Obesity and running

I would certainly recommend using a C25K App. I was never a runner, but that app helped me complete my first 5k last year! Slow and easy wins the race!

*If you look in the APPS section of MFP, there is a C25k listed.

similar story...i was at 260 when i first started with the c25k app last Feb...i did it only for a couple of weeks before i shifted gears to train for half marathon. I did not listent to advice and spent most of last summer with severe shin splints...much of which i foolishly ran through. moral of the story is Yes you can run at your weight...but do it slowly and listen to the body.

btw ive done 3 half and several 5k's since then and I feel great (though slow).

I was 320 lbs when I started running.

I used C25K to start, although I had to repeat the first few weeks many times over. Which was fine.

I ALSO worked very hard at weight training to build up the muscles in my core and legs, especially around my knees. I did a lot of squats, lunges, calf raises, various weight machines, even at my heaviest. They weren't easy but in about a month I stopped having soreness in my knees and about three months to stop having pain in my back. By the way, I kept in touch with my doctor through all this and she knew and supported what I was doing. She knew the pain I felt in my right knee and back was because of the muscles being too weak to support me. Strengthening them took away all pain. But that was just me - everyone is different.

My advice? Pay good money for good shoes that you get fitted for at a speciality running store. The shoes I have support heavier people putting a lot of pressure on the shoes. They were a life saver and stopped me from having foot and ankle pain.

Start slow. Very slow. Seriously - only go as fast as you need to not be walking. Start out slow so you can concentrate on breathing (deeply, into your stomach thru your chest and slowly) and on how your foot strikes (you can look up good articles that will show you how your foot should be striking and the best ways to breathe.) Most people way out of shape when they start go too fast and end up gasping for breath quick and shallow into their chest. This was my early mistake and I always felt like I was going to die when I was running. Go slow. Breathe deeply and slowly. Listen to your body for real pain and stop when you feel it. C25K is a great way to start, but accept that you might not be able to do Week 1 yet and that's ok. Keep working on it until you can.

I also strongly recommend you talk to your doctor about what you want to do so that they can caution you about things you might need to watch out for. But don't let anyone tell you that you can't run because you're too big, not unless there's a real medical reason for it. It might be harder for us, but it'll be very much worth it. Then sign up for your first 5K!

I started my weight loss back at the beginning of December @ 260lbs

I did a LOT of walking all through December and into January.

I started running last week, at 235lbs or so (I didn't really relate my running start to my weight, I went when I felt my really screwed up ankles could handle it)

I am using the ZenLabs C25KFree app on my android phone.

I am checking out a couch-to-5k site now. Is this a good site to use? http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Yep, the Active app is a great app to use. And don't feel like you have to move on just because you got to the third day of the week. If you get to a point where you're struggling, then do that week or day over. No harm in that.

If you have a smartphone try out the app rundouble for its couch25k program. It helps you build up to a half hour of running. The great thing about it too, if you find you're not ready to move along to the next level, you can repeat days as often as you need. I did week one twice.

i'm obese and i run. i probably have 30 more pounds to lose before i'm just considered fat.

if it's too much for your joints, try pool running until you lose a bit more weight.

it's also important to make sure you're wearing the appropriate footwear to support your gait and cushioning needs.

start off slow. you can always get better at running, but if you start too fast too soon and risk a joint injury, those are very hard to heal

My mother started running weighing 420lbs... yeah it was in a pool, but she still booked it around that gym pool like no tomorrow. You just need to listen to your body. I started running in 2011 and even a mile felt like a marathon - the more you do it the further you'll go. Just watch for the signs your body gives you and you'll be fine. I've run 3 half marathons now - who knew? Good luck!

I started at 290 pounds with the couch to 5k program. It really help me build my indurance to run a 5k and not stop.