NSV - Running on the treadmill
 

So since I have started my journey I have been so afraid to run on the treadmill. I really wanted to give it a try today. I lasted 2 minutes and 30 seconds on 4.5 speed and interval 6. Now, that might not sound like a lot, but I used to weigh 250lbs. So it's a huge deal to me. I can walk on the treadmill for an hour at speed 3.0 and interval 8. I can also stay on the elliptical and the stepper for an hour as well. When I first started on the treadmill I struggled to walk 5 minutes; now I can walk an hour easy. I guess if I keep running for a few minutes every day it will get easier and easier.

I just thought it was a big deal that I was able to run on it for a couple of minutes. I honestly thought I was still too heavy to try running, but I saw people heavier then me doing it at the gym.

Does anyone have any tips for running on the treadmill? I thought I would ask in the 100lb club since there might be others about my weight who run on it.

I have no advice for running on the treadmill as im not that far yet .. but just want to say way to go on doing it .. thats such a big accomplishment :) keep it up :carrot:

I will just say that it CAN be done...you can do whatever you feel comfortable doing...play around with it, and try upping it every couple of days...you'll be up to 3mins at 5.0 in no time...and that is a quarter of a 12 min mile!!! WAY TO GO!

i used to run when i weight 240 pounds.. and out side not in the gym in the beginning your gunna be sore but youll be amazed how fast you will be able to go longer.. all you need to do is run 3 times a week! and running on the tred will be easier on your joints:) good luck have fun I LOVED running then i got fatter now i cant wait to be able to run again! if you really want to getinto heres a bit of the program i followed (i was training for my ten k which i finished in 1h and 8 min)

week one
day one: run 30 sec, walk 30 sec for 15 min
day two: repeat day one
day three: repeat day one

week 2
Day four: Run 30 , walk 30 for 20 min
day five: repeat day four
day six: repeat day four

Week 3
day seven: run 1 min walk 1 min
day eight: repeat day seven
day nine: repeat day seven

and so on.. then you keep bumping it up like.. run 2 min walk 2 min
its a really really great program:)

I started just like you and now I can run 3 miles. Keep it up it does get easier!

hooray! Congrats.
Being able to run on the treadmill (and not fall on my face) is one of my long-term gym goals :)
I'm proud of you for being able to do it!

Asherdoodles. Congratulations!!! I know just how you feel! Running has been my biggest accomplishment so far!

Have you thought about doing C25k? A bunch of us hundred pounders have done it. It starts off with short running intervals and gets you all the way to running 30 minutes by the end of the program in 9 weeks (or longer if you repeat some weeks like I did).

Originally Posted by 2phatinvictoria:

week one
day one: run 30 sec, walk 30 sec for 15 min
day two: repeat day one
day three: repeat day one

week 2
Day four: Run 30 , walk 30 for 20 min
day five: repeat day four
day six: repeat day four

Week 3
day seven: run 1 min walk 1 min
day eight: repeat day seven
day nine: repeat day seven

That is very helpful, thank you. I did look at the couch to 5k once, but it kind of confused me. I guess I will lose at the site again.

Thanks everyone! I am going to try to run again today. I am doing strength exercises today, but I don't think it will hurt anything to try to run 2 or 3 minutes on the treadmill.

Oh, I also forgot to mention I was sick when I did the 2 minutes yesterday. Maybe I would have been able to do more if I wasn't coughing so bad? I am headed to the doctor's this morning.

:bravo:

Hooray! That's a REALLY great start! Definitely take a look at c25k again, I just started Wednesday.

Here's the link for coolrunning...

I thought the C25k program was highly structured and really easy to follow.

I used the podcasts which meant I didn't have to use a stopwatch or watch the time-- that made a big difference for me.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I highly suggest C25k - there is even a forum where you can ask questions and get advice. I went from not being about to run a 1/4 mile to being able to run 2.5 miles straight (so far). I did weeks 1-4 on the treadmill then moved to the road.

WTG -- just keep adding speed and the length of time - if you have to drop back down to walk that is fine too. That is how I started - I would walk 1 minute and get myself to run for 2 minutes. Sometimes I could make it other times not lol Now I can run almost 3 miles without stopping. You will get there too!!

I highly recommend the C25K as well. I finished the programme on the treadmill earlier this month and it's still amazing to me that I went from only being able to do three 1min runs mid January to 34mins now.
I'm still adapting to running outside so can't run for long without a walk break, but I'm working on building up on that as well.

I'm currently in Week 7 of C25K on the treadmill. You'll be surprised at how fast you progress! I only jog at 5.0. Just go at whatever pace works for you.