obese and running

Cait2286
Cait2286 Posts: 29
in Fitness and Exercise
I would like to know if there are any obese or overweight people that run 5-7 days a week? How much did you weigh when you started giving running a try? I have the urge to run but i dont think my body can take it yet. I did try it today and it felt good but i didnt push too hard. Im 6 foot tall and 248 pounds.
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Replies

  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    I run 5 times a week. (I can't really see why anyone would need or want to run 7.) I started the couch 2 5k programme in Sept or Oct last year. I now run 35+ miles a week.

    What makes you think your body can't 'take it'? And what was the 'it' you were trying to make it do? (How did you tackle your first running session?)
  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    I'm overweight and am about to run my second half marathon on Sunday. And there are women bigger than me at every race I've been in, many of whom have passed me.

    As long as you train properly and take care of yourself, you should be fine.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    I started running at just over 200 pounds - but I've never run 7 days a week, I don't think that's necessary or very smart for anyone unless you have a very specific reason to do it.
    I'd suggest that you start running whenever you feel good doing it, but alternate it with some other forms of exercise so your body gets a break from the running.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    I'm overweight and am about to run my second half marathon on Sunday. And there are women bigger than me at every race I've been in, many of whom have passed me.

    As long as you train properly and take care of yourself, you should be fine.

    So true. Many of the runners at marathons I've been in appear to be overweight - thousands of people - but that doesn't seem to stop them! I often get passed up by heavier people than me. I also get passed by elderly people. That's ok, though, I can handle it. I'm great with endurance, so I can run forever, but I've always been a slowpoke. Been working on pace lately, though. If you want to run, just do it! :drinker:
  • SWilkins75
    SWilkins75 Posts: 277 Member
    Start out walking then speed walking. then jogging and into running. I am only speedwalking now because I am afraid of a heart attack lol Oh and jog in place at home.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    ...but I've never run 7 days a week, I don't think that's necessary or very smart...alternate it with some other forms of exercise so your body gets a break from the running.

    ^This. Overtraining almost assures you of getting injuries. Some of those injuries can be debilitating and take months to heal. Be careful!
  • cleanandlean2012
    cleanandlean2012 Posts: 71 Member
    Hi

    I am currently 220lbs, but have been running since I was 235lbs (I am 5' 3.5"). I will be doing a 10k on October 7th. Take things slowly and enjoy the improvements. I went from very slow 18 minutes per mile to 14:45 minutes per mile in 6 weeks. Wishing you all the best with it. Incidentally I train 4-5 days per week.
  • Elizaj85
    Elizaj85 Posts: 158 Member
    I did the C25K program so I ran three times a week and I was 224lbs!! just have to start out slow and build up to it! :-)
  • keithmustloseweight
    keithmustloseweight Posts: 309 Member
    You might want to try power walking instead of running? Personally my knees wouldn't take it at 220 lbs and at a bit over 200 at the moment they still arn't that happy. Running on grass/mud will lessen the impact and get some decent running shoes if you are going to do it
  • paul_draper
    paul_draper Posts: 91 Member
    I was obese when I started the C25K programme and merely overweight when I finished but I wouldn't recommend running more than 3 times a week. Your muscles need time to recover and your joints are taking quite a pounding with the extra weight. Try a low impact exercise - I cycle to work which is 30 minutes twice daily - on the days you're not running.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    You might want to try power walking instead of running? Personally my knees wouldn't take it at 220 lbs and at a bit over 200 at the moment they still arn't that happy. Running on grass/mud will lessen the impact and get some decent running shoes if you are going to do it

    Have you ever run at 220lb? (Your ticker suggests you've never been that heavy?)
  • keithmustloseweight
    keithmustloseweight Posts: 309 Member
    You might want to try power walking instead of running? Personally my knees wouldn't take it at 220 lbs and at a bit over 200 at the moment they still arn't that happy. Running on grass/mud will lessen the impact and get some decent running shoes if you are going to do it

    Have you ever run at 220lb? (Your ticker suggests you've never been that heavy?)

    There was a life before the ticker.. anyway my knees ached just from walking and the odd time I had to run for a bus. I'm just saying don't go hurting yourself permanently. Everyone is different so you might be fine.
  • p0kers0ph
    p0kers0ph Posts: 250 Member
    I was around 220ish when I started couch to 5k. I say go for it, I ran about 3-5 times a week.
  • lombrica
    lombrica Posts: 1,419 Member
    I'm attempting it... my body let me "know" that it wanted to run... I kept finding myself wanting to try it. So? I decided I'd try. I'm working on C25K... and, I am happy that I'm doing it. I can't say that I am "running" so much as I am jogging/walking. But... I'm attempting and that's all that matters. LOL.

    Plus?!? I'm a whole lot heavier than you are and shorter... so, if I can - you probably can too. Don't let anyone else tell you that you can't - especially if YOUR body is telling you that you can. Try it out - casually, slowly to start. Get a good pair of shoes - that's what made the biggest difference for me (Thanks Meerkat70!!). Listen to your body and see how it goes! Keep us up to date... and GOOD LUCK!!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I was about 235 a few years ago when I started running (I'm just under 5'10") but I've never run more than 5 days a week (4 days most weeks).

    Best suggestion I can offer is to approach it conservatively, most running injuries are a result of too much, too soon, too fast and gradually build up your fitness. Don't neglect cross training (strength, biking, rowing, swimming etc) . Strength helps a lot in terms of injury prevention and overall fitness.

    Have fun!
  • justjenn1977
    justjenn1977 Posts: 437 Member
    I want to run... So badly...
    Last winter I started a modified c25k ... Starting with 15 second increments.... Developed shin splints so badly that I thought I was dying... Took the summer off (from running not exercise)... Tried to start again this week...

    My foot is up and iced... Insane pain... Almost couldn't work... Possible stress fracture... Possible ligament injury... We don't know...

    Doc said maybe I should wait fifty more pounds...


    But damn it I want to run
  • Bmontgomery613
    Bmontgomery613 Posts: 200 Member
    I started the c25K program when I was about 285lbs (I'm 5'8.5). I've read so many posts on here where people say you shouldn't run when you're that heavy because your poor knees. Think of your knees! And I admit, I used to have pretty bad knee issues. They used to ache all the time. Now, they don't bother me. Losing weight, running and strength training has done wonders for my health.

    So, if you want to run, give it a shot. The couch to 5K program is awesome and there are a lot of apps out there that you can download to your phone. Personally, I only run 3-4 days per week. And, definitely go to a running store to get fitted for shoes. It will be a great investment and your knees, shins and ankles will thank you!
  • PaleoRDH
    PaleoRDH Posts: 266
    OMG another 6'0" girl!!! I'm finding all of my long lost sisters on here! LMAO!!! :-) Howdy from another Amazon! Well I've always heard to "power walk" until you aren't overweight anymore because of the strain on the joints. Even when I was very very thin, I was still always injuring my ankle and knee from the long distance running I was doing. It's very hard on your body, but I loved it and hope I can get back into it myself...........
  • StevenV84
    StevenV84 Posts: 19
    When I was 310 lbs, I used to run a lot, but it takes a toll on your knees. I would run 4-5 times a week and there were times I could barely walk. I would suggest running one or two times a week until you lose a little weight, and throw in some elliptical or cycling to give your knees a break.
  • smalleyez06
    smalleyez06 Posts: 132 Member
    I am currently 284 and I am doing the C25K program. I am jogging...not fast or hard but I am doing it. My knees were sore the first couple of days but not hurting sore...like my muscles are sore after a new workout
  • moonlightturk
    moonlightturk Posts: 398
    I weighed 242 at my heighest when I began to run. I jogged mainly and still do at 210lbs. Not 5-6 days but more like 3-4 days a week.
  • ambarr82
    ambarr82 Posts: 27 Member
    Hello everyone,
    I guess technically I'm considered OBESE but I have found I love jogging. I wouldn't call it running yet. I have been walking/jogging for 2 months now. I'm 5'9" and my starting weight was 262 lbs. I walk and jog 3 miles at least 5 days a week. It is HARD not going to lie. I've lost 17 lbs since June 25th. I did my first 5K on August 18th the weekend of my 30th birthday. I finished in 43:24. Not fast but I DID IT!! Tomorrow will be my 2nd run. I think it gets kinda addicting lol.

    I may be wrong but I know when I need a break. My body tells me I should slow down/stop or maybe even an extra day off.

    OH and for my 30th birthday my hubby bought me a curl bar and weights. JUST WHAT I WANTED!!! YAY!!
  • jenjersnapco
    jenjersnapco Posts: 206 Member
    I started running when my BMI was 33. I run 3-4 miles every other day currently but just started 10k training. My main advice is not to over-train and, most importantly, get the right shoes.. Research the heck out of the best shoes and, best of all, go to a running store for their recommendations. They will observe your gait when running to see if you pronate,where your foot strikes, etc. Many overweight people do best with stability control/motion control shoes.
  • Heitor70
    Heitor70 Posts: 56 Member
    I am 5'10 (male) and started running at 228 lbs. I run at a very slow pace first, then progressively faster. On the third week I run 5 miles for two days in a row. Then added another day. On my 4th week I was running 5 miles 4 to 5 days a week. Now I am trying to run faster and go faster than 5 miles per hour. I am at 206 today. Perhaps try to see if you are stressing your ankles or knees too much. Shorter and quicker steps are better. Your posture must be always relaxed and find a pace that works for you. Also, consider the time of day that works best for you and make sure you have a restful sleep always. If you are tired your body will not respond. I still have a long way to go until I reach 180 lbs or less. Good luck and keep trying!
  • mbajrami
    mbajrami Posts: 636 Member
    I started running at around 240 lbs (I'm 5'8). A little running and a lot of walking in intervals at first...outside, treadmill, whatever.
  • walikeheke
    walikeheke Posts: 8
    I started jogging when I was around 315 lbs, after I lost about 15 already and I was pretty slow and couldn't do much, just alternated back and forth between walking and jogging, but now I'm 285 and I can go for at least a few miles at a time at a decent pace. It's not the most miraculous thing but it's much better than it was before, and I'm training for my first 5k fun run. I jog / run about 3-4 days a week and I go outside so I can switch it up and go to different places around town. Sometimes I'll go and jog someplace instead of driving like if I want to go to the bank to run an errand.
  • marijasmin
    marijasmin Posts: 160 Member
    If it is easier get in the pool and move. Easier on the joints too.
  • kittenmcgowan
    kittenmcgowan Posts: 83 Member
    I'm obese. I'm 36.8BMI. I started C25K 6 weeks ago. Tomorrow I'm running 5km for the Bridge to Brisbane. It's my first public race and I'm terrified but really excited too. I know I can do it, I've been training and I run 3 times per week, I do abs and other stuff 3 days and rest 1 day. You're never too big to start, but start small. Try C25K because it's a nice, easy program that builds you at levels your body can tolerate without breaking!
  • rciszek
    rciszek Posts: 134
    I just started the Couch to 5K program, I am overweight at 260 and I try to run between 4-6 days a week depending on how I feel. I have always wanted to run but never been at a weight I thought I could. I have been doing it for three weeks now and I love it. You may be pushing your body too far, doing too much. Do what makes you SLIGHTLY uncomfortable because you have to get some kind of burn out of it but don't push yourself. You could also do something like the Couch to 5K just to get yourself from beginner to runner without hurting yourself too...
  • postrockandcats
    postrockandcats Posts: 1,145 Member
    I was 230 when I started running with C25K a month ago. Since then, I've lost 8 pounds from a combo of that, lifting and diet. My knees are fine, but that's me; I've always had strong legs and knees. If your joints hurt, don't push yourself because you'll hurt yourself more.

    Good shoes, water and a positive outlook do wonders!

    PS- I run 3 days a week.

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