Slow Fat Runner

redhousecat

I am slow and a little flabby, but I make sure I run a 5k race every weekend. They are more motivating for me than a training run. No one will laugh, and congrats on getting out there!

PJBDragon

I've lost 112 lbs over the last 2 years and started running this year for the first time in my life (I'm 51). You can walk, run, jog, whatever you want - don't let anyone tell you different. The only challenge you are setting is for yourself. The first race I entered was only about 3 weeks beforehand and it was 3.5 miles - I had lost most of my weight by then and I had been doing toning/strength-building exercises. I set the goal of being able to jog the whole race for myself - no one else. I sucessfully did it but that wasn't the whole point - it was only a 'goal' - you need a goal or you nothing to work toward. You win (for yourself) just going and competing - for you a good goal may be to run 50% of the race and walk in between. You have nothing to prove except to yourself - just showing up and doing your best is a major sucess.

My suggestion(s)

Don't run everyday while training. Run about 3 times a week (every other day with two days rest after the third run) - you need to give your muscles a chance to recover/grow. Don't run the three days preceding the race - you need to give your body a chance to be in top readiness the day of the race - you don't want to start a race with sore muscles if it can be avoided.

There are alot of other things you need to consider (not necessarily in order of importance):

(1) Drink enough water while and after you exercise
(2) Stretch before and after running - this is a major key to avoiding shin splints - you can find stretching exercises on the web.
(3) When you start walk for a while first to get your muscles warmed up - don't push too hard in the beginning. Combine walking and running and be sure to walk for a while to cool down afterwards - don't just stop running and sit down - you'l get cramps and set yourself back.
(4) It's also a good idea to drink a protien shake afterwards to give your body enough raw protien to rebuild those muscles.

iconnor

I totally agree about the shoes. Go to a running store like Fleet Feet and have the experts find you the right shoe. Also try Jeff Galloway's method to running: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/walk_breaks.html. He's a marathon runner and many people (including myself) have used it and have gotten great results. I started walking one minute, runing one minute, ete, and after a month it gets a lot easier. I trained using this method for a ten-miler this year and it was great.

MinnieInMaine

Good for you!!! No one will laugh.. In fact, you may even find someone to walk/run with you. My last 5k had some brutal hills and the heat/humidity kicked in so I wasn't able to run the whole thing This woman caught up to me and started chatting with me so we ran and walked together a few times. I'd keep running then she'd catch up to me while I walked, etc.

My favorite part of these events is people watching so even if I'm alone it's a blast - catching little tidbits of conversations, checking out what everyone's wearing, cheering others on, etc.

Have fun!!

drgndancer

I'm not going to promise that everyone you meet will be nice, there's jerks in every crowd, but by and large runners will be some of the most supportive people you meet. Take it slow, and have fun. As other's have said, if you haven't done so already, look into getting fitted for shoes. They'll help prevent training injuries. You're probably fine with anything right now, but by week 6 you'll be running consistently enough that good shoes will be a life saver. Be sure to go to a good running shop, not a big box athletic store. Someone else mentioned this piece earlier in the thread, but I thought I'd link it:

http://flintland.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

This is a pretty good approximation of what most runners think when they see heavier newbies working hard.

fatgottago

Can I just say WOW! I have chill bumps from all the responses from ya'll!!!!!! Ya'll gave me some great information and I am so excited to run. It's funny, I never thought I would be excited about running, but I am. I can feel the change this time. I have almost 90 pounds to lose and I will. I just have to stay motiviated and on track.

I am going to check out the fleet feet store and get a good pair of shoes. I am sure that is why I am having shin splits. I will also just run 3 times a week and walk the rest of the time. I bought Chris Powell 7 Day Carb Cycle book and I am using his nutrition plan. He suggest alternating High Carb days with low carb days.....I will see if it works.

Thanks you for your support, it is nice ot have friends!!!!!!

Endierunner

I've been a fat runner for more than 20 years, and have participated in lots of races, but amazingly enough, have never been the last person to finish a race! and I agree with Drgndancer -- out of a 100 people, 98 of them will be nice. Despite their reputation as arrogant, real runners are welcoming and kind to all body types. besides, I find that after 20 minute of exertion, I no longer care what anyone thinks! about injuries: listen to your body. It always knows what you should do next.

LovePBandJ

I'm not going to promise that everyone you meet will be nice, there's jerks in every crowd, but by and large runners will be some of the most supportive people you meet. Take it slow, and have fun. As other's have said, if you haven't done so already, look into getting fitted for shoes. They'll help prevent training injuries. You're probably fine with anything right now, but by week 6 you'll be running consistently enough that good shoes will be a life saver. Be sure to go to a good running shop, not a big box athletic store. Someone else mentioned this piece earlier in the thread, but I thought I'd link it:

http://flintland.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

This is a pretty good approximation of what most runners think when they see heavier newbies working hard.

Great Blog!

needamulligan

Re: shin splints. stretch, warm up and make sure you have good shoes. Shin splints derailed my walking/jogging a few years ago. I regret that I didn't address it before it got in the way of my jogging! And, GO FOR IT!! You aren't running for anyone but yourself!

algebravoodoo

I think Freddy Mercury summed it up best...

"Now I got mortgages on homes
I got stiffness in ma' bones
Ain't no beauty Queens in this locality (I tell you)
Oh but I still get my pleasure
Still get my greatest treasure
Heap big woman you gonna make a big man out of me"

"Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go round"

Like so many others, I got nothing but support from other runners, no matter how slow I was. Most were glad to see another convert hitting the trails and pavement.

drakechic08

No one will care how fast or slow you are. I have done 4 halves and I'm usually second to last because I walk most of it, but I'm still out there doing it. Go get fitted for good shoes. They can be expensive, but it is worth it. Also buy wicking socks. Your feet will thank you. Search for a walk/jog plan and start it. Don't push too hard at first. Shin splints are usually a sign of over doing it. If you do get them ice a lot and back off.

GiddyupTim

I am not fat, just slow.
But . . .
Whatever you do, keep it FUN!
Much more important to establish a habit of something that you like to do -- that is comfortable -- than to try to improve too fast and hurt yourself or hate it and stop.

shan11180

I'm so happy I came across this thread!! I am SUPER fat (for now) and SUPER slow (for now). I've been honestly thinking about starting the attempt at jogging, but my fear of how I look is what stops me. That being said, once upon a time I made it my goal to run a 5k without stopping or walking. Now, mind you, I had walkers passing me as I "jogged" but I CANNOT believe the amazing support I found when I was near the finish line. Truly ready to give up, I remember one woman in particular - she had finished the race and was probably 100 lbs soaking wet, but she was jogging up and down the sidelines yelling and cheering for everyone! It was probably one of the most amazing moments of my life. I couldn't believe that she actually finished the race, and took the time to come over and chase me for a few feet just to tell me how great I was doing and how close I was and to NOT GIVE UP! (I'm getting goose bumps all over again as I type this story) Truly amazing!

Once I completed that 5k, I basically quit everything. Moving, eating right, exercising. Now that I'm back at it and feeling better, I really want to start the jogging process again. I'm terrified. I had the craziest thought the other day about wanting to run a half marathon. I think I'll add it to my bucket list.

All that being said, I completely understand your hesitation. I'm hoping these next words I will digest and apply to myself as well, but YOU GOT THIS! Who gives a rip what others think!??! As so many others said, you'll be doing LAPS around those folks hanging out on the couch!

dawnna76

scottb81 wrote: »

Nobody will laugh. Everybody atarted sometime and nearly everbody remembers how hard it was when they first started.

we all started somewhere. thanks to FB time hop i was reminded today of the first mile a jogged all at once. It was 6 years and 70 pounds ago and it nearly killed me. I walked, jogged my first couple 5ks, actually breaking down crying as i crossed the finish at my first 47 minutes after i started!

I will be running my first marathon in two weeks. You CAN DO THIS!