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

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.

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".

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.