What's your idea on overweight runners?

If I see anyone run, overweight or not, I think, "I wish I was doing that!" When I see an overweight person run (& I've seen some heavy people at the gym have a good clip on the cardio machines) I am impressed with their motivation. It takes me awhile to get into the cardio groove.

Good for you! Keep on running!

Well i think its a good start(sometimes i walk/run..mostly walk though) i am just starting to get in to the swing of things and learning how to control my breathing and learning a good stride...i am over weight 2 and sometimes i think the same way as you..but to answer your question i think that there doing something good for their self's ..and MORE POWER TO THEM!!

well good luck with your running :flowerforyou: ..right now i am doing the couch to 5k program..but i mostly do tapes from my local library..

I'm slow, but I am a runner now. I have been for a little over 6 months now and I can go for 77 minutes straight when I used to not even be able to go for 5 minutes.... I could probably do more but that's all I tested out lol. I am slow, I probably FAST walk as fast as I run, but I do it!

I am bordering on the "obese" line flirting with it. I started running however 10 lbs or more above the line.

I don't really run where people watch if I can help it, but I am proud of myself. I ran/walked a 5k last Thanksgiving. I am hoping to run my first full 5k when I find one that suits my scheldule.

I think good for them!!!

I started running at 340+... anyone can do it... anyone at all of any size.. you just gotta start slow

I'm always a little self conscious when I go running, but a few weeks ago as I was running, I heard some people cheering. I like to think they were cheering me on, and not making fun of me for trying.

I think good for her and keep it up. It's funny how the world is still like high school, and there are people who take joy in making fun of others. Hopefully, your secure in yourself and shrug off the looks. Keep it up!!!!!

I think that overweight runners like myself are amazing!! They are working to lose weight. They aren't sitting on their couch taking weight lose pills, they are getting out there and working for this. It can be hard. I LOVE it!! So my answer is I love the idea of overweight people running!

When I see an overweight runner I tend to think two things first that it is good to are doing something to improve there health. Second that I hope they are doing all the proper stretching and resting when need be, Running is hard on the joints with more weight

All I really think is oh man her poor knees.

In all honesty it isn't good to run at that weight because you will damage your knees even if you aren't feeling it now.

As much as I want to run I only walk because I want to spare that major joint for as long as I can.

Maybe I will have a go 50 or so more pounds down.

Good for you for trying and imagine how much easier it will be after you have lost the weight.

Theresa

When I run a 5k, a lot of folks pass me who are older and/or weigh more. And I think it is GREAT. I want to run like them!!! You should do what you love! That is what will keep you moving.

It sounds like you might be battling your own inner demons here too - and worrying you don't belong or what others might (and most likely are NOT thinking!). Remember when you pass others on the trails that they are out there working out for their own health just like you! And, remind yourself that you ARE a runner! Most everyone out there exercising themselves isn't casting judgment on you - they - (myself included) is just focused on the next pole, crossing, drive or whatever the next mini target is and mentally pushing themselves forward too.

When I'm not running (say driving home) and I see anyone out running it motivates me to lace up my running shoes when I get home myself. You are motivating others!!

Remember - you are a runner. Own it.

i have seen some overweight runners on the treadmills at the gym and i NEVER have thought "wow they shouldn't be doing that!" i actually think quite the opposite. honestly i find the overweight runners quite the motivation, especially when they're running alon longer than i am! (yeah maybe a bit slower, but you go girl or man!)

I say GO FOR IT!! It takes a hugs amount of determination and confidence to get out there and move your body in that way. I'd love to tell you to ignore anyone who gives you funny looks, but I know that's hard. Know that you are doing the right thing for your body and naysayers be damned! Starting to run has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I began over 45 lbs ago and haven't looked back. There are bigger people that pass me and there are smaller people that I can lap. Your endurance and speed doesn't have everything to do with your size. Be proud of yourself for getting out there!! YOU ARE AN ATHLETE!!
-Andi

There are beeyatches and a-holes in every group of people, including runners, but the majority of us are nice people, just like the majority of the world. Here's what I think when I'm out running: Everyone who sees me either feels a kinship with me (because they run or exercise too) or is jealous of me (because I am out running and they know they probably should be). It makes me happy, so who cares if I'm right? If a couple of rude people wonder why I'm still fat when I run or think to themselves that I am slow, so what? Seriously, I am out there a lot (I have run four marathons and countless training miles) and when I see really heavy runners, I just think "Good for you, dude" or "Go get it, girl." Totally proud of them all. Welcome to the society.
p.s. Flo Jo kicked *kitten*--RIP.

I like runners of all shapes and sizes.
It's important to remember people don't pay as much attention to you as you think they do.


I cant stand skinny ...women..that insist on walking slowly side by side and blocking my way.