Calling all formerly/currently obese runners!

I started when I was 225 yeeears ago. It wasnt easy and I ran slower than molasses dripping. Eventually the more weight I lost. the faster I got.

I did a modified C25K. I repeated A LOT of weeks, sometimes multiple times.

Good luck!

go with the Couch to 5K program. It starts you out very slowly, so you can build the strength you need. Your knees will thank you for taking it easy to begin with.

I did C25K when I was in the mid 300s and made it up to (a slow) 5k without too much difficulty.

A couple of words of advice:

1. Friction's the enemy. I always run with compression shorts now.
2. Listen to your knees.

I don't run as much anymore, actually, because of my knees.

I was 200 when I started.My knees and hips hated me but it was well worth it in the end. Go at your pace and lots of ICE!!! Good luck!

I did C25K for the first time last night. I weight a little over 300 pounds. Surprisingly, no pain in my knees or my bum foot with a heel spur. I spent a bit on really decent shoes though. I'm not the fastest runner, I was jogging betweein 4.2 and 4.5, and walking at 3mph. But I got through the entire program.

Good luck!

Oh yeah... shoes!!! I spent about 150 on a good pair after having my feet and running style analyzed. Do it!!

Started at 302. Couch to 5k is the way to go! It teaches you how to run and when to push yourself. I'm running 10k's now and running 3 times a week.

Just do it!

I started C25K when I was about 350 and an now training for a 10K. I am at 300 so still very much in the Obese category. Your legs will get stronger bu the hard part is the breathing. Once you get that down it will be easy to keep improving.

You do have to be more careful because the extra weight puts alot more stress on your back and joints. However, I would not say it is dangerous nor inadvisable to try. I'm not an expert, but I have learned a few things over the last year or so, through trial and error and personal experience, that have helped me tremendously. My advice:

1. Go to Fleet Feet or another store that specializes in running shoes and/or running gear to get fitted for a good pair of running shoes. It is a little more expensive to go this route, but they take a look at your height, weight, gait, and the shape of your feet. They also take measurements to make sure you have the correct size. I had to learn this lesson the hard way. Last year when I started the C25K program, I started having severe knee pain about two weeks into it. It took several weeks to recover from the patellar tendonitis resulting from using improper running shoes. I didn't have any more problems with knee or hip pain after I bit the bullet and shelled out the extra dough for the right pair of shoes from Fleet Feet. I still have them a year later and they still have alot of wear in them. Well worth the $110-$120 I had to pay.

2. Make sure you have a good training regimen in place. C25K is a good place to start as others suggested. However, I have also discovered that a good strength training routine for your legs and core, performed a couple times/week, also works wonders to improve running form and muscle endurance. A good Tabata routine once or twice per week helps improve your cardiovascular endurance, too. (In case you are unfamiliar with the Tabata method, here is a link to a brief description: http://tabatatraining.org/) Alot of local gyms are now offering Tabata classes.

3. Nutrition and hydration are key. Running expends alot of energy in a very short period of time. Making sure you have proper nutrition before and after your running sessions will go a long way in improving endurance and stamina during your workout, and a small snack after running will help in your recovery. Also, make sure you stay hydrated. During the winter months, I am usually okay just drinking water. However, in warmer weather (because I am losing alot more fluid via increased perspiration), I like to drink a 50/50 mix of gatorade and water before and during my workout.

I started running at 270 and down to 250 where I stalled because of a neck injury and surgery. I'm slowly starting to get back physically so I can run more consistently. My asthma gives me issues running at the gym and the 10 degree outside now causes issues to my asthma as well. I had no problem starting running at this weight and helped to break my plateau that I was at. No injuries, aches, or pains from it. What questions you have???

I started the C25K program at 230lbs. I just completed week 6 jogging 22 minutes. This is really a good program to help you start. There is not a set speed at which you need to run and if youcan't get through a workout the first try then you can continue until you do and then move on to the next step.

I've just started running again and I'm around 270. If you are wanting to run for the calorie burns, one thing I've learned is that hill intervals can be more effective for calorie burn than running is for me. Over the past year I've built up my endurance by walking a bunch of hills outdoors and doing incline intervals when I'm on the treadmill. I can walk a fast pace with a fairly high incline now, and it is killer for burning calories. I have to "run" at a fairly slow pace with low incline right now and in 15 minutes time burn the same calories running as I do walking the hills. I actually find it easier to get my heart rate higher and keep it higher with the walking on hills than with the running. I eventually want to progress to running hill intervals, but if you are wanting the calorie burn, walking inclines may be easier on your joints than running.

I am currently @ 272 and run and I love it!

Not sure if it is safe, but I'm 5'4'', 275 and I do the C25K 3 days a week
ETA: injury free so far

I started in my 250's! I called it wogging and I mixed in yoga and biking, but it's doable!