I'm 30, I'm 300lbs - can I run?

ej_glen
ej_glen Posts: 34 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm thinking of trying the Cto5K or something similar, but I'm quite concerned about doing damage to my joints.

I have been eating healthily and going to the gym (working on the elliptical, rower and bike plus some strength training) but I do have the urge to at least give running a go.

Thoughts? Did anyone else start where I did and manage to not destroy their knees/ankles? Should I be thinjing about running, or should I shift about 100lb first?

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    I'd talk to your doc about it before attempting it. Also, it's a good idea to make sure you have the proper base first. Can you walk for 30 minutes at a brisk pace no problem? If not, start there, then work up to Couch to 5K, no need to rush things.
  • sam308lbs
    sam308lbs Posts: 1,936 Member
    I ran my first 5k at 271 lbs in 36 minutes at 27 years of age.No problem go ahead!

    ok with that being said...running is obviously very taxing for the body.Know that a Calorie deficit alone is sufficient for you to lose weight but some form of cardio 3-4 times a week is beneficial too specially for your cardiovascular health.Choose a form of cardio which you can do for life consistently...it can be anything from running to martial arts,boxing,aerobics or zumba.
  • bonjalandoni
    bonjalandoni Posts: 136 Member
    Start with ellipticals for 3x per week for 2 weeks before C25K, your knees will thank you in the long run.

    I mean C25K on the ellipticals... for week 1 and 2. brisk walk should be 60 RPM, jog/run is 70+ RPM before you hit the pavement for week 1. This will give your joints and ligaments the chance to get used to high intensity exercise. Good luck!
  • michellemybelll
    michellemybelll Posts: 2,228 Member
    you'll never know unless you try - if you haven't had problems or pain using the elliptical and other cardio equipment, I say give it a go. JenMc gives good advice to consult your doc if you're truly concerned, but it can't hurt to increase a walk to a brisk walk, to a slow jog, quicker jog, so on and so forth. if it starts hurting, simply stop.

    good luck! :smile:
  • KimberlyDCZ
    KimberlyDCZ Posts: 525 Member
    I've read that it is safer to walk until your body fat % gets to a healthy range. I tried running, hated it. For now, I walk.
  • annemw333
    annemw333 Posts: 19
    I agree that you should double check with a doctor first but I imagine, if you are healthy, they will okay it. Just listen to your body. If your knees/ankles start having issues, back off a bit, etc. But yay on you for not letting your size stop you from pursuing your dreams. I completed a half marathon when I was over 300 lbs and it was hard but so amazing. You can do it!
  • TheChocolatePrincess
    TheChocolatePrincess Posts: 137 Member
    Go for it! I am 30, over 200lbs, and I am starting the C25K. Just take it easy, you can do it.
  • VickyO1977
    VickyO1977 Posts: 156 Member
    I think you could do it. Check with your Dr if you can and then make sure you get properly fitted for proper trainers which will help protect your joints then give it a go you will love it I do and we all have to start somewhere.
  • abnerner
    abnerner Posts: 452 Member
    Make sure you have good shoes, a good (SLOW) pace and I think you could do it!

    And if you can't, than walk at a brisk pace. No shame.
  • dp1228
    dp1228 Posts: 439 Member
    I'd talk to your doc about it before attempting it. Also, it's a good idea to make sure you have the proper base first. Can you walk for 30 minutes at a brisk pace no problem? If not, start there, then work up to Couch to 5K, no need to rush things.

    ^^ this. I didnt start from the beginning of my weight loss and I still had to work my way up to running. I'd say work your way up and just be careful because I have some knee problems now that I think is due to running. I still run all the time but if I had been smarter from the beginning I don't think I would have had it as bad. If your going to start running purchase a foam roller ASAP! It will be your best friend I promise. research how to use it and you'll see what i mean.

    ETA: Also make sure you have really good running shoes. custom if possible. ever since I got mine my knee problems have lessened considerbly. I should have had them from the beginning.
  • jasondcooper
    jasondcooper Posts: 125
    All of the above: consult a doctor, ease into the running, and listen to what your body is telling you. From what I've seen, folks of all shapes and sizes can run, but how you run is important. Good luck!
  • action_figure
    action_figure Posts: 511 Member
    I started at 347 with damaged knees. Couldn't run. I tried at 295 and it still hurt too much. However, when I got under 260 (I'm 45, female, 5'1" if this is relevant), then I could jog. I started C25K (with Zombies, Run 5K training app) and am currently on week 6 day 1) Check with your doctor, and most importantly, listen to your body. Edit to add: I run in barefoot / minimalist shoes. I've been wearing them for the past 4 years and credit them with helping me to stay injury free. YMMV.
  • ksy1969
    ksy1969 Posts: 700 Member
    I ran my first 5k at 271 lbs in 36 minutes at 27 years of age.No problem go ahead!

    No, she needs to see a doctor first. I have my suspicion that the Dr. will give the advice that JenMc14 gave. I started C25K at 270 lbs but 270lbs on a man versus a woman is a much different thing. Even at that weight I still had knee issues until I got closer to 220. They were never bad enough to stop me from running. I think walking is going to be key at first. I would even work up to being able to walk 30 minutes at a brisk pace and being able to do that a few times a week before breaking into C25K.
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
    Yes but of course make sure you have no medical conditions (disclamer). I would highly recommend getting fitted at a running speciality store to get a properly fitted for shoes. As the weight comes off keep getting properly fitted. As you weigh less you may run differently. Just take it slow and easy I would go for distance and not worry about speed at this time. I started at about 280 or so. Good luck
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    Go run, go outside today and do week one day one. just go for it.

    Seriously its only about 4 sets of 60 seconds of running. Its not going to destroy your entire body just doing that.

    If you start to get some pain in your joints and whatever, deal with it then.
  • ej_glen
    ej_glen Posts: 34 Member
    Wow - thanks for all the replies (and the rather excellent advice)

    To clear a couple of things up, I've been hitting the gym 3-4 times per week doing the machine workouts, zumba, body combat and others. I can definitely manage 3 mins walk at a brisk pace. The reason I want to give a running programme a try is that I'm feeling a bit more confident about making that leap from striding to jogging. And, also, to try something a little bit different :)

    I will definitely check with my doctor first before I give it a real try. The fear I have is putting my ability to run in the longer term at risk by being impatient and trying it now.
  • TylerJ76
    TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
    Yes.
  • maab_connor
    maab_connor Posts: 3,927 Member
    yes you can

    i started running at 325.
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    yes you can

    i started running at 325.

    ^^Because you are awesome!
  • julieh391
    julieh391 Posts: 683 Member
    I started running at 219lbs (I'm 5'7"), and my joints didn't mind at all. The responsible thing to say is to talk to a doctor. But I don't think it would hurt to try week one and see how you feel. Maybe do each week a few times to really ease into it.
  • MsMargie1116
    MsMargie1116 Posts: 323 Member
    I've had doctors tell me to start out speed walking (walking as fast as you absolutely can). But I see 400lb guys on the Biggest Loser running on the treadmll, so I say who knows??? I'd say talk to your doc, maybe they can do scans of your joints to see what kind of shape they are in. IF in good shape, they may say Yes, you should be just fine... :smile:

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