Am I really THAT unhealthy?!?!?!?!?!?! -HELP-

I would suggest the Couch to 5k (google it!). It is for beginning runner and starts with a combination of run/walk that is excellent to ease you into things. You're right that you don't want to push your heart up that fast, but you'll be a runner in no time!

Did you consult a physician before starting an exercise/diet routine? Many, in fact most, people don't do this and end up hurting themselves. There's a reason why you see that disclaimer almost everywhere.

Go see your physician and have a check up done. Then see a nutritionist and inquire about how many calories you need per day to maintain weight, so you can work off that number. I am slightly skeptical about MFP's numbers as it had me eating 1000 less than what I really needed. I could just be different... but a nutritionist will know you better than MFP.

Or you can call me crazy :drinker:

I second the couch to 5k. I felt like I was going to die the first day (running 1 minute), but now I can run for way longer. Also, if you're concerned about not losing fast enough (although 7 pounds in 5 weeks isn't bad), make sure you're eating healthy and do some more workouts. Like 5 days a week instead of three. Google shin stretches..they saved me, and make sure you stretch really well before and after you run (or do any workout, really). You're sore because you're not doing the same thing everyday. Your body isn't used to the work; it's a good thing. Drink lots of water and eat more protein; it helps your muscles recover. As for your heart rate, I think it's a matter of getting into better cardiovascular shape. Do more cardio and endurance and you'll notice a change. But when you're working hard, your heart rate will get pretty high depending on what you're doing. If you're concerned, wear a heart rate monitor and when it gets too high, slow down a bit. Also, I should mention that my heart rate stays around 180 if I'm working hard..I naturally have a high heart rate. Sitting here right now, mine is at 85.

OK two things. First, reset your expectations a bit. 7 pounds in 5 weeks is over a pound a week, that is great progress and you should be proud. I know it can be frustrating because you'd love to have it all just fall off, but it doesn't work that way. You're doing great so far so just keep it up. Second, regarding the running, all I can say (and I say this all the time to a lot of people) is you have to start somewhere. Maybe you're not happy with your abilities right now but that's why you chose to get into a more healthy lifestyle anyway isn't it. So what you need to do is just keep pushing yourself each time. Try to go a little longer each time you run and hold yourself to it. Getting your heart rate to 175 isn't a bad thing, that's great in fact. Now see how long you can push yourself to keep running once it jumps that high. It's ok to be a bit uncomfortable and breathing heavy. Your heart should be pounding, that's what exercise is all about. As long as your not light headed, dizzy, having chest pains or truly short of breath (meaning you can't catch your breath and might even being feeling sick) you'll be fine and can continue to push yourself.

Don't worry about what anyone else thinks of your abilities or progress either. You're doing this for you not them. You don't need to impress anyone, you don't need to race anyone, you don't need to compete with anyone. You just need to be true to yourself, make sure you're making progress and as long as you know you're progressing, then you're doing great. Before you know it you'll be able to run for 20-30 minutes without a problem. It just takes time and patience, but hey, you've got the entire rest of your life to work on this so no worries

Good luck to you, stay the course and keep up the good work. Take the suggestions you get from others that you feel are useful and apply them to your lifestyle and those that you don't think fit you, just consider and file away appropriately. We're here to support you!!

I have a crazy high heart rate and I am very active and fit. My resting heart rate is actually higher now that I am fit too. My husband made me see a doctor because while working out my heart rate stays between 180-195, but I do push my body to the limits everytime I work out and I never leave the gym until I am soaked in sweat. My primary care physician told me to stop working out and that something was wrong with me. After some arguing he gave me a referral to a cardiologist and they determined it was just normal for me. If you are really worried about it you might want to see your doctor just to be safe.

Seven pounds is great progress, so please don't beat yourself up over that! Good luck!

Please don't compare yourself to Biggest Loser contestants. They're in the gym 6-8 hrs a day, plus the producers manipulate all kinds of things behind the scenes.

Second, your rate of weight loss sounds perfectly healthy--your average is 1.4lbs a week and that's healthy.

As for feeling sore, it's important to warm up (start slowly) when you start working out, and cool down and stretch after your workouts. Also rest in between any weight training.

Also, if you don't have one already, please buy a measuring tape and start measuring yourself!! Even when the scale isn't moving, or even after a gain, I'm still losing inches!

Good luck, and please keep your expectations realistic. It's not a race

Oh yeah, and about the heart rate. My heart rate always goes up to 165-170 when running.. even 175-180. As long as you don't pass out and die, I wouldn't focus on that right now.. but seriously slow down It will pay off BIG TIME!

I walked for about 2 and half months and lost about 30 lbs before I even thought about starting to jog. Maybe you should stick to walking until build up your endurance a little more. I was afraid of jogging at first because I was so heavy and didn't want to injure myself and not be able to work out at all for any length of time.

You have lots of good advice here already. I would like to throw out the idea that maybe running just isn't for you. Sure you can work at it and improve and feel proud of yourself, but if it hurts or you hate it then try other stuff.

Dance videos, swimming, exercise video games, sports like tennis, or even simply walking.

AND a long long time ago I developed allergies that made my nose/ sinus area swell. It made breathing, sleeping, exercising, all harder than it should have been but I had no clue what was happening. At a random doc visit they looked up my nose and were shocked that I had been living that way. So, maybe a doc visit isn't a horrible idea, you may have something working against you as well.

I am in the same boat as you. Been big my whole life, was at a high of 230 last year when I joined curves. They have a heart rate station which measures it, and when I was new it would get up 190. It started coming down though after a few weeks and it got easier.

Just listen to your body and take breaks! It is perfectly ok to do that. I started with the Power 90 workout because it starts off slow, not doing something crazy like Insanity till I know I am fit enough handle it.

I would hold off on the running, just start walking a lot for now until you get a bit more fit then start jogging a bit.

You have lots of good advice here already. I would like to throw out the idea that maybe running just isn't for you. Sure you can work at it and improve and feel proud of yourself, but if it hurts or you hate it then try other stuff.

Dance videos, swimming, exercise video games, sports like tennis, or even simply walking.

AND a long long time ago I developed allergies that made my nose/ sinus area swell. It made breathing, sleeping, exercising, all harder than it should have been but I had no clue what was happening. At a random doc visit they looked up my nose and were shocked that I had been living that way. So, maybe a doc visit isn't a horrible idea, you may have something working against you as well.

^^ Your .avi/profile pic is hilarious and I love it.

I also recommend the C25k program. I was really active when I was younger, so after 2 weeks I was able to get back into running without it, but it helped me get back into the swing of things after 10 or so years off.

I would definitely speak with your doctor about your pain. I have fibromyalgia, so I know how hard it can be to be in pain all the time. There could be many, MANY different things going on in your body to cause you to be in pain. Definitely speak with someone and see what he says. A fibro diagnoses requires lots of things to be ruled out (arthritis, stuff like that). And, even if the diagnosis sucks, you at least know what's going on.

Also, I was stalled with regards to weight loss for almost a month before I started losing. You have to switch things up and figure out your body's ideal combination of food/exercise. But really, 7 pounds is a great loss!

hey girl i used to not be able to run much either... it takes a TON of time. walking and swimming are great exercises that aren't too hard on your joints and work you out just as well as running! i also suggest minimizing sugar and processed foods to help you not only lose weight but feel better. my favorite site is mark's daily apple... he wrote this book called the 'primal blueprint' that basically emphasizes eating whole foods, doing some strength training, etc. it's really amazing, but that's just my opinion. i didn't find the site until AFTER I yo-yoed back 20 pounds I'd lost by caloric restriction and running alone. I got injured running... but swimming and eating differently are really helping me (and I don't feel hungry!!!!). I hope this helps a little bit.. you can do this!!!