Runners please come in!!! - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

kl_life · 11-12-2007, 11:19 PM

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!!

Shay · 11-12-2007, 11:28 PM

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

WindyCityChick · 11-13-2007, 12:28 AM

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!

LeedaRenee · 11-13-2007, 08:37 AM

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

LisaMarie71 · 11-13-2007, 10:42 AM

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!

kl_life · 11-13-2007, 05:04 PM

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

LisaMarie71 · 11-13-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kl_life

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 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.