To those big losers out there :-)

I am not really a "big" loser compared to most folks on MFP but I did reach my goal weight. I mostly used the gym, but I tell ya, the folks that run, even on the treadmill seem to really drop it fast.

Don't be nervous about it... I've seen folks that were heavier start walking on the treadmill, then trotting/walking, then picking up the pace.

I turned around 8 weeks later and barely recognized them because they were so much leaner. If your knees are good and you have a good pair of light running shoes, go for it!!

You don't have to start by running. I have been working up to running for a while I started walking - slowly and not far. Now I walk/jog more than 5 miles most days. I am not a big lose yet, but I will be. I am only a few pounds less than you. Just work your way up!

Just wondering for all you big losers out there, how many of you have picked up running as an exercise compared to how many exercise in the gym or do dvd's???

It seems whenever I read a big weight loss story, the person has started running during their journey. I really want to start, just really scared to at 223 lbs.

Leah

Hi there!! I did my first 5 k at 220 last year.. did I walk some of it.. yup.. did I run some of it.. yup.. did I puke.. nope.. did I finish last.. nope.. did I finish... HELL YES!! if you want to start running the couch 2 5k program is awesome and you will see it refered to as c25k.... YOU GOT THIS!!! I am 216.4 today and am still out there, and loving it!

Kandy

At 220 I couldn't run 30 seconds without being completely winded. I started a 'couch to 5k' program and got up to 90 seconds, then stopped. Just recently (at 208 ish) I starting running/walking on a treadmill. I jogged for as long as I could at a slower pace and have kept up with it ever since. I can now jog 10 minutes at a time at a 5.0 pace. I'd say if you're interested, try it now! Start slow, don't try to force yourself to go 5.5, 6.0, or anything you see others doing. Start with 30 seconds on, 2 minutes off, or whatever you're comfortable with. Try to push yourself a little bit further each time you workout. I thought I would hate running and the treadmill, but I find that every time I get on it, I do a little bit better and now I look foward to it sooooo much because every workout gives a small NSV...you'll be surprised!

Oh, and I find it helps to have awesome music with a strong, driving beat! The less you think about the act of running, the less you watch the clock. That's how I discovered I could run for 10 mintues straight... Good luck!

I've lost almost 100lbs, in Nov I started with a personal trainer and she had me start running. We run most days now that it is nicer out and assigns it as home work sometimes and sometimes I will go for a walk run. It's not my favorite thing in the world but it is something different. I do still work out at the gym and sometimes will work out at home with my body weight.

I'm still just walking, but I really like it, as long as it isn't too cold out.

I think your son riding his bike, even with the training wheels, is a perfect workout partner. Keeping pace with him will ensure you start slow and don't do too much too soon, thus avoiding injury. As you both get better, the pace will pick up naturally.

I started by walking my dog for a few miles a night after work and twice on a saturday and sunday, as i had bad shin splints and this helped build the muscles up in my shins....
After a couple of weeks i left the dog in the house (dont worry he still got a walk as well!) and started to jog, found a pace i was comfortable at and i havent looked back since...

I wouldnt waste my money on gym membership get out in the sun / rain / snow and enjoy the fresh air!