Fatty wants to run..

I just started here two days ago. At 302 pounds i was also worried about hurting my knees and ankles. I'm starting slow, taking longer walks with a little jogging thrown in... gotta start somewhere!!

WhatMeRunning wrote: »

demoiselle2014 wrote: »

^ That story is inspiring. Thank you.

Thank you. But I should have added that my story is not all that unusual. There are many runners with similar stories. Not all have been thin or runners since they were young. Quite a few fell in love with running by pure accident, much like I did, finding their lives so very enriched in terms of physical, mental and even in some cases spiritual health. I have heard varying stories that are similar in some ways to mine from many others I have met at races, or even here on MFP.

@WhatMeRunning, the parallels between your beginning and mine are amazing. Several differences, but the essence is identical. I'm not near the long distance runner you are but reading that story inspires me and gives me confidence that I will be someday. I started 50 pounds overweight, started by power walking for 2 months, when then goaded into running a 5K and to my surprise, I actually did (only because my bro-in-law was there to keep me from running too fast). 2 days later, in spite of my sore muscled, I tried it again, then two days after that and so on. THat was only 2.5 months ago and since that first 5K I've run 3 more, plus two 10K's.My max distance to date is 7.3 miles and I will have my first half on Halloween. I'll admit I'm unusual in that I didn't do ANY running leading up to my first 5K. That power walking must have really gotten my heart in shape.

I had my right knee scoped out and half my meniscus removed about 8 years ago and I thought for sure that my knee would prevent me from running much, but it other than a few mild mild moments of pain early on (very mild), it's been a non issue. My knees feel better than they have in a long time. My body feels better than it has in a long time. Even my mind feels better.

Anyone here interested in running for distance should check out the monthly Running Challenge threads here in the MFP forums, along with the Long Distance Runners group. You will find sage, helpful advice from lifelong runners, those who became runners, and also find other aspiring runners. Lots of supportive people there.

Truth.

Another vote here for couch to 5 k program.
I started running at 230lbs because I just had to do something. Ended up losing 90 lbs
You got this.

1. The only thing holding you back is your thinking. Work on seeing the positive end result in your heart and mind, instead of looking for the possible negatives, that can be easily rationalized.
2. Don't try to judge yourself by what others may do. We are all unique in our body and background.
3. Be patient with yourself. None of us got where we are in life overnight. And getting impatient and trying to do too much at once, is a recipe for physical pain and frustration.
4. Remove the word "can't" from your vocabulary.
5. "Fatty" in your thread title denotes that you believe being fat is your identity. It isn't your identity unless you allow it to be. Don't define yourself in such narrow and shallow terms.

I have to offer the alternate viewpoint to everyone above, unfortunately. A coworker of mine started running when she was around 300 pounds (she's almost 6 ft) and wrecked her knees. Arthritis set in (something studies verify is 3 times as common in obese runners as normal weight runners) and her doctor told her to stop. 10 years later, she walks with a cane and needs to have double-knee replacement surgery. Since you didn't even give us your stats when you asked the question, I don't know whether you are at risk for the same thing or not. I have been walking because, even at 5'8 and 230 lbs, I think I'm still too heavy. Instead, I use the Map My Walk app to push myself to do faster and faster miles- I'm trying to walk 15 minute miles if I can. I burn over 1,000 calories in a 90-minute walk.

If you do listen to everyone else and start running, at least start taking glucosamine on day one. That stuff is miraculous. It rolled back my own "crunchy" knees within weeks after I had to use crutches for four months and damaged my knees by overcompensating.

I can't wait to hear about your progress - I've recently started walking/running and right now sticking with it has been my major achievement, regardless of my miles and time.