I thought I'd never run....

ohkurt18
ohkurt18 Posts: 171 Member
edited December 2 in Fitness and Exercise
I just started running/walking intervals today. I only did a short amount of running verses my walking ratio. I know it will get better but as a 300+ pound person it super sucks right now. Any tips or advice or words of encouragement to give? I'm doing this for health but also for my half marathon in November for team world vision to raise money for children to have life time supply of clean drinking water.. Thanks friends.

Replies

  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    When I started running, my knees hurt a lot. Later. Don't overdo it.

    Going slowly made it hurt less. Like when you think you can't go any slower, cut your speed in half. It takes effort to go that slow but that makes it so much easier. Focus on small strides. Everything else will come in time.
  • ohkurt18
    ohkurt18 Posts: 171 Member
    Thank you so much!!!
  • kjm3579
    kjm3579 Posts: 3,974 Member
    When I first started running I could barely get to the corner -- then I made it around the corner, then part way down the block -- adding a little each time I ran. I was stuck around 2 - 3 miles for a long time but eventually that gets better as well. I am now doing a marathon training plan and have run a 10 mile race, a 13.1, and a 5K -- I'm still slow but I keep at it. I also do strength training and spin classes as cross training.
  • Keladelphia
    Keladelphia Posts: 820 Member
    Ugh starting to run was one of the hardest things I ever did (I started trying to run at about 220#). My only advice (other than agreeing wholeheartedly with the go slow comment above) is to be consistent. For years I would run one or two days in a week, take off a week, run one or two days the following and continue this cycle. I never got any better due to my lack of consistency which made the idea of ever being able to run any real distance seem even more impossible. Take it slow and be consistent and you'll be running that half marathon in no time :)
  • SassyMommasaurus
    SassyMommasaurus Posts: 380 Member
    Make sure to stretch your ankles really good, I know it's something I never thought about until after I started running and my ankles started hurting.
  • kluvit
    kluvit Posts: 435 Member
    GOOD FOR YOU!!! Just recognize that running is hard (mentally & physically) at any weight, so what you're doing is amazing. Sometimes it takes a while to get into the groove, sometimes a whole run is awesome, and sometimes a whole run is awful, but when you're done, you'll always be glad you did. Celebrate each milestone such as running a particular distance or time, etc. with massage, new workout wear, gadget, race entry, etc.. And, when you start raising the money for your cause and collecting the bling from your races, you'll feel even more accomplishment.

    I just started running a couple of years ago and can still remember how excited I was when I could run a full minute, then a full lap, then a full mile, then my first race, then my first 10k, first half marathon, fastest x, and so on...whatever you do just keep going!!!
  • SassyMommasaurus
    SassyMommasaurus Posts: 380 Member
    One thing that surprised me is how meditative it's become to me. I can be having a bad day and just take a little jog and everything in my head goes quiet and I relax.
  • VryIrishGirl76
    VryIrishGirl76 Posts: 1,167 Member
    Stay the course
  • rph2t
    rph2t Posts: 34 Member
    I'm gonna second the "go slow" advice. Right now you are building, and you need a solid foundation. It's hard enough without an injury and without pushing yourself to exhaustion. You don't want to hate running before you even start.

    I can only imagine how hard it is for you, so keep going. I've lost twenty pounds or so, and it's made all the difference in my running. Congrats on your first run! It can become sort of addicting, so watch out. I've never done a race, so you are a braver woman than I. Maybe someday.
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    edited July 2016
    As a as former 300+person, trust me, it's too early to run. Pounding that much weight on knees and ankles is not something you will want to do or you might end up with a permanent injury like I did. At your weight brisk walking might be enough to increase your heart rate. If it doesn't, add an incline to that (if you aren't using a treadmill just walk up a hilly road). Leave running for when you have lost a little bit more weight.

    I'm saying this and I'm actually in love with running. I just wish I started later, I would have enjoyed my running way more without ankle pain.
  • CincyNeid
    CincyNeid Posts: 1,249 Member
    Don't be afraid to start small.

    I started running when I hit the 300 pound mark. I started my Weight Loss Journey at 326. Rome wasn't Built over night. And diamonds are just created. It takes a lot of little changes to make it happen.

    We're here for you.
  • bennettinfinity
    bennettinfinity Posts: 865 Member
    Great advice above... I'd add this: in order to help prevent injuries, look into adding a short dynamic stretching routine before your runs and to be sure to statically stretch (especially calves, quads, and hamstrings) after *every* run... Good luck!
  • MeLanceUppercut
    MeLanceUppercut Posts: 116 Member
    @amusedmonkey Thanks for that tip! I've tried but it hurts so bad! I give out in just a short distance. I will stick to brisk walking for a while
  • niblue
    niblue Posts: 339 Member
    I found the first couple of weeks pretty tough when I did C25K. Just take it easy, slow right down in the running bits and if you're still struggling it might be best to do some speed walking first.
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    ohkurt18 wrote: »
    I just started running/walking intervals today. I only did a short amount of running verses my walking ratio. I know it will get better but as a 300+ pound person it super sucks right now. Any tips or advice or words of encouragement to give? I'm doing this for health but also for my half marathon in November for team world vision to raise money for children to have life time supply of clean drinking water.. Thanks friends.

    Congrats on your decision to start run/walk intervals. You've received some terrific tips and guidance from responses above. I agree with the "start slow" and "small steps" approach. And don't worry a bit about run/walk vs running. Let the improvements happen over time.

    You are doing a VERY good thing for your health and your half marathon participation will help others, too. That's great stuff. I'd suggest that you recall those two powerful motivators to lift your spirits when you are struggling. Best wishes to you.
  • ohkurt18
    ohkurt18 Posts: 171 Member
    Thank you all so much.ive learned so much from you wonderful people. :) I'm just excited to finally be doing what I thought was impossible.
  • awildflower1977
    awildflower1977 Posts: 1 Member
    Invest in good shoes. Go to an actual running store. I know this sounds scary. I thought I would be judged and it took me a really long time and 6 months of pt to finally go get real running shoes fitted properly.
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