I like the idea of running. I’m about to turn 40, and over the years I’ve put on far more weight than I should, to the point where I am morbidly obese (19 stones, which Google tells me is 266 lbs). I’ve dabbled with running a tiny bit in the past, mainly on treadmills in a gym, but also briefly out on the streets. I usually quite enjoyed it when I forced myself out the door.
For an epicly fat person like myself, is there any reason I shouldn’t try a c25k program? Other than the weight, I’m in good health - blood pressure, etc all normal.
I’ve been running for 25 years, and I have yet to reach the “easy” stage.
Take yesterday, for example. I went on my (normal) 4.5 mile run during lunchtime at work. (Link to route.) It was very hot & humid, and virtually no breeze. As I was going up the big hill I really felt like walking for a while. I kept going, but there have been times I’ve quit and walked for a while.
I started running when I was around 240 lbs at 45 years old. Go slowly, get good cushioning shoes, and listen to your body. If your doctor says it’s fine, then you should be good.
I mainly cycle and do a lot of it, and it never gets easier. You just go faster and further. Back when I ran a lot, it was the same: It stayed hard but I went faster and ran more miles each week.
Walking on the other hand does get easier the more you do it. You still get faster but you get to the point where to get faster you have to switch to running.
I agree with Savannah and running coach. Different strokes (or steps, or lifts, or whatever) for different folks.
As for me - it took a ridiculously long time for me to go from running 1 mile (feeling absolute agony during most of the run, and profound relief when I got to the end) to 5+ miles (which I now look forward to doing, feeling a bit tired at the end but a good tired). A little over 3 years, actually.
But I’ve had a lot of barriers that explain why it took so long: first, I live in Jakarta, so the heat and traffic make running pretty excruciating most of the time; second, since I began running I’ve had a number of eye surgeries and procedures which proscribed running for anything from 1 to 3 months afterward each time; and third, I had a couple of annoying injuries (both of which seemed to be related to running on shoes that I should have tossed*) that each set me back for 6 weeks or more while I waited for them to heal.
Despite those setbacks, I somehow knew, the first time I ran a mile out of doors in the heat and was totally wiped out, that running works for me. I completely understand how some people hate it, just as I loathe swimming. But for me, it just makes sense. Why? First, because it really is a “mind over matter” sport: if you are lucky enough to be able-bodied, there is nothing stopping you from doing it, unlike sports that require a certain amount of natural ability. Second, it is wonderfully meditative; once I hit my stride, I can run for a long time while completely “zoned out,” thinking about anything I want to think about and paying no attention to any physical discomfort that running might entail. Third, it lends itself to gamification very well; with modern technology I can easily see my speeds, routes, and total distances, which is very satisfying.
A shout-out to running coach, who helped me figure that out when I posted a thread on this message board, asking for ideas about what I’d done to my foot.
C25K is a 9 week program; very good program to follow.
Just remember there are two essentially identical versions, one distance based & one time based. The former needs a track or GPS device where the latter just needs a watch.
I downloaded the official (I think) app, which is time-based - it gives you an audible message when it’s time to switch from running to walking and vice-versa.
Time for an update from my attempts at resuming this running madness…
I’m using my memory here, but it’s roughly been as follows;
Run 1 - morning/fasted - ran about 2 miles alternating between running and walking.
Run 2 - night/carbs - ran as above.
Run 3 - morning/fasted - ran about 3 miles alternating.
Run 4 - morning/fasted - ran about 5 miles alternating (in blazing sun/humidity)
Run 5 - morning/fasted - ran about 2 miles alternating but blisters kept it short.
Run 6 - morning/fasted - ran about 4 miles alternating but knee twinge kept it slow.
I am running along the promenade to the beach where I live. Google Bournemouth beach.
I usually run from groyne to groyne then walk to the next groyne… and alternate this. I could run further but I want to make sure I don’t hurt my back or knees. blisters only last a day or two so aren’t a problem.
Groyne to groyne is about 100 metres or so, sometimes shorter.
After 6 runs I’m starting to feel like my bones are getting used to it. It’s less jarring. y lungs are never a problem, it’s always my legs and back that feel the hurt - but it’s easing.
I feel like I will run one length (start point to turnaround point) without stopping by run number 10-12. That’s about 7.5km.
The reason I am running in the morning fasted, is because my goal is fat loss initially, but fitness long term. I’m not fat… but I’m currently around 18% and want to hit 10%.
Last time I did similar, I went to about 12% in around 5 weeks.
To those who are experienced with running… are my methods and distances sustainable?
