21 stone to 26.2 miles in 18 months - can it be done?

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  • westrich20940
    westrich20940 Posts: 914 Member
    edited May 2023
    springlering62 wrote: »
    TheMrWobbly wrote: »
    springlering62 wrote: »
    I go back every year to get updates, buy a pair or two of shoes to support them, and then go onto Amazon to buy the same style in “last year’s” color, for half the price.

    That is so me! Always support the people who provide the service and would definitely buy in the store that did the gait analysis. I wouldn't go to Amazon though I plan on visiting the Nike, Adidas and Asics outlets that are an hour or so away for a better price on the next pair.

    I have been wearing the same pair of shoes for walking and running and I will have to think about when they run out. Do you notice when a pair start to wear out?

    I’m cheap. I always think I can wear shoes or gear “just one more time”.

    I’d love some guidelines on when to dispose of shoes.

    @Lietchi hmmmmm now that you mention it, hip and knees started tweaking me three or four weeks ago. 😢 I guess it’s time for a Shoe Requiem.

    Likewise, I’ve got some leggings that have gone see-thru, but are otherwise flawless condition, and am having a terrible wrangle with my conscience. “Just one more time” or show my nether regions to all and sundry? I usually demote worn leggings to PJs, but these are the compression kind, and the bits probably ought to air out, ya know? It just kills me to throw them in the trash can.



    On the being 'cheap' and thinking you can run just one more time in your shoes....do you have a way that you are tracking the miles that you have on your running shoes? RunKeeper I know allows you to upload multiple pairs of shoes and when you log/save your run it keeps track of which shoes you wore and how many miles are on them. You can manually set a boundary (I have mine set to 400 miles I think....). I know that when I start getting to ~300 miles, I need to start paying attention to how I feel...and usually then that's when I buy a new pair. I rotate between two pairs so I'm not running in the same shoe every run. So, I'll do my short runs (<6 miles) in my 'older' shoes and my longer runs in my newer ones with less mileage on them. Then when my old ones hit 350-400 (depending on how my knees/hips/back feel) they become hiking shoes.

    General guidelines for running shoes is 300-500 miles, and you need a new pair. I have never gotten 500 miles from a pair of shoes...but I'm sure there are some who have.

    It's extremely easy to tell once you put on a new pair of shoes and go for a run, that you were in desperate need of them. lol.

    I'd also suggest trying to search for the older version of the shoes you like to see if you can find them new. Like I used to run in Mizuno's....but they changed the design between the 22s and 23s and I felt the fit was better for me with the 22s. I found a couple pairs on Walmart's website and just continued to buy the 22s until I couldn't find them new anymore, LOL. Last year's model will often be cheaper...and you can look at places like TJ Maxx or Sierra if you have those near you.
  • pridesabtch
    pridesabtch Posts: 2,464 Member
    TheMrWobbly wrote: »
    springlering62 wrote: »
    I go back every year to get updates, buy a pair or two of shoes to support them, and then go onto Amazon to buy the same style in “last year’s” color, for half the price.

    That is so me! Always support the people who provide the service and would definitely buy in the store that did the gait analysis. I wouldn't go to Amazon though I plan on visiting the Nike, Adidas and Asics outlets that are an hour or so away for a better price on the next pair.

    I have been wearing the same pair of shoes for walking and running and I will have to think about when they run out. Do you notice when a pair start to wear out?

    When my shoes start to wear, my back starts to have a bit of discomfort. This leads me to tensing up my upper body and then the pain hits the neck. For me that means I've gone too long. I find it much better to be proactive and track miles on the shoes than wait for the discomfort to set in. For me I lean toward the lower end of the recommendation ~300 miles or 3-4 months for me based on my lower mileage style.

    I second getting a couple of pairs that are dedicated to running and cycle through them. Running in wet/damp shoes sucks. Plus the rotation allows you to being in new pairs while still having another option in case it doesn't work for you (new models often change fit).

    As far as Body Glide, I like it around the under arms, but for thighs I prefer a compression layer to prevent chaffing. I'm a girl so a snug bra protects is my answer to nipple bleeding, but my husband usually runs with either a compression top or no top.

    You've got this! I started at 5K fitness and ramped to a decent half marathon in 6 months. You 18 month plan sounds excellent. Stay healthy!

  • TheMrWobbly
    TheMrWobbly Posts: 2,541 Member
    Thanks @BrianSharpe the plan is to run at least two officials halves and hopefully a few unofficial ones. Getting the hang of listening to my body, the person I run with is definitely quicker and I am happy to run at my pace and have a smile at the end.

    I have started WK4 and all seems good though as you said @westrich20940 things don’t always want to work. My knee seemed unhappy on the first run and then settled down after a couple of minutes.

    I’m not sure what I should be doing in terms of cross training though I am signing up to go swimming two or three times a week from June. I am doing some rowing and weights on days I am not running.

    I cannot believe shoes last such a short mileage @pridesabtch so I have joined strava so I can track my shoes. I am happy to pay to keep my joints intact @springlering62 though only what I have to.

    Hopefully the sun is shining with you all!
  • TheMrWobbly
    TheMrWobbly Posts: 2,541 Member
    My first non-stop mile running today! Only another 25.2 to tack on at the end. Time was 12:04.6 which is fine for my goals, it is all about the distance right now.

    I have this very odd thing where my arms want to cross in front of my body as I run. I have to keep correcting them but the crossing seems to natural. Is this okay?

    Good news @AnnPT77 is that my calorie burn so far looks to be in the demographic MFP pander to. Still losing steadily and not dramatically. I think my body is still getting used to these changes. The lack of caffeine is definitely confusing it at times.

    You were so right @pridesabtch and even though my shoes have left than 200 miles on them they don't seem to be taking my weight too well. It might because they are 3 years old. They will be consigned to recycling tonight and a newer pair will take their place. Found a great answer to not spending too much @springlering62 my birthday is a couple of months away and my family always say they never know what to buy me - now they will!

    Two other bonuses, I can touch my toes again, and the chaffing seems to have stopped. The body glide is unopened so I will pass it on to someone at work who is just starting out.

    This much more fun than I expected at 53 years old! Have a great week everyone!
  • pridesabtch
    pridesabtch Posts: 2,464 Member
    TheMrWobbly wrote: »
    My first non-stop mile running today! Only another 25.2 to tack on at the end. Time was 12:04.6 which is fine for my goals, it is all about the distance right now.

    I have this very odd thing where my arms want to cross in front of my body as I run. I have to keep correcting them but the crossing seems to natural. Is this okay?

    Good news @AnnPT77 is that my calorie burn so far looks to be in the demographic MFP pander to. Still losing steadily and not dramatically. I think my body is still getting used to these changes. The lack of caffeine is definitely confusing it at times.

    You were so right @pridesabtch and even though my shoes have left than 200 miles on them they don't seem to be taking my weight too well. It might because they are 3 years old. They will be consigned to recycling tonight and a newer pair will take their place. Found a great answer to not spending too much @springlering62 my birthday is a couple of months away and my family always say they never know what to buy me - now they will!

    Two other bonuses, I can touch my toes again, and the chaffing seems to have stopped. The body glide is unopened so I will pass it on to someone at work who is just starting out.

    This much more fun than I expected at 53 years old! Have a great week everyone!

    Great job! The arm crossing can mean you are twisting your torso when you run. That lateral movement wastes energy and can cause additional wear where it isn't needed. It may be your gate when you run. Not a bad idea for your first pair of new running shoes to go to a specialty store and get a gate analysis. See if you are pronating, supinating, over striding or something else they can easily address. I like Brooks Adrenaline for overpronation/stability, whereas my friend uses the Brooks Glycerin a more neutral shoe. My daughter who is light as a feather uses the Ghost. We all have different needs and need different shoes.
    https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/shoefinder/ You can try this site for a general self analysis. Good luck!
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,415 Member
    I’d suggest hanging on to the Body Glide. As you lose large amounts is weight your body literally rearranges itself.

    More than once, I found chafing was a precursor to something else- batwings disappearing, loose stomach or underarm skin tightening. I’m going through a “rash” of underarm chafing right now, have used half the stick of old Body Glide, and am grateful as all get out I didn’t have to wait for delivery. Oddly, it’s my feet that have suddenly gotten smaller, so once again chafing has foretold a change, but this time it’s hanging in so can’t wait to see what else might change.

    Remember Claymation? That’s how I feel sometimes.
    xosrwqa38pd2.jpeg
  • rossmack07
    rossmack07 Posts: 3 Member
    Yes, be down as I have lost 20kg since last August 2022. I eat a lot of protein from usn which weight lost and I work out alot
  • TheMrWobbly
    TheMrWobbly Posts: 2,541 Member
    edited May 2023
    Good point @rossmack07 , my macros were out on my diet, too much fat and not enough protein. I picked up some whey protein in vanilla flavour. With milk it isn't bad.

    First non-stop 2 miles of running for over two years today, 2.13 in total, a little slow at 12:11.6 but not worried about the pace. A little warm out there even at 7am so happy to get that done

    I'll keep hold of the bodyglide @springlering62 and not looking forward to some of the things you mentioned.

    I had the gait analysis @pridesabtch and they have ordered me some Hoka One One Cliftons. I have stuck with Asics Gel Sonomas so it will be interesting to see the change. Without realising it I had worn away the grip mouding on the sole at the ball and the heel on my current pair. Happy to put them in the recycling.

    Another long weekend here in the UK. Hope you have a great weekend wherever you are.
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,415 Member
    Oh no. You should look forward to them!

    Any time I had something weird happen out of the hour, within a day or two there was a major, major change in my body.

    When my butt collapsed to behind my knees overnight, it (I kid you not) lifted and tightened a couple days later.

    I woke up one morning to loose, Play-Doh-like cottage cheese cellulite from my hips down and it totally vanished by the next day, replaced with smooth tight skin.

    When stuff like that happens, it’s an utter shock to the system but portends exciting stuff.

    My body never ceases to amaze me with its resilience and previously unknown ability to power through. Bodies are amazing things.
  • TheMrWobbly
    TheMrWobbly Posts: 2,541 Member
    Thank you all for your help. I am plodding along both physically an metaphorically.

    Haven't yet found the joy of running @Jeanette_Hills , the temptation to stop is definitely more mental than physical. It is only week 8 of C25K so early doors.

    Weight loss has slowed @AnnPT77 , after 3 1/2 weeks for the first stone it is 7 weeks for the second stone and the pace of loss will continue to decline. I have in mind I want to be 16 st XX lbs to be comfortable. I know you said running with excess worked for you @littlegreenparrot1 , at just shy of 6ft does under 17 stone sound reasonable?

    Both you and @westrich20940 recommended cross training and I have gone with swimming and yoga as low impact activities. I can feel the yoga stretch though it does seem I am just wriggling around the floor a bit. Work have put a wattbike in the staff area so I can add cycling or does that sound a bit much?

    The massage gun was an awesome recommendation @gooniesneversaydie71516 - what a revelation!

    Shoes are still confusing me. I will use my current Asics gel sonomas up to my 5k. I have now got two more pairs ready to roll. You have 3 pairs in rotation @Lietchi though I am not sure why I would rotate rather than just use one pair and have another ready?

    Booked a half marathon in Feb '24 @BrianSharpe and wanted to book a November half at a seafront near me though it looks like that might not be on. I haven't found a suitable marathon yet. The only ones I see are described as "challenging". My first search came up with the Beachy Head marathon which is more bonkers than challenging.

    You will pleased to know we visited the Brookes site @pridesabtch and my better half is now sporting a shiny pair of Brookes! I don't think she will be joining me running though.

    Heart rate still seems to be improving. I'll just have to keep to this pace for a while.
    iqwv5ih6wb4p.png

    Once again, thank you, and I hope all is good wherever you are!


  • Lietchi
    Lietchi Posts: 6,815 Member
    Regarding rotating pairs of shoes:
    - it gives your shoes more time to dry out between each use, from what I've read
    - can be for practical reasons: I prefer to not use the same shoes outdoors and on my treadmill; I have an 'extra cushy' pair (different model) I use specifically for long runs

    For beginners, I don't think it matters that much to alternate. I don't always alternate either 🙂
  • pridesabtch
    pridesabtch Posts: 2,464 Member
    Great update!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Nice drop in average HR!
  • TheMrWobbly
    TheMrWobbly Posts: 2,541 Member
    edited June 2023
    A very small update. After a week off plan with visitors and supporting a 470km charity bike ride (I only did 70k across 3 days) kicked back in and finished C25K.

    To avoid the heat ran at 6:30am, at 6:50am heard the thunder, at 6:52am I was running down a river that was pretending to be the Cuckoo Trail. Totally on board with the shoe rotation @Lietchi and my gortex shoes aren't bad at keeping water out however the big hole where my foot goes is a bit of weak spot.

    Kept going and finished in 37:59 carrying about a stone extra water weight by the end.

    I am going to do a parkrun on Saturday and then keep to 5k distances for a couple of weeks to see how I feel. My better half wants to go swimming with me which will be a nice boost and improve my cross training levels.

    Nearly forgot to mention that my work, who started this all off, have entered me for a charity spot in the London marathon in April. Fortunately the London marathon is always oversubscribed so the chances of me having to be ready for April are very slim.

    Have a great week wherever you are. Cheers!
  • pridesabtch
    pridesabtch Posts: 2,464 Member
    Awesome work/progress!
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,415 Member
    @TheMrWobbly all props to you, my friend, for taking this all to heart. I wish you the utmost success!!!!!!! Following this thread with bated breath!!!!
  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,741 Member
    You have done well so far. I'll enjoy following your updates. I have known a few obese runners that I have followed online for several years. Mirna Valerio, aka Fat Girl Running, does ultras, another I have followed from half marathoner to iron man triathlete, another took about 2 years to go from couch potato to marathoner, despite living and running in the desert. It can be done, but it isn't easy.

    There were a few running specific questions in here, most of which I can't remember at this point. Regarding the running shoes: damp shoes compress, so provide less support. They also start to smell bad -- really bad. Letting them dry out between uses helps. I also like to have more supportive shoes for long runs and lighter ones for short runs or races (except marathons). Ideal weight is the weight where you can do what you want to do without getting injured. For me that also included not chaffing. I rarely chafe any more, though running in the rain can cause problems which I avoid by using vaseline on anything that might rub: thighs, toes, butt etc. For men, a bandaid over the nipples on a long run or race may be a necessity.

    Since you have finished C25k, I recommend going on to the One Hour Runner rather than Bridge to 10k. I didn't like the fact that the Bridge program went back to walk run instead of carrying on from C25k. Essentially it adds 5 minutes to one run until you are going 60 minutes non-stop. OTOH, there is nothing wrong with walk/run if you enjoy that. I have switched to that when dealing with chronic hamstring pain.
  • apressler3
    apressler3 Posts: 24 Member
    I also started my journey at a similar weight, 135 kg. As a 54yo who had one knee replacement in February and will have the other done on October, spare your knees as much as possible early in this process. The rule of thumb is every additional kilo adds 4 kilos of stress to the joint. So work on your cardio via elliptical or cycling at first at and phase the running in as you lose.

    As for the chafing, before every workout apply the glide, and after every workout wash and apply antibiotic ointment.

    Congrats on your start. Be kind to your joints until you are lighter, and keep us posted.
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,415 Member
    Calling @mrmota70

    I can’t think of anyone better to give advice
  • mrmota70
    mrmota70 Posts: 533 Member
    springlering62 wrote: »
    Calling @mrmota70

    I can’t think of anyone better to give advice

    Ouch on the spot. 🤣

    But I appreciate the mention. I’ll provide some simple pointers to @TheMrWobbly
  • TheMrWobbly
    TheMrWobbly Posts: 2,541 Member
    edited June 2023
    Great insight @mrmota70 . When you said you finished your 10 year run with your previous employer I though you meant there was an annual employees race! I hope everything works out for you on that front.

    I was almost 300 lbs and now about 265 lbs with my weigh-in due tomorrow. My general health is "touch wood" okay, always had low blood pressure when younger and seem to be in good place still.

    Walking was my go to and I generally sit between 15-17 mins a mile as exercise. My seaside strolls are just for fun at around 20 mins a mile. I like to walk a 5k in between run days and take the dog when I can.

    I have done parkruns before and my first one for a while was today - it was SOOO hot so I may stick to lonely running at 6 am until the weather cools. When I say it was a while, it was 1,302 days since my last parkrun! I wasn't too proud to walk mid-race when I found a bit of, all too rare, shade to cool down.

    I do avoid inclines at the moment and I was trying to avoid them until I get under 238 lbs which should be the end of September hopefully. I do add inclines into my walks.

    I am wishing you the best for October @apressler3 , was it running that damaged the knees?

    The 'One hour runner' programme looks fantastic @spiriteagle99 . I have set my base as 5k (36 mins-ish) and will add more time to do 40 mins and upwards. I wouldn't mind an app that gives me vocal prompts like C25K did.

    In this heat 5k appears to be my limit right now though we will see. 3 x 5k done, 38 mins in a torrential down pour and 2 x 36 mins in humid but dry weather. Definitely ready to stop at 5k so far. I will keep listening to my body and not pushing it if I am not comfortable. Progress needs to be slow and steady.

    Thanks again everyone and thank you for taking time out to help when there are pressing matter of daily life to deal with. Hoping you all have a great weekend!




  • apressler3
    apressler3 Posts: 24 Member
    TheMrWobbly wrote: »
    I am wishing you the best for October @apressler3 , was it running that damaged the knees?

    Thanks for the well wishes. My knee problems result from combination of genetics (it runs in the family) and playing a lot of rec-league hard-on-knees sports while too heavy. I used to play a lot of soccer and basketball into my mid 40s.

    I've never found running particularly fun, but I do like cycling and have in the past done some randonneuring brevets. I have been working towards some 200k brevets as a goal, and will probably attempt one this fall before my second surgery. So I can definitely relate to a physical activity goal as a motivator for losing weight. Good luck to you.
  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,741 Member
    Terrific news. Hal Higdon has a 30 week Novice Supreme plan, that might work for you. Or spend the next 6 months building your base and then follow an intermediate plan.
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,415 Member
    That’s exciting! That’s like getting the Golden Ticket!

    We are so pulling for you!!!!!!!
  • mrmota70
    mrmota70 Posts: 533 Member
    [quote=“

    I have upped my avocados, strawberries, bananas and tea @mrmota70 though I'm not sure what benefit I am looking for.

    I have 4 pairs of shoes now @Lietchi and they are trail shoes to take my extra weight, all the same model. Two are new with zero miles thanks to my son. I have a separate pair for walking and a lighter pair for further down the line. Now I am competing for shoe space with my better half.
    3gl6gc3ztkgo.png
    The Hoka One One Cliftons just didn’t suit me @pridesabtch so I have pair going with only 20 miles on them.

    My macros are better @rossmack07 though still not enough fibre which has unfortunate effects

    Cross training is going well @westrich20940 with at least a one mile swim and a 20k bike ride in each week. I have to admit the cycling is easier than the running!

    I think you got some of why I recommended what I did. Fruits will supply some of those numbers you need for upping your fibers. Watermelon, tea, coffee help with hydration and some electrolytes replenishment(soreness will be lessened). I’m not a big believer in Gatorade and sugary sports drinks. I’ll also on occasion drink a cup of pomegranate juice mixed with a cup of water. Bananas eat sparingly. The smallest ones are better for older folks and folks trying to watch their caloric intake if they’re looking at dropping a few lbs. Also not to ripe. I actually dig one that’s half way through its lifecycle. Green but not to green and just sweet enough but not sugary sweet. Find what works for you really when it comes down to it.

    Nice shoe on that pic.

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