Running at over 200 pounds in weight?

The most important thing is to listen to your body. Don't "push through the pain" - that's how I fractured my pelvis!

If you have a dirt trail near you, use that instead of pavement. And don't buy "minimalist" shoes, at least not yet, go for cushioning.

206, love running.

I just started, so I'm only doing a half mile at a time. I started with brisk walking/jog, now I'm up to running almost the whole half mile.

Just listen to your body and take it slow.

I started at around 200 mark. I did the C2k5 program. Its a fantastic program!! It incorporates walking intervals with running intervals and starts you off slow. This helps build your base for running longer each time as with any exercise . You have to do what feels right for you. and constult a doctor if needed. I glad I tried the program and now I have move on to the c210k trainer app.

My advice for running would be.. get good running shoes and running socks. A really good sports bra comes in handy too. Im glad I invested in the proper clothing . Bodyglide is also a big help. it helps with chaffing It makes all the difference. Happy running

Running 2-3 times per week.

225 pounds. Started running at 250 pounds.

My joints are fine, and getting better every step.

I did when I was over 200..I still do,my joints didnt hurt anymore then they do now,,tho I didnt jog as far or as fast then.

Lots of great advice. I'll add my story.

I'm a 45 year old male, 5'11". I started running in January 2012 with C25K. At the time I weighed 307 lbs (already down from a high of 347).

Thanks to MFP and running, I dropped 77 more pounds and have continued to run. To date, I've run 5 half marathons and am now training for my first full marathon later this year. I've put back on a bit of the weight, so I am still at 250 pounds. Even at my lowest I was 235ish.

Here's my advice if you want to run.

1. Heed the advice on shoes. Get good ones and use them just for running.
2. Follow the plan with C25K... only run 3 days a week during that 9 weeks. Don't try to throw in any additional running. Do cross train if you feel like it (walking on non-running days is fine).
3. Especially during C25K, make sure you stretch after your runs. You will be stressing your muscles, bones and ligaments in your legs and feet in ways that they are not used to.
4. If it feels too hard, slow down. The biggest thing to cause injury in beginning runners is trying to run too fast.
5. If you feel like you can't run any slower... see number 4 above.
6. Your body will adapt and strengthen your legs, but it takes time. Don't be in a rush. If you feel pain, back off for a day or two so you don't overdo it.

Good luck!

Ted

I started doing C25K at 210lbs and I had to stop after 2 sessions as my knees gave out completely.

I started to have terrible trouble with my knees, hips and ankles (all weak areas for me anyway) and the pain become something I could not ignore anymore.

Such a shame as I was really enjoying it! I also have the same trouble when my Husband and I hike, coming down is MUCH harder on me that going up the mountain and i'm sore for 2 weeks.

It completely depends on how you feel. Take it slow and give it a go!

I will be trying it again once the majority of weight has come off (I am aiming for 140lbs so a fair way to go yet) but in the meantime doing some brisk walking and home DVD's.

I hope that this helps you

Kaela x

Here's my $0.02 -

I started running at 281 lbs. I completed my first half marathon in May at about 279 lbs. I'm training for my second half marathon in September and while I haven't weighed myself yet this month (weird personal challenge) I'm def not under 200! lol. It is possible, but here's my tips:

1) Listen to your body. Nobody knows you but you. If your ankles feel weak or your knees are aching, nobody is forcing you to run. JUST KEEP MOVING. Even if you run 0.25 miles and walk another 2, that's more than you may have done the week before.

2) Go to a shoe store. Find out if there's a Second Sole or Achilles or something similar near you. They can look at your gait and what your needs are and find something that works for you. I was getting microblisters and knee pain on my right side because of my previous running shoes. They were great for short distances but my 8 mile practice runs were killer. A solid pair of cotton socks (put them on fresh before you run, not a pair you've been wearing all day) and my Adidas Boosts and I was golden.

3) I saw someone previously mention body glide...I only really used that when I started going out for more than 5 miles at a time. But it's different for everyone. Honestly, my best piece of workout gear outside of my shoes was a nice pair of compression leggings. I find my legs fatigue less and at like $12-17 a pair at Old Navy...you can get a few. Plus less issues with chub rub or shorts riding up places you don't want them to

4) HYDRATE! Keep yourself hydrated not only through a run/walk, but just throughout the day. I keep an embark water bottle on my desk all day at work so I can see "ok I have 12 oz left..." You're less likely to run into quick muscle fatigue and cramping if you're hydrated properly. High quality H2O all the way.

5) Don't forget the post-run stretch! It KILLS me when I see someone run and be like "ok cool" and go about their day. Just 5 minutes of static and dynamic stretching after a run can save you a WORLD of pain. You'll thank yourself in the morning if you do this.

6) If you sincerely have concerns (and not because someone you're friends with is like 'omg you shouldn't run you'll hurt yourself!')....talk to your doctor. That's what they're there for. A $20 copay is much easier on the wallet then a $3K deductible on knee surgery later on, ya know?

Anyhow, go out, run your legs out, have FUN! Get some good headphones, make a playlist and jam out. Have fun at that 5K! You'll do great.

Poppycock!

I started running at 325 pounds... I was slow as a geriatric turtle running thru molasses, but I ran.

Running is one of the things that helped me lose 100 pounds.

Concentrate on Form.

Concentrate on Healthy eating.

Find a program that works for you.

Drop the unsupportive friend who said people over 200 shouldn't be running. They are wrong on so many levels!

Get out, get busy, get running and HAVE SOME FUN!

And For what its worth... I will always be over 200 pounds and I just completed my 25th Half Marathon this year!

Rant over!

You're doing fabulous! Any other questions?

PS -> You did know that running actually strengthens the bones and muscles in the legs right? Food for thought article ->

http://www.runnersworld.com/health/benefits-running?page=single

You gotta do what works for you..............