Ok so I know this might seem like a silly question - maybe not - I really don't know that's why I'm asking.

I am back up to 250lbs - I haven't ran for about 7 years now and at that time I was 60-70lbs lighter but not a hardcore runner. But I dream of running - literally I have dreams of me being thin - lacing up my shoes and just going out and running.

Is it even safe for my body physically to try and start a running program at this weight?? or would it be best to wait until I am down to like 200lbs and then start??

Any help, advice, suggestions would be great and much appreciated!!

You need to check out the Cool Runner's thread here in this forum. Many of the runners began when they were well over 200 lbs. I had the same question weeks ago. I've started the Couch to 5K program and I'm 221. Here is the link: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

kl, I started running when I was around 250, and did just fine. You need to make sure that you get fitted for proper shoes, ramp up your mileage gradually and listen to your body - but you certainly can do it if you want to. (Wouldn't hurt to check in with your doctor either before starting).

And likenoother is right - come join us on the coolrunners thread!

I started over 200, though I can't remember at what weight exactly.

Like Rachel, I started around 250. I took it very slow, and I mixed walking with jogging until I could just jog (since then, I haven't looked back -- it bores me to walk). Rachel has finished a marathon, I've finished a half marathon, I'm now a running coach and I'm preparing to run a marathon next year. So if we could do all that after starting at 250 -- you'll be fine!

Some advice (besides the great advice about shoes and consulting a doctor and all that everyone else has said):

*Your knees might hurt at first. Mine did, and I iced them at night after my runs. I put my legs up and iced them for about 15 to 20 minutes, and I was fine. It didn't take long for the pain to go away, partly because my body was getting used to running and also because I simply started weighing less.

*Do NOT worry about speed. Not in the beginning. Not for a LONG time. Too many people start out thinking they have to sprint, and then they HATE running. Go as slow as you want to go -- if you're propelling yourself off the ground a little, you're running. You'll get faster naturally with time. When I started it took me at least 13 minutes to run a mile (that's after working up to the point that I could run for that long). Now I usually run at a pace around 10 minutes a mile or faster, depending on the length of the run. I'm still not speedy, but I've made improvement. You will too, and it will happen naturally.

*When you can run a few miles without stopping, sign up for a 5K. Don't worry about your time -- just go and finish a race, even if you walk part of it. You'll have fun, and then you'll sign up for another one. A cycle will begin, and you'll HAVE to keep running because you'll always have a race coming up! And did I mention that races are fun?

I'm sure I have other advice (as everyone knows, I won't really shut up about running now that I've fallen in love with it), but for now I'll stop rambling!

Hey everyone ~

Thanks for the great advice that I definately am going to put towards some good use. I won't be soo concerned about how far or how fast I can run at first - just getting focused on being able to run. I know I'll have to start out like I did before where I'd walk and then push myself to run. I just was worried cuz I wasn't nearly as heavy back then as I am now.
Like I said I dream about running - really honestly I have dreams of having lost my weight - lacing up my shoes - and shouting out loud - look at me and taking off running just feeling sooooo free and healthy!!!!
I would love to run and eventually do a 5k - it would feel like such a huge huge accomplishment!
Looking forward to sharing this experience - and I'm sure I'll have more questions along the way.

Thanks a bunch,
Kari

I dreamed of the same thing, and I made it come true. A little over a year ago, I never would've imagined that I could do it, but I've really surprised myself. And you can too! Make sure you post in the Cool Runners thread -- it's a great group of people.