I'm going to start a walking routine this weekend and do that for a few weeks and in October I'd like to buy a nice pair of running shoes to get started on the C25K.

Any suggestions? I will be running on a track during winter and moving outside in the summer.

I personally think that you should go to a running store so that they can look at your feet and make recommendations. In addition to your weight, you will want to consider your arches, if you pronate, if you will be running on a treadmill/cement, etc. I cannot stress the importance of having well fitting running shoes.

That said, I have low arches and I over pronate and I LOVE my Saucony ProGrid Guide5 runners.

Awesome! We have a pretty great shoe store here that does things like that so I will go to them. That makes the most sense as everyone is different.

Thanks!

Ditto the advice it makes a world of difference and if they are a good store even after you have run a bunch and they are not right they will give you another pair till they are right Also get a good running bra.

Double ditto getting fitted at the running store! I have super wide, flat feet. At my high weight Brooks Ariel was the only sneaker that had enough width and arch support for me. Now I am a Brooks Adrenaline GTS girl. Bonus - they're a little cuter than the Ariels.

For a LONG time, I had running store employees put me in very heavy stabilizer shoes (like Brooks Beast -- whatever they're called now). They were terrible shoes for me but i thought I had to wear them because the "experts" told me.

I switched running stores (the 1st store I went to paid their employees on commission for the "brand of the week") and my whole shoe experience changed. Turns out I like minimalist shoes with a large toe box.

I'm telling you this so you trust your gut. If you're like, "Hmmmm. These don't feel quite right," keep pushing! You may feel weird because you're the fat girl in a running store but be an advocate for yourself, take your time, and pick the shoe that is right for you.

I love New Balance shoes. Going to a running store for a professional fitting was a very good experience for me.

Good luck!