When to start running

Molly08
Molly08 Posts: 153 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello Everyone,
I am trying to lose a lot of weight (100+lbs still) and feel like I'm doing really well with tracking and eating properly (I've lost 25lbs thus far). I am hoping to learn to run at some point during my weight-loss/get healthy plan. I really feel like runners look so good and happy :o) Anyway, I've also heard that running is awfully hard on the joints etc. I guess I'm wondering what weight is a good one to start running at. I'm 5'4 and still over 250lbs so I don't think I can start now but I was wondering when I should consider giving the C25K a try.
Thanks a lot!

Replies

  • AmberRSkelton
    AmberRSkelton Posts: 19 Member
    I think you might want to check with your doctor on that. Or an orthopedist or sports medicine specialist.
    Just start slow. Walk most days, then walk faster, then add a minute of lite jogging at a time. I definitely wouldnt start out with a lot all at once!
  • traceybett
    traceybett Posts: 206 Member
    Good question... i am curious too. I am at 224 and feel too heavy to try it. Ty for asking such a great question.

    your doing great by the way!!!
  • Nikstergirl
    Nikstergirl Posts: 1,549 Member
    I'd say if you are ok'd by a doc and are fitted properly for the correct shoes, go for it! I started the program last May and after the rush of my first 2 5k's I'm currently training for my first 10k!!! After that.. I'm planning a 1/2 marathon in the fall!! Never thought I'd be a runner, but I love it!

    You don't have to be thin to run, just determined!!!! When I started I was huffing and puffing and panting and jiggling all over the place, now I can run with a smile on my face!!! Good luck!
  • moseley18
    moseley18 Posts: 1
    I feel the same way. I'm 5'7" and on the path from 300 down, currently at ~280. I am thinking when I get down to 230 or so. Maybe you should wait until you get to 215/220. In the mean time, the eliptical machine is very low impact and you can almost get the same benefits. It works great for me.
  • 6Janelle13
    6Janelle13 Posts: 353 Member
    c25k works great at slowly building you up for running but if you are concerned about joints talk with your doctor. Also I read yesterday how you can burn almost that same calories walking vs running. running just burns more in a faster time frame. I entered it today out of curiosity and found that running 30 min at 5.0 mph was very similar to walking 3.0 mph for an hour. only a 50 calorie difference. You can run but listen to your body and preserve it. having to take a month off to nurse an injury will set you back more then slowly building up to it. if you are curious try c25k pod cast for week 1. see how you manage it and how your body responds. good luck.
  • DowntimeDesigns
    DowntimeDesigns Posts: 134 Member
    I say start running when it feels right! Get on the treadmill and walk it up, get used to the feeling of being on the treadmill. Slowly start to jog, jog until you can't and then walk some more...

    Go on and off walking and jogging till you build up to jogging longer then walking. Try to start at jogging for like a 1/4 mile, build up to jogging a 1/2 mile and keep going up from there!

    I went from barely being able to jog a 1/4 mile to running between 3-7 miles every time I go to the gym! Yes its been a year in the making, but its completely worth it!
  • Guinevere117
    Guinevere117 Posts: 148 Member
    I'm 210 and have a treadmill. I find running pretty helpful in my excercise routine. Though I will admit that it was very hard to get started with.
    But yeah, as most people have said hear first, you should probably should talk with a doctor first. If not, then the best thing is to start slow (walking) and build it up after a while.
  • sleight119
    sleight119 Posts: 125
    I started with the walking I amnow walking reraly fast but start slow and build up to running
  • Steph_135
    Steph_135 Posts: 3,280 Member
    When I was 220 I was running on a treadmill and loving it! See how you like it. I agree with others, and say if you're worried, check with your doctor first! I'm going to start the C25K very soon (like, this week, or next). I can barely run for 2 minutes if it's outdoors.
  • Molly08
    Molly08 Posts: 153 Member
    Thanks guys! I will maybe just wait until I get to about 220 and then see how I fair :o)
  • melodyg
    melodyg Posts: 1,423 Member
    Hey, I am doing a Conservative C25K if you are interested in joining in! It starts off with walking and then starts very, very slowly adding running (2 minutes running and 28 minutes walking and then moves up from there). A few of us just started last week so it is not at all too late to join in!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/181591-starting-conservative-c25k-3-1-who-s-with-me

    ETA: I have at least 75 pounds to go too!
  • BrattyLori
    BrattyLori Posts: 101 Member
    My chiropractor is an exercise physiologist and he suggests the following for people who feel like they might hurt themselves running:

    Continue to work hard to eat healthy and lose weight - eat lots of protein (he says peanut butter is excellent)
    Lift weights with your legs so your leg muscles become strong and will absorb the shock of the running
    Get really good orthotic inserts and wear them in all your shoes all the time to support your arches - give yourself plenty of time to get used to them b4 you try to run much in them - like a month
    Try C25K on a treadmill - easier on your joints than the pavement
    Drink tons of water

    I'm breaking in some fancy new orthotics right now!
    Good luck to all of us!
  • marber
    marber Posts: 118 Member
    I started running at 200lbs.

    I have had back and joint problems. I do Pilates which has helped my back and also I have learned to keep my body balanced.

    I did weights as well to build my muscles and make them stronger to support the joints.

    I started with 30 seconds running and built up from there. I can now run for 30 mins and cover 4.3 km which is my gym warm up!

    I never thought I would say this but I love running.

    Most important rule is - pain means there is something wrong so stop.
  • believetoachieve
    believetoachieve Posts: 675 Member
    I really feel like runners look so good and happy :o)

    Hehehe, we are happy!! It's a great feeling! :bigsmile:

    I've read about members starting to run when they were still very heavy, and while I'd never dream of saying anything, I always cringe a little. You can do serious joint damage (even if you don't feel pain/don't know it!) by doing this!! Good on you for trying to educate!! You can try running in a pool, it takes a lot of stress off the joints! If you can, consult your doctor, he/she will know best! :flowerforyou:
  • CarterGrt
    CarterGrt Posts: 289 Member
    I think running is great. I have been running quite a bit lately. However, I dropped most of my weight with diet, then added eliptical, then added running. I have bad knees so I knew they couldn't take the pounding of the additional weight I was carrying.

    I would start VERY low impact and make sure you get AMAZING shoes that are professionally fitted. I would also recommend Jeff Galloway's website as he has a lot of info about starting running and running injury free.

    Best of luck!!!

    --Carter
  • debruhf
    debruhf Posts: 196 Member
    I had the mentality...."I'm too fat to run". I've been doing my new lifestyle for about 2 months now(down 40 lbs).....exercising (walking) regularly at LEAST 30 min 5X a week. But just this week I've started doing the C25K. I've just completed week 1 day 2 and I must say, it feels AWESOME being able to complete an entire workout. I feel awesome afterwards (sometimes not so much during :laugh: ). I am currently 275:blushing:. Start when it feels right, you'll know....honestly. I must say I have not consulted with a doctor though.
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