Am i too heavy to start running?

If you have been walking and exercising, you are probably ok. But, being heavier will mean that you put a lot of additional stress on your joints than a lighter person. A couch to 5K program would probably help you keep your distances in check and not going too crazy - just remember to keep it slow.

Of course, the real person to ask this to is your doctor who could details the risks vs. rewards of moving to a running workout at your current weight.

I only run for a few minutes at a time. As soon as my ankles start to hurt (for whatever reason they're the canary in the coalmine) I slow down to a walk again. And my jogging pace is so slow that my kid can walk faster. But it still gets my heart rate up, and I figure I gotta start somewhere.

Still, why not ask your doctor these questions, or if you have decent health insurance, get a referral to a specialist even?

I am only speaking for myself I was around that weight when I decided to change and personally I started out on the elipticals then moved to the treadmill. Started slowly at first like 12 minute for 3 miles and continued to increase the duration and pacing. Currently about 80lbs later and I can do 7.5 minute mile for 8 miles on the treadmill with no major effort. Taken me about 1.5 years to get where I am at today. I will say running and limiting my calories to around 1600 to 2000 a day Max initially the weight practically melted off. But again pay attention to your legs they will let you know when you are over exerting them I still tend to ignore them sometimes and I pay the price.

You can run. I see some people your size out there on the trails a lot and doing half marathons. I am always in awe and you have my utmost respect!

Look into a walk/run/escalating program that gets you up to 5 or 10k over time.

Cheers and have fun.

I'm a Nessy too!

I'd say no, not from my own experience but from reading on here, many success stories from similar people. I definitely agree with starting on a programme such as C25K, it will help to prevent you doing too much too soon and getting injured and demoralised.

I personally started on an elliptical, but if I was starting from scratch again after reading the forum posts I'd get straight out there - outside is just so much nicer.

Loads of luck, you'll do great! x

I was a round mound of 262, and yes, I started running.

Well, it was running to me. Most people crawl faster, but no worry; I was out and doing the best I could.
Sometimes I'd run to the end of the street, then one driveway past, then another, and before long?

ONE MILE!

It was not long before I was running 2, then 3 and I stopped increasing after 4 miles. I lost 64 lbs so far, and do various other forms of cardio, but I still do my runs a few times each week.

Go slow, and do not be too proud to stop for a walk if your body says stop.
Make sure you get a complete physical and talk to your doc before starting.

I started running at 208 lbs using the Couch to 5k program. Although I haven't lost much weight, because I don't make good nutrition choices, I LOVE running. although some may argue that I'm just walking really fast. LOL!!! It does take it's toll on my knees, and ankles sometimes, so just listen to your body. Since begining in 2009, i have completed about six 5k's and one half marathon. But like some have said, it's best to consult your doc. When (not if) you do start running, you're gonna feel so empowered, and free! Wishing you the best, and I betcha you're gonna love it!!

I'd think if it feels okay on your joints, go for it! Make sure you are properly fitted for RUNNING shoes and try to avoid running on concrete/sidewalks whenever possible - run on a track, a trail, or an asphalt surface as much as you can (I run on the side of the road wherever it's safe to do so). Concrete is 10+ times harder than asphalt and other surfaces, so you would be putting more impact on your joints. Go slow and build up. Good luck!

I started C25K at 285, and I'm now under 200, so I would say no. But I would also say to combine with with some strength training and that'll help, too.

I agree with the strength training. I'm in the same predicament as you, wanting to run but fearing that I am too heavy, and usually when I start running I get shin splints a few weeks in. So I've been prepping by doing the elliptical to get my body used to moving again, as well as doing some strength training on my legs. I'll start the C25K at the New Year.

Also, don't hesitate to take your time with the program. It says ten weeks, but if you feel like you should repeat a week, then by all means!

EVERYONE CAN RUN. Just pace yourself... Go a lot slower than you think you should go for the first few 'runs'. I started C25K at 285lbs and did the first two weeks before deciding that I'd stick with cycling for the moment. I couldn't keep up the running segment for very long at all - sometimes only 20 or 30 seconds.

A few months later, I now realise I was trying to run too fast. I started doing some intervals on the treadmill and was running only 1kmh faster than I walk and can keep it up for a couple of minutes at a time. I've now taken up Bikram Yoga so have shelved running for a while. I have to keep finding new workouts because I get bored so easily!!