Runners Who Never Thought They'd Run
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Hey, I was in the same boat. I used to run only in the dark so no one could see me. I would quit on myself repeatedly. I used to do slow steady jogs on time and every other day I increased the previous time by 1 minute. I lost a lot of my weight by running, pure cardio.. which caused me to be labeled "skinny fat" so I started lifting weights too and noticed a huge difference! You can TOTALLY do this!! Baby steps is all it takes. Here to cheer you on!
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I had gotten to be about 50 pounds over weight and was probably going to be put on high blood pressure medicine and high cholesterol if I went to the doctor, both were getting high. Tried to run but the knees said no way. So I came here and changed my eating habits and started walking. To relieve boredom I started playing Ingress (ingress.com) a GPS map game that is similar to a global game of capture the flag. As I got a little OCD about it I started running between points to get there faster and gather XM points. Before I realized it I was running about four to seven miles daily and no sore knees. The trick was the long walks that I mixed in interval running short distances. As I got my knees and muscles accustomed to it they did fine. I now love to run. I dropped 50 pounds, 50 points down on the bad cholesterol, cured insomnia, feel great and completed two half marathons (1:56:30). Do this, you will love it! Be prepared to give it some time to build your strength. With all the calories you burn you should lose some weight fast too, I did, and that will make the runs better and easier. Now Go run!0
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I had gotten to be about 50 pounds over weight and was probably going to be put on high blood pressure medicine and high cholesterol if I went to the doctor, both were getting high. Tried to run but the knees said no way. So I came here and changed my eating habits and started walking. To relieve boredom I started playing Ingress (ingress.com) a GPS map game that is similar to a global game of capture the flag. As I got a little OCD about it I started running between points to get there faster and gather XM points. Before I realized it I was running about four to seven miles daily and no sore knees. The trick was the long walks that I mixed in interval running short distances. As I got my knees and muscles accustomed to it they did fine. I now love to run. I dropped 50 pounds, 50 points down on the bad cholesterol, cured insomnia, feel great and completed two half marathons (1:56:30). Do this, you will love it! Be prepared to give it some time to build your strength. With all the calories you burn you should lose some weight fast too, I did, and that will make the runs better and easier. Now Go run!
HA.
My friend played that game- i went with her a few times- I hated it- she said she bought extra supplies/battery and a special bag to take with her.
I was like. I can't.
BUT- that seems like an awesome use of the game to incorporate into your life- I kind of love it!!0 -
I really need to hear from folks out there who were just like me at one point. I need to hear that it can be done. I'm obese. I need to lose probably about 90 pounds to be considered healthy. But I've always wanted to be a runner. I've tried a few times. A couple of years ago, I even got up to a slow jog for five minutes straight. Then I got off track and gained back a bunch of the weight I lost. I'm starting over now, but I feel so pathetic when I try to run. I've NEVER run a mile in my life. I think I was just barely up to running a quarter mile when I gave up on myself. I need to hear from people who were like me. Please tell me how hard it was and how much better it got. Please share stories and pictures. I really need some hope.
I can't share a story bout how it got better - but I can tell you that you are not alone. I need to lose somewhere in the 90 to 120 lb range and have always dreamed of being a runner. I, too, have never run a mile - heck, probably have never run a half-mile, in my life. It truly stinks to have so much trouble with something I want to do so badly. I've been training on and off for a half marathon for the last five years with little success. (Though last year I did a PB in a 5k, finishing with a 17:10 pace per mile (99% walk, 1% run).
I've tried Couch to 5k program, but for a number person like me, it just doesn't work. I get all hung up on trying to match the numbers and then frustrated when I fail.
Last week, after looking back over my past year's training (after a 5 month hiatus), I sat down and took several hours and much research to figure out a training plan I could follow. One where I won't be repeating or restarting "week 1" several dozen times.
I think C25k is great if it works for you. For me it didn't. *shrug* But yesterday, I did Week 1 day 1 and met my goal (.75 miles at a 30min pace or faster, .05 at a 12min pace or faster). Yeah - I ran all of 5/100ths of a mile. But I did it at a reasonable pace *grin*. Tomorrow's goal is 1mile at a 30 min pace or faster and .06 at a 12min or faster pace.
Anyway - for you - and any others who get discouraged when they hear "slow runner" - then find out the person is doing miles in 10min or less, don't feel alone. I'm a runner. I run. Not far. Not fast. But I run and I race and I'm going to do a 5k this spring, and a half marathon this fall.
Anyway - my suggestion is pick your race, make a plan and go for it - I've finished dead last, I've been DQ'd for not making the time limit, I've been forced to drop out when I picked a race too long for my abilities - but I still don't regret a single race I've done.
Hugs & best wishes to you! You can do it!!!
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I can relate. 2 years ago I started C25k for the first time, not having run for like 15 years, since I was in college. Since then I've run (literally) hundreds of miles as well as a few 5k races. I'm still not a good runner, and I still don't *enjoy* it, but it makes me feel healthier. I hope you find the motivation and get out there, but it isn't for everyone, if you find you hate it, there are plenty of other exercises that can provide similar benefits.0
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grimmeanor wrote: »It can be done. No doubt. I know this first hand.
(Shorten the reminder of your post to save all the space)
It is possible. I encourage you to just do it. Not trying to sound corny. Just start with what you can do, and just keep going.
Sorry for such a long post.
Thank you so much for sharing such a personal and inspiring journey.
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One other thought to add... You're going to have some good runs and some bad runs. I thought about this thread yesterday when I was out running. I have been primarily running on the treadmill through the winter and went outside yesterday since it was nice. The road, the wind, the sun, they all take a toll on you. Plus I started out way too fast. I had hoped to go 90 minutes but only lasted 60, and I really had to push hard for that
But you know what? After I was done I was glad to have gotten out. It sucked. It really sucked. But that's my point...not all runs are great.0 -
I like this, particularly since my main problem is i get bored AF when i runI had gotten to be about 50 pounds over weight and was probably going to be put on high blood pressure medicine and high cholesterol if I went to the doctor, both were getting high. Tried to run but the knees said no way. So I came here and changed my eating habits and started walking. To relieve boredom I started playing Ingress (ingress.com) a GPS map game that is similar to a global game of capture the flag. As I got a little OCD about it I started running between points to get there faster and gather XM points. Before I realized it I was running about four to seven miles daily and no sore knees. The trick was the long walks that I mixed in interval running short distances. As I got my knees and muscles accustomed to it they did fine. I now love to run. I dropped 50 pounds, 50 points down on the bad cholesterol, cured insomnia, feel great and completed two half marathons (1:56:30). Do this, you will love it! Be prepared to give it some time to build your strength. With all the calories you burn you should lose some weight fast too, I did, and that will make the runs better and easier. Now Go run!
any other apps like this that people know of?
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I started with the runner's world beginning running program on my treadmill. I knew I could not do it outside because I didn't want people watching me. When I finished that, I just kept adding to my time. When I got to 45 minutes, I finally ran outside. I went from 165 lbs to 125 lbs and running has changed my life. I will be running my first half marathon in May. I love the long runs on Saturdays. I am slow but I do it. Some of the runs were terrible but that is because I was not eating enough carbs and I crashed afterward. Now, I make sure if I run over 6 miles to eat 1/2 my body weight in carbs for breakfast. Everyone is different so I am not saying everyone needs to do this but for me it works. By the way, I am 49 and not athletic at all. I never played sports as a kid or in high school. I have always admired runners. They have an inner drive and dedication that I wanted. So, I said why not me and I googled a plan and started.0
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I really need to hear from folks out there who were just like me at one point. I need to hear that it can be done. I'm obese. I need to lose probably about 90 pounds to be considered healthy. But I've always wanted to be a runner. I've tried a few times. A couple of years ago, I even got up to a slow jog for five minutes straight. Then I got off track and gained back a bunch of the weight I lost. I'm starting over now, but I feel so pathetic when I try to run. I've NEVER run a mile in my life. I think I was just barely up to running a quarter mile when I gave up on myself. I need to hear from people who were like me. Please tell me how hard it was and how much better it got. Please share stories and pictures. I really need some hope.
Not sure if anyone would really care but I have been continuing the c25k since my last post and am now going on week 7. I took the last after picture from my old post to compare to now. This is -12 pounds. I just wanted to let you know that it is hard in the beginning but it gets so much easier stenobun! Especially when the weight that you gained will start to fall off. Dont worry! I wish you the best of luck and hope you succeed in becoming the runner you always wanted to be! If I can do it, so can you =] Give the c25k a try!
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Yes, I can be done! As a child and teenager I could never run more than 400m. Well, I couldn't even run 400m. All I could do was a 100m run, either as a not fast sprint or an even slower jog. And that stuck.
A few years ago I tried running during a several day work-related training. After three days a toe started to hurt, which lasted me several months. So I gave up again. I tried it again 4 weeks ago just a few days shy of my 41th birthay thinking my toe might hurt again, my legs will get heavy, my lungs won't cope, but none of that happened. So I just finished week 4 of C25K. But not with 2 intervals of 3 and 5 minutes running, but twice that. I don't know why I'm able to run quite well all of a sudden, but it just works for me.0 -
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As someone who had three knee surgeries before the age of 20 and had been significantly overweight their entire life, I never expected to consider myself a runner. And some people will scoff and say I'm really not because I've only managed to work my way up to about 3-4km runs, but I'm pretty proud of myself and I can't wait to start running again as the weather warms up.
For me, I started with trying the C25K route but I found that the app forced me to work at it's pace rather than my own and that wasn't comfortable for me. So I just started running then walking for as little time as I absolutely had to, then running again. I started small with my block (which is just under 1km) and then over time added more and more blocks to it. I set up little time trials for myself constantly trying to knock a few seconds off here or there. I found that approach was really motivational for me because I felt like I saw near-constant progress (side note: the post about good runs and bad runs further up is a really good thing to remember, even pro-athletes have the odd terrible run where they're just not up to par).
I will say however that running is very hard on your joints when you are overweight; the amount of pressure that it can put through them leaves overweight runners prone to injury. I didn't start really running until I was in my 170s (a healthy weight for my height and frame would be about 140) and as I've lost more weight I've definitely noticed the difference. Work up your mileage slowly, stop if you're developing any chronic pain spots (either during or after runs) and remember how important stretching is to any fitness related activity.
Good luck, and get out there! We know you can do this.0 -
I wouldn't consider myself a runner yet, but I did start C25K recently with a friend and I've been surprised at how much I'm enjoying it! I generally hate cardio and love heavy lifting, but there's something calming and almost meditative about running that I'm enjoying. I love to lift but I don't get in that same head space at the gym that do out on a run.0
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One other thought to add... You're going to have some good runs and some bad runs. I thought about this thread yesterday when I was out running. I have been primarily running on the treadmill through the winter and went outside yesterday since it was nice. The road, the wind, the sun, they all take a toll on you. Plus I started out way too fast. I had hoped to go 90 minutes but only lasted 60, and I really had to push hard for that
But you know what? After I was done I was glad to have gotten out. It sucked. It really sucked. But that's my point...not all runs are great.
I know it's been a few months since this thread was visited, but I am so glad I found it. And your post really resonated with me.
In high school, I ran cross country. Back then, the girls had to run 2 mile races. I was one of the slowest; my fastest race was in 17 min. Oh how'd I'd love to be able to run 2 miles in 17 minutes now, LOL
I have tried to run on and off over the years. I have completed one 5K without having to walk (slow jog ~ 34:23), and then I gave up after that when I should have kept going because I had finally achieved that. That was in the Fall of 2011.
Fast forward to this January. I wanted to give running another try. I will admit, I am a fair weather exerciser, so running outside in WI in January was not something I wanted to do. We got a family Y membership and I got started on my running goals a few days a week. I got very comfortable being on the treadmill from January-March as I was able to see how fast I was running and pace myself better. I was able to complete a 5K in 36 minutes, only walking twice. Then at the end of March on a nice, warmer Spring day, I ventured outside to run. OMG, I thought I was going to die. As you said, the wind, sun, road, all took it's toll on me.
I haven't given up wanting to become a better runner, but I feel like I am definitely retraining in a sense now that I am doing it outdoors. The farthest I have been able to run (jog) steady is a little over a mile and a half. I am sure I could push myself more, and I need to push myself to go farther, but that's typically when I stop to walk for the first time.
Reading all of your stories, I feel inspired. Knowing that many of you did quite a bit of intervals between running and walking until you felt comfortable enough to run for farther distances has me convinced that I can do that too.
I have a good friend who is running a half Marathan on September. There is also a relay half marathon option where I would only have to run around 6.5 miles. I am so tempted to sign up, but I am scared, too, as I don't think I have ever run that far in my life, even in my cross country days. But we shall see... I hope I will be able to report back that I did accomplish this after all
Again, so glad I came across this thread... it was exactly what I needed to read tonight!0 -
I never thought I'd be a runner, either. Not even last year when I was working out and only jogging around a mile or so once or twice a week. But now I've run five races, came in first in my age group for my first 5k, WON my first 10k, and this past weekend ran a 5k and 10k on Saturday, and then Sunday completed a half marathon. I have two more halfs this month.
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I also always wanted to be a runner and never had run a mile in my life. I did the couch to 5k thing. I just printed out the chart. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml It is a 9 week program, 3x's/week for about 30 minutes. Very doable. It lets you ease into running. I started that last year and it got me on the right track and got me to run a 5k. I am still working on being a "runner" but I can easily run 1 mile now. Still takes effort to run more than that and the most I've done is 4 miles. It definitely is mental! I've lost about 30 lbs from last year running. Get a great pair of running shoes, have a great music playlist (songs that amp you up and try it). At the very least start doing the intervals. Good Luck0
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I started running when I was your age. I never ran before, aside from times I was forced to in phys ed class twenty years earlier. I wanted to run, but always thought either you could, or you couldn't. I didn't know you had to learn how to run: how to pace yourself, how to breathe. When my brother and niece started running 5k races together, I thought, "Hey, they're not so genetically different from me. If they could do it, maybe I could, too!"
I started with Couch to 5k. Actually, I started before that by just walking the dog a little more, and was dismayed that I could barely keep up with a Pekingese who had three inch legs. But I started C25K and found that if I went slower, I could run one minute straight, then 90 seconds straight the next week, then a little more the next... In a little over a month, I was able to run one mile! About a month after that, I could run a 5k! I was amazed. A few months later, I was running races and keeping up with my then 25 year old niece and her dad who'd been running forever.
Since then, I kept up running, but have had some setbacks. A stress fracture, a bout with depression, a lower back injury. Now, I'm perfectly content with adding walk intervals if I feel I need them. I enjoy running a lot more when I have them and it doesn't affect my overall pace all that much. So that would be my advice... don't worry if you need to walk some. Run a couple minutes, walk one, then run some more, and walk a little more. You'll still get the distance done.0 -
WhatMeRunning wrote: »It can be done. No doubt. I know this first hand.
First, I have been fat most all of my life. Only in good shape when I was 23 and younger, but even then was overwieght. I tried getting into running when I was 18 or 19, but always developed a nasty case of shin splints and would stop. When I was 23 years old I had a knee injury that sidelined me for a long time, and I never got back into good health after that, always assuming I would trash my knee if I tried being too active.
January 2nd, 2014 I had just turned 42, weighed 316 pounds and was determined to be borderline diabetic, put on Metformin to help out and told to eat no more than 120g total carbs per day. I did this and started losing weight at a surprising rate.
On April 3rd, 2014 I had finished a follow-up appointment, weighing 284 pounds (32 lost in 3 months). My numbers were all better on my blood labs. I assumed I would soon hit a plateau on my weight loss and wanted to continue, so I decided to start a regular routine of walking. I walked 2 miles that day.
I continued walking nearly every day, increasing my mileage as soon as I felt the current distance was no longer a challenge. I wanted to feel like I worked out with my walks. I was walking 3 miles each time by the end of that first month, and by the end of May the next month was walking 4 miles and had begun walking EVERY day. By the end of June I was going 6 miles every day, taking about an hour and 50 minutes each time.
I suspected at some point I might not have enough time in the day to keep pushing myself further by walking alone. I began wondering while on my walks what I would do to go higher impact. The thought of running crossed my mind and I laughed, literally laughed at myself for the thought. My knees could never take up running! Especially at this age! So I assumed biking would be my next choice.
So July 9, 2014 rolls around and I go on my 6 mile walk. I was needing to either walk further or move on to my next activity like biking but I was strapped at that time, could not afford a bike. I decided to run for short bursts during my walk.
Looking back at the data for that day, and in the next few runs afterward, I would only run for a minute or so each time, if that. I ran 13 times this way on that walk. I kept doing this on each successive walk. However I did learn from some soreness that I should not do this EVERY day like I had been doing with walking. So I switched to running/walking 3 or 4 times per week.
By the end of July I realized I was regularly walking/running 6 miles all the time so I could complete a 10k with no problem, and live the rest of my life knowing I had actually done a 10k! So I signed up for one. By my final run before the race the longest single run burst I had completed was just under 1 mile.
September 20, 2014 was the date of my 10k. I had never run in a race and was told I should start towards the back and just pace myself with people as long as I could. I did exactly that, keeping up with those around me as we started. I passed mile 1 and kept going. It was at that point a personal record. I reached mile 2 and kept going! By the time I reached mile marker 3 I knew that there was no reason I could not actually run the whole way unless I just collapsed...and that was what I was focused on for the rest of the race. I completed the whole 10k running in 1 hour, 17 minutes and 41 seconds! I was SO TIRED, but SO PROUD! I can not describe the feeling in words.
That day proved a lot to me. I could run further than my mind previously was telling me. I could run so much further than I thought without dying or injuring myself! Granted, I was quite sore that night and the next day. But I recovered.
Knowing I could run 6 miles and being familiar with the concept of 10% increases per week (and also having looked at Hal Higdon running plans), I looked at upcoming races. In my mind I wondered if I could do a half marathon before the end of the year. The latest one in the year that I found in town was scheduled for November 15th, 8 weeks away. I realized I could actually follow such a training plan and reach that mileage in time for that race, so I signed up!
The next few weeks were a little harsh, I admit. I struggled to get further than 6 miles, and in the process learned a lot more about my body, and how to fuel it. One thing I will credit running for, it has taught me more about my physiology than any courses I ever took in school (Granted, I'm an IT guy, not my forte).
I managed to reach 12 miles as my longest distance run prior to the half marathon. I had great confidence I could do it. And I did, finishing in 3 hours and 9 seconds.
Those last few weeks ahead of that half marathon I looked back at the changes I went through over that one year alone, from January to then in November. It may sound strange, but I am not so much proud as I am humbled by it. I can do this, I know it now. I am pushing myself further still. I keep doing it because I still can. I don't know why I never did this before, especially some 20 years ago when all of this would have been easier. But I can do it, and I plan to never look back. If I step back, I can always look ahead again.
It is possible. I encourage you to just do it. Not trying to sound corny. Just start with what you can do, and just keep going.
Sorry for such a long post.
I have a very similar story...
overweight my entire life.... did my first 5k 4 years ago, after losing about 30lbs. I was around 180lbs. SLOW time, but finished which was my goal.
After a while, had a 10k goal in mind, took me a couple of years to work up the courage to actually do it. Last year, I just decided to find one and do it. Did my first 10k in October 2014, again, goal was to finish. I finished in 1:15... which was awesome! On a whim that night I signed up for a half marathon for December, again my goal was to just finish, and finish I did... a personal best for me pace wise.... finished in 2:08, but that wasn't what I was most proud of, the fact that I ran 13.1 miles was by far one of my biggest accomplishments fitness-wise. Coming from a complete lazy couch potato to running a freakin' half marathon....?
Start slow, do what you can... running has literally become my drug... for real. I will work my entire day around getting in a run. Hell, I went out this morning at 6am for a 6 miler. There is nothing (IMO) like a runners high! GO FOR IT!!!!0 -
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Back in middle school I was on the track and field team, but I was a thrower so I would consitently bs my way through the running exercises. I have always hated running. One of the last times that I tried I thought I was going to die after one block.
In March I downloaded the c25k app and am now on week 5 (i am obviously not consitant) and able to run for at least ten minutes straight. It is pretty damn amazing. Now, I am not saying I love it yet but I am definitely getting closer to loving it.0 -
It all started back in November 2012. I weighed 260 at the time (at a height of 5 foot 9.5"), mostly due to 9 years of a crazy 60 hour/week job with too much travel that I was working towards transitioning away from. It took about 2.5 years to finally get to a normal BMI, but I took it one step/training plan/race at a time.
Challenge #1: 5k in February 2013 (Gasparilla). Starting weight: 260 (Nov 2012), Race Weight: 250, Plan: Fitness Magazine's 6 weeks to a 5k (spread over 8). Completion time: 39 minutes (12:40/mile pace)
Challenge #2: 10 mile race (Broad Street Run), May 2013. Starting weight: 250, Race Weight: 235, Plan: Hal Higdon's 15k Novice plan. Completion time: 1:59 (11:50/mile pace)
Challenge #3: Half Marathon (Gasparilla) - February 2014. Starting weight: 230, Race Weight: 220, Plan: Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Half Marathon Plan. Completion Time: 2:28 (11:20/mile pace)
Challenge #4: Full Marathon (Pittsburgh) - May 2014. Starting Weight 220, Race Weight: 208. Plan: Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Plan. Completion Time: 4:47 (10:50/mile pace)
Challenge #5: Half Marathon (Chicago Rock 'n Roll) - July 2014. Starting Weight: 208, Race Weight: 199. Plan: Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 Half Marathon Plan. Completion Time: 2:09 (9:54/mile pace)
Challenge #6A: Olympic Triathlon (Trirock Clearwater) - November 2014. Starting weight: 199, Race Weight: 180. Plan: Garmin HR Olympic Plan 1. Completion Time: 2:41 - (20mph bike, 8:30/mile pace for 10km, 31min 1500m open water swim)
Challenge #6B: Half Marathon (Las Vegas Rock 'n Roll) - November 2014. Starting weight: 199, Race Weight: 178. Plan: Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 Marathon Plan. Completion Time: 1:46 (8:08/mile pace)
Challenge #7: Marathon (Clearwater) - January 2015. Starting Weight: 180, Race Weight: 177. Plan: Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 Marathon Plan. Completion Time: 3:52 (8:48/mile pace)
Challenge #8: Marathon (Pittsburgh) - May 2015. Starting Weight: 177. Race Weight: 168. Plan: Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 Marathon Plan. Completion Time: 3:44 (8:33/mile pace)
Long term goals: Disney Marathon January 2016 (hoping for a 3:30 at 158lb). Ironman Florida November 2016. Boston Qualifying Time by Late 2017 or early 2018 (3:13 at my age at 145lb).
In short, to get there, just find a race (you can adequately prepare for), snag a plan (both diet & training), make them a priority, log everything you eat & run, and as you work through it, you'll get lighter, faster, and closer to your goal (literally) step by step.
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I never thought I would run either. I was also 90 pounds overweight. I started losing weight and eating right but still thought I would never run. Like you, I wanted to be a runner. So I got the couch to 5k app this January and started to do the program. I spent a full month on the first week of the program because I was so out of shape and another month on week two. I added yoga to my routine, and that along with physical therapy has gotten me increasing weekly like the program suggests. I'm not fast by any means, I run a twelve minute mile but I've signed up for my first 5k on June 6. A full six months after starting the program. It's the best 5bucks I've ever spent. The free one doesn't gps or track your speed or mileage. If I can do it anyone can do it. I have about 8 more pounds to lose until goal but I finally have a normal bmi. I still can't believe it.0
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https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10136346/long-way-from-barely-walking-a-mile#latest. I lost 100 lbs by running and exercise. It can be done. I'm now training for a 10k.0
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As a kid I could never do the mile run. Never. I could run/walk but it never got better. I had undiagnosed exercise induced asthma. After going through a period in my life which resulted in me getting very heavy, I got into fitness. I learned to love aerobics classes and lifting. Today I ran for over 8 KM. I'm going to cut back though as I'm exhausted now. I'm hoping for a half-marathon in December. It can be done. I will add that I didn't follow any traditional learn to run plan or anything like that. Just increased my fitness, built up a cardio base and got myself on good asthma meds to control said asthma.0
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A couple of years ago, I even got up to a slow jog for five minutes straight.
If you could do that, you can run and will run if you put your mind to it.
My story: At my heaviest I weight in at just over 255 pounds. When I started running last fall (2014) I couldn't make even 1km without stopping, usually more than once. I'd had a bout with pneumonia earlier in the spring and my lungs screamed when I tried to take in more air. I remembered a once fit me that could do all these things and felt like I'd never, ever, get back there. But... I had support (like here) and kept it up. By the time winter rains hit I was doing better and was determined to keep going all winter. I made myself run in the worst weather we have here (cold rain, rarely snow) because I felt if I could do that, when Jan/Feb/March came and weather improved again I'd be hooked. That proved true.
802km (as of today) and now on my third pair of shoes later I've dropped more than 25kg (56 pounds) and am well on my way to reaching my goal by this September, which will let me meet the promise I made myself on my last birthday.
I'm 53. I did not (and don't) have any joint problems or specific health issues other than low back pain which is *much* improved when I'm active. Running doesn't bother it at all. My BP is now like a healthy 30 year old. Resting heart rate: 50. I can leap tall buildings now. (ok, not yet) Seriously... I now feel like a fit person even though I'm not yet at my goal. Why? Because I am!
Tips:- Be sure your doctor is ok with starting such a program.
- If at all possible find yourself a friend that is somewhat fitter than you that already runs. A patient friend who will wait for your every stop, but an insistent friend that will push you to go out for your regular scheduled runs. Mine was my wife - we had two running dates a week; that was enough to get me over the hump and then my own interested took over. She might wish I run less now and renovate more.
- Consider following a gentle program like Couch To 5K (C25K).
- Do not worry about speed. Do not worry about speed. Do not worry about speed. Your first objective is simply to start building a base on which to build. Running slow will give you tons of exercise benefits while not over taxing your body's ability. You'll minimize injury and maximize the possibility you'll stick with it. Speed will come, and speed is easier after the weight is halved. And halved again. Etc.
- Check your local area for beginner running groups. Speciality running shops and community centres are good sources of info. There are usually groups for ALL abilities. Believe it.
- Don't forget stretching, rest days, etc. Ask for advice, there are lots of runners on MFP. Your local running group will also be a great source of advice.
- Have fun. You don't have to run marathons or half marathons or even 10kms to make running a very useful part of your cardio exercise program. But if you get bit by the bug, great!
- Mix it up. Include some strength training at the gym, or swimming, or body weight work at home - don't get lopsided doing only one thing. Mixing it up is fun!
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LoneWolfRunner wrote: »On May 1 of this year I will have been running for 4 years... I ran 1,800 miles last year, ran a couple of ultras and a couple of weeks ago crossed the 5,000 mile mark. Because I never thought I would run, I love every single one of my runs.
I LOVE your story, thanks for sharing!
I see too many dismissive posts on MFP about running ("oh it's too hard on your ^insert joint/limb excuse here^") or ("walking won't destroy you like running") ... mostly made by people who don't know what they are talking about - non-runners venturing their uninformed opinions.
Sure, there are some that for medical reasons may not be able to.
And then there's you, a person who had a prime excuse for not trying, who did, and loves it. Very inspiring!
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Just cut/pasting a post from my blog, it covers it all:
I hate working out… I don’t do sports… I am the laziest person alive…I’ve said it all, and oh boy, I meant it. I was convinced working out was never for me, and that I’d never to it. Most of all because I wasn’t really good at any sport at all, and I just didn’t like to get hot and sweaty.
I had tried running before, two times to be exact:
The first time, I was at my heaviest and I thought that running would help me lose weight. I went shopping for workout gear and shoes (… who recognizes this… lol!) and I started a couch to 5k program. I wasn’t any good at all. I never got further than 4k, and that still included walking intervals. I got frustrated. No immediate results except for a red-hot face, sweat and muscle ache. My knees hurt, my calves burnt, I got gassy… I hated it. Soon enough I found plenty of excuses to not go, and within a few weeks my running shoes and clothes disappeared to the back of my closet.
10 kilos down (well done me) I started again. I was definitely in better shape. I barely needed training to get back to my max of last time. But again, I didn’t get much further. I just didn’t persevered. At that time, I had also figured out how to lose weight quite successfully and running wasn’t a necessity. I could lose without. Note: I did buy new work out clothes, since I had lost a size. And again, these disappeared in the lowest drawer of my closet…
So, three times a charm right?
I must admit, that third time wasn’t just me. I met my boyfriend, who happens to be extremely active (like, completing an Ironman active). He didn’t push me, and I didn’t feel intimidated but seeing him run that marathon after swimming and biking for hours, I thought: it’s embarrassing that I’m unable to run 5k. I should be able to do that. At that moment in time, I had lost about 18 kilos. It wasn’t about losing weight anymore, but it was about taking care of my health. I figured, if I’m able to lose that much weight and it makes me feel so good, it should be amazing to be able to run as well.
It also helped to see him workout 5-6 times a week. He’d leave, I’d sit on the couch watching youtube videos, and he’d be back within the hour. It made me see that working out isn’t a massive day breaker or something that needs to be planned ahead.
So yeah, I started running. Again. I got new work out clothing. Again, I did another couch to 5K program, and this time I was surprised by how easy those first few runs were. The difference with two years back was amazing. 20 kilo’s lighter meant it was a lot less tougher on my joints. I managed to build up my endurance quite quickly and before I knew it, I ran a 5k in 32 minutes. A month later, I ran it in 29.
I’m not saying it was easy, because it wasn’t. My legs were so sore in the beginning, I suffered from a twitched muscle in my groin/hip every time I passed 5k, my left foot got inflamed, et cetera. But I pushed through because I knew I should be able to do it, being that much lighter and healthier than two years ago.
I’m currently training to run a 10k within 60 minutes. I’m not planning to do a (half) marathon anytime soon, although I’m starting to see the fun in that (say what now?). This week I ran 12k for the first time. It took me an hour and twenty minutes, but I did it without stopping. not once! I feel lighter, fitter and stronger.
At this point, a 7-10k is a good distance for me to run 1-2 times a week. It burns calories (700 in 12k) keeps me fit and it soothes my mind. It’s nice to be in control of your body and realize you’ve been running for 45-60 minutes straight. It’s unbelievable to me.
When I bike to work, I’m no longer sweaty or out of breath. When I need to catch a tram, it’s no longer an effort to sprint 20 meters. I always joked to friends who ran races that I would never do such a thing, but I’m starting to change my mind.0 -
Running for me is a head game. A slow, painful head game. I'm an ungainly runner, and slow. I hunch forward and swear. I stare at the ground too much. I hate the treadmill with a passion and count the seconds until I can get off it. So, not a chipper runner.
But I started at 262 pounds and still remember the triumph of running for one mile on a treadmill. And running my first 5k. Then a 12k. Today I'm at 195 and in (eep!) three hours I'll be running my second half marathon. It can be done. Just believe. 0 -
Right here!
I, too, had always wanted to be a runner. I started and stopped the C25K app numerous times.
In December, I decided enough was enough. I needed to do it and stick to it.
It wasn't easy... But it certainly wasn't impossible. I used the C25K group here in MFP to get some tips. Halfway through, I signed up for The Color Run 5K to motivate me to really do this.
If I felt like giving out, I knew to adjust my pace. I focused on my breathing and my form. I made sure my running shoes were fit and caused me little to no damage (I was bigger, so it caused more pressure to my knees at times). It felt less and less like dying and more like an accomplishment. I ran outside instead of the treadmill because I wanted to learn how to balance and the treadmill was always scary for me because of that. My endurance built up dramatically.
I will admit that my consistency wavered a bit in the middle. There was a week that I didn't run at all. But I got back out there as the 5K got closer. I was impatient and started trying to run the full 35 minutes. I didn't make it the first couple of tries and bounced back to the app again.
The night before the race, I really attempted to go for it at the treadmill at the gym. I did it and nearly burst into tears. I graduated the C25K! ME! The girl who huffed and puffed every 1 minute run I broke into that first day.
Race day was one of the most exciting days of my life. Though it's supposed to be all for fun and not timed, I ran the whole thing. I ran slowly and there were times I wanted to give up, but I kept going. When I saw the finish line, I don't know what came over me... But I had a burst of new energy and ran as fast as my legs would take me. I collapsed after I collected my medal with the biggest, goofiest grin.
My goal was to do it in 35 minutes. I did it in 39 minutes and 45 seconds.
I run 2-3 times a week now. If it's 2, I'll do some other kind of cardio to make up for it and to challenge My endurance in new ways.
You can run as slow as you want, just keep going!
That last one is about the most embarrassing picture ever taken of me, but I'm willing to share it cuz of that look of consternation and determination. Sorry for the faces I make when I'm running!0
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