First time Jogger at 270 lbs
FelicityEliza36
Posts: 252 Member
So....... I've always "wanted" to be a jogger. When I see them on the sidewalks, I almost envy them. I think it is great for your body, your healthy, your mind - I have just always been "too big"
Recently I have turned my sick addiction of reality tv into watching The Biggest Loser, Extreme Weightloss, and other shows that can motivate me. After watching 300-400 lbs men and women jog/run on the treadmill I thought maybe I could do it.
Monday was my first jog. I woke up early in the morning and just did it. I walked, jogged, walked, jogged, walked for a mile.
Then again this morning I did the same thing.
But I found my mind saying, "go go go - keep going" and my body saying, "stop ouch it hurts" My feet were cramping, my thighs were tight, and my shins were aching. But I was listening to Pandora and the song FIGHTER by Gym Class Heroes came on, and I was able to push myself a little farther.
Does anyone have any advice for me? Or is anyone else in the same situation? A heavy weight trying to run!!!!
Recently I have turned my sick addiction of reality tv into watching The Biggest Loser, Extreme Weightloss, and other shows that can motivate me. After watching 300-400 lbs men and women jog/run on the treadmill I thought maybe I could do it.
Monday was my first jog. I woke up early in the morning and just did it. I walked, jogged, walked, jogged, walked for a mile.
Then again this morning I did the same thing.
But I found my mind saying, "go go go - keep going" and my body saying, "stop ouch it hurts" My feet were cramping, my thighs were tight, and my shins were aching. But I was listening to Pandora and the song FIGHTER by Gym Class Heroes came on, and I was able to push myself a little farther.
Does anyone have any advice for me? Or is anyone else in the same situation? A heavy weight trying to run!!!!
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Replies
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Congrats for taking the first steps! They are hard steps to take, and you should be proud.
Starting off doing walk - jog - walk - jog intervals is the way I started and I am sure loads of other joggers started like that too. My advice is twofold - get a good sports bra and get decent trainers. The trainers should help prevent cramping in your feet, which in turn will reduce cramping everywhere else. And a good sports bra will reduce bouncing up top, which can be a lil' offputting! Other than those two tips (which are probably the only two bits of advice I've ever taken myself), just have at it and watch the pounds melt off.0 -
Dont forget to stretch first! Keep it up!0
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I want to try! I am 226 pounds. i have always wanted to be a jogger/runner too!! my ultimate goal when I finally get healthy is to be able to run a 5k.
You totally motivated me! Tonight, I go on my first jog! I will report back with how it went:)0 -
Walk-run is a great way to ease your way into running - just add a little more every week. I agree with the suggestion of getting a good sports bra and a good pair of running shoes. Just keep doing what you're doing!0
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hey Fab!! I'm also a 270 lb jogger. I started out last year when I was probably around 330 and couldnt make it 0.1 mile without stopping. But I kept going out and pushing until I could make 0.2 miles then I made 0.5 miles.... This weekend I entered a 15K. It will be tough as it is the farthest I will have run to date.
Make sure you stretch, stay hydrated and get a GOOD pair of shoes to run in.
My choice to start running started merely as a means to increase my calories outside of the gym and now I really love it.0 -
Invest in the right shoes and stay off the concrete sidewalks to reduce impact and risk of injury.0
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Stretch before AND after and be hydrated... also good shoes change alot!! Great job!!!0
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Yessss! I started out at 274lbs here.... I was a jogger when I was lighter, but missed it soooo much because of the how I felt after. I don't have any advice because you seem to be on the right track with the right mentality. Awesome, awesome, awesome for you!0
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Find or download the ebook Run Your Butt Off. It gives great advice for beginners, especially how to train without injury. It's a great resource.0
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Jogging/running is hard for anyone starting out, but I can imagine the heavier you are the worse it is. I recently decided I'm tired of living sedentary, and tried jogging too. That mixed walk-jog-run on the first day almost killed me, but it IS getting easier as I go.
Keep it up, and like the above poster said STRETCH! before and after your run 0 -
I started right around the same weight...
I also started with walk jog intrevals...and I would push a little harder and a little longer each run...now I average 5-10km 3 times a week.
If you feel "injured" don't keep pushing, but I say if I am not puking or collapsing I can finish my run ( haven't puked or collapsed yet)0 -
I kept this document that another MFPer posted. I take no credit for it but I wanted to keep it on hand for myself!
********
PROGRAMME
Week 1: ONLY WALK
Week 2: Walk 4 minutes, jog/run 1 minute (W4;R1). In that order. Repeat for total duration of exercise. Stay with this pattern for at least 2 weeks, or as many weeks until is starts feeling easiER (not easy).
Next stage (maybe week 4, maybe later): walk 3 minutes, run 2 (W3;R2). This is the hardest jump to make, as you're effectively doubling your running time. Don't lose heart at this point. As above, do this stage for at least 2 weeks, but more than likely, more than 2 weeks.
Next stage: W2, R3 - now you're running more than walking, but by this point your body has been conditioned for running and your fitness will be much improved, so while daunting on paper, it's probably easier than W3, R2. As above, stay in this pattern for at least 2 weeks, probably more, until it feels noticeably easiER (not easy).
Penultimate stage: W1, R4 - you should be quite fit by this stage, at least relative to where you started. You need to do this, as with all stages, for at least 2 weeks, but likely much longer. You'll know you're ready to move on to just running when the 1 minute of walking is actually beginning to annoy you, and it feels more like a break in your rhythm than a relief. This will come at a different time for every person. It's a leap of faith, and only you'll know when it's time to ditch the walking entirely.
TIPS
- moving onto the next stage is not only about your fitness, but your body conditioning. While your lungs and heart may be ready to move on, your joints and muscles may not be, and moving on too soon increases your risk of injury;
- to help your joints and shins in the early stages (shin splints are almost guaranteed in the early stages), fill some polystyrene cups with water and freeze them. Once frozen, peel away the polystyrene and ice your joints, shins and muscles with them every day after your workout.
- breathe through your mouth and nose when running
- to minimise lower back problems, keep your core engaged while running / walking
- keep your shoulders down and your hands loose. Keep your head down looking in front of you about 10 - 15 metres
- vary your running route
- get out on the roads - a treadmill is great cardio, but it is not actually running. If you view someone on the treadmill in slow motion, the action is closer to jumping (i.e. jumping to keep from falling off) than true running.
- until you can comfortably run for an hour (comfortably means the ability to talk to someone while doing it), SPEED AND DISTANCE ARE IRRELEVANT. Do not worry about running faster or further. Focus on the time. If your run is a mere shuffle or slow jog, it doesn't matter, as long as you're able to do it for an hour. There is plenty of time later for worrying about speed.
- incorporate cross training to work other muscle groups (e.g. swimming) or strength training. Squats and lunges will do your hamstrings and quads a world of good and minimise the incidence of injury.
Good luck
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Iam 187 lbs and did the first day of c25k, it was hard and I sweated buckets but I did it :happy:0
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I would love to be a jogger. I seem to be stuck at the 1min jog/1min walk. I have done that for a mile but can't seem to progress. But at least my legs are lifting.
Best of luck you are great motivation for me.0 -
So....... I've always "wanted" to be a jogger. When I see them on the sidewalks, I almost envy them. I think it is great for your body, your healthy, your mind - I have just always been "too big"
Recently I have turned my sick addiction of reality tv into watching The Biggest Loser, Extreme Weightloss, and other shows that can motivate me. After watching 300-400 lbs men and women jog/run on the treadmill I thought maybe I could do it.
Monday was my first jog. I woke up early in the morning and just did it. I walked, jogged, walked, jogged, walked for a mile.
Then again this morning I did the same thing.
But I found my mind saying, "go go go - keep going" and my body saying, "stop ouch it hurts" My feet were cramping, my thighs were tight, and my shins were aching. But I was listening to Pandora and the song FIGHTER by Gym Class Heroes came on, and I was able to push myself a little farther.
Does anyone have any advice for me? Or is anyone else in the same situation? A heavy weight trying to run!!!!
If your new to it you want to stretch first and maybe after. Your body will ache for the first few weeks so you want to take it easy and build those muscles up. They wont build over night but around week 3 or so you shouldn't be feeling to much pain. I'm currently doing the same thing with jogging. I only jog every other day to try and give my legs enough time to repair properly.0 -
I kept this document that another MFPer posted. I take no credit for it but I wanted to keep it on hand for myself!
********
PROGRAMME
Week 1: ONLY WALK
Week 2: Walk 4 minutes, jog/run 1 minute (W4;R1). In that order. Repeat for total duration of exercise. Stay with this pattern for at least 2 weeks, or as many weeks until is starts feeling easiER (not easy).
Next stage (maybe week 4, maybe later): walk 3 minutes, run 2 (W3;R2). This is the hardest jump to make, as you're effectively doubling your running time. Don't lose heart at this point. As above, do this stage for at least 2 weeks, but more than likely, more than 2 weeks.
Next stage: W2, R3 - now you're running more than walking, but by this point your body has been conditioned for running and your fitness will be much improved, so while daunting on paper, it's probably easier than W3, R2. As above, stay in this pattern for at least 2 weeks, probably more, until it feels noticeably easiER (not easy).
Penultimate stage: W1, R4 - you should be quite fit by this stage, at least relative to where you started. You need to do this, as with all stages, for at least 2 weeks, but likely much longer. You'll know you're ready to move on to just running when the 1 minute of walking is actually beginning to annoy you, and it feels more like a break in your rhythm than a relief. This will come at a different time for every person. It's a leap of faith, and only you'll know when it's time to ditch the walking entirely.
TIPS
- moving onto the next stage is not only about your fitness, but your body conditioning. While your lungs and heart may be ready to move on, your joints and muscles may not be, and moving on too soon increases your risk of injury;
- to help your joints and shins in the early stages (shin splints are almost guaranteed in the early stages), fill some polystyrene cups with water and freeze them. Once frozen, peel away the polystyrene and ice your joints, shins and muscles with them every day after your workout.
- breathe through your mouth and nose when running
- to minimise lower back problems, keep your core engaged while running / walking
- keep your shoulders down and your hands loose. Keep your head down looking in front of you about 10 - 15 metres
- vary your running route
- get out on the roads - a treadmill is great cardio, but it is not actually running. If you view someone on the treadmill in slow motion, the action is closer to jumping (i.e. jumping to keep from falling off) than true running.
- until you can comfortably run for an hour (comfortably means the ability to talk to someone while doing it), SPEED AND DISTANCE ARE IRRELEVANT. Do not worry about running faster or further. Focus on the time. If your run is a mere shuffle or slow jog, it doesn't matter, as long as you're able to do it for an hour. There is plenty of time later for worrying about speed.
- incorporate cross training to work other muscle groups (e.g. swimming) or strength training. Squats and lunges will do your hamstrings and quads a world of good and minimise the incidence of injury.
Good luck
********
Stolen, printed, and stuck on refrigerator 0 -
Get a comfortable pair of running shoes, be consistent and never increase your mileage by more than 10% a week, vary your routes and terrain, keep a log of miles, strava.com and mapmyrun.com are both great, and above all have fun! Good luck and see you on the road!0
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bump0
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I've found that jogging is always somewhat uncomfortable for me - I mean, I always find something hurting a bit. My ankles or my side or shoulders. But I tell myself No Pain, No Gain (or something like that) and I keep going and try to get my mind on something else.
Hang in there - it's going to hurt a bit - but work through it. It'll get less painful the stronger your body gets.0 -
I have also just started to try to jog I weigh 301 but I have always been fairly active eventhough im big. I have started by walking normal, walking fast, and then jogging and repeat I usually do this between power poles to keep track. I do this for 2.89 miles. I really haven't had problems with cramps although my legs are usually sore the next day. I think I will try switching to more jogging once I start feeling that im not out of breathe as much. I wish you luck and keep it up!0
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Main piece of advice from me is to purchase a
DECENT SPORTS BRA!!!!!!!
Honestly their needed!
My second piece of advice is keep at it and keep that chin up girl! Well done you for getting started and before you know it your going to be running miles and miles! Go for it!0 -
A running coach friend of mine told me that one of the biggest mistakes newbies (like me) make is to train too hard too fast. She advised just what you are doing, walk a minute--run a minute and build run time slowly. She also says you have to stretch before and after, and do core strengthening exercises. Best of luck. Sounds like you are on the right track!0
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I started running at 276 pounds ... I am currently 233 pounds and I have run 13 half marathons, several 5Ks and I am training for my first marathon right now. I have lots of advice since I have been there ... and done that ... and still doing that
1. Do not call yourself a jogger -- you are a runner. None of us jog, we walk or we run! If you run 1 step you are a runner and start thinking of yourself as such
2. Dont run 2 days in a row. One reality is that we are a bit heavier and thus put more pressure on our bodies. Running every other day helps with that.
3. Strart cross training now -- elliptical, weight training, and yoga are some of my favorites. All of this will make you a better runner!
4. Look up Jeffgalloway.com. He is a Olympian who pioneered the run/walk/run idea and he is amazing.
5. Sign up for your first race -- it will keep you motivated through the summer.
6. Get at least one "real runners" outfit. They make alot of the Nike clothes in plus sizes and then you can feel and look like everyone else!
I hope this helps.. Friend me if you would like! Oh and for more advice or stories, check out my blog on here. I have chronicalled my up and down journey with running!0 -
OMG Thank you ALL so much. I didn't realize I would get so many commenters so fast, haha.
I really appreciate all the advice and extra motivation.
Any one suggest SPECIFICALLY a good pair of shoes? I had on some Nike's but they aren't specifically for running ( I dont think ) I mostly just used them at the gym before.
According to Livestrong.com, I went about .75 today - half of that was jogging / the other half was walking.0 -
Oh sore legs = hot baths, bath salts, and someone to give them a massage! no pain no gain!0
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Stretching before is usless for runnings. Make sure you warm up, that's what prevents injuries. Walk for a bit or do some jumping jacks before you run.
I run barefoot and in minimalist shoes so I learn to run lightly. Pretend your a cat burlar and try to run as quitely as possible. Keep your steps small and quick which is more efficient. Keep your knees bent so they act a s shock absorbers.
You're doing great! everyone starts off the way you are. I started last August and on Sunday I ran 5.2 miles. Keep it up and in a couple of months you'll be amazed how far you can go. Pushings good but don't go too crazy. You don't want to cross the line to injury.
Have fun and good luck!0 -
C25K (couch to 5k) i was hovering around 300lb started walking first then in January this year started c25k i am now up to 10 k non stop running0
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DO NOT stretch first: you will tear something. Warm up first with an easy walk for 5-10 minutes them stop and stretch a bit (calves, quads, hamstrings, lower back), then run/walk, then stretch really well after. You have the right idea. Listen to your body for signs of REAL pain and tell your brain to shush about the normal strewed of running. :happy: good luck!0
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I'm definitely an advocate for the C25K program. I have always wanted to be a jogger but never thought it was possible because of my lack of endurance and strength. I started the C25K and I'm 6 weeks in right now. At the beginning, jogging for a minute to 2 minutes straight without resting was difficult and yesterday I hit a milestone of jogging for 20 minutes straight without walking, which is the longest I have ever ever jogged IN MY LIFE! Good luck and remember that it doesn't get easier, you just get better!0
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Congratulations on making a start!
You can't go wrong with Couch To 5k (C25K), here's a link to the simplest version:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
Don;t be afraid to repeat a week if you feel you're not ready to move on.
Here are all my beginner's running tips, some might help:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936
Come back and let us know how you get on :flowerforyou:0
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