Running when morbidly obese

This is what I did Alternate 1 minute jog and 3 - 5 minute walk. Keep doing it for at least a week or two. Then as your stamina gets stronger keep adding more jog time 1 minute at a time and decrease walk time. It might take a month or 2 to build your stamina to running depending on you. I say go for it. There are also good training guides like C25K.

I was at 250 started walking got up to 8 miles a day took about a month, then as I listened to music I would jog a little during the faster songs. Within 5 months I jogged a half marathon at 12 minute miles. BUT My knee was not ready for such a pounding and now gives me trouble when I run more than three miles, so I bike, but running is my first love! Also suffice you run on matters lots! I trained mostly on gravel trails softer on the knees and ran the race on hard pavement. Take your time! I know only to well how addicting it can be. It was hard in the beginning but once I got to jogging three miles runner's high began to kick in and knowing when to stop was hard! Good luck!

You could try the C25K app to help you get started (Couch to 5k). It gives you a schedule to follow and starts you off walking with very short bursts of jogging. The very 1st workout, for example, tells you to do a 5 minute warm up walk, then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes, then a 5 minute cool down. I believe it is an 8 week schedule total. I'm currently using the C210K (Couch to 10k) app and am loving it. Good luck! You can do anything you put your mind to!

I started MFP at 288 lbs. shortly after starting, i began walking regularly. As i got comfortable there, i started pushing myself to run as far as i could, which were short sprints of a hundred feet or so. As time went on, i was able to double my distance, and start cutting down on my recovery walks between sprints.

The real breakthrough for me came when i started couch-2-5k, seven weeks ago. I downloaded a free app (i use ZenLabs and am happy, but it's by no means the only choice). I also read and posted quite a bit on these forums, trying to get into it correctly.

Here's my take-away so far, as i approach the end of the eight week program, and have already completed a 5k, with another scheduled in a few weeks:

1. run slow! If you can go slower, and still be running, do it! you should be going so slowly you can carry on a conversation while jogging.
2. breathe from your belly/diaphragm - when you inhale, push your belly button out; when you inhale, draw your belly button to your spine.
3. don't cross your arms in front of you - keep them moving straight forward and back.

You can do this. Just take it slow, and pay attention to your body. Your muscles WILL be sore as you start, but if you notice foot/ankle/knee/hip pain, you might be doing something wrong. Run safe and properly, and you're going to find me out on that path, cheering you on.

When I was that heavy I tried it for about 10 feet (goofing with my kids during a walk) and think I loosened every joint in my body from neck to ankle. I was a mess for many days. If you have the will, you'll find the way and like everyone said, be careful! Good luck

Speedwalk. It should be hard - walk like you're trying to get somewhere as fast as you can. Not strolling.

I would advise swimming or stationary equipment before jumping into running. Running especially outdoors can be very hard on your joints and body.

SonyaCele wrote: »

running at 300 lbs is going to be way too hard on your joints, and your vascular system as it struggles to keep up. Focus heavily on losing weight. You can bike or elliptical safely to start slowly building up cardio and endurance. When you get around 200 lbs it might be safer to start a c25K program while you continue losing weight. thats my opinion. be safe and take care of yourself.

Yeah this.

Couch to 5k program.

I started off around 340, and I've been just walking/hiking. First a mile once a day, then two. Now I generally do between 5-8 miles a day, usually broken up into two or 3 chunks (when I first get up, on my lunch break, and after dinner).

Between that and tracking my food, I have no issues losing weight (even going out to eat with friends a couple of times a week).

But my goal (besides improving my fitness level in general) is more to be able to enjoy backpacking more, and since I enjoy hiking, I don't actually mind spending the time walking.