I want to run... but I'm too fat
Replies
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You have had some really amazing progress! Congrats for that!
One thing to be sure of when running is to get the right shoes that can support your weight, some of the lighter weight running shoes don't have enough support and can cause all sorts of knee, hip and other joint problems.
There are lots of programs out there that can help you ease into running. One thing to make sure to remember is not to compare yourself with the skinny gazelles that run effortlessly. That will be you one day, but getting started is going to take work.
One easy way to get started outside is to alternate jogging and walking every other light post.
When that gets easy, go two light posts and walk one, then three, four...and then before you know it, you'll be able to keep going and not have to walk.
And remember, not matter how slow you're going running outside, you're lapping everyone on the couch!
Good luck!0 -
im doing couch to 5k its a walk to run program im doing it outside on my local hills (i live in bfe so i dont worry bout safety as much) but you can do it on a treadmill if you have access to one0
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I certainly can't run any distance at all. I just walk, build up my pace til I feel like I can't walk any faster then jog as long as I can. Believe me, its not very long. I walk at a track and I use the light poles as start/stop points for my jogging. Sometimes I walk an entire lap without jogging, sometimes I do a couple bursts in each lap. I just try to listen to my body and push my self a little bit.
Don't worry about the people watching you. Poo on them. Do you honestly see a lot of larger people walking/running around? No. So you are doing a good thing and maybe you will inspire someone else to get out there and get moving.
Once your breasts are so large, no sports bra will help. It just smooshes them into one giant boob that bounces around. I usually wear a regular underwire bra with a sports bra on top. This is the best I've found to keep them under control.
Keep up the good work. You've done great so far!!0 -
Sorry if this I a repeat because I haven't read the other comments, but a belly binder worked great for me! My dr suggested it & it worked wonders at keeping my midsection flab under control. Congrats to you on your dedication to your weight loss, you have a lot to be proud of! I was about 300 lbs when I started jogging. Now I no longer need the belly binder because compression bottoms work well enough. Please feel free to msg me if you'd like to chat more, I'm sending you a FR. Keep up the good work girl!!!0
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this won't help with the bounce (I feel your pain!!!) but it might help with the self-conscious feeling you get while bouncing around.
warning: this essay made me cry, but in a good way.
http://flintland.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html
What an awesome essay! Very inspiring!
OP dont worry about what other people think. You will be so busy concentrating on what you are doing that you probably wont notice anyone else.
I am 252 lbs (sw 272 at Christmas) and I too want to run. I walked a 5km race in May and thoroughly enjoyed it but boy did I envy those runners. There were about a dozen or so women who were much bigger than me and were able to complete the race running. I was so proud of the fact that they were able to do it. Someday soon, I too will be a runner. I am starting the c25k on Wednesday.0 -
You are an inspiration at losing weight! First think of the progress you have already made, which is quite a bit!
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter,and those who matter don't mind.” Dr. Suess
I say do what you want and become a hot mess now, so you can be a hottie later! Good luck! 0 -
I've just recently gotten the courage to start running outside and I'm actually amazed at how nice other runners are! They always smile and wave to you. They know that at least you're out there doing things!! I'm my own worst critic and I always think everyone is staring and laughing at me but in the long run, my butt is out there doing it and that's the biggest reward all in itself.0
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Do you have access to a treadmill? I don't run now but at one point in my life I got into running and the way I did it was I walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes, then I jogged as long as I could which, to start with, was about 20 seconds! Then I went back to walking for another 10 minutes. The next day I decided to try for 5 minutes of jogging followed by 30 seconds of running and alternating like this for 30 minutes. Each workout I tried to make the jog a bit longer, even if it was just by 5 seconds. I was able to slowly increase (ignoring the people in the gym who I thought were looking at me like I was pathetic). Then, one day, I started the jog part and I just kept going.
A huge congratulations on your success so far!!0 -
like you i want to run too but i think i need to hold out for a bit. i'm currently 200lbs. i know people who are my weight can and do run, but it is so hard on the body. running is just plain hard on the body - even when you're fit - much less when you're carrying around a lot of extra weight. you will get great benefit from fast walking. walk for distance (maybe up to 3 miles or so) and for speed (get up to 4mph). let me tell you, you're going to get your HR up doing just that. if you're bored or no longer feel challenged, do the walks on an incline or a hill.
couch 2 5k is a great program and it might be something that you could start but i would go into it expecting to repeat weeks 3 and 4 times. otherwise i think it's just too hard on your body. again, i know lots of people do it, but i'm just not sure it's all that great for you.
walking will give you great benefit. just keep at it.0 -
like you i want to run too but i think i need to hold out for a bit. i'm currently 200lbs. i know people who are my weight can and do run, but it is so hard on the body. running is just plain hard on the body - even when you're fit - much less when you're carrying around a lot of extra weight. you will get great benefit from fast walking. walk for distance (maybe up to 3 miles or so) and for speed (get up to 4mph). let me tell you, you're going to get your HR up doing just that. if you're bored or no longer feel challenged, do the walks on an incline or a hill.
couch 2 5k is a great program and it might be something that you could start but i would go into it expecting to repeat weeks 3 and 4 times. otherwise i think it's just too hard on your body. again, i know lots of people do it, but i'm just not sure it's all that great for you.
walking will give you great benefit. just keep at it.
On what grounds do you feel that this is not 'great for you'? (I ask this as a former C25-er, who's just come home from an 11 mile run, weighing today more than you do.... )0 -
Run at night!0
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Maybe someone has said this already, but have you considered an eliptical machine? It's very similar to a running motion without any impact at all.
Kills my knees.... :-)0 -
You have truly lost a lot of weight and I am so inspired that you are so committed! I ran once a few weeks ago and was surprised how long I lasted! I have been working out to turbo fire and I think that high intensity cardio has really helped me! If walking is working walk a few minutes then jog a few minutes, even of your jog is just walking really fast! I know you can do it! Good luck Hun!!!!0
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You are roughly the same size I am and I run! I see women larger than me rocking the treadmill at the gym. You aren't too fat! Start slow and work your way up. I'm using the Couch to 5K plan right now.
Congrats on everything you've achieved so far
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you might wanna start on a treadmill. walk first, of course. i figure a treadmill might give you an easier ability to gauge how fast you can go without the pains of bouncing as well as you won't need a partner. though, honestly, i prefer working out alone, 'cos I don't need some idiot blabbing in my ear the whole time.
but yeah, with me, when i was going from walking to running it wasn't easy. I was about 185 lbs. it took some months, but before I knew it I was running for several miles straight. every week, hell, every day, make sure you run for more time than the day before. even if it's just 1 extra minute you go. or even just 15 extra seconds. that's the beauty of running: every day you're pushing yourself to go longer or faster.
hope all this helps.
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I would love to run as well but with over 100 pound still to loose I can't do it either. I have been walking and continue to lose weight. I have just purchased an Elliptical Trainer and let me tell you it really works. I was able to walk for 30 minutes with no problem however, I only got 20 minutes on the Elliptical Trainer and thought I was dying when I got off.0
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Determination far out lasts motivation. Be determined to run not motivated. Start out slow and small and build on that. That means start with a walking program. Walk an extra minute every day three times a week until you reach 60 minutes. Then do the couch to 5 k program. Be determined to finish it even if you have to start over or go back a week in it. Finish it. Run a 5k. Start the 10 k trainer with the same determination you had with the 5k program.0
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I'm not a runner, my knees hate it and I am about 25lbs overweight, but I just wanted to say your weight loss is inspirational!
I personally am a fan of fast walking, despite being a little 5'2" I can do 3.5 miles in my lunch hour, which is enough to get the heart raised sufficiently for fat burning. I hear you regards safety though. I try to go out with a co-worker who walks at a similar pace but he's not in the office much and I the areas near my work aren't the nicest so I have to be careful.
Whatever you decide you might find it useful to get a heart rate monitor, as this will keep in check whether you're overdoing it or not.
Best of luck on your continued journey, what a great job!0 -
No one is ever to fat to run....start off walking while working in alittle jogging...you will soon be jogging then even running, start off small then work to bigger goals!!0
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You're not too fat. I'm still VERY overweight- and every part of me jiggles when I run....but I still do it. Just start out small- and work your way up you'll get there! 0
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i just ran my first full mile today at 174 without stopping. i jiggled and felt like i was going to die but i did it! you can too!!0
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Your desire to run is great! If you want to do it, then try it. There is a great article right now on CNN's website about a guy who lost a ton of weight and went from not running to a 5k and all the way up to marathon. Some ways to get started.
1) If you are at a pool, does that mean you have a gym membership? Check to see if there is a running group or a trainer that can get you started.
2) When you get running shoes ask about groups that are training for specific races. Check them out. I was in a running club that had a group called "I just want to run the whole way and finish". Also sometimes running stores have beginning running groups that you can try.
3) If there is a big race in your area, go to their website. They might have links to local training groups. You don't have to train for the race but you can contact the group and possibly get a trainer or ask about a group that could get you started.
4) If you don't feel like joining a training group, google run/walk training or the Couch to 5K training. I have seen nothing but good reviews of the Couch to 5K training and I think it is free.
Do it! I've been running for 15+ years now and I think it is what makes me happy.0 -
I have difficulties running due to bad knees and a prior calf injury that never healed quite right.
There are tons of things you can do to get that heart rate up.
1. Elliptical
2. Walk
3. Swim
4. My gym has these machines that mimic the movement of roller blading, have no idea what they are called but they don't hurt my knees.
5. Intervals - jog for a minute/walk for a minute
If you really want to do it, you can.0 -
I am totally impressed that you have accomplished so much. That is so awesome! Motivates me and it seems like not much does, but you did it, girl! Thanks!0
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Haven't read all of the responses, but I think I'm at the same current weight as you, and just yesterday I jogged for 1.25 miles. I started with the couch 2 5 k running plan, but haven't followed it completely. It does work, though, and I've worked my endurance for jogging up by doing a lot of high intensity hills and such while I'm walking. When I first started walking, 3mph was uncomfortable for me, but now I generally walk at about 3.7 to 3.9, even with big hills thrown in.
For keeping the girls in place, I would wear a regular bra UNDER your sports bra. That's what's helped me the most. Make sure you have properly fitted stuff, too.0 -
like you i want to run too but i think i need to hold out for a bit. i'm currently 200lbs. i know people who are my weight can and do run, but it is so hard on the body. running is just plain hard on the body - even when you're fit - much less when you're carrying around a lot of extra weight. you will get great benefit from fast walking. walk for distance (maybe up to 3 miles or so) and for speed (get up to 4mph). let me tell you, you're going to get your HR up doing just that. if you're bored or no longer feel challenged, do the walks on an incline or a hill.
couch 2 5k is a great program and it might be something that you could start but i would go into it expecting to repeat weeks 3 and 4 times. otherwise i think it's just too hard on your body. again, i know lots of people do it, but i'm just not sure it's all that great for you.
walking will give you great benefit. just keep at it.
On what grounds do you feel that this is not 'great for you'? (I ask this as a former C25-er, who's just come home from an 11 mile run, weighing today more than you do.... )
i said it was totally doable and that people do it all the time, but that i think it's hard on your body. when i jog just a short distance and my lower body hurts (i have no prior injury or illness) because i'm hauling around 65 extra lbs, it makes me wonder if i shouldn't hold off on the running just a bit.0 -
First A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! on all you have accomplished thus far! you are an inspiration! you should be extremely proud of yourself as well.
i'm not really sure what advise i can give you on how to start running. i sorta just started (not just started recently but just started). i was getting bored walking on the treadmill so i decided to bump up my speed until i was "running" (most people at my gym were walking at the speed i was running) AND I lasted 15 seconds!
i started out so slow on the treadmill - i hated when someone was next to me i felt like they were judging me/making fun of me in their mind. for months i would run 1 minute walk 10 run another minute walk 5. over time i increased my the amount of time i was "running" and decreased the amount of time i was walking. after 6 months i was running more often than walking. as crazy as it sounds i used to run/walk to the food network. HA!!!!
oh and while i was never over 200 i was close and i'm not even 5' yet even at that size i was able to run. does it feel better now that i've dropped the weight yes however it didn't stop me it just slowed me down. 0 -
Saw this video sometime last year. Inspires me all over again when I see it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja9BFx5Mhqo&feature=fvwrel 0 -
When I started running I kept thinking, I remember in high school when my boobs use to bounce, now I wish that was all that bounced. My butt, my stomach, my chins, everything. Now a year into it everything is much tighter. When I started I used C25K and couldn't finish the first day. I just kept trying and now I am starting B210K. Just keep moving! You can do it! Walk, jog or run! They are all good for you and you will just continue to improve. Good luck!0
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Firstly, congratulations on your progress! You should be VERY proud!
I didn't read all the other replies so forgive me if I'm repeating what has already been said.
I would advise you to approach exercise not as a means to lose weight but rather as a means to get fit.
Think like an athlete! Any athlete's worst fear is injury because getting injured means lost training and lost fitness.
I noticed that someone posted info about the pounding your joints will take from running and that is absolutely true.
Keep swimming, keep walking (leave the dog home and take a baseball bat with you). Get on a bike.
Stationary or a regular bike, it matters not. It's low impact, it's fun and you will RIP through calories!
When you get to a weight where YOU feel comfortable running, by all means, do so. Don't try to do too much too fast,
get an injury and the inevitable setback. Swimming, walking, cycling and eventually running. Keep at it and soon
you'll be focused on your first triathlon.
All the Best.0
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