When to start running?

SDHudgins1976
SDHudgins1976 Posts: 140
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm really just starting out with exercising, and I'm close to 280 pounds with back problems, foot problems and knees that ache, so planning on doing a stationary bike and walking for now.

So I guess this is a question for more experienced people out there, at what point do you guys think I COULD start running. I have the C25K program... I just don't think my body could handle it right now.

I have lots of friends who I keep track of through facebook that run, and it looks like they're always having such fun (even running in the pouring rain) and I know running is not for everyone, but I think it would be nice to try...

This from the girl who said: The only good reason to run is if you're being chased ;)

Replies

  • letobot
    letobot Posts: 205
    If you think your body can't handle jogging/running now, modify the C25K to only walking. If it takes twice as long...so be it. At least you're moving! Of course, if you're still on the fence, ask your doctor.
  • ValerieMomof2
    ValerieMomof2 Posts: 530 Member
    You never know until you try. Talk to your doctor about your back and foot issues, get fitted for some good shoes and get out there. Start the program and let your body guide you. Warm up, cool down and stretch well after, drink plenty of water and see how it goes. Good luck to you!
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    I don't know the answer to your question, but it's great that you're so motivated to do this! I did the C25K and loved it! Definitely talk to your doctor if you're worried, and err on the side of caution if you already have knee problems. In the meantime, definitely work on your overall fitness as that will really help once you start running. Make sure you can easily walk the distance before you start too.
  • themelmac
    themelmac Posts: 59 Member
    I agree with letobot - start with walking. Getting out and moving is half the battle! Maybe if you're able to walk 2 miles and feel good (not exhausted, winded, aching, etc.) when you're done, they you're probably ready.

    I did C25K and it makes all the difference in the world to get a good pair of running shoes. My body ached a LOT less when I got new shoes. And don't forget to stretch! You can definitely do a 5K!
  • Final7C
    Final7C Posts: 1 Member
    As a guy who was pushing 280 lbs. 3 years ago... walking tends to be a better start. It's easier on your knees and your feet. Invest in good shoes for what you're doing though. Do not buy running shoes for walking and vice versa. Find a shoe that you like, that is comfortable though. If you decide to start running, make sure you do plenty of walking as well, you need to get your body up to the level where it can handle large amounts of pressure on those joints (when jogging/running you put up to 4x your weight in pressure on your knees). The walking and a lower caloric intake will reduce your back problems (hopefully). I would just recommend before you do anything too strenuous you speak to your doctor about it.
  • WrenStory
    WrenStory Posts: 103
    I'd walk first and try to drop 100 more lbs. Especially given that you are having back, knee and foot problem. Running isn't the best idea if you are having those kinds of pains at the moment. Brisk walking is great exercise and can help you lose the weight. Good luck.
  • 4mydogs
    4mydogs Posts: 66 Member
    I started at 317 and am now 280, I do a 30 minute walk then do 20 mins of intervals. To start 30 secs to 1 min fast walking or jogging, 2 minute recovery for the next 20 mins then a 5 minute cool down and then stretching. Start with walking and work your way up. I call this my pre-C25K, working on getting my cardio up and I will keep doing it adding in 15 sec or so each week. I do this every other day,on the other days I also do bodyweight excercises. Squats, lunges, pushups, upper body with weights, planks etc to build strength which helps the cardio. Also for starting out, Leslie Sansone walk off the pounds is great!!
  • SDHudgins1976
    SDHudgins1976 Posts: 140
    Just want to say thanks to everyone who has already replied.
    A little more info. I had back surgery two years ago, and my back aches regularly (the aching I figure is a combo of weight and the surgery I had) My foot and knee issues tend to start going away around 240 pounds... so pretty sure they're mostly just weight related! I've had problems with Plantar fasciitis, so I try to make sure I have good shoes, but I'll definitely make sure I get fitted for proper running shoes when I decide to start.
    Doctors have cleared me to "do whatever I feel up to doing" so that's the good news :)
  • lsmsrbls
    lsmsrbls Posts: 232 Member
    I started c25k at 300 pounds and was successful at it, so I'd say whenever your back, knees, and feet feel better.
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    I'm really just starting out with exercising, and I'm close to 280 pounds with back problems, foot problems and knees that ache, so planning on doing a stationary bike and walking for now.

    So I guess this is a question for more experienced people out there, at what point do you guys think I COULD start running. I have the C25K program... I just don't think my body could handle it right now.

    I have lots of friends who I keep track of through facebook that run, and it looks like they're always having such fun (even running in the pouring rain) and I know running is not for everyone, but I think it would be nice to try...

    This from the girl who said: The only good reason to run is if you're being chased ;)

    First, you can do it. Don't think you can't. But it sounds like you have a good idea of what is holding you back. Definitely start with walking and bike (elliptical is great if you have access to one) to build a base.

    Also, don't look at C25K as a set-in-stone program. I did it successfully a few years back (then hurt my knee so I'll be starting again soon) and if I ran into a workout that I couldn't finish or was too hard, I'd just do it again until I felt comfortable with it, then move on to the next week. So a nine-week program was probably more like an 11-12 week program for me.

    I started at about 300lbs and eventually got down to about 280 when I was hurt.
  • Cindy22706
    Cindy22706 Posts: 11 Member
    I think what could really help you is to build up endurance first (even if its not to running). I attempted C25K when I was around 280lbs and it was horrible. I started doing the elliptical and made sure I could actually attempt to workout and then it was easier for me to start jogging... If that makes any sense.
  • evilmj31
    evilmj31 Posts: 55 Member
    I started running when I was around 270. I took it slow and worked my way up and listened to my body, if it hurts then stop.
    The Running Room where I live assess your gait and tells you what type of sneaker to get, which made a world of difference.
    I did the C25K program and at one point had to stay at the same week for a bit, but in 5 months I ran my first 5K, what a feeling of accomplishment!! It was soo much fun and having a goal kept me motivated.

    The biggest thing I can say is go slow, don't do too much too fast, don't try to keep up with other people, we all have our own speed and our own pace. I find treadmills very easy and running outside much harder but more interesting as there is more to look at.

    If your doctor says its okay and it doesn't hurt then I say go for it :)

    Cindy22076 raised a good point, I also started on the bike and eliptical first to get my cardio up, it was very helpful.
  • carliekitty
    carliekitty Posts: 303 Member
    I started running at about 230lbs. Thier is a woman in my neighborhood who is a runner who weighs about 300lbs...but she runs pretty slow. I would seek medical advice and i think you should be able to walk the distance your wanting to run before you start running it.
  • Angellaree
    Angellaree Posts: 71 Member
    If you think your body can't handle jogging/running now, modify the C25K to only walking. If it takes twice as long...so be it. At least you're moving! Of course, if you're still on the fence, ask your doctor.

    This

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