I want to become a runner

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Replies

  • BobbyDaniel
    BobbyDaniel Posts: 1,459 Member
    C25K would be my recommendation...that got me started and I've come a long way since then.
  • SarahRuth♥
    SarahRuth♥ Posts: 609 Member
    Couch to 5K works. That's all I have to say about that.
  • ncsjodi
    ncsjodi Posts: 102 Member
    I was where you were just over a year ago. I weighed 260 and wanted to become a runner too. I'm now down to 166 and have run two 5Ks. I'm committed to running a half marathon next February and truly believe I'll meet that goal!

    I agree with what everyone else is saying. Start slow. Don't run on back-to-back days, especially if your joints hurt. Alternate with something non-impact, like water aerobics. I did the C25K program, but I waited to start it until after I had lost 30-40 pounds. And don't be afraid to repeat weeks. Doing every week twice (or maybe even three times) won't hurt! I wouldn't let myself move on to the next week until I could do the current week without feeling like I was going to die!

    Good luck and don't give up! You can do it!
  • bluiz13
    bluiz13 Posts: 3,550 Member
    dont be scared....you can do it......start slow, build your time and finish a program like c25k......you will feel such an amazing sense of accomplishment....even if it takes you more than the "9wks" they have the program set up as......it is better to build up your endurance and feel good doing what you are doing than to push forward and hurt yourself and/or get defeated and quit....YOU CAN DO IT.....i completed my first 1/2 marathon in jan 2008 at 225lbs....i'm doing my 2nd in 2wks and i'm in the mid 170s right now....you can do amazing things if you just believe that you can....YOU CAN...
    denise

    ps - i totally agree about getting fitted for the "right" running shoes....it will make a world of difference in how you feel and perform...
  • jujuwoome
    jujuwoome Posts: 32
    The C25k app on the iphone just came out with a power walk app. I would start with that. You are still getting a good work out and building up your endurance. Then move on to the running/walking C25k program.
  • EricNCSU
    EricNCSU Posts: 699 Member
    Start with walking, Everyday try to walk a little farther or a little faster than you did the previous day. Before you know it, you will be running.

    This is exactly what I was going to say. You don't start running, you start walking. Any activity will help you out and you will get used to it. I started at 300+ so I know where you coming from. I still do a run/walk combo but it's getting longer and longer.

    Be patient with it, and don't quit. It will suck at first, but it will get better.
  • dcashin90
    dcashin90 Posts: 8 Member
    I couldn't praise C25K enough. It got me from someone who could barely run to catch a bus without losing breath to running a 10K. Once I'd completed that programme I started building myself up to do a 10K. It's perfectly doable. The key is to start slow and build yourself up week by week. Before you know it you'll be running non-stop for an hour and not even notice.
  • stingrayinfl
    stingrayinfl Posts: 284 Member
    You can and will do it. I weighed 282 4 years ago. I was 51 and couldn't bend over and tie my shoes. I now weigh 170-172 and have done half and full marathons. My favrotes are ten milers and 15k's. I run 13 miles almost every Sat before the sun comes up. It is not always easy, as you struggle with injuires, but you learn a lot about yourself. It takes dedication. You will not get there overnight, but you will get there.
    I have ran in severe thunderstorms, snow, temps of 15 degrees and strong headwind almost blowing me down. It is exhilerating when it is over.
    I once saw a picture of a older woman running up a mountain and the caption was "There will be a day when I can no longer do this. That day is not today."
  • bethvandenberg
    bethvandenberg Posts: 1,496 Member
    be the Nike add and just do it.... c25k is a great app and a great way to ease into it. If it's too hard then just keep adding to it till you can do week one then move on. You can do it.

    Did you every notice that before Biggest Loser you never saw any "fat" runners and now they're everywhere. :) Just keep going and remember you're not going faster than anyone if you're still on the couch. :)
  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
    Oh yeah...and with the shoe recommendations...a lot of my 'runner friends' got fitted at a running store, then shopped online for the best price on the shoes...saved quite a bit!
  • mcbrittlynn
    mcbrittlynn Posts: 30
    Thank you everybody! All this support nearly brought me to tears! You are all so helpful and I will be going back and adding a bunch of you so we can stay in contact and support each other! I will definitely look in to the C25K program and this afternoon will be going for a nice walk! Thank you thank you thank you! :D
  • kd_mazur
    kd_mazur Posts: 569 Member
    Start slow, by walking. I was 263 when I started and I only walked for the first several months. Then started alternating walking and running.

    Look for Run Your Butt Off, too. Great book.

    mine story is the same:) Run your butt off is a good book, similar to couch to 5k.
  • sam363
    sam363 Posts: 204 Member
    I like the Cool Runnings C25K program. Google it, it's free. As for progression. I would plan on walking everyday for a short amount of time then slowly add in 30 seconds of running. I preferred to run outside when first starting and use landmarks as my goals. The other plus side of walking/running outside is you have to walk/run home unlike a treadmill where you can stop at anytime. So, start walking around a block then add another. Use tools like mapmyrun.com to tell you how far you've gone. Do not get discouraged - you are doing more than if you were sitting on your couch!

    Friend me - I plan on doing 100 miles of walking/running in March. I like goals like this because it makes me see my number go down. If you need the motivation try walking 30 miles in a month. That's 1 mile a day and you don't have to do it all at once.

    Good luck on your journey!
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
    There is no secrete to it but going out and doing it. I started running weigthing 392 and not able to run more then a minute. I’m now down over a 100 pounds and have complete 2 marathons.

    Some tips that worked for me:
    - I started by running a minute then walking a minute. I built up from there.
    - Figure out if you’re a morning or evening runner and stick to that time. I found it easier to find time in the am, you just have to get up earlier.
    - When running you should be able to hold a conversation with someone, if you can't your going too fast.
    - Once you start clocking 3 + miles outside think about getting a GPS watch. I love my garmin forerunner.
    - Find a running partner or running friend
    - Lastly enter a race, start with a 5K and then make a goal of running a longer distance race each year.

    Good luck, feel free to friend me.
    Good luck, feel free to friend me.
  • jnlynn
    jnlynn Posts: 101
    I am 48 years old and have never ran a day in my life and I am overweight.

    December 1st, walked into a gym and told the trainer I wanted to run a half marathon in June 2012. I asked her if anyone had ever walked in and said that and she said NO but this is duable.

    I started with the couch to 5K program. The first day I said this is crazy I cannot even run 90 seconds! Well today I have done a 5K in 25 degree weather, ran 4 miles and can say I am going to do this. I am running another 5K this Sunday.

    If I can do this, anyone can do this!!! Just do it!!!!:heart:
  • rachietuk
    rachietuk Posts: 308 Member
    I used the C25K app. I never ran before. I can now run 5K. It was not easy, but it certainly wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.
    Good luck, you CAN do this.
  • BecksFit88
    BecksFit88 Posts: 36
    Just start every day and do it until you no longer hate it and you don't feel like you're going to die anymore.

    That's how I became a runner the first time. I'm working on it again.
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