HELP! - Wanting to run :)

Couch 2 5k .... Its awesome! A running app that starts you at week one running a min walking a minute, going back and forth for 30 min. At the end of 9weeks you are suppose to be able to run a 5k. Start slow ! What if it took you longer but in 18 weeks you could run a 5k. I started a cpl months ago and it was hard, definitely a sacrifice at times. When I started i could barely run at all, 1 min was hard. Now in just a cpl months- im a run junky and just finished a 10k.

I'm about 350, and I really want to start running. Of coarse being my size I'm very uncomfortable running in public. I don't have a treadmill just yet (working on it). I walk regularly. But it's not enough for me. I want so badly to run. Just don't know how to go about it. I want to lose about 200lbs *give or take* in 2yrs. I want my dad to come home from deployment and see me as a healthier version of myself. Can anyone help me on the subject?

I've never done it, but LOTS of people have had unbelievable success with c25k. If you want to run, just run, for one minute during your walk. Walk for a couple minutes, and run for another minute. Don't push yourself to run fast- run at the pace that looks like a run but feels like a slightly fasting than walking shuffle- the speed you would cross the road at if a car was waiting for you to cross- that shuffle . You keep run/walking and over time you extend the length of the runs and shorten the walking recovery time. But I can't stress enough that you should be doing the runs SLOWER than you would think- your speed will build with time, you need to build endurance first. Speed means nothing without endurance.

My next tip is to go to a running store and get fitted for proper shoes. Its an investment in your running future that you need to make to avoid injury. And it has to be a running specialty store, they give you specific shoes for your gait.

Third, put really loud music on. Tune out your surroundings. The running community is actually really supportive, and every runner (with a few exceptions) started out huffing and puffing at some point, and will cheer on your efforts. Other people don't matter- ignore them. I make sure to send out a smile or a "you go girl" when I see new runners or heavier runners, because you are really inspirational.


That all being said, YOU GO GIRL!

I was self conscious too, when I first started running. Kinda thought everyone would be like what is that fat girl doing? Don't she know she can't run! But I had a friend to tell me to ignore that, there is something very inspirational about seeing someone making an effort for change. Usually tge heavier a person is the more inspirational. She was right, I haven't had anyone to stop and laugh , but I have had people / neighbors to comment on how it inspired them to do more. Or how they were like wow, she's our there again and it made them realize how lazy they were. People have even cheered me on. Want to know when I stopped caring what others thought??? When I saw that it was working for me, who cares what they think; im loving myself enough to try to change my life- you just sit back and watch cause I got something to prove!!! Im gonna prove im worth fighting for! FIGHT FOR IT GIRL! YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!

Not sure if this is an option for you, but I run through one of the grave yards here in town. Its a mixture of paved and gravel, with lots of hills, so its a bit of a challenge, but its very peaceful, and I very rarely see a lot of people. Gives me a good motivation for running too, so I don't end up there before my time! I've been doing the c25k program, and found it to be really easy to follow. I haven't done any exercise in about 13 years, and this took the pressure off for me. I actually found that if I add a 4th day in for the week instead of doing just the 3 that I'm better prepared mentally for the next weeks runs. Definitely get good shoes, and a good sports bra for the girls too!

Agree wth everyone saying to check with Dr first, but also be considerate of your other training. I've a lot to lose and have only just started doing little bits of running (under the guidance of a personal trainer). But I checked with a consultant that I wasn't going to be putting my knees under too much stress - didn't want to cripple myself. He said as long as it was part of a bigger programme - including a lot of strength training - then it would be fine for me. So I do lots of squats and lunges and cross trainer and stair master and bike and step ups and other things to help strengthen all the leg muscles and core muscles I use when running. By doing that I'm now able to run for about 10-12mins before I feel like collapsing lol. I've also invested in nike free runners to help ensure my muscles and joints have the right footwear to help support them when I run.

Remeber to start small too... walk runs! The couch to 5k looks good (or C25k as it's sometimes called lol) Good luck with it!

I was the same when I wanted to start running. The fear is worse than the actual doing. I have an app called mapmyrun which measures your walk/run. I challemge myself for qucker runs on the same route so slowly you'll start running more and walking less.

Go for it - you have to start somewhere!!

Good luck!

Chiming in with good things to say about C25K.

If you have an iPhone or iPod, get the 5K Runner app. There's a free version where you can do the first week's worth of exercises. The paid ($1.99, I think it was) version has the full 8 weeks. You can listen to your music and the app will voice over and tell you "run now" or "slow down and walk now." It's really, really great. You can repeat the exercises as often as you need; you don't HAVE to do it in 8 weeks.

I, too, have a longing to run. I started C25K today along with restarting my MFP account.

Big grats on your loss so far and good luck in the future

The simplest and easiest way is to you your stairs (if you have them) As long as your joints are ok set your self any easy goal if so any flights. It may be 2 morning and 2 in the afternoon. As time goes on and your legs get stronger and more supple you will have built up strength. So take your time, ever step is one better than not doing. Dont over do it so it seems a bore, but allow your self to say well done! When you have your set amount- When you are a level that you feel confident with, then you can go outside and do a short walk/ jog. But you must always remember to warm your legs up before you start. So walk about he house for a while say 4 mins then do your exercises.

Take it easy, one step at a time and remember to tell yourself well done. Your body needs to hear that as well as you, good luck!

I also printed of the "it doesn't matter how slow you go, your still lapping everyone on the couch" mantra and stuck it on my wall xx

I also printed of the "it doesn't matter how slow you go, your still lapping everyone on the couch" mantra and stuck it on my wall xx