Running when you're overweight

[Floomph]

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.

I can’t remember who it was on one of the c25k threads who suggested Niko Niko running style - basically you go really really really slowly...it might feel stupid but it really takes the pressure off knees and you do then complete the runs!

Running is hard for anyone who hasn't done it before. My weight is perfect but I really struggle with running, even though I'm in good weight and shape I'm unbelievably unfit so dont worry about it. You can do it girl !!! And dont worry about what other people think, most people will be thinking " wow, good on her for doing it " believe me I think it all the time

Elomi do fantastic sports bras. I am a 42 G and they work really well. Nothing else does for me. Very expensive though

I do notice overweight people running, and I think, "Good for you!" Running is hard, and carrying extra weight makes exercise harder. I'd never laugh at someone overweight who is exercising.

I got my sports bras from M&S. Like this. They were a lot more substantial than any I saw in Decathlon and do a sterling job holding everything in place while I jog round.

Knees: my knees aren't great at all but I went to see a sports physio who said it would all improve if I did exercise to strengthen the muscles in the legs so that they took more of the strain instead of the cartilage. It has helped a lot.

Bum bag is what I use. Works a treat.

Half marathons are not fun! I'm never doing another
DH does niko niko running and enjoys it. I don't because I find it too difficult.