When did you start running?

I want to run. I have always wanted to run. I am a fat kid, grown up who never has been able to run down a block- in my entire life. I know that there are great apps, but do not know when I should start. I have lost approx 70 lbs so far and I am 225lbs/ 5'6". I think that still may be a lot of weight on my joints. Were you able to get to a point of running? If so, what weight were you when you started? If you had to do it again, what would you have done differently?

Oh sister - I'm only about 10 lbs lighter than you and I can run 5-6 miles like it's my job! I started running (more/consistently/like I gave a crap) when I was about 250. Start slow and with walking intervals to build up your endurance. Try to job just a little more each time than you did the time before. When I started - I could barely run a mile (granted there's a long story involving surgery in there)...but it will come!!!

I started running about two years ago...I probably weighed about 200 pounds at the time. Never followed C25k but did something similar at my own pace and schedule where I did intervals and kept maknig them longer and faster until I was able to run a whole mile then two miles, etc.

A few very important things for newbie runners to know:

1) Shoes are very important. Find a high end shoe store or a running shoe store and have them check your stride, make recommendations, try a bunch of different ones on, etc. And make sure they have a guarantee so if the shoes end up giving you trouble, you can bring them back for exchange/return. You're going to need to spend at least $100 on a good pair of runners so obviously you need some guarantee that if they sized or fit you wrong, you can try again.

2) When you start to run, don't sprint. It's very common for newbie runners to give it their all and try to run fast when they do their intervals. And that's ok but if you do that, don't be disappinted when you can only run for a minute or less before you're winded and feel like you're going to pass out. If you take it slow and easy, you'll be able to last a bit longer. A good way to pace yourself is to run at the rhythm of your breathing. Two or three footfalls as you inhale, two or three footfalls as you exhale. Keep working at it and you'll find your pace soon enough.

3) Form is important. Keep your feet under you. Land mid-foot. Keep your shoulders relaxed and arms low. Keep your back straight and abs in. And of course breathe the whole time.

I stated running late last year. I started with the C25K programme, then did a 10K bridge and have just kept on going. I can now run about 10 miles, am running a half marathon in May and full marathon in October - I must be mad.

I agree with a couple of the posters above - good shoes are a must! I also found that 'slow and steady' was key. I didn't compare myself to anyone in the gym at the start - I was running at 8km/h and hyperventilating after a couple of minutes - which is why I did the C25K programme. This really helped me and really worked! I would definitely recommend doing this to get started

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I was 250 lbs. when I started running. Get the C25K app on your phone and just DO IT! Speed does not matter, just do the program. It will get easier and will help you lose weight. If you need a goal, sign up for a race! Also have your gait measured and get some good shoes. All this will make a difference.

Good luck!! You can do this! :flowerforyou: