Thank you sooooo much everyone you've been a huge help!

I decided to do the Walk Away the Pounds Walk and Jog video which has 2 minute segements of jogging in place type exercises. I made sure to do it on the bouncy wood floor. I was able to keep up just fine! I know jogging in place isn't as hard as moving and jogging but it was a good sign.

I still want just drop just a little before I start my C25K program, but this was encouraging. Although, I do have to admit feel my knees "felt" it. The don't hurt or anything, but they are more like "huh?" :) ) So I definately think they would be happier waiting for atleast another 20 to come off.

Thanks again.

Idealmuse - great idea starting with the WATP video. I think you're right to hold off on C25K if your knees are feeling it with the WATP. Moving is moving, and that's what matters, so keep it up with WATP!

I started with a walking DVD for the first 4 weeks or so then did the C25K. When your knees are ready you'll know. You always know your body better than anyone else, so just listen to it and then start when you think you can. You definately will not regret it!

Ideal, you should pick up a couple of the knee supports from the pharmacy or Wal*Mart and try using those while working out. I found the more supple, stretchier ones worked best to allow freedom of movement but also provide some support. Or...you could try ace bandages to get the same effect. They just take a little longer to wrap. Not TOO tightly, but enough for some support. See if your kneeds still feel it the next time if you try this method.

Thank you for the knee support suggestions (a few of you mentioned that) I'll have to look into that before I start.

The good news is I noticed today I'm walking a lot faster. I'm upto about 3.5-3.75 MPH over a 4 mile walk. (The 2nd half of the walk was carrying a heavy bag, and that's the half I ended up timeing)

I'm going to look at shoes this weekend I have some Gel-Asics but I'm worried the glue in them is too old even though they weren't worn much. They are men's shoes because my feet are so wide. :(

LOL I had a problem adjusting to that when I first started walking on the treadmill. A gal who weighed all of 125 and was about 5' 6" would often be on the treadmill next to me. She gave me a lot of pointers...got me to let go of the bar. ;) But I'd look over and she was WALKING at 4.2. I was doing 2.8!!!! After awhile, it increases. I normally walk about 3.8 to 4.2 now without even trying to.

Hehe... I look forward to breaking the 4.0 barrior I've never been able to do that in all my fitness attempts.

Right now cardio wise is about the best it's been (Although I've been at this level a few times)

I probably started off not far from 2.8... walking 2 miles. I think I might have just been under 3mph but not sure since I don't have a treadmill.

I may be investing in one sooner then later though!

Just an update.

I was doing Turbo Jam today and during the "turbo" minute I ran around in circles on my exercise matts (thick puzzle matts) and I wasn't getting any more out of breath then I was doing the video!

So I think cardio wise I might be ready to attempt a slower modified version of the 13 week or c25k, but for my knees sake I think I still would like to wait for at the very least another 20lbs.

Thanks again everyone for the tips!

Idealmuse,
How often do you turbo jam and what videos do you use? I just started C25K but I was thinking of doing some turbo jam on the off days.

Teach -

I just restarted doing Turbo Jam, but I'm doing it a few times a week. I exercise 6 times a week (about 45mins-1.5hr) so I'm either walking briskly or doing DVDs. The biggest thing I've noticed in the past with Turbo Jam is its really helped strengthen my core.

Right now I mostly do the first cardio party video as it's my favorite. I have the others but they are just a bit too advanced for me so I can't give you feedback on those (yet)

Its probaby best to start out with the intro/20min video until you get the moves down. I don't do those much anymore though they don't keep my interest. With Turbo Jam I thought I hated it at first, but once I got the hang of it... it became my favorite at home workout and I (gasp) looked forward to doing it! Heh.

Thank you for this thread. I found it very helpful!

Off to buy running shoes now.

Thought I'd keep you guys updated for those who are just thinking about it now...

I started my program and I am on week 6 of 13. I'm running for 3 minutes and walking for 2 for about an hour. I've done upto 36 minuutes out of 60 running and it's going very well.

Good shoes has been important I just got refitted for new ones because it looks like my gait changed since dropping so much I used to pronate outwards and now I'm a slightly over pronator. I got shoes that fit my Nike+ chip so that's kinda fun.

Anyway I'm signing up for a Triathlon this summer! Woot. I'll keep you updated for all those running hopefuls.

Ok I'm up to 10 minute runs now (Did 55 minutes yesterday 50 of that running) I think I've lost about 40-50lbs since I first posted this thread, but I'm obviously still a heavy runner the scale said 208/209 this morning.

My questions now is about my back. My back wasn't bothering me in the beginning but I've noticed that since I upped my run intervals to 7 minutes and now 10 minutes it's starting to bug me.

Will a back brace really do anything to help or do I need to do some weight lifting on the side for my back muscles? Is there anything else I can do to lessen any strain to the back? Do I need to run "taller?" and not lean as much or something?

Thanks!

I'd suggest that until you do strengthen your back up a bit, and/or see your doctor, that you drop your interval time back down to where your back doesn't hurt.

wow this is a great thread makes me feel like I could get out there and start running soon! I want to lose about 30 more pounds before I do and I will start with jogging intervals. thank you