Fat Girl Running

catluvgal wrote: »

I've started working with a personal trainer and she suggested I find some sort of goal to work toward so I chose running a 5K. I'm super excited about this and have just signed up for a race in October of this year so I have a few good months to train. Now, I'm in pretty bad shape here at the start: 5'5", 235 pounds and 46 years old. Don't smoke, don't drink. I've recently lost about 20 pounds from diet modification and I'm ready to add in exercise!

Any advice regarding dos/don'ts of starting to run at this weight would be very appreciated. Of course, my trainer will help guide me but I'm also "crowd-sourcing" advice from ya'll. LOVE!

Welcome to running! And a 5k is an excellent race to start with - they are doable and they are so much fun! If you're in "bad shape" *smile* I don't know what I am then - LOL! I'm also 5'5" and the same age except I'm closer to 265lbs. Did train for and finish a half marathon last fall (without losing a pound, I'm afraid *sigh*) but had a blast and am planning on doing another this fall. I've done 8 to 10 5k's over the years and enjoyed every one of them very much!

My advice - esp. running as a "Clydesdale" (aka heavier runner) - good shoes are a must and be warned that they will tend to wear out faster for us than a lighter runner - so track your mileage - but also be ready to change shoes when they start to cause discomfort.

Also - discovered the hard way that hills and extra weight and hamstrings do not make for a good combination during a race. So check your 5k's course - if it has hills, then train for the hills ... then train some more.

On race day, excitement really kicks in - but that's exactly when you need to find a way to stay calm and do a FULL warm-up and stretch just like you do before every training run (and if you don't do a warm-up and stretch then start! Injuries are no fun and delay everything.)

Speaking of injuries *evil grin* - there's a product called Body Glide which helps with chafing - get some and use regularly wherever needed. Yes wherever. Might need two depending on where you need it.

Wicking fabric is your friend and cotton is the enemy. Buy running clothes if you haven't already and use them - side note - if money's an issue, often can find men's athletic wear that fits as well as ladies and is cheaper.

There is no such thing as too slow. There is no such thing as one right way (be it refueling, hydrating, stretching, training, shoes, or anything else). If you've experimented and it works - then it works. If you've tried and it doesn't work - then it doesn't work.

And last, but not least, running is at it's core, very much mental. Not every run is going to show progress. Not every run is going to feel good. But sometimes the very worst starting runs end up being the very best ones by the end. It's hard work. It's uncomfortable mentally, physically, and emotionally sometimes. It's also addictive, enjoyable and helps you meet some of the neatest people and see some of the best sights around.

It sounds like you, unlike me, have the advantage in already having some of your nutrition headed in the right direction. Remember to keep eating well for nutrition and fuel.

Good luck and best wishes on your new adventure!!