Any heavy runners?

Have you checked out couch to 5k? (c25k) It's a great program -- i've always thought of myself as unable to run, but it's helping me overcome that feeling.

I just started the Couch to 5k program this week. I am loving it! It starts you off slow and you build up to being a runner no matter how heavy you are. I walked my first 5k last month and I am signed up for my second one next weekend. This time, I plan to walk and jog to try to beat my time from the first race. I suggest you find a race and sign yourself up for it even if you only walk it. You will feel amazing when you complete it! There are many free apps for your phone to get your started on the couch to 5k plan. We can do this!

I am signed up for a race Sept, 6. My goal s to run it. Right now I am walking 5km 3 times a week for this week and next then starting the c25k using the Rundouble C25k Pro app

I never used an app or anything but I was a heavy gal who decided to try running so I can echo the recommendations to start really really slow and build your way up!

I actually never had any desire to run, hated it. I was a walker and liked to ride my bike. Did a little Zumba here and there. But one day I was walking at a nice nature preserve and these horrid horseflies kept dive-bombing my head so I jogged a little in an attempt to get away from them and then I thought, "hey that felt kinda good"... So I would walk for five minutes and then jog for - literally - 20 seconds. I could only go 20 seconds before being totally winded. But I thought, "who cares? I just ran 20 seconds and I never ran a day in my life!"

I continued to go out and walk for five mins/run for 30 seconds for a couple weeks. Tested myself to see if I could jog for 45 seconds the following week. One day, five months later, I ran all the way around this little lake I liked to go to, which was about 1 mile. I had never felt so accomplished in my life, not even when I graduated college! lol. I now run about 4 miles at an average pace of 6.5mph and I'm working my way up to 5 miles right now.

I guess I just wanted to throw my hat in the ring as someone who was a very unlikely candidate for running and yet two years later I love it and am so grateful for those darn flies. Cheering you on in your new endeavor!

I am heavy! And I run! I started years ago by just running for a minute or two (howevery much I could do) and then walking a minute to catch my breath. Rinse. Repeat. Each time I ran, I tried to go a little bit longer before walking. Just go slow and careful. Don't try to do too much too soon. I run three times a week. Crosstraining/strength training 2 - 3 days a week is great, too.

dri fit everything. dri fit shirts, dri fit compression shorts, dri fit socks. I never run in cotton because it soaks up so much water and gets heavy. I'm a heavy sweater.

Around my location, almost every runner seems to wear spandex or some other "superhero" costume to run/powerwalk. As for me, I wear whatever I grab when I wake up. Last run, I did it wearing my jeans... I know, not the best.

I'm 5' 7" and 180 lbs (12-ish stones), so I guess I'm still heavy.

At first, I didn't care about running distance or time. I focused on technique. I learned to hit the ground with the ball of my foot, not the heel. Hitting the pavement with my heels would make my knees cry. I'm now just starting to focus on distance. It improves fast, but not easily as I have to battle with my mind which constantly wants to slow down as soon as I feel tiredness.

To me, running is a battle of the mind. As to what I wear, I don't care. Maybe I will someday, when I sign up for a race, maybe.

Although I didn't use C25K when I first started, I ended up instinctively doing it, 2.5 years ago.

Like everyone has said:

1. Go slow; be patient;
2. don't worry about anyone but you and your own goals;
3. get a well fitting pair of shoes (THIS IS IMPERATIVE!)...try Fleet Feet or some specialty store like that. You're paying for the wisdom in addition to the shoes. The salespeople at the big box places don't know much about shoes, generally speaking.
4. Buy clothing meant for running--including synthetic, not cotton, socks. It makes a difference relative to chaffing, blisters, and sweat wicking. The more comfortable you are, the more you'll stay on with it.
5. Go easy with the weight/strength training at first...just like the running
6. Weight comes off much more slowly than it goes on...trust me, I know! Just remember the end goal.

You got this! I sent you a friend request in case you want some motivation!

:drinker:

couch to 5K is a great way to start. It worked for me

I started running, or should I say shuffling, at 5'4", 225 last year 6 months after neck surgery with a really bad knee and arthritis in my lower back. I used the C25K app also and it is a really great way to get started.

I also did strength training at the same time.

After a winter of not being able to get outside and a sprained ankle I was pleasantly surprised that I can go out and still run for 30 minutes. I'm not fast but that's not my goal.

And I no longer shuffle, my point is that I agree with everyone else that you need to take it slow at first.

...sign up for an area 5K that takes place in the next 8 weeks--then work toward that. Putting some cash on the line and having a concrete GOAL will give your training focus and direction.