Obese and running for weight loss

KKabo

I'm 80+ over weight. I want to start running again. Don't like walking and HIIT are scary lol. I need motivating stories and success with how running/jogging helped you lose weight and also what you gained from it. thank you!

KKabo

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tiffanyheth

I also enjoy running and have done the Couch to 5K program a couple of times. Previously, I didn't adjust my food intake and didn't really lose weight. This time around, I'm running and cutting back the calories I eat and it's working for me. I've lost 14 pounds so far and I continue building my running time/distance. I highly recommend Couch to 5K to build up your running stamina.

zillah73

I don't know how much running helped me lose weight – I am sure it did in combination with my other workouts. But, for me, my running success was that I never believed I could do it. I would make jokes like "I only run for the ice cream truck" when I was heavier and self-conscious about it. Every year, I would sit on my front porch and watch the city's biggest 10k pass by and tell myself "someday I am going to do that." The single happiest moment of my weight loss journey was the day I ran across the finish line of that race. This year will be my third time running it. For me, running was how I learned to stop telling myself I couldn't do things and started believing I could accomplish anything.

aleesh_

I started couch to 5k at 250 pounds... I never quite finished it I'm still stuck around week 5 but you don't HAVE to follow the week guide if you don't want just follow your body queues. I'm now 216 pounds, but I also do Jillian Michaels 30 day shred on the days I don't run.

EmilyEmpowered

I don't know how much running helped me lose weight – I am sure it did in combination with my other workouts. But, for me, my running success was that I never believed I could do it. I would make jokes like "I only run for the ice cream truck" when I was heavier and self-conscious about it. Every year, I would sit on my front porch and watch the city's biggest 10k pass by and tell myself "someday I am going to do that." The single happiest moment of my weight loss journey was the day I ran across the finish line of that race. This year will be my third time running it. For me, running was how I learned to stop telling myself I couldn't do things and started believing I could accomplish anything.

This was really inspiring to read, thank you for sharing

caribear1984

I am doing this now. I am 150 pounds overweight and have recently taken up jogging. I am hoping to see some nice losses with it. I just signed up for a 5k in March, and I plan on jogging as much of it as possible. Just knowing that I can do it is a huge confidence booster. If I can do it, you can do it.

kimberlyshian

I have been doing MFP since January 1st and exercising too. My school is sponsoring a 5k in March and I wanted to participate so I downloaded the Couch to 5k app and LOVE it. I have never been a runner, but it's amazing how much it has already helped me build my endurance and that I can actually do it.

MaraDiaz

I have back problems and when I started last year my left knee was starting to give me trouble. So what I did when I got bored of walking is run, sometimes just a few steps, until it hurt (or until my fat self was gasping like I was gonna die!) and then walk again. So if nothing else maybe you could alternate walking and jogging? Heck I still alternate walking and jogging most days. It's just that I can run 20 minutes or more instead of 20 seconds before I start walking again.

majope

Running most definitely helped me lose weight two years ago. Eating back the calories I burned running kept me from being hungry all the time, so I could stick with a deficit long enough to lose 35 pounds.

That time I was running to help lose weight--this time, I'm losing weight to see if it will help my running. Somewhere along the way I morphed into a habitual, year-round runner with specific goals. It's not just for the calories anymore! But oh, man, it sure helps...my weekly long run is now 8 miles, burning something like 900 calories. That day essentially becomes a "cheat" day without cheating, because it's a lot to eat back. Pizza night without guilt!

EpicMeyri

I don't know how much running helped me lose weight – I am sure it did in combination with my other workouts. But, for me, my running success was that I never believed I could do it. I would make jokes like "I only run for the ice cream truck" when I was heavier and self-conscious about it. Every year, I would sit on my front porch and watch the city's biggest 10k pass by and tell myself "someday I am going to do that." The single happiest moment of my weight loss journey was the day I ran across the finish line of that race. This year will be my third time running it. For me, running was how I learned to stop telling myself I couldn't do things and started believing I could accomplish anything.

WOW! omg this actually made eyes watery.. :sad: This is very inspiring! I also get made fun of a lot,. And I recently started jogging. I understand exactly how you feel. Jogging actually makes me feel amazing inside and out. and I feel it boosts up my self esteem and my confidence. I stopped caring if others are looking at me! I want to reach the running stage. For now I will stick with Jogging until I boost up my stamina! Thank you for making my night!

sw: 242
cw:219

wolfelements

I don't run, I have a horrible balance that's made worse by running. But I wanted to say KUDOS to all of you for running or starting to run. I admire anyone who can do that.

fittertanme

hi there well you will love running but first see your doctor to make sure you are ok to do it then like me and others have done do the couch to 5k program its great and build you up to it so have fun and enjoy and you could look at the parkrun website they have 5k runs every saturday and might be one near you

TheBeerRunner

I'm not exactly a great motivator, but I am overweight and have been running for some time now to lose weight... I'm 5'9 and currently weigh 242 lbs. Two years ago I started running when I weighed 265 or so. I ran and didn't really watch my diet.. Over a year I probably lost 15 lbs and completed two 5 mile races, mind you not in any sort of record time. My pace is around 5.5 mph. Unfortunately, I got hurt last spring and I ended up gaining back most of what I had lost.

Back in January I started running again and started out slow. I also began watching my diet, which has been a huge help. Every pound I lose makes it a little easier to run further and faster. Start out slow and don't overdo it. That's really the best advice I can give. In no time you'll be able to run further and faster.

JanieJack

Walking/Running helped me lose 60lbs about 6 years ago. I started off with a treadmill set on 1% incline and walking to one show/movie per night (about half an hour to 1 hr). Every once in awhile I'd get into a really good movie and actually walk the whole 2 hours. Then I started running.

I switched to walking and other things and over time my weight crept back up a little (20lbs). I'm currently doing running and CrossFit, and the combination has really helped.

Hope you find something that works for you!

Duck_Puddle

I was morbidly obese (about 90lbs or so overweight) when I started running. It is all I do for exercise. I wasn't able to run to my mailbox, and within a year was running long runs about 2 hrs. I started with a c25k-esque program, but kind of bagged it half way through and just ran instead. Running allows me to burn enough calories that I can eat enough food to be happy but still lose weight. It does wonders to control my anxiety and stress. If you want anything more soul searching or inspiring, my whole running story is in my profile (and I'm way too lazy to type it again).

ohenry78

Just tossing my advice out for what it's worth.

I tried the couch to 5k program, and I was about 100 lbs away from where I needed to be. I could make it through, shin splints and all, during the "warm up" phases (the shorter jog periods toward the start of the program). But eventually it took a toll on my knees. Thankfully, no ligament or cartilage damage, but my kneecap got knocked a bit off its track and my knee squeaked like a rusty hinge. Thankfully it is something that is fixable with a little exercise, but it was still kind of a scary prospect, trying to lose weight and having a sore knee.

What's worked really well for my is the elliptical runner. It gets your whole body worked out and burns a great amount of calories. The large burn you get on here will help your weight loss start, and minimize knee impact. And if you push yourself, you'll get your cardio system to be healthier too. This is all great prep for running. I plan on trying the Cto5k once I lose more (currently 310, want to try this when I get around 250 or so).

But the best thing to do is listen to your body. Try it out, and see if you feel "good" sore or "bad, injured" sore. Make sure to stretch before and after, and cool down with a walk rather than sitting down and stopping right away. And if it works, you have my best wishes in succeeding! (well, you have those either way)

roblumpkin

Last year i lost 89 pounds running......9 months after starting i ran a half marathon and also a Ragnar relay...it was the best i ever felt! I have since gained back most of the weight after injuring my knee and am now finally able to get going again. It is not easy but the way i did it(mind you when i started i weighed 279 pounds) i would run for 2 minutes and try to increase it by a minute at least every week then walk the rest of the half hour. so i would do 2 min run and 28 min walk. As i lost it got easier and easier till i could run for 30 min straight. The key i learned from a friend was to run slow. You dont have to set the treadmill up to 5 or 6 start at 4MPH and go from there. Good luck!

ajourney2beme

I'm still 150lb from my goal weight, but I jog occasionally. I used to do it more but stopped the reason is because 20lb heavier (at about 330lb) I got really into jogging intervals (15 sec, then 30 with a 1-2 minute break and another interval for about 30-45 min 3x a week) but it started to hurt my knees and ankles even though I lost those 20ish lb in a month doing it. I stopped jogging because I got scared I was going to injure myself badly. Now (20lb lighter as i said) I still jog but not for long (maybe 30 seconds) and not often (about 3x in a 30 minute walk) and maybe twice a week. I've been doing this for about 3-4 weeks now and haven't had any knee/ankle problems this time. As it helps me lose weight I'll probably try to add more. My point being, TRUST YOUR BODY! If anything starts to hurt, cut back a little until it's comfortable. Don't push yourself into an injury.

RadioactivePirate

Running is my primary source of exercise! I started walking when I was about 220lbs (after 40 pounds lost from diet alone) and when I got a little better and a little bored I started adding a bit of running. When I started I couldn't run 100 feet, now I run 3 miles several times a week, and have gone up to 4 miles at a time. I'm taking a coached running class, and I run with my cousins.

The best part of it beyond the physical health benefits though are the mental health benefits. I am amazed at myself every single time that I am actually RUNNING. Me! Healthy enough to run for miles! And it provides me with a set of goals and accomplishments that are healthy but not related to weight loss, which is excellent for motivation-- it's good to look beyond the scale to your overall health. It makes me feel great about myself. And I also find it fun. I'm seeing parts of the city I've never been to before, meeting great people, getting to know my extended family-in-law (the cousins I run with now). I'm still obese technically, though I've only got a few pounds left until I reach overweight, and I'm a slow runner for sure, but it's definitely done me a lot of good.

I'm signed up for 3 races this year so far and I can't wait!

RunningOnPurple

I cannot run* due to a torn meniscus in my right knee. However I started walking probably at around 330 to 340 and never looked back. I walked a 5K on January 1 and have another one scheduled in April. I also wanted to say that if you try C25K and it isn't for you, don't be discouraged. When I could run and tried it before, I hated it. I much prefer to do my own thing and once I get my knee fixed (which will hopefully be soon) I'll start my own plan for running again.


*Since I've lost weight I've noticed that I can run for up to a minute at a time with no pain but I won't run anymore than that because I don't want to risk further injury. In the beginning, though, I really couldn't run at all.

Good luck to you!

pronetocrash91

I have been hearing a lot about C25K. It sounds like ''fun'' but the fact that I'm morbidly obese puts me off of doing it right now. I'll continue to think about it in the future though, for when I'm more comfortable to jog/run in public.

RunningOnPurple

I have been hearing a lot about C25K. It sounds like ''fun'' but the fact that I'm morbidly obese puts me off of doing it right now. I'll continue to think about it in the future though, for when I'm more comfortable to jog/run in public.

I am most likely more morbidly obese than you and given a functioning knee I would run like the (very slow) wind. Don't talk yourself out of something you might love.

badmojo108

I misread the original post, my apologies.

prium01

I have lost about 16 pounds with Running.First I started with Walking with about 167 pounds and Jogging and then Running.It has taken me around 1 and a half months to run consistently for about 30 mins.I run every alternate day.I am longing for more.Please start it slow and its a great exercise.You are doing great.Keeping track of food is also very important.All the best!

ldrosophila

I'm not sure if she is still on here but there used to be a larger girl who was running 5K.I think she was over 300lbs such an inspiration

Givemewings

I was never any good at running at school. I was always the one at the back of the cross country race struggling with my breathing and a stitch in my side. I started running in Summer 2011 after reading the forums here on MFP. I started Couch to 5k and have not looked back since. It was very hard at first and I had to have two tries at completing the program but it is so worth it! I ran my first 10k last summer and it was one of the biggest achievements of my life. This may sound over the top but I never thought i would do something like that and nobody can take that medal away from me! And running makes me feel great! I have lost over 40lbs now and am still working on my running. It isn't always easy to keep running regularly but I always come back to it and I think it is something I will do for the rest of my life

zeeyahsubhan

whats a couch to 5k

borom44

Hi

Started running at 276lb in Mid Jan 2010

Completed my first 10K 09/04/2010 in 1:04:49 mapped by run keeper. Completed my last June 2010 57:04 (This was coupled with a Weight Watchers diet, which up to May 2010 I had shed 75lb starting Jan 2010.) before the Knee problems hit, had to stop running following doctors advice 18 months later put 64lb back. Started again Jan as I have signed up for a coast to coast cycle challenge in July, change of exercise but results are coming and fitness has improved loads

Only advice would be make sure you invest in decent running shoes, if you detect problems with you knees seek medical advice. Good Luck

KKabo

Thank you guys! This really helped! bought some running shoes and will be starting on monday!