Is there anyone who is overweght that enjoys running outside

Well I haven't seen anyone who is out of shape running outside either. I just never really thought of it until I saw this thread. its weird

trekkie_bbs wrote: »

When I was almost 300 pounds I jogged quite often but due to the amount of food I was eating I didn't lose weight. I was gaining.. So for me calorie counting was the only thing that worked. I was always embarrassed when the fit kids from the local collage would pass me for the second..... or third time when I was still on my first time around the 4.5 mile route I chose.

I can now run quite a distance at a time BUT I still get passed by these youngsters. Only 1 time though not 3 .

yes you are right that calorie counting is what works more than exercise. For me my weight loss sped up when I found out about mfp and started counting calories.That's when the weight started melting off.At first I was going to the gym and I lost few pounds but then I stalled because I was eating to many calories and I didn't know anything about portion control

Actually, I have wondered, do fit people have swelling after a run, too?

When I was overweight (I'm just barely considered it now!), I ran outside. I hated it mostly. Not because of fatness, because of running.

Yup, I'm overweight and I run and cycle outside.

Wow, yes many over weight people run outside. I run outside and I'm many pounds over weight. However, it can quite intimidating.

mshepard83 wrote: »

Actually, I have wondered, do fit people have swelling after a run, too?

Swelling in your joints for a prolonged period after a workout is not a great sign and typically means you're over stressing the joint. Someone above has suggested new shoes, but something to keep in mind may be whether you're really in a position in regards to leg strength and body weight to be running.

Running is great exercise, I'll never argue that; but it's also hard on the joints ESPECIALLY for those carrying extra weight. When I first started running at close to 220 lbs my knees would swell, they'd be stiff and uncomfortable for days and I actually had several knee surgeries over the next few years. We don't think about the type of pressure that our joints are under, but the impact of running only increases it. If you're swelling on the regular you either need to see a doctor or lose more weight before running will be a viable option for you to do without risking injury.

I left running behind for a lower impact workout (the elliptical) while I got my weight further down. Now at 165 (and 6lbs outside the healthy BMI range for my height) I occasionally have some slight puffiness to my knees, but that goes away within an hour of my run and only seems to happen when I increase my distance.

Editing to add for the OP: Yes, overweight people run; we run on treadmills, outside, wherever we're comfortable. Exercise is not reserved for those who are presently at or near an ideal weight. Don't see us often? That's probably because we aren't running at peak hours; we're often a little self conscious; I know I certainly was when I started doing outdoor running. Most of us appreciate the little nod that we're part of the club.

I am always inspired when I see someone overweight jogging or at the gym working out. It motivates me far more than the thin fit folks. I think if they can push through this than so can I.

Wheelhouse15 & 365andstillalive, thanks, I will have to see about changing my shoes, since I think that may be a big part of the problem, as well as talk to my dr. My shoes are never right for anything, lol, but I don't put a lot of thought into it.

Check the profile. I'm definitely overweight (by a lot, to be honest) and I run/jog/walk outside or at the gym. I'm on the treadmill more now because it's cold in Ohio but I'm moving. During the spring and summer I trained for my half marathon outside. Since I had longer distances I normally went on larger greenway trails. One extra bonus of that is that they were less crowded...but I quickly got over the "am I being judged" idea that pops in your head when you're overweight and working out when I was headed towards the finish line and there were over 1000 people in the crowd cheering runners on at my half(s).
So yeah a nod or wave is nice, but 9/10 times I probably wouldn't notice because I'm in my own head lol.

mshepard83 wrote: »

Actually, I have wondered, do fit people have swelling after a run, too?

Yes, that does happen. There are anti-inflammatory foods that you can add to your diet that will help. Of course, drinking lots of water. Also, soaking your legs in ice water after an intense leg workout or run will help as well as taking an anti-inflammatory medication. I use aspirin, but Advil, Tylenol or Aleve make work as well.

As for the original topic - overweight people running, I'm sorry, but I have to wonder where you live or if you're like me and you zone out so much when you run that maybe you're not as aware of your surroundings as usual. I see overweight people running all the time. I was one, 100 lbs ago.

I'm glad that you waved. I ALWAYS give a smile and thumbs up to people that I see running (fit or overweight) because I was always encouraged when I started running again. The running community is one of the most warm and welcoming communities. It's hard to step out into public and put yourself out there for every passing car to see. And thin or heavy, when you're starting out, you struggle. To allow every passerby see that struggle is a very brave thing to do.

I think that an awful lot of us started out running when we were heavier. However, as I continued to run (and count calories) I dropped all that extra weight. I'd bet I'm not the only heavy beginning runner who became a thin 'old' runner. :P

Overweight outdoor runner checking in. Don't have much to add that hasn't been said above.

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