Slow Fat Runner

I ran my first SEVERAL 5Ks at a walk/run...don't feel ashamed of that! You're out there doing it! You'll feel so proud of yourself when you cross that finish line.

I started running about four years ago and it wasn't until the past two years that I was able to run farther than a mile without a walk break. It takes some time, but don't give up! Running has been the best thing to happen to me physically.

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

There'll be lots of people walking and jogging. Keep going with your C25, and use the upcoming race as your motivation. On the day, run as much as you comfortably can. Do it! You'll be great.

No-one will laugh at you. My experience of runners is that they're a fabulous, lovely, supportive bunch. A few months ago, I did a 10k, and came stone, stone last. It was a small event, with mostly club runners. To a person, they were all lovely. I didn't feel patronised, I certainly wasn't laughed at. I was *supported*. They were great.


(From another slow fat runner.... Currently training for her second half marathon. :-) )

I just did a 5k on Saturday and there were many doing the run/walk thing. Nobody will laugh. Everyone started somewhere. I would recommend that you sign up for a 5k around the time you are to finish c25k. That's what I did and I ended up running the whole 5k. It also helped that I had a friend/seasoned running with me, staying back to keep me motivated to get going.

If you are really serious about running, you should invest in some running shoes. Find a local running shoe store and get fitted. Don't just go to a regular shoe store and pick one out based on looks. Running shoes are made for different types of feet based on your stride and such.

Also, search some youtube videos for proper running techniques. Heel strikes are a big problem for a lot of new runners, including myself, which causes shin splints and other running pains. But from my experience, it's not logical to think you can just go out there and put into effect all those techniques. You have to build up strength and endurance to get there. LIke I thought I needed to make sure to kick back my legs, which made me go way too fast and my lungs and heart were very unhappy with me.

For any new runner I always say that it is going to be tough and hard, but once you get your head in the game you can do it! Running is such a mental game of pushing yourself.

Also, I'm 5 feet 0.5 inches and weigh 170 pounds and I run! You can do this! Just keep at it. And when in doubt, repeat a c25k week. I had to do that around the halfway mark. Oh yeah, and I just started a blog http://momto5k.com to chat about all my experiences to becoming a runner. Here's a post all about my c25k journey with stats and numbers of how fast I was running and all that jazz. http://momto5k.com/2012/08/14/my-c25k-journey/

Good luck!

Adding to meerkat's comment about runners being supportive. (It's a very inclusive club......)



This picture was taken at the 2011 Ottawa Marathon, my tri club sets up a cheering station on Wellington and we waited out the last of the walkers.

I'm slow and a little less fat than I used to be but I've found nothing but encouragement and support from other runners.

Just remember to smile as you cross the finish line.

Hey girl,
At least you're out there moving. I think that's great. You're doing better than I am. You've inspired me to try harder.
Take care,
Doni

The running community is the most supportive group I've ever been involved with. I started running 25 years ago, one telephone pole at a time. Because of a recent foot surgery, I was sidelined. I gained 20 pounds, but I'm back at it, running a 17 minute mile-pretty slow, but you have to build up your endurance slowly. So, be patient, and who cares what anyone else thinks? The big picture is you're eating well, and moving your body. Never give up!!!!!

In It To Finish It
That's the motto on the back of Team Last Place's T-shirts. We run. We walk. We laugh. We talk with people on the sidelines. We averaged a 14 minute mile for a marathon on our first time out. I was 240 lbs. at the time.
You won't always be fat...I just dropped under 195 for the first time since my 20s. (I'm 45)
And
You won't always be slow....I'm now averaging an 11 minute mile pace over 10 miles. I'm not fast...yet.
The whole reason I kept with running is that my first race, everyone who passed me encouraged me. The people on the sideline encouraged me. The people at the finish line encouraged me.
Listen to your body. Walk when you need to.
And have fun.

As someone else mentioned I started one light pole at a time! If I see anyone running, regardless of shape or weight, it always makes me smile because that first step really is the hardest and you (not anyone else) are moving yourself forward! I've seen a lot of people walk/run races...I've had to do it myself in the past! Its not how you got to the finish line that counts, its that you got there!!

I agree that runners are a great group of people!! I always make it a point to stand at the finish line cheering other runners on, if someone passes me or vice versa I let them know they are doing a great job. No one will laugh at you or makes remarks, if anything they will be proud of you!

P.S. Good shoes are the most important thing a runner can have!! Good luck at your race!!

I'm a super slow runner (more like walker, but who's counting?) who easily weighs as much as 3 of the girls at the front of the race. I've done one 5K so far, and I'm getting ready to do another at the end of September and a third one in October. I've never had anyone laugh at or make fun of me. As a matter of fact, I've found most people to be quite the opposite. The rest are idiots and don't matter.

I don't have any advice, But I also started C25k Yesterday.... you can friend me if you want

Congratulations on signing up for your first race, that's huge!! NO ONE will laugh or feel badly that you are walk/running. Like everyone else has said the running community is incredibly supportive and walk/run intervals are a great way to start and train (at any level). Make sure you get fit for a good pair of running shoes and progress at a pace/rate that is comfortable for you. Good luck and welcome to the world of running!!!

No one will laugh if you have to walk and jog! I have been doing 5ks for about 7 years and this is the first year that I can say I am actually running/jogging for the majority of a race. I am currently training for my first 1/2 marathon in April and I am told that I should walk/jog when I am doing my longer distances. My step-dad even walks and jogs when he does his marathons so no worries!!! Even some of the very serious runners that I go to races with are just pumped to see more people becoming involved and they always wait at the end and cheer me on to finish The more races I do and the father that I am able to run I just enjoy seeing new faces show up.

I'm slow. (But, getting faster)

I'm fat. (But, getting smaller)

And, yes. I am a runner.

I go at my own pace. A mile is a mile, regardless of speed in my book. I ran a half marathon in May, and am gearing up for another in September. I got better using interval training (exactly like the C25k programs), increasing the amount I can run over time. I may never have a 6-minute mile, but I am out there.

When I ran the half marathon, you tend to end up by people who are at your same pace. I bonded with three great people as we made our way to the finish. Everyone was wonderful! (And, if they aren't - forget them. You are not doing this to impress them, you are doing it for you!)

And, since I am a fan of Tony Horton, I love his line (it makes a great running mantra) 'do your best, and forget the rest.'

Edited to add: missed your questions about shoes/clothes. I went to a good local shoe store and had my step analyzed to find the best shoe for my foot (not based on style).

For the shin splints, make sure you are mostly landing with the pressure at the ball of your foot when you run. If you pound heavy on your heels it causes more pressure and can lead to shin splints. Although, you could always see someone to help evaluate your stride, to lessen the risk of injury.

Get fitted for good shoes and make sure they watch you run so you get the stability you need.

C25K is awesome, there are many free plans out there for once you finish that, activetrainer.com is awesome! Please don't try to wing it and run everyday, you will end up injured.

A foam roller will help immensely with the splints. Make sure you are stretching well!! Warm the muscles before you stretch, I stretch before and after a run, jog 5 minutes to warm up, stretch then start the run, stretch even more after the run. Some people don't need to stetch before but, my muscles stay tight.

Just get out there and do it, be proud, you are a runner! Believe me, others will be proud for you as well.

Good Luck with the 5k!