Advice for an overweight newbie?

6 watchers

How_Far?? Mar 2020 10:29pm, 10 Mar 2020 First-time poster!!	0 How_Far?? Hello, I’d like to get some advice on whether or not I’m ready to start running. I was 19st but have lost almost 1 stone in the past month through diet, no exercising as yet. Now at 18st I’m still worried that if I start running I may do damage to my knees etc...should I lose more weight before I start running or should I start running now which will help me lose even more weight? Any advice from those that may have been in the same position as me would be welcome.
Serendippily Mar 2020 10:34pm, 10 Mar 2020 16,455 posts	0 Serendippily You have chosen an honourable name look out for HowFars blogs they’re brilliant. you could try who squares wins under the games bit. It really encourages you to get out and about. And then to run a bit. C25k is tried and true too
The_Saint Mar 2020 10:42pm, 10 Mar 2020 6,490 posts	0 The_Saint Without being intrusive, your height and age would be relevant to this. An ex boss of mine has similar weight numbers to you but he is 6'2" and about 33 and running seems to be working for him.
Nellers Mar 2020 7:41am, 11 Mar 2020 35,870 posts	0 Nellers Welcome How_Far?? and good look with your endeavours. I'd suggest the Couch to 5k program to begin with. If you click on training then beginners you can use the plan and the site to track your progress and keep you motivated. It's very simple to follow. Don't feel like you have to complete it in the 8 weeks though. If you do week one and it's hard then do it again a couple of times until you feel ready to move on. There's no time limit on this stuff and the best thing you can do is make changes that are sustainable for the rest of your life. The other advice I think is most useful for a beginner is to slow down. Put your pride aside and do the run bits as slow as you can. You're a beginner and it takes time to adapt and making the training harder isn't going to encourage you to stick with it. On the weight being a problem I know a lot of runners who were carrying a bit more of themselves around when they got started. Some have lost a lot of weight, others haven't but have still gained a lot of fun and fitness from their running. Go for it, and try to find ways to enjoy it. Enjoy the adventure.
Lizzie W Mar 2020 7:46am, 11 Mar 2020 22,437 posts	0 Lizzie W I started by walking, increasing distance or time, then speed - it's about getting out of breath but not too much, I find. Then Couch to 5K. There is a beginners programme on Fetch somewhere.
Derby Tup Mar 2020 7:51am, 11 Mar 2020 38,597 posts	0 Derby Tup I was going to suggest walking before starting to run. Good luck H_F??
Lizzie W Mar 2020 7:53am, 11 Mar 2020 22,438 posts	0 Lizzie W fetcheveryone.com/beginners
Rosehip Mar 2020 7:55am, 11 Mar 2020 15,279 posts	0 Rosehip Hi and welcome Whilst starting to run as exercise sounds like a great idea can I just caution, with no intention to be rude - that it may depend a bit on your shape? A colleague was told that because he carried a lot of weight on his thighs, that he would run with pretty bad form and be more likely to put stress on his knees/ankles and "learn" a poor running style - I have no idea of the truth of that, but it does sound plausible. Starting with brisk walking, as Lizzie says - brisk enough to ger your HR up and you feel like you're working will burn just as many calories per mile as running will. Hang around here - find a game to play (go to the games tab ^^ and see what floats your boat) Get yourself used to being out and active and then start with the C25K Congratulations on the weight lost so far and for the challenge
anyonebutmatt Mar 2020 8:39am, 11 Mar 2020 37 posts	0 anyonebutmatt Hi, I was a very similar weight to you when I started running. But before that I had spent two months reducing my calories and going on brisk walks up to an hour 4/5 times a week. At the end of the two months I then started the C25k as I was a bit more comfortable with running. It was hard being heavy and starting running but the weight did come off and the programme is designed to help with that. I did repeat some weeks where I struggled. I then moved onto a bridge to 10k plan and got a bit addicted. It helped that I targeted a 10k race to give me the motivation to keep training It won't work for everyone but I'm an example of where it did work and 8 stone lost later I'm a lot healthier and a pretty decent runner too! Good luck with the journey
Derby Tup Mar 2020 9:36am, 11 Mar 2020 38,599 posts	0 Derby Tup Great post Matt