Too big to run??

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Replies

  • runinsolitude
    runinsolitude Posts: 1
    Do the couch to 5k program, I completed the 9 weeks program in 2011 and have been running ever since.. be warned though, running is addictive.
  • chubbygirl253
    chubbygirl253 Posts: 1,309 Member
    I started c25k at 300+ lbs and ran my 1st 5k Dec 1st. That 1st 5k I walked about 25% of it but since then I have jogged the full 3.1 miles twice. It took me 4 months instead of 9 wks but I luv it. My next 5k race is in May. So excited! If I can do it (I'm 274 lbs) I'm sure you can too. Take it slow, speed will come later. Give yourself permission to repeat weeks. Get good shoes. Try not to pound the pavement like you are mad at the ground, just do soft landings with each step to save your knees and other joints.
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml


    C25K, best thing I ever did.
  • jebo1982
    jebo1982 Posts: 85 Member
    As long as you start off slow (couch 2 5k is awesome and there are free apps for iphone and droid) you will be fine. dont be afraid to
    repeat weeks of it either. I jogged when I was 280 pounds with no problem. I need to start back up though. Jogging really helps my
    weight loss.

    I will also send you an add request.
  • kaltey
    kaltey Posts: 20 Member
    You've gotta start somewhere so, no not too big. I think I started out at 5.0 for a mile and increased it little by little. I agree with getting fitted for the right shoes, they help so much. Also, I've learned the hard way that when your body hurts, stop. I'm a swimmer, not a runner and have tendinitis in my shoulder, that I can push through. Pain in my knees, not so much.
  • boppinmama
    boppinmama Posts: 2 Member
    Couch to 5k is the best way to start! Remember to STRETCH before and after each session! I started training in August at 250+ and after a handful of 5K's, I finished my first 10K last month In the 220's You can definitely do it!! Don't focus on speed, focus on endurance and things will fall into place. If you are interested in working on speed, sprints and running intervals will help. One more thing... don't over do it. It's so easy to get muscle overuse injuries. Good luck!!
  • Doodlewhopper
    Doodlewhopper Posts: 1,018 Member
    You arent too big to run.

    Go to a running store and get fitted for good supporting running shoes (for heavy runners.) Big runners will bottom out a light shoe which can cause leg, hip and back pain.

    Ignore any advice telling you to take ibuprofen or any other NSAIDS before you run.

    NSAIDS are things like Motrin and Aleve (also known as Ibuprofen and Naproxen). NSAIDS cause constriction of the arteries feeding the kidneys. You are already reducing renal blood flow when running and especially if you arent hydrated Constricting the renal arteries can lead to renal failure.

    If you are stiff and sore stretch and warm up before going. If you still have pain stop. Listen to your body.

    Start slow and take a day off in between runs.

    If you have questions on anything feel free to pm me.
  • brandie_lou
    brandie_lou Posts: 46
    I just wanted to say I'm so glad you posted this, because the responses are encouraging to me as well. I'm heavier than you are (too embarrassed to give my weight) but to hear about people having success at 300+ lbs is really inspiring. I've always wanted to run because that's always been my image of fit. I think I'm going to try the C25K. I tried it a few months ago and couldn't do it but I'm working much harder in the gym now so I'm going to give it a try also. If I could run a few minutes (enough for people to notice) I'd soooo do it in public. So weird how running in public is such a big deal. Kinda like how some people feel about a gym before they ever go, that all the attention will be on them when it actually isn't. I wonder if the running world is like that. I'd love, love, love to run a marathon and complete it within the time, or good time.

    Congrats on your weight loss and I'm also looking for encouraging friends so feel free to add me if you'd like :)
  • babeinthemoon
    babeinthemoon Posts: 471 Member
    When I started working towards the c25k program I was just under 230 lbs (5'4"). I started out by jogging for a few feet once a song (on my phone) during my walks. Eventually I got to the point that I figured I was close to being able to do "day 1," so I loaded up the zen lab's c25k app, and gave it a try. It took me 3 weeks, but I finally was able to do all of the 1 minute "runs" between all of the walking. It wasn't until I accomplished this, that I moved on to day 2. That was in the middle of October.

    Now it is the December, and I am done with c25k. I still have not run a whole 5k yet, but I can run/walk one in under 45 minutes regularly. This is the end of week 11 of running (not including the extra 3 weeks of trying to do day 1). and I love it. I went from the girl who "hates to sweat" to one who actually thinks it is cool when I do. Now.... the cool weather might have something to do with that, but I'm not complaining right now. Tomorrow my goal is to run at least 38 minutes, with the goal to run a full 5k distance.

    Get started with the exercise clothes that you have. Make sure that you have good running shoes. Start slow, and take more walking breaks if you have to. If you end up with exercise or cold induced asthma, consider a scarf, cowl or "neck gaiter" around your mouth to breath through until your whole body warms up. This helps me a whole lot. Oh, and don't forget to make an appt with your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions that might flare up when running.

    You can do this!!!!!
  • JewelE77
    JewelE77 Posts: 134 Member

    Get started with the exercise clothes that you have. Make sure that you have good running shoes. Start slow, and take more walking breaks if you have to. If you end up with exercise or cold induced asthma, consider a scarf, cowl or "neck gaiter" around your mouth to breath through until your whole body warms up. This helps me a whole lot. Oh, and don't forget to make an appt with your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions that might flare up when running.

    You can do this!!!!!

    I have cold induced/exercise induced asthma and never though of the scarf/cowl idea before, thank you so much! :)
  • snowboardn
    snowboardn Posts: 43
    I started at 308 lbs... and while I cannot run even a quarter mile straight yet... I can still run, my feet don't hurt, I don't have shin splints so if I can do it comfortably (taking it slow and easy) anyone can do it.
  • findgod2findlife
    findgod2findlife Posts: 27 Member
    THANK YOU ALL!! I'm definitely going to do the C25k program! I've heard so many great things about it!! thanks again!!
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    I was bigger than you when I started c25, and did my first half last year. Try it. It is very rewarding.

    My biggest advice would be not to neglect your stretching. Make sure you stretch out very well after each run. Your weight will mean your leg muscles will take some strain, and you need to look after them. Also you might want to look into a once a month sports massage.
  • LizardQueen4PointOh
    LizardQueen4PointOh Posts: 245 Member
    I was very obese, but ran mail box to mail box, then 2 mail boxes..and so on.
    I'd jog, then walk, and before long I was going a whole half mile, then a mile, then 2 miles....
    Just get out and give it a go.
    Take it slow...mail box to mail box.

    I do this! Mail box to mail box or driveway to driveway.
    I am 5'7 and 215. I started running two years ago at 195, which I ran a half marathon at. I am a slow pace, 12 min mile. I started with the Couch 25K program and swear by it! You can do this! One thing, I swear by the right shoes, get fitted! And the best bra which my fave is Enell.

    I just bought my first pair of fitted running shoes (found out I overpronate - explains excruciating shin splints) and I also use Enell sports bra! I figure if it's good enough to support Oprah, it should support me. :wink:
  • tikafly
    tikafly Posts: 184 Member
    Do C25K. You can do it. Go slow. Don't push too hard. Remember that running builds muscle as well as cardio endurance, so you may feel great but do not push it. I'm recovering from a stress fracture (8-12 weeks recovery) because I pushed it.

    Also, get properly fitted for shoes at a local running store.
  • tuckerrj
    tuckerrj Posts: 1,453 Member
    Build up to it slowly and you'll be okay. I'm 5'9" and 238 and I've been running for a while. The spring loaded decks of most treadmills help make it less stressful. If I run more than 3 - 5 miles on a hard asphalt or concrete surface, my knees, hips and ankles will be 'complaining' the next day. But as I get lighter, I assume that'll get better.
  • LaceyAnderson
    LaceyAnderson Posts: 17 Member
    bump
  • MinimalistShoeAddict
    MinimalistShoeAddict Posts: 1,946 Member
    You can do it!

    Running is awesome! Good luck!

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