it!

Just start easy- don't hurt yourself because then you won't want to do it. Take next week and WALK. Walk as fast as you can manage for 30 minutes, with a 5 minute cool down walk. Do it every other day. The following week, start the C25K program.

And if you want a buddy, feel free to friend me I can help you through it.

xoxo
Aimee

FloridaAimee

Also, I've signed up to do my first 5K on July 14th at which point, I will still be obese. Obese women can run, just make sure you listen to your body and talk to your doctor.

And, you go girl!!

I signed up for one on the 4th of July. I KNOW I won't be alb to run the entire thing. But it's a run/walk, so I figure I'll at least come in ahead of the walkers!! LOL

steph1278

I was over 250 pounds when I started C25K and was able to complete the program. I am currently 235.6 pounds and run at least 3 times per week. I think that unless you have other health concerns or injuries, that anyone can do it. A lot of it is mental. When I started, I never thought that I would be able to do it, but I did. I actually love to run now. It is such a great feeling.

cyberskirt

Hey! I fit this question.

I'm over 300 lbs, the weight puts a lot of strain on my joints, especially my knees, I can't go on my knees for most things. I can't run yet, but I'm super close to getting there. I'm thinking I gotta get down to 300 to be able to start. However I just had my NSV of being able to jog in my socks from one end of my work floor to the other without pain.

So, I'm thinking the right shoes and I may be able to at least start the first week of Couch to 5K early.

Smackemdanno

I have had chronic shin splints from running due to starting at over 320 lbs. I have found that if I walk out a distance and then run back that same distance, 1.5-2 miles, I don't have any joint or shin problems. Now that I am 280 and a lot less wiggles when I run, I have less stress on my body. Start out slowly. Run on intervals of time or distance and walk between the intervals. Hooked on running works for me.

poedunk65

Anyone can run.

4thehardman

I am obsessed with running after starting the C25K programme. I want to run everyday and force myself to take a day off once a week. I'm now free running and cover about 3.5km 6 days a week. I currently weigh 245lbs.

katy84o

Get good shoes, and just start slow. Try something like couch 2 5K

kimnsc

I'm considered morbidly obsese at 250 pounds and I can run a 5k....Go to a store that specializes in running and get fit for a good pair of running shoes. Start with the C25K program.

Lots of luck..

chrissyrn04

100% yes

I would make sur eyou dont start out too hardcore and set yourself up for failure. I would follow the couch to 5k and dont stress if it takes you 2-3 weeks for each step instead of one week.

The important thing is you start.

Having ran at 220 lbs and now at 170lbs - its alot easier o your body smaller but duh of course it is. Good shoes, stretching ect is also super important.

I you want to run then run!

cburky911

I am a little over 300lbs now. About a month ago, at 315lbs I ran a half marathon (13.1 miles). There's a book that might help you with getting started. It's called "Running for Mortals" by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield.

At one point I was 440 lbs. and when I started running I thought for sure that the strain of my knees carrying all of that weight would surely create problems, but it has not. I'm guessing I'm just lucky in that regard, but don't let horror stories get you down. Talk to doctors who specialize in sports medicine, they can help you get started in a way that is going to cause less of an impact on your joints and keep you going for years. Also, invest some money in some good running shoes. Most good running stores will put you on a treadmill to check you feet and see if you need stability shoes, neutral shoes or whatever and get you hooked up with a good pair of shoes for you. As you lose more weight go back periodically and get checked out to see if your gait or shoe size has changed. When I started running I wore a 14EE and needed stability shoes, I now wear a 15D in a neutral shoe.

Good luck to you. I'm addicted to running!! You'll find that most people in the running community are very supportive.

AwkwardPumpkin

I would say take it slowly. I messed up my knee at 250 lbs. running, but that was due to high impact on uneven ground. Just take it slow and first and build up your leg strength.

jcstanton

If you've never run before, or if it's been a long time since you've done any running, you probably won't be able to run an entire 5K right out of the gate. I'd start off doing 30 seconds running/2 minutes walking and keep alternating that. I started at 297lbs and I couldn't even walk at a good pace without having some chest pain, so I had to be very careful. I didn't run at all for the first two or three weeks. I'm not saying you shouldn't try. I'm just saying to be careful not to do too much, too fast, and LISTEN to your body. If you're experiencing pain, weakness, or dizziness, stop and rest. You didn't get to 300lbs overnight, you can't expect to be able to run an entire 5K on your first day. It will come in time, though, through persistency and consistency. You can do it, just keep putting one foot in front of the other, but remember you have to learn how to walk before you can run (pun intended).