"I hate myself," "I'm disgusting," "Can't Stop Eating."

I have a question for you: were you afraid to run when you were heavier. Did you hurt your feet or ankles? At what point do you think you should try to run. It's like 99 outside right now, but I could start running in the pool? what do you think? Do they make special shoes for very heavy people do I just walk for a while hmm?:flowerforyou:

I've just now started running, but honestly if it's 90 out I'm not doing it. I get drained just walking in that temp. Start out walking and increasing your miles first then your speed, then you can start running. There are apps for running beginners, check out C25K (couch to 5 K) and the shoe thing yes they do, not really for big woman but for your feet, the right fit for your feet. I'm going to check into some soon. I've just started running a bit, more like walking really fast but I'm trying and I hate it, LOL

I have always had strong legs and no real problems with my ankles. I have one knee that used to bother me in high school though. If you're not sure about you leg and ankle strength then start out walking as tmauck suggested. I also agree that if it's really hot out I'm not going to run outside. When I started running I was too self-conscious to run outside anyway so I ran on a treadmill. I bought some well fitting shoes (new balance, wide, nothing fancy) and some compression capris. Honestly the compression pants/shorts/capris were the best thing because they held everything in place (like a sports bra for your body, hahaha. Kinda gross but true). The first time I ran outside I had a panic attack because I was afraid people would be looking at me.

I used the c25k on my phone for tracking endurance. I did the program all the way through at 4 mph, then started over at 4.5, then 5, then 5.5, and finally 6 mph. I was never worried about getting hurt but I did allow myself to repeat weeks if they were too hard. I also originally started out running 6 days a week but cut back to 3 days running, 3 walking, and saw more gains in endurance that way.

Something no one ever told me; running outside is a lot harder! The first time I did it my hip flexors were so sore I thought I hard a hernia... I was sure I was going to die. Once I got used to it I learned that I prefer being outside and running isn't as difficult. I also don't worry about people looking at me anymore. I even look at people and smile instinctively when I pass by. Running has been an empowering experience.