Overweight “newbie” runners?

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  • lpjames30
    lpjames30 Posts: 8 Member
    I’m a beginner runner and it’s hard for me, I walk and jog but I’m able to further each time. KEEP PUSHING YOU CAN DO IT !!
  • navygrrl
    navygrrl Posts: 517 Member
    Don't try to do too much too quickly. Follow the C25K plan, and don't run on your rest days. Definitely walk, but don't run so your bones and ligaments have the chance to rest and get stronger. Definitely don't worry about how fast you're running. You're supposed to be running slowly. The speed will come naturally as your body gets better at running. I started the program last year and was probably running 15-16 min/mile, and after finishing the program and building up my distance, was averaging about 10 min/mile. The program is great, and I'm doing it again after breaking my ankle last fall, along with other disastrous life issues.

    To quote some internet stranger, no matter how slowly you run, you're still lapping the guy on the couch.
  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    Look at you go!!! I never considered myself a runner either. For some reason 5 years ago, I tried again, slowly. I’m a runner now! And so, my friend, are YOU ❤️ Well done!! Keep it up for yourself. You’re doing great!!
  • mistyj7
    mistyj7 Posts: 12 Member
    It’s great to read all of the positive comments. I am starting the couch to 5k program today and you all are addressing my internal fears about starting to run again at my weight.
  • VUA21
    VUA21 Posts: 2,072 Member
    rekrapetak wrote: »
    Wow you guys are so supportive- it is a breath of fresh air. I know a lot of “serious” runners and they almost seemed to belittle my efforts. One even laughed and said “ haha are you sure you were even running?!” - I could’ve punched him!

    That pushed me today and I think I over did it a little- I did 2.5km in just under 19 mins. After reading the above I feel like I made a rookie error in trying too hard . Yesterday can naturally to me and it wasn’t planned or overthought. Going slow meant i was fully in control, I had my heartbeat and a good rate and breathing was much easier. It made me feel good and for the first time I ended thinking I wanted to keep running!

    Tonight I set of too quick, my hb bag was 171. Breathing was difficult, I was knackered and I was staring at the finish line desperately praying to make it. I finished and realised this is what I’ve done wrong every time I ever tried to run because I was running at someone else’s pace and trying to push myself rather than enjoy it and just build endurance !

    I’m going to look up couch to 5k. I think my local park has a running club on Saturdays too... I’ll think about joining in a month after I get on track. It’s difficult as I have a 1 year old and 3 year old so my running /exercise time is usually between 9pm- 6am!

    @rekrapetak
    Search for "mommy" running clubs. I've seen a few where parents with small children run with running strollers or even rotate rest days where everyone takes turns as babysitters (all the parents bring the kiddos to a park, about 1/4 are on "rest days" and watch the kids, while the others go for a park run. They all just rotate babysitting duties).
  • mkculs
    mkculs Posts: 316 Member
    I had a wonderful today tha was 100% enjoyable for the whole time because I slowed down. Sometimes I get caught up in seeing if I can go faster, and that takes the fun right out of it! I may think about improving speed a little when I can run an hour with no discomfort. I’ve a ways to go. And no worries about it, either!
  • AliNouveau
    AliNouveau Posts: 36,287 Member
    rekrapetak wrote: »
    Hey guys- just an update, I’ve completed week 3 of couch to 5k and definitely feel fitter. I also registered for my local park run (5k every sat morning) and did my first try today. I couldn’t run non stop but pushed as hard as I could with a time of 36.27 minutes. Pretty proud for first try. I plan to complete every other week ....

    Furthest non stop distance so far it 3km but today I couldn’t do more than 1.5 due to the hills!

    Hey way to go.
    I hate running but it's such a quick way to burn a lot of calories. Good for you for sticking with it
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    Awesome! Keep up the great work.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    rekrapetak wrote: »
    I thought I’d update you all. Tonight I just completed week 7 run 3 of couch to 5 k (which is 5 min walk, 25 mins running and 5 min cool down walk. This was my 4th 25 min run in a row. Um avg. about 7.2mins/km....I’ve also completed to park runs (organised 5k events but I’m not able to run non stop yet. First attempt was 36 mins second attempt 34mins and Saturday will be my 3rd attempt (I’m going for every other week)

    I’m also down to about 65.7kg (but my willpower is massively flagging right now in terms of food/ mad cravings for anything naughty :( )

    The runger is real! :laugh:
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Just keep working at it and you will gradually improve. I accepted a long time ago that there will always people faster than me and there will almost always be people slower than me. Our tri sprint trainer gives an award each week to the final finisher and I'm disappointed that I have not earned it!
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