Wannabe Runner
 

I have a quick question I just started losing again but eventually i want to start jogging. At what weight could i begin something like C25K? Or would it be more of a exercise level? I have an ankle with some hardware in it and i dont want to hurt myself, and i am still 261lbs. Im going to start excerising and my goal is to become a jogger... i just dont know where to start. :dizzy:

You can start working up to jogging at 500 pounds. LOL There's no set weight. However, with hardware in your ankle, I'd definately advise you to ask your doctor. My guess is they'll say NO! But I'm not a doctor, know nothing about the hardware, and no one here is going to be able to answer that one for you. Jogging puts a pounding on your feet & ankles. It's all going to be a matter of whether this hardware can withstand it. Only your doc knows.

If you are giving the okay to jog, I would suggest some sort of sturdy ankle wrap be used at all times.

Perhaps you should start walking briskly first. As long as it is comfortable for you, keep increasing your speed. Eventually, you'll find yourself jogging. That's what I am currently doing. As long as you can walk at a certain speed for 30-40 minutes without too much difficulty, continue to slowly increase your speed.

YP1 who is on holiday at the moment, would be a great person to ask. She started running when quite heavy (I'm sure around 260lbs) and she has had internal fixation of her ankle and still has metalwork in it. She's now training for a marathon!

I would say see your doctor if you can and get some advice. I would say not to use an ankle support without getting some advice from a doctor, physical therapist or orthopaedic specialist, as forcing the ankle into a restricted field of movement may not be the best thing for it. Also, make sure you get fitted professionally for running shoes. Don't try and run without being assessed and shelling out for proper shoes. Your joints will thank you!

blondie - sorry I don't have any specifics if it is safe for you to begin running. But I can tell you the c25k program starts off slow enough and progresses gradually allowing even a person who has never ran a step in their life to turn themselves into a runner. I am almost done with the program and I remember when I first started the 30 second runs would kill me. The other day I ran just about 28 minutes and outside no less. SO I can tell you first hand it works. Running is awesome for toning/weight loss it has worked in ways no other exercise has for me. It is also so mentally and spiritually fullfilling. Running is hard dont get me wrong...which is why it feels so good to conquer it and join the fellow 'runners' of this world...

Thx everyone! All your advice is appreciated and ill keep YP1 in mind and track her down. Hopefully in a few months i'll be on my way. :crossed:

Good luck blondie! I want to run soooooo badly as well, but after a few tries and a few extremely painful days, I've gone back to a very brisk walk! I drug my extremely in shape hubby along for a 3 mile walk tonight and he was even breathing heavily with our pace, so I know it's doing some good! We both broke a good sweat, not just a light perspiring thing.

Maybe you should try that first, at least to get your body used to really moving a good bit fast. I'm not saying don't try it though! Just take it slowly.

There are categories in marathons and such for clydesdale's and athena's for higher weights, and I've read about people running and cycling at weights higher than yours, so it's definately a doable thing!

Kim

I was at that weight once and jogged. Lost about 50lbs in 2-3 months without a change in diet. The problem is that, at that weight, jogging can really take the pounds off quick since you are exerting more energy to get your body moving. This is actually not good because slower weight loss is much better on your body long-term. I do think the C25K is a better plan than what I did, but I would worry about the knee problems. I suggest using an elliptical machine or something like that. It gives you the same benefits of jogging but without the pressure on your knees.