AIBU to try to do this race??

[sailorsdelight]

I need honest answers but please be kind!
I have the chance to run a half marathon in the autumn - it’s over subscribed and expensive but I have a place if I want it. BUT
I’m overweight - 230lbs/105 kg/ 16.11 st. And my BMI is obese.
I’m active - swim, walk but don’t run
Longest i’ve Run ever is 10km years ago.
I’m middle aged!
I have fractured a bone in my foot before although it’s ok now.

I’ve joined Slimming World, taken up another sport and am looking to lose around 7lbs per month.
I’m determined to the point of being bloody minded!
Am I fooling myself thinking that I can run a half marathon in 7 months?
Has anyone out there done this or similar at my size? Although I am planning on being a few stone lighter.
Advice please! I love the idea of having a goal like this but wonder if this one isn’t realistic

Well, you’ll never know unless you try.

You could train in that time, but I would say don’t go ahead unless training goes smoothly at 5k and 10k distances, don’t up distance or speed too quickly, as that’s how injury happens, consider using a Jeff Galloway walk run strategy (many slow runners are faster using this method), consider that if dieting and training at the same time, one is going to have to take priority.

I speak as someone similar who entered a half marathon to motivate me to get back into running - got a knee injury, nothing serious but had to put running on the back burner for the rest of the year. A year on, I am now doing 5k. The half marathon WAS a good motivator to get fit, and I am fitter currently than I have been, but still a waste of my entry fee, iyswim.

Right, it’s the expensive bit though - i’d Be chucking £50 down the drain if I can’t do it!
Anyone with actual experience of running overweight??

Thanks Eva! I am worried about injuring something.

How long have you got before you have to accept/pay for the place?

I would aim for a few 5ks before committing to longer distances, my sibling ran a half marathon without really being an established running and their knees/hips have never quite recovered.

Is there a park run near you? It's free and a good way to build up stamina and fitness and develop a love of running. I would also do some cross training to build strength in your legs to support your knees and hips.

Do it!

It sounds like you have 6 months to prepare for it by loosing weight and getting fit which is plenty of time if you get yourself organised and plan it!
How I would do it:

• diet - slimming world sounds good
• I would consider professional help if you can afford it - E.g. a monthly session with a personal trainer to help you if you aren’t used to it or even one of the many good online / books on getting into running.
• When you are ready do park runs etc. you might find other people to help with motivation / run with
• Decent trainers and sports clothes are essential - trainers aren’t cheap but get them properly fitted at a running shop, most supermarket sports clothes are fun but buy a decent sports bra (I like shock absorber)
• don’t rush into running too much at the start - focus on low impact exercises like cross trainers / cycling / power walking if you are concerned about your foot / knee - then when you have lost a little weight build up to the running.

Good luck! You can definitely do it👍👍👍👍

You sound very determined so I think you could. Work hard on your diet and fitness. 7 months is quite a long way off. I wasn’t overweight but went from never running in my life to running 10k in 12 weeks.

I pressed send too soon. If you have plenty of time to accept the place, start gently now and build up with Parkruns or couch to 5k then gradually build up. It is possible however I would advise getting well fitting trainers from a running shop to prevent impact injuries. If you are still going well closer to the time that you absolutely have to accept and pay for the place then go for it

And in answer to the question has anyone else done these things overweight - yes me!

I have never been the ‘right weight’ but have done triathlon - Olympic distance at that weight.

You just need to take it carefully and listen to your body every step of the way - if it hurts beyond being a little sore you need to reconsider what you are doing. I have knee issues and only ever run the distance I need once or twice before each event just to give me confidence I can do it - I focus on low impact exercise that improves my fitness.

DO NOT suddenly throw yourself into running lots - you are more likely to injure yourself, slowly slowly build up 👍

Agree with pp to try a 5k or 10k first....
Also is there a reason it has to be that particular half marathon? Is it Royal Parks?
I run regularly and would hate to pay £50 for a HM when you could do one for half the price. Check out runnersworld magazine to see if there are others around the same time.

Presuming royal parks or GNR.
You have time if you start TODAY. Get a decent pair of supportive and cushioned trainers if you are very overweight. Get a good sports bra and get on to C25k
Do you have a parkrun near you or a running group that does beginners sessions?

Sorry that should be runnersworld.com.
And check if theres a parkrun nearby to get you started. These are free 5ks for any ability and there will be people walking/walk-running, jogging and running. Its v friendly and an easy way to get started and check your progress.

Absolutely! There are all shapes and sizes and all ages. Just go slow and increase your distance by 5% increments. You can absolutely do this.

Well you have the determination so your half way there.
Do it honestly, if you start a training plan you can do it .
I won't lie to start you will find it hard but run walk until you build it up .
You will feel amazing when finished . Good luck 😉

This is a really good site, OP - they also do running clinics and some sport's gear
toofattorun.co.uk/blogs/

Thanks some top tips! I have Tillman a Monday to decide. I guess i’m Thinking that if I don’t sign up I won’t have that goal and won’t be running at all basically. Running isn’t in my current plan as i’m so self conscious about it in public. Unfortunate people, well blokes do shout stuff at me or have some in the past.

If you have until Monday to decide you could join parkrun and have a go at one this weekend- they are used to people jog/walking it. If that seems too much then I would suggest that a half marathon feels like a very big stretch in that period of time. I think it would be a bit more achievable to set yourself something less daunting and a 10k might be a better distance for 3-6 month goal ( plus way cheaper than £50)

£50 for a half marathon, are you doing the Great North Run?
I’d say go for it. Try and get in some 5km and 10km races in before the half. Imagine how you’ll feel come the Autumn and you’re watching it on TV if you passed up the opportunity.

Do it do it!!! In 2009 I'd put on loads of weight and in the April I heard an advert for a half marathon in early September. I went and ran a mile, then built it up and successfully completed the half marathon in September, raising over £3000 in the process.

Plenty of overweight people run. I’m one of them, and I’ve done 2 half marathons. 7 months is definitely enough time to prepare; if you run regularly you’ll see improvements really quickly. Start small and build up gradually and any weight you do manage to lose will make running easier for you, but it’s not essential to have lost weight to run, or to run a half marathon (or even a marathon). Once you get into races, you’ll see people of all different shapes, ages and sizes running.

Im about 2 stone overweight and currently on week 5 of couch25k. Couldn't recommend it highly enough. I do it with a group and have found them to be a great support. I can't believe how've far I've come
In only 5 weeks.. I'd say go for
It!

Quick update - i’ve Signed up! It’s actually on my birthday so I thought that might be a different/ interesting thing to do rather than spending it in a pub! Found some fattie’s trainings plans... wish me luck...

Good for you! You'll smash it!

hiddeneverything Thanks! My goal is to just not have a heart attack and finish!!