running while fat?? I so want to do this ya'll. Possible?

2»

Replies

  • marquesajen
    marquesajen Posts: 641
    I don't have to lose as much as you, I have to lose 40, my husband is aiming at 50, and our friend was around 310 when he started running. He is now all muscle, runs marathons. and this is what he told us to do. Start small. Even if you can only make it one block, then run one block, then run back. Do the same thing the next day, maybe go a little further. Just do what you can and each day do a tiny bit more. If you like to walk then do bursts of running while you go for a walk. He also lifted weights and other exercises, but running is his thing. He taught me that there is no shame in running for a couple blocks, because you'll feel joy when you can run 3, then 4, then a mile.
  • SmartFunGorgeous
    SmartFunGorgeous Posts: 699 Member
    I started at 280, and have been doing it for two weeks. I thought the C25K program would fit well. It does. Like you, I walked a lot, and the first week wasn't hard at all. This week was also surprisingly easy, though I'm nervous about next week, and may repeat this week if the first day I run next week is too much. You can TOTALLY do this. Go to Runner's World and read some articles on beginners and educate yourself on stride, breathing, form, shoes, etc. I'm addicted! AND I do it on the local college campus and everyone is so supportive. People like to see others challenging themselves, I've found. Friend me if you want. I love to talk about it now! :-)
  • Nikki_GodzPrincess
    Nikki_GodzPrincess Posts: 138
    I'm DEFINITELY a hefty chick but I still get out there and run. Well jog. I do intervals slowly. I jog 30 seconds then walk, jog 60 seconds then walk etc. I love it. I hope to one day be amazing and run for a good 10 minutes without feeling like I am going to keel over though lol but I know that is coming. Keep at it. I have never used it but I hear AMAZING things about C25K. Try it and I too concur make sure you strap it all down lol Good Luck
  • gatorgirl7
    gatorgirl7 Posts: 103 Member
    i started running w/ intervals: 2 min walk/2 min run on the treadmill for 30 minutes and then when that got easy, i did 3:1, and then 4:1, then 5:1 and then i figured that was dumb and i might as well as run the whole thing ;-) i was def not a runner when i started...3 yrs later, i'll be running my 5th half marathon in oct! i would also recommend picking a 5K to train for and sign up--that'll give you a goal too, so you don't lose focus. also, i haven't done it but there is a couch 2 5K program (i think it's called c25K or c2K something like that that has a plan on there which may help too.) also--make sure to stretch (and hydrate)...also, i'm not a dr, but maybe you want to check w/ yours to see if there is anything you should be careful of? it's the worst to get hurt right when you first start something!!
  • rodneyderrick
    rodneyderrick Posts: 483 Member
    Honestly, I wouldn't consider running if you're more than thirty pounds overweight, and have never done any sustain running. The extra weight and pavement pounding puts a lot of strain on your joints, especially your knees, and many new runners crack a hip. Even so, if you really feel the need to run, start slow and listen to your body. Nevertheless, as you continue to run, remember this: your weight-loss comes from burning more calories than you take into your body. Don't try to compensate a bad diet with exercise. It doesn't work. Never tell yourself you can splurge just because you did a little run, because you'll find yourself tired without losing a pound. Lastly, you will at some point injure yourself running. We all do.It's like catching the sniffles in the winter time. I've had ankle problems, hip problems, shin problems, and knee pains that have sidelined me throughout my years of running. I rested for weeks at a time, but I never stopped running once my body healed. And when you have to take a break from running, it's important to continue with burning more calories than you take into your body, or at least eating to maintain your weight. If you gain weight because you didn't exercise, you never learned how to eat within your calorie limit. Your weight-loss came from exercising when it should have come from diet.
  • watergirl626
    watergirl626 Posts: 249 Member
    I put my goal on here as 64 to lose, but in reality it should be 84 (I'm just scared I can't get there), so I have a lot to lose too. I started running in June, at my heaviest, because the C25K intrigued me. I ran the first week with old craptastic shoes and then had to rest a week and start over with real shoes from a running store. I started out on the treadmill so I had a timer, and eventually I got a HRM and then began running outside (in public). I just finished W5D2 on C25K. I love it. And when I run outside, I notice that 20% of people are real runners, going fast, good posture, etc, but the other 80% looks like their dying just as much as me. :-) Oh, and even though it has been hot this summer, I run in capris, and haven't once wished they were shorts. My thighs already touch, I don't like the idea of more stuff trying to bunch up there. :-P

    So I started at 224#, dying trying to run 60s intervals (I was ready to quit halfway through the first workout, but managed to push through), and now I am 198.6 and just ran/walked 2.98 miles during 46 minutes which included two 8-min. runs.

    You can totally do it if you want to. If you try and and decide you don't like it, that's okay too. The trick is finding exercise you like, right? Good luck!

    www.c25k.com
  • northernlights907
    northernlights907 Posts: 150
    I think is possible but listen to your body....Im 5'4" and 215 and could only complete the first week of C25K because my knees started hurting really bad...then again, I wasnt using running shoes...just my adidas shoes Ive worn almost every day for the last year and a half.. Sooo with that being said, get good shoes.
  • knowmydestiny
    knowmydestiny Posts: 104 Member
    bump
  • mancunianpoodle
    mancunianpoodle Posts: 17 Member
    Wow - this thread is inspiring! I downloaded C25K over a month ago and then talked myself out of it - but am gonna definitely give it a go after reading that running while being quite a bit overweight is a real possiblity.

    I used to weigh 19 stone (am in the UK, 14lbs to a stone) - dropped 4 stone through changning eating habits. Need to tone up and use exercise to drop further to my ideal weight - probably about another 4 stone. I am hoping running will help me tone up and shed the weight.
  • MiloBloom83
    MiloBloom83 Posts: 2,724 Member
    I started running at around 215 pounds. It sucked, but i persisted, because i wanted to join my friends at races instead of watching from the sidelines. 3 years later(11 months on MFP) and i weigh 175 and run a mile 3 minutes faster than i used to. My wife has dropped 36 pounds and attributes almost all of that to running and counting calories. If you start running at any weight, and stick with it, you will lose weight. I'm the proof.
  • kapeluza
    kapeluza Posts: 3,434 Member
    This is what I posted on my wall today :

    "This was an AWESOME morning!!!I have 3 victories!!! 1 SV and 2 NSV!!! SV= I lost 1.4lbs since Tuesday! NSV#1 = I jogged for 45 mins straight without stopping! This if HUGE for me!!! I got on the threadmill to get my HRM (Polar) training session started and it always asks me to start walking and then sometimes even jog. So I started jogging and I just kept at it. I was like "hmmmmm I think I can continue. 10 mins later, I feel great I can keep going. 30 mins into the run I was thinking to myself "holy **** I'm running and I'm not tired!!!!". At the end of 45 mins, my legs were numb but a good work out numb (nothing to worry about) and I had just started having issues with my breathing!!!! Granted I wasn't going 6.0mph more like 3.8-4.0 but still I have NEVER been able to run more than 5 mins! I am so HAPPY right now!! NSV#2: I finally fit into my cropped pants and other skirts with no muffin top!!! Oddly enough I fit well in some 16's and in other 16's I don't and I still fit in some 18's but some 18's in my closet are loose as hell to the point where if I wear them I might flash someone because they will just fall down!!!! :D And I don't even bother in my size 20's anymore. I am VERY happy today!!! Thank you ALL for your support! Bigs hugs to all of you for helping me through this! :D "

    I have 50+lbs to go to my goal weight so yes, you can run. If I can, you can.
  • mrk34
    mrk34 Posts: 227 Member
    Go for it!

    I considered a gym or jogging in addition to the implemented drastic diet change. I chose jogging and tried to jog around the block. I jogged very slowly and for short period of time at the beginning.

    When I started I was completely out of shape. It was hard and I felt the weight every step I took. But every time I forced myself do to it I was proud of myself after I finished. I slowly increased the distance and currently I jog three times around the block, which equals to approximately a mile.

    I don’t jog for the weight loss. We can’t effectively lose weight simply by jogging. We don’t burn enough calories to be worth performing solely for that purpose. If you your weight is weigh 200 pounds and you jog a mile, you will burn 150 calories.

    I achieve weight loss through other means. I jog because of my heart condition. Plus the feeling is great every time I finish. I also noticed other benefits of jogging. I wish I had started jogging years ago.

    If you can, go for it. Jog slowly and be careful with your knees. Don’t feel embarrassed by your slow pace. If people look at you, it means they wish they had the courage to jog like you.

    In the book I read “Run Your Butt Off” the authors recommend walk, run, walk, run, walk, run approach at the beginning for everybody.

    Start today.
  • Bearface115
    Bearface115 Posts: 574 Member
    Bump for later
  • Bearface115
    Bearface115 Posts: 574 Member
    I JUST finished Week 4 Day 3 with fanastic time. yes, it wasnt easy, but its gotten easier from the first time i did it. When i first did the C25K it was 60 sec runs and 60 sec walks.... can i just tell you i was literally in tears and thought to myself, how the hell am i going to be able to do this, 60 secs is so hard. Keep in mind i am 200 pounds. as time progressed on and i got better and found my rhythm and my ZONE. listen to music and i do it with my fiancee and he pushes me to keep going. i NEVER thought i would make it this far. and i just did 3 min runs and 5 min runs.... i amso impressed with myself,... my diet can be better so weight loss hasnt really happened as quick, BUT inches are melting off me and my face, legs and arns are all slimmed and toned up, and my tummy... well, still has a ways to go, but it drastically went down. ANYONE can do this program, i am running proof!! :^D
  • traceywaugh
    traceywaugh Posts: 144
    Big people run too! I'm proof of that. I don't run very fast, even when being chased, but I do run. It's already been suggested but I'll reitarate: C25K is awesome!


    This cracked me up!! :laugh:

    I ran in public for the first time this week. Not very long and not very fast but I DID IT!! And if I can so can you! Watch out world the chubbies are running!!!!
    love this made me smile iv been enjoying running again recently iv done a 5k and 10k couple of years ago and weigh about 200 so you can do it. a friend used c25k its abs brilliant wish knew about it when i styarted a couple years ago
  • traceywaugh
    traceywaugh Posts: 144
    Wow - this thread is inspiring! I downloaded C25K over a month ago and then talked myself out of it - but am gonna definitely give it a go after reading that running while being quite a bit overweight is a real possiblity.

    I used to weigh 19 stone (am in the UK, 14lbs to a stone) - dropped 4 stone through changning eating habits. Need to tone up and use exercise to drop further to my ideal weight - probably about another 4 stone. I am hoping running will help me tone up and shed the weight.

    is american stone dif to ours? mine weight is very similiar to yours although i was slightly heavier when started.
  • traceywaugh
    traceywaugh Posts: 144
    First, get fitted for a really good pair of running shoes. Go where they really know what they are doing.

    Second, (I'm assuming you are female from your handle) invest in a really good sports bra.

    Third, start with a fast walk/jog and build it from there.

    I started with 5 minutes walk, 2 minutes jog, 5 minutes walk, 2 minutes jog and it worked well. I'm now up to 5 walk, 5 jog and am averaging almost 6mph. Not bad for a fat girl.

    You can do this!
    i would agree fitted trainers and good sports bra aee a must
  • kristinabb
    kristinabb Posts: 18
    Sometimes big goals seem so much more unattainable than they are. I started at 215 pounds in December. I really did not want to think about running or try to run but once I got to about 205 / 200 i started trying. I could run 4 min. My shins hurt so bad but in a couple weeks I was up to ten min, 15, 20, 30 (very slow moving but I made it) Now I am down to 135-140 range it varies and I can run a 5k in 20:08 and up to 15 miles without stopping in 2 hours or so. Add distance and speed LITTLE bits at a time. You CAN do it, I used a tredmill for most of my running and started at 5 mph then upped it just 0.1 mph every time I ran ending up here doing a 5k at 9.3 mph. It takes TIME but the weight will fall off and I swear by running to lose the bulk of your weight. Now I will say the body can only handle so much running I soon found out and now I mix it up more because I am at my goal weight. I might run 30 min then spin bike an hour then jog 15 more or something but running is by far what got me where I am and you can do it. I was 5'5" 200 pounds and it is possible to run while heavier.
  • maidentl
    maidentl Posts: 3,203 Member
    @melsinct, I am so glad you posted that video, I was going to if someone else hadn't! I love Ben, he is a real inspiration. That video is a great motivator. :)
  • juicygurl1
    juicygurl1 Posts: 195 Member
    it's very possible. where good supportive shoes for heavy runners, (Brooks) and don't over do it. start off by walking for 5 running for 3, (min) that is and gradually increase. listen to your body, if you knees, ankles or hips are throbbing back off. make sure you stretch, and just enjoy your work out.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories