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Original poster

Running when you're overweight

56 replies

Floomph · 15/07/2019 22:40

I am really keen to start running properly for lots of different reasons. I'm carrying about a stone and a half of weight and whilst that's not loads, it makes me feel really self-conscious. I know already that running is going to be psychologically really hard because it will draw my attention to the weight and I spend my life trying to convince myself I'm ok. I just feel so heavy. Does anyone else have any advice? Or does anyone struggle with the same issue? I've started Couch to 5k and it's absolutely brilliant, so I have a programme to follow, I'm just so stuck on how bad I feel internally for feeling heavy. I'm obviously really hoping that over time the running will make me lighter and even if it doesn't it will give me lots of other benefits.

OP posts:
grafittiartist · 15/07/2019 22:48

I'm over weight- about a stone and a half. Love running! Get to park run- you will see many different sized bodies - no one cares.
You should just try and enjoy it.
I have to say- it didn't help me lose weight, but it allows me to eat what I like and stay the same weight.
Good luck with it.

Pinkarsedfly · 15/07/2019 22:51

Hi,

I’m an overweight runner! I started C25K (for the second time) in March, and now I’m running 5k three times a week and bridging to 10K.

Please don’t feel self-conscious. There’s a lovely camaraderie between runners - you’ll see runners of all shapes, sizes and abilities while you’re out, and they’ll all give you a nod and a smile. It’s like being in a secret club.

Running has kickstarted me to lose weight. I want to feel faster and lighter so I joined Slimming World six weeks ago and I’ve lost 9lbs so far.

Just get out there and do it - you’ll amaze yourself!

HarveySchlumpfenburger · 15/07/2019 22:52

First thing I figured out was other runners don’t care. Then I just started thinking about the benefits. So if people did judge I got into the attitude of thinking ‘at least I’m running’.By the time I’d got the running bug I decided I didn’t actually care either.

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Saralyn · 15/07/2019 22:58

I started running last spring, when I was just on the borderline between overweight and obese BMI. Within five or six months I was down to borderline between overweight and normal weight :)

Apart from the weight thing, there's been two great positives: I can now run 5 km (with some hills) without a break. Which was big for me.
And, running has become something that makes me feel good. Like if I have a bad day at work, I might go for a run to feel better. Never saw myself as someone who would get to that point.

When you say that running draws attention to your weight, do you mean that you notice that you are unfit? I think you will start to notice progress quite soon, that you will need to take less breaks, or manage to run up a hill you used to have to walk. Try to focus on the progress, and how running makes you feel, and how good it feels to have done it. And ignore the facts that some bits are wobbling, they're meant to when you're running ;)

Good luck!

Original poster
Floomph · 15/07/2019 23:16

Amazing, thank you! So lovely to get some encouragement.

I don't think I notice I'm unfit so much as I'm suddenly horribly conscious of every single pound I'm carrying. It feels like such a physical strain. I have been badly bullied about my weight in my life and I think that's part of the reason. But I also worry that I will look really unfit and sweaty even if my fitness is ok (I already cycle and walk a lot). It's partly why I want to run - I want to show myself I CAN do this and have as much right as anyone else who does it. I know it will be very empowering. I was also bullied for being weak and pathetic growing up and I consider people who run to be strong.

OP posts:
PancakeAndKeith · 15/07/2019 23:18

I’m a lard arse. I carry about 4 stone more than I should.
I run 5 days a week but I go at 6am when there is a small number of people about.

I’ve done it for years, never lost an ounce mind you.

Saralyn · 15/07/2019 23:24

Being sweaty just means you look like your making an effort! Doesn't make you look weak.

And remember that all the walkers that you run past will be impressed that you're running, even if you are not the fastest! And the fast runners don't care about you being slower, they just focus on their own workout.

Geekster1963 · 15/07/2019 23:24

I was the same as you five years ago, a stone and a bit overweight and I started running using the couch to 5k. It really worked, I lost three stones and I've run a 5k, 7k, 13x10k's, 5 half marathons and a marathon since then. Changed my life. Keep going with it.

Geekster1963 · 15/07/2019 23:25

Oh and I'm a really slow runner and still look a hot sweaty mess!

Freshprincess · 15/07/2019 23:28

Is there a parkrun near you? You'll see loads of people bigger and smaller than you. Some will be faster, some will walk the whole thing. Honestly, running is for everybody. And nobody cares about your extra stone but you.

Unfit and sweaty errr you're supposed to sweat when you run!

BaldCape · 15/07/2019 23:29

Good for you op!
Honestly? Just go for it. Not one person who matters will give a fuck.
Put some music on, zone out, thinj about why you're running.

MoreHairyThanScary · 15/07/2019 23:34

Was going to say join a parkrun but pp beat me too it!

I started a few weeks ago - still can't make it all the way round without a few walks bit getting better every week!

I have a good bra and as I have 'grown' I've invested in bigger running kit so I didn't feel too self conscious.

Do it op!

Grandadwasthatyou · 16/07/2019 00:02

I would love to start running but am about 4 stone overweight. Have looked everywhere for a firm sports bra but cannot find one big enough and comfortable enough and on the odd occasion I have tried to jog the waistband on my leggings creeps lower and lower until my tummy is hanging over the top! Not a good look I assure you when I really want to look like a fit young thing with my ponytail bouncing as I run along without effort.

caranx · 16/07/2019 05:33

Good sports bra and shoes.

Start slowly (C25K is good) to let your knee muscles/ligaments strengthen gradually.

PetraDelphiki · 16/07/2019 05:57

Good sports bra (except they are all ugly as )....- try bravissimo for bigger sizes. They also do a crop top style normal bra which is really nice that I use for running....

Then for the pp who has leggings falling down - try sturdy by design leggings...I’m now only 2-3 stone over weight but 3 stone ago they still stayed up - the waist tie is the key!!!

PetraDelphiki · 16/07/2019 05:59

And I promise c25k works - I’ve had to do it twice (winter got in the way) but I can now run 5k without dying and my speed the second time is at least 20% faster!

Still don’t exactly enjoy it...

CodenameVillanelle · 16/07/2019 06:01

@Grandadwasthatyou I'm 4st overweight and I run. I have a big belly and I don't have this problem - are you buying decent running leggings? They should be high waisted with a wide waistband. Also buy a decent sports bra - don't expect a cheap one to support you enough. But the equipment exists so don't let that be your barrier!

Pinkarsedfly · 16/07/2019 06:04

Grandadwasthatyou go to Bravissimo. I got a sports bra there that’s such a beast, DH has to strap me into it. These E-cups are going nowhere when that thing’s on, let me tell you Grin

Pinkarsedfly · 16/07/2019 06:05

Also, DBL running tights have a drawstring waist, so you can keep them up easily.

Pinkarsedfly · 16/07/2019 06:09

Sorry, DHB not DBL.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 16/07/2019 06:12

Good luck your running, OP! I second the recommendation to try parkrun. There was an excellent documentary about parkrun on BBC1 last night. Very inspiring. I'm overweight and have lost no weight run walking, but my figure has improved. I'm menopausal and I think I'd be a good bit heavier without doing some serious exercise.

HulksPurplePanties · 16/07/2019 06:19

I'm an overweight runner. I run 7K+ 5 times a week and lift weights.

I understand the internal struggle and I feel like everyone is watching me as I huff and puff and laughing at me on the inside.

However, the other day a personal trainer at the gym, who was working with someone smaller than me, came up and asked how long I run for and at what speed. So I told him. He shook his head and said "That's awesome!" then he looked at his client and said "See, if you put in the effort you could be as fit as her!"

I swear I turned purple.

Since then, I've been paying attention to what others are doing at them gym (rather than worrying that they are paying attention to me) and realize that I'm usually doing far more, with far less effort.

Start slow. Don't push yourself too fast. You will get fit.

clucky3 · 16/07/2019 06:19

Could anybody recommend a decent sports bra that comes in plus sizes? Bravissimo back sizes only go up to 40 so no good if you are bigger than a size 18

Teacher22 · 16/07/2019 06:31

As my Irish mother used to say, take plenty of no notice.

If you worry about what others think or say, you will never do anything.

My DD had bulimia and had to have a counsellor to tell her this exact same message. She is now quite big but doesn’t mind.

piefacedClique · 16/07/2019 06:32

I read a great running book called.... Run fat bitch, run! It’s a bit brutal at times but certainly got me going.... it’s a story and then a plan. It’s definitely worth a go! I often dip in and out for advice from the grit doctor!