What's your idea on overweight runners?

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Replies

  • mamaparks87
    mamaparks87 Posts: 54 Member
    This will sound awful but I am overweight and I hesitate to run outside where I can be seen because I am afraid people will think something is wrong, like I am running from something rather than running for health. I know that is absurd obviously. But when I see bigger people doing things like that I admire them.
  • Emilia6909
    Emilia6909 Posts: 309 Member
    I just came across this quote....

    “I set my own value in this world. I am not affected by others opinions of me. Another’s opinion of me has no worth. I am secure in my self-worth. My opinion of me is high, protected and sacred.” – Marcia Persaud
  • kak2m4
    kak2m4 Posts: 167 Member
    My thought, especially if they're overweight, is "What a BAMF! You go girl (or guy)! Work it!" I feel this way because I know they're doing the work for a reason and it has taken a lot for them to get out and run in the first place. I know...I've been there!
  • ooOOooGravy
    ooOOooGravy Posts: 476 Member
    I was 266lbs when i first started running, and now i have JUST broke the 200lb mark this week. I got a lot of hassel from rejects when i was first out running and it can get you down, i still get the odd taunt, of "run Forest run" etc. and i have learnt to turn any shout or whatever into a good one lol

    When i see over-weight runners pass me, i make a special effort to say something motivational, something id love to hear when iv hit a wall like, "Go on Lad/Lass, Your doing great! Keep it going!" Hopefully it gives them a boost and they will contiue running.

    Running changed my life from been an overweight couch potato, to a semi-overweight athlete :D Why cant running do it for them.

    Overweight Running FTW
  • gdunn55
    gdunn55 Posts: 363
    My idea on overweight runners?

    Well for every pound of fat on your stomach is 8 on the knees and 10 on the upper back....thats an injury waiting to happen.
    It also throws off your stride as well as adding potential damage to your feet.
    Walk fast instead of running till you can get the BF% down then if you need the CV work then start running.
    You can lose a ton of weight with a 20 min daily walk.
    Again... I call shenanigans.
  • lovevspink
    lovevspink Posts: 1
    I am too busy with my own workout to make comments at an overwieght runner. Bottom line - MOST of us (myself included) are overweight - that's why we run. I'm about 20 pounds more than I'd like to be - I just refuse to give up my Village Inn pies - LOL.

    When I see an overweight runner I often think to myself, "That's pretty neat!" Then I wonder if this is the first first time they've finally had the courage to get out and do something about their health (note - I did't say "weight."). I also wonder if the size they are currently at is perhaps 10-20-50 pounds lighter from where they used to be. And I think, "AWESOME!"

    I NEVER laugh and I never judge a runner - period. I'm not perfect!! I'm muscular (got thighs) and look like I should be a sprinter. But instead, I'm training to be a mid-distance (long distance) runner. Someone could judge me and say, "Hell no! She can't do that. She isn't tall and lanky. Yet, I can drop 10 miles on a dime (I'm short, 5'2" and 145 lbs). I'm no light weight though I look 130 due to muscle.

    I exercise at a D1 (Division 1) athletic club and the trainers are FIT FIT FIT. Yet.... MOST of them can't RUN RUN RUN (one admitted to me she can run / walk about 2 miles and she's done - LOL). Why? They are so packed with muscle their bodies can't run efficiently for 2 hours - mine can.

    I admire anone who runs - and I think most people IGNORE the size of the runner. If you are wheezing and turning beet red while running - you MIGHT get some looks. But guess what? THIN people would get the SAME looks. My neighbor said she almost pulled over and asked me if I wanted a ride. Okay? And I wear size 9 junior jeans. So it aint' your size - it's you sweetie - it's all you. Now... go run! I'll race ya ;)
  • iuangina
    iuangina Posts: 691 Member
    I wouldn't worry about it. I started running at 336 lbs. Several marathons, half-marathons, and triathlons later...I've lost a bunch of weight. I still have a long way to go, but when I'm running I feel awesome! I'm glad that I have a support community at my gym (for the most part). I get lots of compliments and high fives after I run for a while. It's all about the people you surround yourself with. I've been to a few gyms that are not nice. They are more like the night club scene. I don't ever feel that way with my current gym. You rock for running.
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    Hi Ive been obese my whole life but I always had a thing for running my fav runner is Flo Jo. Every since I joined this site Ive gained back my love for running even though I'm 268lbs I can ya know...run with a good pace. Well...my pace but I'm still learning and training. When I run by thinner or "fit" people I tend to get stares or scoffs like "What this fat b**** think she's doing?" type of look. I just want to know if you see an obese beginner runner what do you think?

    If I see anybody that's obese and exercising in any way I'm very happy for them. Get out and exercise how you want to without worrying about other people's opinion. :)
  • catjrow3
    catjrow3 Posts: 532 Member
    I say GOOD FOR YOU!! The only way to improve is to try, and you out there running is more effort than most people would bother to criticize are doing. I am a runner (when not injured .. ankle injuries lately) and no matter who I see running, I wish I was them!! Keep on trucking!!
  • acg1305
    acg1305 Posts: 224 Member
    Hi Ive been obese my whole life but I always had a thing for running my fav runner is Flo Jo. Every since I joined this site Ive gained back my love for running even though I'm 268lbs I can ya know...run with a good pace. Well...my pace but I'm still learning and training. When I run by thinner or "fit" people I tend to get stares or scoffs like "What this fat b**** think she's doing?" type of look. I just want to know if you see an obese beginner runner what do you think?

    don't even notice them! It could even be your own insecurities and they are looking at you thinking wow fair play to her! Everyone has to start running somewhere! Keep it going it feels great :-)
  • kaned_ferret
    kaned_ferret Posts: 618 Member
    pffft, I AM a fat runner, and I think it's awesome that I CAN run now! In fact seeing as we have more weight to propel forward, it could be said that we work harder :wink:

    And because I love running so much, I love seeing other runners, nomatter what size or speed. Just keep going!
  • astrampe
    astrampe Posts: 2,169 Member
    I strongly disagree with the crying about knees and injuries - be careful, don't overdo it and make sure you have good shoes....My knees were complete crap when i started running at 227lbs - and they are now stronger than ever....

    Also, please don't patronise overweight runners by telling them "good job" or something...if you say that to every runner you see, fat or thin - fine....
    BUT do not make an exception of the bigger runners!!:angry: That's almost as bad as saying something nasty to them....
  • Ptyson4
    Ptyson4 Posts: 57 Member
    I think it says more about those people and how they feel about themselves, than what is real about overweight runners. All of the responses here seem to be positive, with good cautions. We are all here to get fit and feel better.

    Those people who put others down are trying to feel better about themselves, period. You know the type, making fun of everyone to prop themselves up. If you can put it in that perspective, then it really doesn't matter what they say or think. It's how you feel, you are a runner. That being said, I had a chiropractor tell me I didn't have a "runner's frame". That set me back a few months, so I know what words, even well meaning ones, can do. Then I just said f***it , I'm a runner. Deal with it. :)
  • ConcordPhil
    ConcordPhil Posts: 118 Member
    If I see an overweight beginner runner I think "Cool, she's doing something to improve herself and be happier and healthier".
  • meghan1789
    meghan1789 Posts: 81 Member
    My friend once complained to me that he had to look at the overweight runners everyday on the running path near his apartment (yes, he can be a bit shallow sometimes).

    I look at him with a dead face and told him I would rather see more of them running past my apartment everyday and then maybe there would be less of them in the cardiac clinic office next door to my work.

    He hasn't complained to me since!

    Running is one of those activities that doesn't require a super jump shot or amazing hand-eye co-ordination - anyone can do it. As long as you can run, what people think of you doing it shouldn't stop you!
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    I've been running for a couple years now, and only started losing weight starting this past January because of diet/strength training changes. I used to feel REALLY self conscious about it, but now I say who cares. I've run 3 half marathons now, and of course, there are thinner, faster women at every race, but I'm doing the SAME RACE they are.

    When I see a larger person running, I think "I've been there, good for them!" Besides, how is an overweight runner ever going to become a fit runner without, you know, running :)
  • lastchance2010
    lastchance2010 Posts: 494 Member
    I'm obese I admit it! I'm a BIG girl but I run on the elliptical and I mean RUN! My fat is flappin and I wear spandex to keep everything pretty tight so that it doesn't fly off (although that would be AWESOME) I get looks sometimes. Especially today when there was no school and all the tiny little high school girls decided to come "workout" at the gym (yeah they would run for about 5 mins and spend 40 fixing their hair and makeup) I even get my arms going (I don't use the one with the moving arm things I just run full bore on the regular elliptical) I think anyone who is honestly trying deserves credit and my appreciation because I KNOW how hard it is!

    OMG i almost spit out my drink! that's me...the first time I ran...but with the right spandex...no more! thank you for spandex! :laugh: :blushing:
  • wifemomrn9
    wifemomrn9 Posts: 1 Member
    I think you are great for running! Who cares what other people think. At least you trying to be a better more fit you.
  • lastchance2010
    lastchance2010 Posts: 494 Member
    I am just over 300lbs and probably shouldn't be running because I have bad knees and what not, but I love to run! More like a jog. it relieves my stress like nobody's business and I just love it! I can't wait to get to that 77 minute jog that I saw someone post on this thread. before children i was a work out buff and the guys would challenge me to run on the treadmill and they were showing off doing ridiculous inclines and speeds and I just kept my pace and seriously IDK how long i was going but I didn't stop until he did!! LOL I want to get to that again.:drinker: do your thing girl and RUN who cares about what n e one else thinks...:grumble:
  • lastchance2010
    lastchance2010 Posts: 494 Member
    I strongly disagree with the crying about knees and injuries - be careful, don't overdo it and make sure you have good shoes....My knees were complete crap when i started running at 227lbs - and they are now stronger than ever....

    Also, please don't patronise overweight runners by telling them "good job" or something...if you say that to every runner you see, fat or thin - fine....
    BUT do not make an exception of the bigger runners!!:angry: That's almost as bad as saying something nasty to them....

    I have crap knees now but in some strange way i feel like I HOPE they are getting stronger. The lighter I get..hopefully the less achy they will get along the way. :)
  • jessie1480
    jessie1480 Posts: 132 Member
    So, I started running at 225( long before I found MFP). I always worried that people wondered why I was running too. I live near a really great and hilly subdivision, I also had to run past the fire air base, every day. I took my little dog with me. I always felt like people were watching me, come to find out they were, once the manors realized I was putting heart and dedication into it they would stop me and congratulate me. I even had one of the fore fighters stop me in the grocrie store and tell me what a great thing I was doing and how my dedication was showing. It was supper awesome. I'm 185 now with 20 more pounds to go, and now I run for fun. I have added other cards in and weaight training in too; so I'm not on the road as much. People are watching, they are proud that you're giving it your all. Let them stair and wonder, and just keep running. Keep me updated, I want to know who stops you to tell you you're doing awesome first!! Good luck on your journey!
  • Kupe
    Kupe Posts: 758 Member
    No matter what the size of the person, if they want to run, can run then all the power to them. I think it is fantastic. My response is, if people have something negative to say then invite them for a run and see who coughs up a lung first. Guarantee They don't make the first km.

    GO THE FATTIES!!!!!!
  • Lesa_Sass
    Lesa_Sass Posts: 2,213 Member
    When ever I see a big girl running I scream YOU GO GIRL!

    Love it!
  • MelissaGraham7
    MelissaGraham7 Posts: 406 Member
    As a former fat runner (and now still slightly overweight), I think that most of it was my own insecurities. I thought people would snicker, laugh, make fun, etc. to the point that I used to walk whenever I saw people. Then, the more I got into it, the more I let go of my own FAT thoughts and realized that all other runners were absolutely in my corner. Everyone has always been supportive and no one has ever made me feel FAT except myself. So, let go and go for it! The only overweight people to feel bad about are those who are still on the couch and not doing anything about it. You just need to see yourself as a person and not a fat person.
  • holmevik
    holmevik Posts: 33
    I'd say good for you. Just be sure to take it nice and easy, with extra weight you add that much more stress to your joints so go slow and build up gradually. The only one you need to prove yourself to is you.
  • talzybob
    talzybob Posts: 80
    all i have to say is good luck to them and a well deserved well done. if they are doing something to get themselves back on track for what ever reason then they should go for it despite what anyone thinks. if you are one of them then well done i applaud you. if your that determined to that when you feel you cant than i thing you are stronger than ever. well done is all i have to say. and they should be proud of that the first run they complete.
  • SassyCalyGirl
    SassyCalyGirl Posts: 1,932 Member
    a runner is a runner-no matter what size-its respected! IMO
  • seasonalvoodoo
    seasonalvoodoo Posts: 380 Member
    I am an overweight runner...I usually get encouragement from others (which can be a bit annoying since they seem to like to say, 'go on, mama' to me, ha)

    When I see people who are heavier than I am, I get happy for them.
  • maryduggins
    maryduggins Posts: 219 Member
    Go for it!(: I swear every time I see someone running (whether they're WAY better than me, or they look like they're just starting to run) I always feel like high-fiving them and saying, "You can do it! You're awesome!!!" lol(:
  • wbgolden
    wbgolden Posts: 2,066 Member
    I smile and wave at every runner I see when I'm out running. I love it. I love seeing people of every size, shape, nationality, etc.

    If you run, you are a runner. Period.

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