Fat girl running????

Options
13

Replies

  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Options
    Yes. Run.

    I'm not knocking walking. I love it. But, after I had my two kids, I needed something more efficient. NEVER thought I would be a runner. NEVER thought I could be. And here I was 215 pounds with a program on my iPhone - not even a running group - sure that I would fail at some point. But also determined that I would get as far as I could.

    I graduated in early February, lost 35 pounds and ran a 10k last weekend.

    Here are some resources for you (jessiekanga mentioned them too):
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/47-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k-
    (this is a totally supportive community for you to post your accomplishments, ask questions and share your frustrations.)
    http://flintland.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html
    (this has moved just about every runner who reads it to tears. And given us a little extra motivation.)
    http://www.movingcomfort.com/Juno/350025,default,pd.html
    (great sports bra.)

    You can so do this. You mentioned running at 4 mph on the treadmill? I was running less than 2 mph through most of the Couch to 5k program. This may surprise you, but my advice is to slow down until you've built up the conditioning to run for 30 minutes. After you've built the muscle and learned to pace yourself, you can get a little faster.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,472 Member
    Options
    I am 42,,,,, today actually,,,,,,
    GET OUT THERE AND GET GOING!
    every day this week at dinner time,, this real fat man runs by, sweating like a pig
    I ADMIRE HIM!, I always say, look at him go HUBS!, good for him!
  • 20kb13
    20kb13 Posts: 161
    Options
    I was wondering the same thing... I'm around the same height and weight as you. I see all these shows with people who weigh a lot more than I do and can manage to run and eventually they learn to love it, becoming great runners. I kept telling myself those people usually have a Dr nearby every time they are running which isn't something I would have. I get shin splints just from running on a treadmill so I plan on trying to walk a bit more outside then work my way into a jog... most likely going to do a Couch to 5k program to help ease my way into it.
  • nfpswife
    nfpswife Posts: 63 Member
    Options
    I started running at 235...I'm 5'3".

    Let me tell you - it hurts. Your chest burns, you want to cry, you're exhausted, you can't go more than a few steps without thinking about stopping....but then something happens- your chest stops burning, you start to find that you can run more than you can walk, you stop counting steps to breathe evenly, your body adjusts....and you're a runner.

    It's worth it. If you want to do it, do it. I've been running now for almost 2 years, and I'm down 100 lbs total. I am registered for my first half marathon and I cannot wait.

    Don't let anyone tell you that you can't, because your heart will tell you differently. :)
  • BflSaberfan
    BflSaberfan Posts: 1,272
    Options
    I run and I am about 30 lbs over weight, I started with couch to 5k and I LOVE it. ....yes the jiggly fat is uncomfortable but worth the runners higher you experience from it. I have not found a good sports bra, so I wear my regular bra, and then a sports bra over that...those babies aren't movin! Go for it girlfriend!! And yes I am INCREDIBLY slow....my "run" would not be considered a run to anyone, anywhere.

    Also, my advice - get off the treadmill. Running outside is a totally different experience, mentally and physically.
  • Daisy471
    Daisy471 Posts: 409 Member
    Options
    Yes, you can run! There have been many good suggestions posted already. Go to a running store and get fitted for shoes, and find a good sports bra. Personally, I like Moving Comfort, but there are many good ones out there. They are expensive, but are worth it! (same with the shoes).

    C25K is a great program, and also check out Jeff Galloway's web site - he has a section for beginners. Start wtih a shorter distance/intervals and then increase over time. Having properly fitted shoes and not doing too much too soon will help prevent injuries.
  • kelli543
    kelli543 Posts: 24 Member
    Options
    You've had tons of good advice about getting going with running (good shoes, C25k - or do a beginners course with a running club - there are loads about at the moment and they are exactly for people like you plus will help motivate and get you out there, run off-road if you can, your knees will thank you for it) but I wanted to comment on the sports bra thing - I feel it is a specialist subject as my girls are now 32 G but have been much bigger!

    Sports bras work in one of two ways - boob bandaging ones that basically squash 'em as flat as possible like Shock Absorber; and ones that owkr by encapsulation, like the Panache 5021. I have found, over the years, that the boob-bandaging ones give me the uniboob and although they stop the bounce they aren't very confortable. For my girls, the Panache one is the most comfortable, most flattering, and least jiggly bra I have ever found. I can't rave about it enough - it has been a revelation after years of squeezing into shock absorbers! Go and try a few on and see what works best for you. Good luck!
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Options
    Oh. Forgot to add - I'm 41.
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Options
    I was wondering the same thing... I'm around the same height and weight as you. I see all these shows with people who weigh a lot more than I do and can manage to run and eventually they learn to love it, becoming great runners. I kept telling myself those people usually have a Dr nearby every time they are running which isn't something I would have. I get shin splints just from running on a treadmill so I plan on trying to walk a bit more outside then work my way into a jog... most likely going to do a Couch to 5k program to help ease my way into it.

    If you're getting shin splints, you're probably reaching too far forward with your legs and hitting with your heel. Try slowing down your forward speed and landing with your foot more under you. Also, get fitted with good running shoes, or at least buy shoes that are a couple of sizes up from your street shoe size.
  • maddymama
    maddymama Posts: 1,183 Member
    Options
    What show are you watching that is inspiring you all? I WANT to see it, if I can.

    I'll add my 2 cents in with everyone else: You CAN do it! I did C25K a few years ago, and slowly worked my way up through 5Ks, a 10K, and a half over the next two years. Take your time, do a walk/run program (C25K, Galloway, Hal Higgdon?) to increase your speed and endurance. Get fitted for great shoes, and do a nice long warm up and a nice long cool down. I didn't like the 5 min walking warm up, so I would do a fitness video warm up, then go out and start the C25K warm up.

    When you get a few weeks into the program, sign up for a 5K that will be run a week or two after your "graduation" from C25K. That will give you a bit of a cushion to repeat a week or two, but still get you motivated to get through the program.
  • carakit
    carakit Posts: 126 Member
    Options
    I am 6'2" and right now I weigh around 243 and I am running. I just started running regularly around 1 month ago. I have had to take it slow at first I would just run from one mailbox to the next then walk till I recovered then jog to the next mailbox but now I can run for 2 miles. Im not the speedest person, I usually run at about 5.4-6.0 on the treadmill. At first I tried to push myself to hard and I could feel shin splints coming on so I backed off a bit (slowing down and taking shorter strides). I also think its important to invest in a good pair of running shoes! Since Im larger I have more weight coming down on my legs and feet and I think it helps to have the right shoes to support you.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Options
    It sounds like you've taken the first step, making the decision that you want to become a runner. Now you need a plan to translate that decision into action.

    A couple of previous posts have suggested starting by walking and I agree 100% with that. Depending on how active you've been recently your body needs to given time to adapt to new stressors.

    I haven't personally used the C25K program but there seems to a be a lot of fans around here. When I started running I could barely make it around the block without feeling that death would be a blessed relief. I kept my plan simple. First I walked. Then I "ran" (more like shuffled) for 1 minute followed by 9 minutes walking, then 2 minutes running followed by 8 min walking etc etc until I could slowly run for 10 minutes and very gradually built it up from there. A little over a week ago I ran my 5th half-marathon and have signed up for a full marathon this coming October.

    The keys to success are simple, consistency and patience. To progress you need to be running (or run/walking) 3 or 4 times per week. A treadmill can be a great way of making sure you get your runs in in bad weather (I run outdoors all year 'round now but not everyone is crazy like me) and I say patience because we all try to progress to quickly. Most running injuries are a result of trying to do too much, too fast, too soon - take the time to reach your goals injury free, you'll have a much more enjoyable journey. Don't forget rest days, cross training on non-running days is a great idea (strength training really compliments running) but you should have at least 1 day per week where you do noting more strenuous than going for a walk or relaxed swim, bike ride etc (low impact, low intensity). Be warned.......running is addictive!

    Have fun!
  • joolson45
    joolson45 Posts: 80 Member
    Options
    Hi... I started running right after my divorce and at first I could barely make it one half of the track before gasping for air... kept up with the run/walk and was up to 3 miles every chance I could... felt great and noticed a big change in my body... well that was 5 years ago and I got lazy... just started back last night.. could only make it around the track once...slowly...:( but i am determined... if you need a running buddy add me as a friend we can motivate each other... l
  • dawn_eichert
    dawn_eichert Posts: 487 Member
    Options
    I am with you on everything that has been said. I am 5'5" and weigh 205. I started C25K two years ago and managed to lose 30 pounds but never made it all the way through (life derailed me). Now I am back to trying to lose the weight (again). I have made it my goal for this summer that I will start again and by the end of summer, I want to be able to job for 1 mile without stopping. Obviously this is a much slower pace than any of the beginning programs but I also have knees issues which makes it alot slower for me. But I will get there. Summer basically starts for me next week and I will get out there and do this. I need to do this for ME!!!!

    I will send a FR.

    Good luck and get out there. We may be slow but we are out there doing it
  • Sandytoes71
    Sandytoes71 Posts: 463 Member
    Options
    What show are you watching that is inspiring you all? I WANT to see it, if I can.

    I'll add my 2 cents in with everyone else: You CAN do it! I did C25K a few years ago, and slowly worked my way up through 5Ks, a 10K, and a half over the next two years. Take your time, do a walk/run program (C25K, Galloway, Hal Higgdon?) to increase your speed and endurance. Get fitted for great shoes, and do a nice long warm up and a nice long cool down. I didn't like the 5 min walking warm up, so I would do a fitness video warm up, then go out and start the C25K warm up.

    When you get a few weeks into the program, sign up for a 5K that will be run a week or two after your "graduation" from C25K. That will give you a bit of a cushion to repeat a week or two, but still get you motivated to get through the program.

    Thx for ur reply! I think the show was called Extreme Weightloss. I just stumbled upon it. I dont know the channel or anything but I figured I will google it later.
  • Sandytoes71
    Sandytoes71 Posts: 463 Member
    Options
    Thank you all for your encouragement! !!!! Ive got a stomach virus right now but will soon get out there and try this running thing lol. Thanks for all the great advice and pointers. And congratulations to all of your successess with running!! Muaaahhhh!!
  • lheaton
    lheaton Posts: 51 Member
    Options
    You can do this! Download the free C25K app to your phone and start today! Oh, be sure you get a sports bra that's going to keep you stable so you're not fighting those! :laugh:
  • frankizoy
    frankizoy Posts: 83 Member
    Options
    i'm 5'2" inches aswell and i like to run as well, but i don't want to be that fat person attempting to run... the only running i really do is trying to keep up with my really tall friends when walking with them...
  • Hoosier96
    Hoosier96 Posts: 118 Member
    Options
    I was 236 lbs I was embarrased to even walk let alone run. then I just decided to do it, I started out walking when I got to 3 miles a day I decided to walk and run in intervals and it really helped me to split it that way. I have spinal cord injuries so I still cant run the whole way but now I'm up to 6 miles a day. Try it that way and I'm sure you can do it:flowerforyou:
    Just chiming in to say...if you are heavy and feel embarrassed to exercise, or be seen struggling to exercise, let that GO!! You should be amazingly proud of yourself for any attempt you make. If I see a fat person running, I never think to myself "haha", I literally say out loud "good for YOU dude/lady!" Because they are out there trying. Special place in hell for anyone mocking someone trying to better themselves and be healthy.
  • Sharon_73
    Sharon_73 Posts: 189 Member
    Options
    Put on your running shoes and start running! It doesn't matter how fast or how slow you go andit doesn't matter how far you can go. What matters is that you do it! I run and I am a team leader with a running group. I always tell the group of new runners that the only way you will become a better runner is if you start by being a beginner runner. Everyone runs at their own pace and you would be surprised at the range of body types and sizes that there truly are in the running community.

    The more you make this a part of your routine,the better it will get. Even if you start with only 1 minute of running and 2 minutes of walking...it is a much better result that not starting at all.

    Good luck!

Categories