Jogging/running for bigger people

Betrbleave
Betrbleave Posts: 37
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm going to start jogging but I've been a bit embarrassed for being bigger. I'm going really early in the morning. What's a good distance to start with? Have you stuck with running daily? thanks

Replies

  • Cwilliams8676
    Cwilliams8676 Posts: 252 Member
    Imi 186 pounds I can do 2 miles easily after than i get tired. Id start with a mile maybe try the couch to 5 k program
  • Brandicaloriecountess
    Brandicaloriecountess Posts: 2,126 Member
    I suggest using a run training program like c25k. I was at least 40 pounds heavier than I am now when I started with c25k.
    I still run but not daily as I do some classes and other workouts. Good luck!
  • lbaileyjohannsen
    lbaileyjohannsen Posts: 133 Member
    Try starting with a couch to 5k, it starts off nice and slow so you don't get discouraged at first.

    http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
  • Celliott411
    Celliott411 Posts: 49 Member
    Yeah the C25K program is great! It lets you slowly build up your endurance. Just make sure you've got good shoes/arch support because if not, shin splints might slow down your progress. And PLEASE don't be embarrassed! Nobody can think less of you getting out there and getting in shape!
  • FungusTrooper
    FungusTrooper Posts: 227 Member
    Whatever you do make sure you start small - and don't feel bad if people of similar weight can run further than you. Weight could mean something completely different - 100lbs of muscle and 50lbs of fat is going to be able to run a lot further than 50lbs of muscle and 100lbs of fat.
  • davidhippo
    davidhippo Posts: 3
    It's more getting into a routine than the distance at first IMO. Whatever distance you manage, just keep doing it over and over every day, you'll be surprised that soon it'll become easier and you'll be able to go further.
  • webdaughter
    webdaughter Posts: 162 Member
    I am a big person....I just started the couch to 5k program and am finding that I can do it so that is very encourging to me. Check into that and see what you think!! I use a program on my phone called rundouble and it counts out the time that you run/walk for you and it makes it much eaiser to keep track.

    Don't worry about what you look like...you are out there doing it and that is what counts. Who cares what people think, you are getting it done!!!
  • jessicae1aine
    jessicae1aine Posts: 885
    I'm a big girl, too. Like, 300 pounds of big girl.

    I really, really want to run, as well. I just can't stand C25K (I know it works for a lot of people, so no bashing there - it's just REALLY not for me!), so I found this:

    http://www.halhigdon.com/training/50933/5K-Novice-Training-Program

    Hal Higdon's 5-K Training Program is pretty awesome, in my opinion, and yep, that's what I'd do.

    Also, I understand your running in the very early morning. I'm a very-late-night kinda girl myself, because I don't like the looks I get from people.
  • directorj
    directorj Posts: 537 Member
    Don't be embarrassed on running if you're big. I run a lot and each time I see a big runner I'm more impressed / inspired rather than the fit runner who passes me up.
  • JoLar13
    JoLar13 Posts: 3
    Don't forget when people drive by, they are sitting on their butts and YOU are working out! Keep your head high and have a little fun with it!
  • blazingmissp
    blazingmissp Posts: 63 Member
    Read the book "Run your butt off", very good way to start. It has a simple and very effective program.
  • MrsAgi
    MrsAgi Posts: 338 Member
    HA! I also go out early in the morning - I was over 200lb when I started running, and having never done ANY running before I started by going round my tiny block - about 200yrds.....

    It almost killed me:laugh:

    I did the same distance for a week, then edged it up a little at a time, keeping to the same distance for at least a week each time, then adding another 100-200yrds

    There's been several stops and starts over the months, but it's been about 5 or 6months altogether and I now run 2.5 miles most days:heart:

    Start with whatever you can manage, - the secret is to keep working at it so that you get to manage more:flowerforyou:
  • McBully4
    McBully4 Posts: 1,270 Member
    Ok, i see you want to loose 135lbs so, I will assume you are fairly over weight. Running/jogging is not a good idea to start with, the impact on your joints can cause extra pain and soreness. Use an elliptical machine to get your heart use to a more rigorous exercise. Don't worry about distance or speed, just get your heart rate up and go with as much as you are comfortable with.


    ps try and avoid using the quick add.
  • monicamk1975
    monicamk1975 Posts: 298 Member
    Definately try the couch25k program. If you're not used to running it helps prevent injuries. When I started running, I just went at it and ran a few miles daily and ended up with a super painful knee injury. Start slowly, read up on the program and good luck :) Running is awesome!
  • mita2161
    mita2161 Posts: 20
    I started using 5k101 on my ipod (its free) and awesome. It helped me run and my husband just started it too and hes 6'6' and 360 pounds. He found it great.
  • Ketomaniac9
    Ketomaniac9 Posts: 108 Member
    i'm 400+ and I can only jog maybe 2 mins at most I just stick to walking for now.
  • MrsAgi
    MrsAgi Posts: 338 Member
    Ok, i see you want to loose 135lbs so, I will assume you are fairly over weight. Running/jogging is not a good idea to start with, the impact on your joints can cause extra pain and soreness. Use an elliptical machine to get your heart use to a more rigorous exercise. Don't worry about distance or speed, just get your heart rate up and go with as much as you are comfortable with.


    ps try and avoid using the quick add.

    Only the OP knows their health/ fitness levels and personal circumstances - personally I just started running (my 200yrds!) and have never encountered any problems- no knee pain, no muscle pain to speak of, no back issues etc despite the fact that until I made it to 30mins/2miles I was still wearing my REALLY old trainers that were so totally unsuitable.

    If you think you can do it - do it! just one minute of running is better than none You can do intervals with walking if you like. I found that the moment I started walking I could never motivate myself to run again, so I've just run.....
  • AliciaBeth78
    AliciaBeth78 Posts: 437 Member
    I feel your embarrassment! I have been doing my running either late at night or super early in the morning. This past week I decided that I would start running around 6:30 in the morning for speed purposes (It's a little difficult to run with the flashlight on your phone guiding your way!). Well Saturday I woke up late and ended up running at 7:30. Needless to say there were a LOT of people out and about! Seriously though, I got more smiles and nods than I really would have imagined. And not once did I hear any negative comments!

    As far as distance, run out as far as you can.... there is NO shame in taking a break and walking back!
  • itsme_timd
    itsme_timd Posts: 59
    I see a lot of people recommending the C25K program and I'm sure it works great for a lot of people. But some people are too out of shape or too big for even the C25K to be a good starting point. Jogging or running when you are really big plays hell on your joints. I'm 422 now, down from 465. I walk a lot, ride my stationary bike and hike. I've tried jogging but it's a bit too much of a pounding for me right now.

    However I am building up stamina and muscle with my routines now that when I do drop more weight I believe it will factor in a lot when I start jogging.
  • StacyPervis
    StacyPervis Posts: 32
    Don't be embarrassed for doing something good for yourself. Those who you feel are looking at you are most likely the ones who need to be running too.
    My knees kill me so I walk at a jogging pace. Hope your knees will support running.
  • babycakes1970
    babycakes1970 Posts: 111 Member
    I see a lot of people recommending the C25K program and I'm sure it works great for a lot of people. But some people are too out of shape or too big for even the C25K to be a good starting point. Jogging or running when you are really big plays hell on your joints. I'm 422 now, down from 465. I walk a lot, ride my stationary bike and hike. I've tried jogging but it's a bit too much of a pounding for me right now.

    However I am building up stamina and muscle with my routines now that when I do drop more weight I believe it will factor in a lot when I start jogging.

    I agree here. I was 237 pounds when I first started my weight loss journey two years ago. I knew that walking alone probably would not be enough for me so I used the elliptical since I also knew that jogging would be too tough on my joints.
  • McBully4
    McBully4 Posts: 1,270 Member

    Only the OP knows their health/ fitness levels and personal circumstances - personally I just started running (my 200yrds!) and have never encountered any problems- no knee pain, no muscle pain to speak of, no back issues etc despite the fact that until I made it to 30mins/2miles I was still wearing my REALLY old trainers that were so totally unsuitable.

    If you think you can do it - do it! just one minute of running is better than none You can do intervals with walking if you like. I found that the moment I started walking I could never motivate myself to run again, so I've just run.....

    Right, I said I was assuming. Also why ask the question if they knew their fitness level. I'm no no way saying don't, i'm just saying dip your toe in before tackling the high dive. looks to me like you just want to brag about what you can do, instead of providing the OP useful info.
  • Fatty_Fatass
    Fatty_Fatass Posts: 21
    Try running a lot further than a 5k.......... but do it slowly...... start with a 5.4 - 5.5 mph pace and run a short distance...... maybe 4 or 5 miles............ keep it up 3-4 days a week........ then cut the distance in half and bump your speed up to 6 mph (which is really not very fast, but, it will feel that way when you start) and once you have done that for awhile slow down again and run UP SOME HILLS.....then take a few days off, go to your local high school track and do some fast laps.......... find your best speed and work from there....... you will have days when you want to run fast and other days when you are just sorta jogging........ but....... it will all be comfy for you if you hit it hard at the start.......... thats how I got started anyways.....
  • McBully4
    McBully4 Posts: 1,270 Member
    woops double post
  • Madux1818
    Madux1818 Posts: 307 Member
    HA! I also go out early in the morning - I was over 200lb when I started running, and having never done ANY running before I started by going round my tiny block - about 200yrds.....

    It almost killed me:laugh:

    I did the same distance for a week, then edged it up a little at a time, keeping to the same distance for at least a week each time, then adding another 100-200yrds

    There's been several stops and starts over the months, but it's been about 5 or 6months altogether and I now run 2.5 miles most days:heart:

    Start with whatever you can manage, - the secret is to keep working at it so that you get to manage more:flowerforyou:



    Great info, thanks!
  • shellsrenee01
    shellsrenee01 Posts: 357 Member
    I am 242 lbs. I was 260+ when I did my first 5K in March of 2011. I felt like the biggest heifer out there (even though I wasn't). However, I realized that the desire to run (jog) was in me and I was going to finish that race even if it killed me.

    I came in at 44 mins (and some odd seconds). Definitely didn't win any awards for THAT time. But I did gain something else. Pride. I felt great that I could complete 3.1 mi willingly. Even if it was incredibly slow and included a LOT of walking.

    I tried the C25K program and it did not agree with me. My body can't do the stop and go method of jogging/walking/jogging/walking. I'm more of a "Jog until I can't jog anymore...then walk...then start again two days later".

    3 years ago I could barely jog 30 seconds before I wanted to die.

    Yesterday I jogged for 36 mins straight (at around 4.5mph) and it felt great!

    My advice is to listen to your body. If it says to go faster, go faster. If it says to slow down, slow down. Don't worry about others around you. I promise, no one is judging you and many of them admire you for being out there.

    Sign up for a 5K. Experiencing that is truly amazing and you will see that runners come in all shapes, sizes, speeds, and age. You will never be the same again! :flowerforyou:

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