I think I'm too fat to run right now.....
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I think there were some really good suggestions so far, but for myself I decided the answer was yes. It might take a bit longer, but mixing elliptical /walking with lowering your calorie count will help you get down to a weight where your back and knees are more capable of carrying the weight.
While the suggestion of getting better shoes is a good one, the bottom line is that there is a certain weight where the weight is just too much. Imagine a fit person strapping on 50-100 pounds of weights and running around. Guarantee there would be some joint, knee and back pain.
Exercise is important, but monitoring / moderating food is the key...and you're 90% of the way there with MFP! Good luck!0 -
You used to run and know how to.
If it hurts now, don't force through it thinking it'll do you good anyway.
Wouldn't you hate to reach goal weight thinking of running faster or longer and having your knees or back shot, and no more of it even at lighter weight?0 -
I was 177.4lb when I started C25K this week and in the first couple of sessions my hips and back hurt a bit. I did some pilates to stretch and strengthen them and within a couple of days I noticed a difference, now just a week later it doesn't hurt at all. I don't know if that's any help to you, there's heaps of wonderful suggestions already but that's just my experience.0
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I really do not think you are too fat to run. I was running five miles a day in the Marines for over nine years. At that point in my life I was one mean machine, I weighed 190 lbs to 210 and kept my weight there most of the time. I ran five miles a day, not much pain at all. I ended up with a back injury and was from that point on duumed to issues with running. I would run push it hard, only to find that I paid the price of pain for several days.
Later on in life as I came out of the Marine Corps and began working as Bank Lender my days of running stopped. Arthritis started effecting me in a way I would not understand. It took out my shoulder ball joint, so I had a total shoulder replacement. It has been about nine years since that was done, now I am not able to do pullups, pushups, and I have arturitis in the back, which has caused hernieated discs buldging now. My back cause my legs to go numb. Pain riddles thru my legs constantly. The pain is worse when I do not walk. Walking is good. Not running. Walk and you should make it thru ok, then start jogging later if you have no pain. A brisk walk is just as good as a slow jog. and it is less pain.
I would check out your back, exrays will tell the story. Your age is fine for running. You can do it once you know what is causing your pian.
I wish you the best, I see your determined to do this, I know you will do just that too. Congratulations on making the first step to start your new life, for you.
Keep in touch I would like to hear how your doing. Strength training by using soup cans, jump ropes and elastic type pull ropes help to get you started into the more intense stuff later. Bar bels its . Careful there.
Go for it, Semper Fi, Rob0 -
My physio says that a lot of female running injuries are caused be weak core. Maybe you should look into some Pilates style exercises to stabilize hip and pelvis region?0
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When I started losing weight,I used to weigh 233 pounds and I couldn't run because I would have major knee pain.
After the loss of 50 lbs I can run for 5 minutes (fast,not jogging) but I think that the practice I've done for so long,like brisk pace walking have helped me a lot. And my knee doesn't hurt anymore.
Never quit,just stay positive and make small steps. It will be easier for you because you're a runner 0 -
I started running at 246 pounds.
I also stopped making excuses then.
Working out HURTS! Go to your doctor. Get the right shoes. Find out if there are other reasons why you are hurting. dont STOP unless a medical professional tells you to stop.
Other options? Get an elliptical. Run in the pool. DONT STOP.
Im 5 months and 1 day in and im 193 pounds. I have gone from a size 20 to a size (recently) 12, even though they are too tight to wear in public.. i can still get them on, zip them up, and I can breathe in them!
Now, im saying again.. GO TO THE DOCTOR FIRST. make sure there are no medical reasons you are hurting... if not.. well honey, grit your teeth!
Im beating this weight with Fibromyalgia, COPD, Crohns Disease and several other little illnesses that are biting at my toes every time i start working out. I HURT a lot of the time in my hips, but other places as well.. to the point sometimes I come in.. in tears. But it isnt alway going to BE like this. This is temporary. This is a small price to pay for MY FREEDOM of this hell.. my freedom from this counting calories.. this wondering, this worry.. this constant prison!
Ill be free from this lifestyle some day.. Ill live normal.
If my jeans get a little snug.. well, thats okay because i have the tools to buckle up for a few weeks and take control.. and then i can relax again.
Ill never get like i was.. but ill be damned if i ever allow myself to me stuck in this prison again!
YOU HAVE GOT THIS GIRL.. NEVER EVER STOP!!!! 0 -
I did go to running shoe store and they fit me in these ASIC gels. I do wonder if it isn't more of a hip/back alignment issue. I can't ever sit for too long as my hips will hurt then too. I have been walking and I'm going to keep increasing my miles for the month of Dec and maybe try running again in Jan. I do run on treadmill as I too have planters fasciitis so no pavement for me. I know... I keep thinking of biggest loser people and it's crazy that I can't do what they do! I'm close to 200 pounds which is half their size!!! I may have to think about chiropractor if it keeps up.... Like I said, walking, no problems so far.....
seeing this post now, id like to ask if you have seen a doctor about Fibromyalgia. this is one of the things that lead me to see mine. the hip pain was intense, even when just sitting sometimes.0 -
I actually have Dr appt this Friday. I had bloodwork done last week. Just normal check up stuff...... I'm a little sore this eve after 2 days of LOTS OF WALKING! I just hope it's an "I'm really outta shape" issue and nothing more... :-) Easing into jogging by walking for a month first hopefully FIXES IT!!! Wishful thinking maybe.......0
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I started running at 246 pounds.
I also stopped making excuses then.
Working out HURTS! Go to your doctor. Get the right shoes. Find out if there are other reasons why you are hurting. dont STOP unless a medical professional tells you to stop.
Other options? Get an elliptical. Run in the pool. DONT STOP.
Im 5 months and 1 day in and im 193 pounds. I have gone from a size 20 to a size (recently) 12, even though they are too tight to wear in public.. i can still get them on, zip them up, and I can breathe in them!
Now, im saying again.. GO TO THE DOCTOR FIRST. make sure there are no medical reasons you are hurting... if not.. well honey, grit your teeth!
Im beating this weight with Fibromyalgia, COPD, Crohns Disease and several other little illnesses that are biting at my toes every time i start working out. I HURT a lot of the time in my hips, but other places as well.. to the point sometimes I come in.. in tears. But it isnt alway going to BE like this. This is temporary. This is a small price to pay for MY FREEDOM of this hell.. my freedom from this counting calories.. this wondering, this worry.. this constant prison!
Ill be free from this lifestyle some day.. Ill live normal.
If my jeans get a little snug.. well, thats okay because i have the tools to buckle up for a few weeks and take control.. and then i can relax again.
Ill never get like i was.. but ill be damned if i ever allow myself to me stuck in this prison again!
YOU HAVE GOT THIS GIRL.. NEVER EVER STOP!!!!
U R Amazing:flowerforyou: 0 -
I've always wanted to be a runner. When I was in the Navy, I did a couple 5mi runs here and there, but that was 20 years ago. Last spring, I started trying to get back into shape (from about 350lbs). It took about 3 months of cardio on the elliptical before I could run more than 2 or 3 minutes without wanting to die. Now, at 250lbs, I can do a mile and a half in about 15 min. I was having injury issues, mostly back pain and hamstrings. But, taking the time to properly warm up and stretch and not pushing myself too fast by stopping when my body says "time to stop", the injuries have subsided.
Simply put, your body is saying something isn't right. Make sure your warming up and stretching properly. Make sure you have the proper shoes, and if you're still having issues, see a MD or a chiropractor.0 -
Pending what your Dr says, you might want to find a good chiropractor to make sure everything is in alignment. As others have mentioned, strengthening your core will help too. I started C25K at about 220 lbs and my back and hips were in a lot of pain after a run. As I got in better shape and lost the weight and strengthened my core the pain went away. Baby steps, you will probably have to work up to running without pain.0
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I don't think you're too fat to run. I'm fatter than you and I can run. I can't run a lot, but I'm capable and it doesn't hurt my body during or afterwards. It is something I've worked up to also, not something I rushed into. I'm wondering if your expectation of yourself is too high right now for your fitness level. I bet next week and the week after will be better and that it will continue to get better. Start with less running - perhaps with what your body CAN handle - for now, and continue to work your way up also. I hope you don't get frustrated with yourself. It's okay that you're not at a fitness level that you used to be. You'll be back there soon.0
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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.
True story, especially if you tend to clench your fists when you run - I used to, and had the worst backache imaginable. Some of the best advice I ever got for running was to visualize that you're holding a handful of potato chips in each hand. It helps keep your hands open and prevents tensing up.
On the other hand, losing weight helps FOR SURE. I ran a 5K at about 220, and I hurt for days. Now, almost 30 pounds lighter, I can run faster and longer, and I don't feel like I have an acordian for a spine when I'm done. That's 30 pounds less of impact my joints have to take!0 -
I ran my first 5k on Thanksgiving day, and it took me four days to get my hips to stop hurting. I am 55 pounds too heavy at this time. But I am just running a mile or two now, two to three times a week and its not so bad....keep trying you will find what works best for you.0
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Are you doing C25K?? I just started ..it is harder to jog with more weight but doable...i get itchy and get a sore soleus muscle(inside of calf area) work your way up as you drop weight it will get easier!0
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my knees and back hurt me when I first started running this summer. my trainer told me it's because i had zero strength built up in my core and quads (back of thighs). don't skimp on strength training!0
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At your peak, how do you think you would've felt at the end of a nice long jog wearing a 50 pound backpack?
I wonder if you're running right now exactly as you used to when you were fit as a fiddle. Perhaps you should pretend like you're just starting out to train yourself to carry this backpack you've got on. Bonus, as you catch up with your training, the backpack will get lighter :-)0 -
I am 5'3'' and currently 172. At my heaviest, I was 186. I have run for the last six years or so, and the weight hasn't really been an issue for me. I did have a period about 2 years ago (when I was at about my current weight) where I was having bad hip, knee and shoulder pain, but just on my left side. I went to the chiropractor, and he said I was way out of alignment so that my left foot was striking a lot harder because it was higher up. After about 10 weeks of adjustments and some upper body exercises, I got to the point where my legs were striking about the same way. I've felt much better ever since. I've also really worked on my core muscles and my running form so that I'm not hurting myself. Hope that helps!! 0
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Last summer I was 330lbs.
I ran 8 5k races, 3 10k races, and 2 triathlons.
No, you're not too fat...Just slow down.0 -
Sounds like you need to improve your core to support your body during running, A strong internal belt the abs, obliques and lumbar back will reduce impact stress in the low back and hips. Laying bent leg lifts, back etensions, stability ball front and side crunches, along with fornt and side planks will all help to improve your internal girdle.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.0 -
Nope. You're not!0
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Since you mentioned your hips and back and nothing about your knees, it sounds like you are having some hipflexor issues Do you have an office job or do you sit a lot? Google Iliopsoas and how to stretch your hipflexor muscles as well as increasing your range of motion. It's very common with runners and if you don't find a way to help it it will get worse. I struggle with this so I thought I'd mention it. 0
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I used to run 5 days a week when I was in my early 20's and when I had my first child I gave it up while I was pregnant. Then I got into aerobic classes and weight training after my son was born. It was difficult to get back into running, even after I had lost most of the weight I had gained with pregnancy. I've gained more weight since and still run, but not nearly as far, or as fast and not without pain, either when I'm doing it or after. Fortunately, the pain isn't as enduring as it sounds like yours is, but I have fibromyalgia and there is just about no activity that doesn't hurt somehow. Since it's been so long since I ran on a regular basis (I switch my work-outs to keep challenging my body and avoid boredom) and I haven't lost any significant amount of weight (I would need to lose about 40 lbs to get back to the wieght I was at when I first started running when I was 20) I'm not sure how it would be different if I did lose the wieght. It stands to reason that it would hurt less, but I think doing strengthening excercises and stretching while you work up to the time and distance that you want to run will help reduce the pain while you continue to lose weight. Also, give yourself credit for trying. Sorry it hurts now, but don't give up.0
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Some heavier people seem to be okay running, but I waited until I was almost at goal before starting. I was also recovering from a knee injury and wanted to make sure my knee was strong. I did strength training and a lot of walking before I started running again. I still get some hip pain when I push myself for speed (still slow :ohwell: ) on long runs, but it's a muscle pain (flexor), and stretching exercises after I run help a lot. I also use a wooden rolling pin and "roll" the muscle. I only get back pain from standing too long, so I don't have advice for that. Hopefully, carrying less weight will solve the problem. Good luck!0
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Do you want to run because you really enjoy it? If so, then I hope you are able to soon.
If you are trying to start running as a means to get in better shape but are not in love with pounding the pavement, then please do not run. There are much better ways to achieve your goals. Primarily resistance training and interval (HIIT) in place of traditional cardio.0 -
'run' on the elliptical to get started... much easier on the joints0
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Speed walk! if you have access to a treadmill or hills, speed walk at an incline. You'll get there!! baby steps! 4 years ago I could barely run 6 miles.... I just completed my 1st marathon this past October. And that's after having had 2 babies. Reach for the stars!!! nothing is impossible... just time consuming 0
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Are you competitive? If so you may be overworking yourself trying to accomplish what you did in the past. I'm a very competitive person so for years I would start back working out only to injure myself a week later because I was overdoing it. Just try only walking for a few weeks so that you are not shocking your joints.0
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Try dialing it back a bit -- I did the Couch to 5K program - and yes my hips hurt the first few times (I was out of condition -- so I dialled it back but continued on). Start by walking. If you are not ready to progress in the program, so don't -- stay at that level for an extra week. What's the rush? You don't get extra points for straining and pushing and running it before you are ready. Take your time, listen to your body, and just move.0
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