I can't run.

Sounds like conditioning.

Forget the well meaning but absolutely incorrect suggestions of going to buy some frilled out, stupid shoes from a disaffected clownnose at a running shop.

Make sure your form isn't the dog's breakfast, and work on conditioning. Running is impact, doing it with the wrong form will eff you up.

Haha, what? Good shoes are essential but they don't need to be top of the line. They need to be shoes for runners with good arch support. Sports insoles even ones from Dr Scholl's can make a big difference. I have weak arches so they are priceless to me.

I run over 30 miles a week, outside, with a lot of going up and down hills. It's a challenge everyday and when I started out I was lucky if I could run 5 minutes without wheezing. That was then, now I can go over an hour with not much trouble.

I promise, if you can walk at a reasonable gait for a set amount of time, you have it in you to run. Just don't think out the door you are going to be able to take those hills on. You need to build up and be patient with yourself. If you are trying at all, you are doing a lot more then most people. Always give yourself lots of credit for even trying.

Starting a running program hurts, I won't lie. I went from 270 pounds to 190 because of running, but my body was torn up at the beginning. I kept going though, slow as molasses and literally starting with intervals of 1 minute of jogging with a few minutes of walking. Then, a year ago I was jogging six miles at a time, and my body got used to it. I was stonger, in better shape and my body literally craved a good run. Now, a year later and I just had a baby. I haven't run in almost 8 months and I let myself eat way too much. I am back up to 230 pounds and starting a running program again. I literally feel like I am starting over. The aches and pains are even worse than I remember, but remembering how good it felt to wake up and go for a long run keeps me going. I actually enjoy the time to myself, and I can't wait to get back to it. It will take months, but I will get there.

Oh...advil and ice are your best friends lol.

Adapting your body to running to takes time. I went from running for no more than 18 seconds to doing sprints of 3 minutes or longer depending on the speed I choose to use but it didn't happen overnight. I love the effects of running but my body doesn't handle it too well and because of tendon issues in one of my feet, I restrict my running to treadmills and only do intervals. I can only suggest that you ensure you don't have pre-existing issues with joints etc that could hamper your efforts over time.

do some sit ups and or crunches and or bicycles, and or anything to tighten up the core... secondly if you've been a desk jockey for a while... chances are you hips,, back, hams ankles, feet.. etc lack a certain amount of flexibility... Jogging.. Running... is a fantastic exercise ONCE you are in shape to do it... SO... don't give up... just tighten the core and work on lower body flexibility... and before you know it... you'll be spending all your money entering runs of all sorts... JUST bear in mind... NOT everyone has the same physicality... some people just shouldNOT run... even people that are already running mega distances... eventually an injury will catch up to them.

1) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
2) Slow down...like really slow down...walkers might pass you, but that's okay
3) C25K
4) Shoes

That's pretty much all I wanted to say. I exercise 30-45 minutes 3x week. I can do the elliptical or arc trainer at a medium-high intensity for this amount of time no problem, and often will follow up with a short walk (10-15 mins) to loosen up after.

But as soon as I try to run, even jog, I just. Can't. Do it. I will get this terrible pain (usually on my right side) within 1-2 minutes of jogging, even when I stretch beforehand. I don't know why this is so hard, when the other machines are so easy. Even when I "train" to try and build up my endurance, I can do 20 mins switching between walking and jogging, but instead of feeling good and refreshed after, my body really hurts, I have trouble walking, and it doesn't feel like I got a "good" workout.

I want to take up running. It's easy; you can do it anywhere. I'm very frustrated that the one type of exercise I really WANT to do is so hard for me.

Tips?

I completely agree with you. I started my journey weighing in at 337 lbs. I started working out eliptical, weights, stationary bike same as you. I decided to tackle the treadmill. I couldn't even run a full minute. I just kept at it. I was so sore...I mean running at 300+ lbs is no easy feat to the rest of the body. But as I kept going, I got better. This summer I really started taking my run outside. I started a c25k app that really eases you into it and before I knew it I was running for 3 minutes and then 5 minutes. Stretch! That is something I have come to LOVE! Especially AFTER a run! A hot shower and a nice stretch, maybe even mutliple stretches. I combine a lot of different ones. Whatever makes me ooo and ahhh is usually best. Soak your feet even in a ice bucket, I haven't tried it, but I may because sometimes my feet just ache. Also being sure you have the right gymshoes. I went with Reebok Running shoes and they are quite divine also New Balance cross training type gym shoes. I hope these tips can help because yes, it is a great full body workout. Stick with a routine and you will get better at it. I am in the 280's now and I'm so happy to include running as part of my regimen, it's a great stress reliever for me for sure! Baby steps. You can do it! :drinker: :flowerforyou: