I think I'm too fat to run right now.....

I started running about a year ago and my back hurt for a couple of weeks. A runner friend had told me that I might be tense when I run and that chould be causing it. I think she was right, I really tried to relax when I ran and the pain went away.

It's a tough call; I used to run quite a bit between the ages of 15-20. I am now 30 and 100 lbs heavier!

My problem is that I tend to try to run as hard as I did when I was a bit younger.

I tried to run about 4 months ago and like you, my back flared up. I have been using an elliptical machine for the past three months (up to level 15) - I ran last week and felt pretty good minus the calf strain that I sustained!

Low impact exercise like the elliptical is a good way to transition back into running....

I would say this ^^^^ We have some at our gym that are supposed to be if you were sprinting, they give you a heck of a workout I end up sweating buckets but easy on my knees!

I would also say, try to find a local running store...I went to one here and paid a little more for my shoes but they put me on a treadmill and recorded my stride and then gave me the right shoes. I would have thought I would need super supportive shoes but they put me in the middle and I have been happy with the shoes they had selected for me. (I know not everyone has that option, I live in Portland, OR so many local places.)

Are you sure Asics are the right shoe for your current stride? If you haven't done it at this weight, You should consider going to a running store, getting your stride checked out, and a shoe recommendation. I started running when I was over 300 pounds and the only thing that ever caused me major pain is my knees, but they are a preexisting problem. I may not be the fastest runner out there, but I've done 5k, 10ks, and even ran/walked half marathons.

I don't know how much you weigh but I'm 5'5 and started this week at 217. I also started the C25K program this week as well and am loving it. Besides not stretching for long enough, I've experienced no major pain. I also did the program when i was about 20 pounds lighter back in the day and was good then too. Perhaps go see a chiropractor if you are having major back and hip pain?

Couch to 5k is awesome!!! I completed it this past summer and it worked really well for me. Before the program, I was never a runner and was also pretty out of shape, I couldn't run to save my life LOL.

As long as I keep it up and run 3 days a week, I continue to consistently lose weight, which I think has also made it easier on my knees. They used to bother me but lately they've been a lot better.

maybe your just out of shape...so just walk 1 mile couple days a week for a month then start running a little at a time or do the c25k program...also if your back is still hurting maybe you need to go see a dr and they can help you out before you start running.

I said I would never run for exercise...I am now doing C25K....I llok like the rhinoceraus from Jumanji who is trailing the the stampede...But I am doing it I am 6'1 and 257....Like to lift weights so it looks like an overweight gorilla trying to run...lol Don't give up

Hard to say. I did c25k summer 2011 at 245lbs with my only pain being (undiagnosed, but textbook symptoms) plantar fasciitis.

But this is different from what your body is used to. Perhaps so. Stretching? Are the support muscles just plain out of shape -- try to build them back up again. Finally, I *am* a big fan of my chiropractor -- one who I've know for years, and my friend's family had seen for 20+ years before I started seeing him, so I definitely trust him.

You could always start with speed walking. Baby steps, you know.

Are you doing the proper stretches to stretch those muscles? I'm 6ft and ran my first 5k at 300lbs with no issues. Before that I had some knee discomfort but the proper stretches fixed that.

Four years ago I weighed 225. I lost over 45 pounds over 9 months by running and doing classes at the gym, along with watching what I ate. I had NEVER run before and started out slowly. I now have run one 10 mile race in 110 minutes, but that's the longest I have ever run. Keep it up, slowly. Good luck with the pain.

I was diagnosed with plantar fascitis 5 years ago and was forced to give up running, treadmill, and my elliptical. The end result was over 100 pounds gained.

I finally decided to suck it up and start again this week after seeing a horrendous photo. I used to to High impact cardio kickboxing for 60 minutes with a 30 minute cool down 5 days a week. This week I plugged in the Wii and EA Active which I used for "rest days" or snow days. I am struggling through a low impact 20 minute workout. There is running in place and I am huffing and puffing for the 2-3 minute sprints ready to keel over a die.

I am getting the back pain, especially the lower back. What happens when you put on weight is that your distribution changes and the pressure on your legs/feet increase. I remember they said years ago that every 10 pounds was equivalent to 100 pounds of pressure per square inch. As you lose weight, it will get better.

The strengthen the back muscles try the shoulder bridge. I found that gaining weight not only puts pressure on different areas, but it seems to promote stiffness as I let the muscles weaken. What has been helping with the normal aches/pains has been basic yoga and flexibility stretches. I like to switch off between the Wii Yoga moves because I can use the board to track my balance and work on my core more effectively. I also use Slim and Limber DVD by Beachbody, and I was turned on last summer to a Tai Chi instructional (also Beachbody) but I did not have the space until recently to set up the work out area.

If anyone is too fat.... it's me and I just look for new ways to work around the ""bad pain". As soon as I get back to a regular job with a normal paycheck, the first thing on my list is finding a good training to help work around that foot limitation.

maybe you need to strengthen your hips and core? try working on squats (post parallel) and KB swings in conjunction with the running. those 2 exercises when done correctly engage your hips and will force you to use your stabilizing muscles in your core

i was running at 224 pounds/ 70 pounds overweight and i never had too many issues besides not being able to breathe :laugh:


ETA i also agree with the above poster about trying minimalist style running where you land on the balls of your feet rather than the heels

I'm a former runner. I've done some 5K's and used to run 5-8 miles a couple times a week. That was just 2 1/2 years ago. Now... I weigh 50 pounds more than I did back than and everytime I try to run, my back and hips KILL ME!!! Just last week I bought new asic shoes & walked 10 min, jogged 1, walked 4, jogged 1, finished by walking. The next day I could barely walk due to back and hip pain. Do than 2 days later I repeated it only I added in a third 1 min jog.... same thing. MAJOR pain the next 2 days.....

If I just walk.... no pain..... I think I'm just too big to run. :frown: :sad: :brokenheart:

Maybe lose 20 pounds and try again? Or keep fighting it & hope my body adjusts?

What are your thoughts? Especially from big girl runners.

The back and hip pain sounds like either your form is off, or you are getting too much impact. I would try switching to indoor running on a cushioned track or equipment until you loose a little weight. Also, if you can't run because it hurts too much, just focus on your diet. Diet is 80%.

It is amazing what excess weight can do. I used to run a lot too, just like you. And just like you, I gained 50 lbs over the years. I have lost 27 lbs since starting MFP and in the beginning, all I could do was walk. I think maybe you just came out of the gate too fast? You will have to ease into it a bit. I used to HATE walking (felt like it wasn't real exercise), so this was tough for me at first. Then one day about a month into eating better and weight loss, I ran a mile on the treadmill. Then 2. Ooh, I was hurting after only 2! Right now I'm running about 5 miles, but it's so harder than it used to be -- mainly recovery. I chalk that up to being 10 years older than I was in my running "prime." Just be careful you don't injure yourself.