Anyone over 18st started running?

[mommathatwearspink]

Just that really? I’d you were 18st+ and run regularly, how did you start?

I like the idea of it, exercise, lose weight and for my mental health but at over 18st, I don’t even know if I will be able to run at all.

Are you going to try the C25k app? I’d really recommend it. It’s is very gradual.

I did.

I kind of modified C25K because I knew that in previous running attempts, going too far too fast meant it hurt and I hated it and stopped.

This time I took it so incredibly slowly it was almost a farce. I did the following 3 times a week...

Week 1
Walk briskly for 3 mins, run for 15 seconds. Repeat 5x

Week 2
Walk briskly for 3 mins, run for 30 seconds. Repeat 5x

Week 3
Walk briskly for 3 mins, run for 45 seconds. Repeat 5x

Week 4
Walk briskly for 3 mins, run for 60 seconds. Repeat 5x

Week 5
Walk 2 mins 45 secs, run 60 sec. Repeat 5x

Week 6
Walk 2 mins 30 secs, run 60 sec. Repeat 5x

Week 7
Walk 2 mins 30 secs, run 75 sec. Repeat 5x

Week 8
Walk 2 mins 30 secs, run 90 sec. Repeat 4x

And so on. I basically just crept it up and up. Each week I either cut back on the walking time or increased the running time and cut down on the repeats any time the total session got near to 20mins.

I also gave myself to run as slowly as I wanted - speed was not a factor.

Plus I had permission to repeat a week anytime it felt hard.

It took so long to get to a mile of running and I was often tempted to skip ahead but I made myself follow the schedule.

I am so glad I did. It never hurt, my knees never were sore, it never felt like I was really pushing myself and I was able to get up to a mile whilst still really enjoying the run.

Thank you both!

I’ve done the C25K but it was too much for me to even begin with. I think I’ll try an adapted version like yours wobbly

🙋🏻‍♀️

I did couch to 5k in the summer, took me far longer than the 9 weeks but I got there. By autumn, I could run 5k (slowly, in 45mins) without stopping but then gave up when the weather turned. I'm just starting over now.

When you tried it, was it outdoors or on a treadmill? I couldn't get past week 2 on the treadmill, I think I was too focused on speed and was going far too fast while feeling like it wasn't fast enough.

I think Mr Johnson may be able to help you on this one. I think he was allegedly this weight at one point last year.

Now Dhillon the rescue dog takes him for a run each morning apparently.

ordering no I was doing it outside. I really struggled, couldn’t complete half of the first session and just felt demoralised afterwards so never did it again.

Take your time and gradually build up. The biggest mistake new runners make, irrespective of size, is starting too quickly and just as quickly becoming demoralised.
You can do this but take your time and soon you will love the buzz that outdoor exercise gives you!

I would suggest going to see a physio before you start OP, because you can really do your knees in. They can give you exercises to strengthen everything up first.

Also, when you start, go really really slow. Like your walking pace or slower even. A lot of people make the mistake of taking off too quickly