'Obese' Runners?
 

Quick question.. Are there any in the 'obese' category that are runners? Is it possible? It's something I'm looking into, and would LOVE to do, but I don't know how feasible it is.. :^:

I'm thinking it's the time of year to start (I'm heat-averse), and I don't have any health problems (besides my weight, but as far as my yearly physical and other doctor exams, I'm in excellent-ish health) :D

Any out there who have 'been there, done that'? Also, if it's not too personal, at which weight or weight-range were you when you began? Also, how did it affect your weight loss? :?:

Thank you for any and all replies!

Hi Little Miss! :wave:

I started sunning somewhere between 240-250lbs; it was hard, but probably no harder than pushing myself now ;) It made a HUGE impact on my weight loss, and still does. My cardio has improved enormously and now, ME- a professed exercise hater! - I LOVE to run! :yes:

I followed the Couch to 5K programme, and tweaked it sometimes (running an extra day and stretching out certain weeks and so on) to suit my own level of ability. Now I run at least 4 miles, 3 or 4 times a week :)

It absolutely IS possible - I do wear a knee support, and I have learned to listen to my body for when it needs to rest and not run, even though I want to! Good luck, and join is in Cool Runners and let us know how you are getting on... the old rule is the best: people tend to push themselves too far, too fast and then get hurt, and subsequently hate running. Some days I still have to force myself to only run a certain distance, even when I feel like I could go on forever!

Heather :D

I started running when I was around 200 lbs, and also followed the couch to 5k program. I initially started with speed walking and upping my distances with that prior to beginning jogging, and I think that probably helped me progress a little faster with the C25K.

I'll echo Heather's sentiment in saying that it is very possible, but you need to be careful about injuries and the like; so listening to your body when it needs to stop and rest is a good idea.

It has definitely helped my weightloss, and is one of the few exercises I find myself actually craving when I'm unable to get out.

Yes, I lost a bunch of weight walking on my treadmill at an incline that progressed and at progressively faster speeds. At some point, it wasn't a big stretch to go from 3.5 on a 6 incline up to 4.0 and 4.5 on a zero incline and so I did. I also did the c25k program but did not finish as i found i needed to repeat weeks and could not find comfort running faster than 5.0, which people have since whipped me for saying that 5 is plenty fast enough and I should have been confident staying there. It had a huge impact on w/l, allowing me to be really careless with eating and still lose weight. Not an endorsement, more like a trap. I would either start yourself on a treadmill, as it is most kind to joints, or if you do try outside, stick to a track or padded surface, or 2nd choice blacktop. Do not run on concrete (ie, sidewalks) as it is the most unforgiving surface.

I started at pretty much my highest weight, so I´ve been there. Take it slowly, listen to your body, and you´ll be fine. When I first started running the only problem that I had was that my foot flared up a bit (I broke my ankle afew years ago, and I don´t think it was striking the floor right in my first pair of running shoes, which hurt my foot), but apart from that I´ve not had any issues.

And I second joining in on the cool runners thread, you´ll get some goodadvice there.

I don't have any advice to add, really, because the other folks covered it, so I'll just add my voice to the chorus of formerly obese runners. I started running VERY slowly and only a little each week when I weighed about 250. Now i'm completely in love with running. I always tell people -- if you have the slightest inclination toward running, you should do it, because you'll LOVE it when it becomes a habit. People seem to either love it or hate it. Definitely join in on the Cool Runners thread, like others have said -- it's a great place for advice, support, inspiration, encouragement, etc. Let us know about your progress! The best advice I can give you, however, is not to worry about your progress -- just have fun with it, and it will fall into place.

I got a work out suit from Todd... and yesterday when I did a little jog around the block (It was BEAUTIFUL out yesterday), mind you I was quite consious of my body, it shows EVERY curve (nice or not) - someone (female) leaned out their window and said "YOU GO GIRL!!! LOOKING GOOD". I had NO Idea who it was but it made me feel nice even though I was winded to heck :) Then followed up with my new elliptical... I prefer that right now until I can at least drop a few more lbs.

Thanks for all the great responses! For a while, I was thinking about running, but had consigned myself to the inaccurate 'fact' that running (along with skiing, swimming, horseback riding, etc.) was a sport for the super thin and athletic, only. Thanks for the kind words and motivation! Love hearing about everyones experiences.

I am also heavy but don't enjoy running because even as a child when I was quite skinny I would get winded. Have you ever read any of Covert Bailey's books? They are quite interesting and get this his infoformation of yester year is now todays gospel. He would advice obese people to work out several times a day. He said to go SLOWER but do it longer then you would slim down as the longer workout burns fat faster.
He also advises to fast walk for awhile then do a 1 min wind sprint. Then go back to walking.He said even if you only have 12 min at a time just do that then do more throughout the day. Low and behold Womens World also talks about doing several short workouts through out the day.This was in their their most recent edition.
I think I might take up the walking stick workout but wish I could also be a runner.I feel whatever feels right for you is the workout you should stick with as it will be the one you enjoy.I get excellent results with Tony Littles Target Toning but know he annoys many people. The thing is it works for me.

You've already gotten all the good advice I would give, but I'll just chime in as another example of someone who started running while still in the obese category - another C25K graduate. I was about 250 pounds when I started, and I believe running has been a hugely important part of the journey to a normal weight for me. So, if you have the inclination, give it a try! Just take it easy, and make sure to listen to your body.

Also get proper shoes AND proper clothes.

I started around 210 pounds. Course, I only managed to run about 15 feet at a time, then would walk and pant awhile. ;) I was still in the obese category though (around 190 at 5' 4") when I ran my first 5K race, and in the middle of a noreaster. LOL I came in at 14 minutes per mile. By 170, I had just barely made it to the overweight, and ran my second race, at a little over 10 minutes per mile. Being good weather though I'm sure helped the time tremendously.

As for what it did? It nearly doubled my weightloss from dieting alone.

I actually just started today. I think weight wise as long as you're aware of the proper tools (footware etc) then it's totally possible. I asked the same questions you did a few months ago and the people here were ever so helpful with their suggestions.

Today was definately was a lot easier then any other time I have tried before, but I've been doing other cardio for over 7 months now (Walking, Kickboxing, step etc) so at least cardiovascular wise I was definately ready. I feel this was kind of important because any other time I can think back to trying it in the past I would do 30 second intervals and just about die after each one (lungs hurt etc)

Today I did my own version of the various walk/run programs. 4.5 mins walking (between 4.0mph-3.2 at the end) and then ran for a minute (5.5-5.0 at the end) and just alternated that for an hour. It was quite a work out but it was also shockingly doable although I can feel my legs are tired after all that. But it felt good to be able to run like that for someone whos never been able too. Even though it was only 1 minute at a time I ran a total of 10.5 minutes at 5.0 mph or more. Pretty impressive for a big girl. :)

Just start where your comfortable and listen to your body.

I started running while I was obese, around 190 pounds. The only regret that I have is that I didn't start earlier.

I did the Couch to 5k program from coolrunnings.com, but I modified it a bit. I did two weeks of Week 1, 4 days of Week 2, 4 days of Week 3, and so on. I almost cried after my first 5 minute run, but 6 minutes later I had to run 5 minutes again.

I was living in South America at the time so I stopped for a while because I got sick of all of the dog poop, cat calls, and drunks following me. So I restarted on Week 4 and have been moving up steadily ever since.

Really, I do regret not starting to run at 220. I do enjoy it that much.

Me too
 

I'm around all the time, though I don't post much. I just had to chime in as another obese runner. I actually think I am about the heaviest runner around right now.. I started last year around this time, and eventually dropped 20lbs and ran 2 5k's even. (and I didn't even come in last). I just had to restart because I let depression and laziness get me after I hurt my foot, but I am back up to a bit over a mile, and already losing again. I just got a treadmill, but even when I was running mostly on the road, I never really have any knee problems. In fact, runnning helped me a bit, because it made me stretch more, and more often, and made my plantar fasciatis(sp?) actually stop hurting me. So good luck, get some good shoes, and lets run off this fat!

Dee

Oh my goodness! I went into this forum to post this exact same thread! I used to be a runner in my thinner/fitter days and I just miss the "high" it gave me so much (and the feeling of accomplishment). I am worried now that I am too fat to run. I think I am about 210, but my scale broke in the move (I discovered that it was broken today:?: ).
Thanks for posting all of this great advice!!

What a great thread - I was just wondering the same thing and am so motivated by all of the posts. I am off to check out the couch to 5k program right now!

I was doing it! Not for long. Total time on the treadmill was 31 minutes. I did intervals every 2-3 minutes for about 40-50 seconds at a time. I wasn't fast by any means only averaging 3.8-4.2 while running. But I did it and survived and I will do it again.

It sure as heck would be easier if the kids, 3YO twins, were not underfoot. I hate having to concentrate on where they are in the room instead of what I am doing.

I think the thing is the heavier you are the more gentle and slow you need to start off so if you're only jogging 4mph that's OK - who cares it will get you there eventually. While those learn to programs are nice you'll very likely have to repeat weeks.

Today was day 2 for me. Out of an hour 13 mins total was running 5.5 first half and 5.0 second half (1 min intervals run 4 mins walk)

My feet hurt a lot today though. I need to get some running socks. Are those double layered wright socks that I use for walking good for running? Are there any shoes that are better for wide feet / heavy people? I'm currently wearing mens gel asics (for the width) and my foot rolls minorly outward as well.

when I was weighing in around 330# (were talking 10 years ago) I would run 2 miles 3 times a week and that was just for maintenance, I am pretty tall and lifted weights from my late teens through my early 20's so I carried the weight very well and I have suffered no ill effects from the running, meaning I have no knee pain (being that I am at least 200 lbs heavier than that now) my knees are still ok as far as pain goes, I would not want to push the envelope and try to run at this weight (not that I could get very far), I think the level of fitness has a lot to do with whether you can do it or not without problems.

I do look forward to running again when I drop many many pounds, but wish not to risk my knees until I am back into a different shape other than round :dizzy:

As Ever
Me

I have to agree with the level of fitness thing having more to do with it then the weight, which I think may surprise a great many of overweight people.

The last few times I tried running (and stopped soon after) I was dyeing... my lungs burned my heart rate soared up way too quick and took forever to come back down. 20 seconds was enough to make me want to stop and I could barely hit the 30 second mark. My lungs felt uncomfortable nearly all day after an attempt. I probably weighed about 10-15 lbs more but thats not a huge difference then the 231 I am right now.

I'm only in week one here but this is after working out for 7 months. I started by walking probably about 2.5-3.0 mph for a mile or two at 300lbs. I worked my way to a point where I was doing DVDs at home and even doing step aerobics with one set of risers, kickboxing, etc, and walking at about 4mph (usually 4 miles at a time) So that all prepared me for starting this. I'm shocked at how well my body is handling this so far. No hurt afterwards (except legs a bit sore from the new "action" and some blisters from not wide enough shoes)

It's not to say you can't start right out of the gate very slowly, but for my experience I would say anyone who is starting from square one try and get some cardio conditioning going first and make sure you continue to challenge yourself as you adapt and learning to run will be a wee bit easier or at least not as uncomfortable.

Originally Posted by zinkemomx2:
I was doing it! Not for long. Total time on the treadmill was 31 minutes. I did intervals every 2-3 minutes for about 40-50 seconds at a time. I wasn't fast by any means only averaging 3.8-4.2 while running. But I did it and survived and I will do it again.

It sure as heck would be easier if the kids, 3YO twins, were not underfoot. I hate having to concentrate on where they are in the room instead of what I am doing.

I've been exercising since my son was born and have found some ways to get the job done that makes it easier. And, it's good for him too. He sees me doing this and tries to imitate me. One of his favorite words..."exercise". :D

At first, I'd put him in the baby swing while I worked out. Now that he's 2, I have a section of the house baby proofed. That being his room and the hall, which is gated off from the rest of the house. I then put a gate across my room door while I work out on the stair stepper. I can see him in the hall, hear him in his room, and he usually stands at the gate and watches. When I let him back in the room, he climbs up on the stepper and does his exercises. LOL I don't want him in there while I'm exercising as he gets too interested in the machine and wants to get too close while it's in motion.

The other method is, I also have the livingroom proofed. That's outlets plugged, special plug covers for any plugs that need plugged up to where once removed, he cannot replug them, shelves are bolted to the walls, table drawers and entertainment center doors locked off with baby latches. Then I gate it off from the downstairs and do a video. He's right there in the room with me and usually tries to imitate these moves as well.

Another form is to put him in the jogging stroller (they make them for multiple children too), and go for a run outside in good weather. I got one with a built in system that allows me to attach a music player and I play children's music/stories to entertain him, while I listed to my MP3 music on headset. Before I could afford that, I used a regular stroller, they're just harder to maneuver, and I attached a portable speaker and CD player to the side of it. During the summer, we go to the park and make a day of it. I run and do a lot of walking, then we have lunch in the park and he gets to play on the playground.