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!

I started running as part of my journey. I started at 490lbs, so there was no way I was running then, but about the time I got down to 360lbs I was able to run my first full mile, and now at 230lbs I run 15-18 miles a week on average on top of 5 days a week at the gym.

Running is a great full body exercise, great cardio, and running outdoors is great, either by yourself or with friends. I find I tend to run faster when I have running buddies, as they tend to push you more. I also do a lot of weight lifting as well for building muscle mass and tone.

I would start out alternating walking and jogging, and as you build endurance and fitness, the jogging pieces will get longer and he walking pieces will get shorter, and eventually you won't need the walking breaks. This is how I went about it.

Invest in good running shoes as well, they will help keep your ankles, knees and hips healthy. Nothing worse than running in old, worn out shoes.

Well-fitted shoes are a must- find a running store where the staff will look at how you walk/run, and fit you properly. Makes ALL the difference.

Starting weight 315lb at about 287lb i started to do c25k on a treadmill, after being fitted properly for running shoes

Next month i run my first 10K race

Do it there's nothing to fear!!!!!! follow NHS C25K (google it) they have a mp3 download that tells you when to run/walk

Just don't try and sprint like Usain Bolt LOL, what i mean is take it slow, when i started i was really slow, im not fast now mind :bigsmile:

some on here even repeat the days until they are happy to move on to the next

theres a group on here to http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/47-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k-

GO FOR IT and good luck and happy running :bigsmile:

I started my journey 18 months ago and just started running in the last 3 months. I downloaded the c25k app but could not do it I was way too winded. So I downloaded a run/walk app where you can set your times I started with 1 min run 3 min walk and stayed with it until I felt I could keep going so on my 3rd week I upped my run 15 sec and lowered my walk 15 sec. I had a heart rate monitor and for interval training I would let my heart rate get to 80% and then in my walk when it reached the 110's I used this as a guide when i would walk i would look at how fast my heart rate would fall and use this as a judge of when to set my times. I went from adding 15 sec. one week to adding 30 sec the next. when I got to a 3 min run 1 min walk I really pushed it and bumped it up to a 5 min run and a 1 min walk. I did this for 1 week. I just upped it again to an 8 min run 1 min walk. my next step is 10 min. although I just got pneumonia this week and can't walk or run I am hopeful that in the next week I will be out again. I run on a trail that is not on flat ground I started on a track but the closest track to run for me is 10 miles away so I decided to run around my property which is 12 acres I love it getting out there running in nature has only opened up more to me wanting to feel the freedom of living and moving through life. I have just picked up mountain biking would love to spend everyday just out riding or running. Its a good life. You can do it I am 216lbs. now so you are right with me so get ready and just take the first run.