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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want to go running when I weigh 13 stone?

62 replies

WTFs · 04/02/2021 16:33

I used to run many years ago until health issues forced me to stop. So here I am 10 years later and 3 stone heavier, clearly I have carried on eating as if I were still running Blush Anyway, health issues aside, is it sensible to try some gentle jogging when I am this heavy, or am I just asking for knee problems? Are there any suitable trainers that might take the strain off the joints for example? I really fancy a run Sad

OP posts:
Ishoos · 04/02/2021 16:40

I started couch to 5k at 13 stones and 5lb. I would start steady and build up, good luck.

WeeWelshWoman · 04/02/2021 16:41

13 stone and just started running again too.

DownWhichOfLate · 04/02/2021 16:42

Go for it! Make sure you take short paces to avoid over striding to protect your knees.

Peccary · 04/02/2021 16:45

I could have written this, was running half marathons 10 years ago and am now also 13 stone. I have been doing some Hiit classes and am about to start couch to 5k for a gentle intro, I live somewhere with lots of trails and really fancy doing long runs on them come summer. I have always sworn by Asics trainers

NovemberR · 04/02/2021 16:48

I did C25k when I was 13 stone in the November. I wanted to be fitter and weigh less for my 50th (March).

I weighed 11 stone by my birthday and I'd done my 5k.

This is several years ago and I'm fatter and no longer run. Smile

Hardbackwriter · 04/02/2021 16:55

I did couch to 5k pretty successfully and started getting quite good 5k times at 12st11 (and never lost any weight!) with zero knee problems - but I'm 5'10 so that's only a bit overweight for me. I don't know how much difference that makes - presumably some, or very tall men just couldn't run, but I guess your knees are still carrying the weight regardless and are my knees really so much bigger or more robust than a woman who is 5'2?! If it's very overweight for you then I'd guess you'd need to take it gently anyway to build up cardiovascular fitness, so that would also give the joints time to get used to it and for you to pace yourself to avoid injury?

thecatsthecats · 04/02/2021 16:55

I've been out in the park running at 15.5 stone and no one jumped out to stop me.

lanthanum · 04/02/2021 17:00

I started with Ct5k in August, and I'm now running for up to 35 minutes at a time (abandoned Ct5k and set my own targets now); I'm still 13st (but fairly tall). Ct5k starts so gently you ought to be fine unless you have anything actually wrong with you, I would have thought.

Pukkatea · 04/02/2021 17:08

You should get proper running shoes regardless of your weight!

boysonthesofa · 04/02/2021 17:13

90% of weight loss is what you put in your mouth and how active you are generally... that said running is brilliant at boosting endorphins and I find it so helpful in keeping me on the straight and narrow. I really struggle wjth getting injured so if I were you I would start by walking for a month and really just getting your feet and legs used to dojng a few miles three times a week. And then really really slowly add a bit of jogging. There is nothing more demotivating than getting injured so make sure you combine wjth some hips and glute exercises a couple of times a week. Don't do HIIT! You'll end up injured. Gentle and often and work out your basal metabolic rate for daily calories and use MyFitnessPal to log what you eat. 80/20 rule of good/less good!!!!! Keep your eye on the long term goal and don't rush it. Quick wins usually don't last. Good luck!

Labobo · 04/02/2021 17:17

I used to run with a friend who was 13 stone. Just take very short strides - really short - like fairy steps Grin and wear well cushioned socks and running shoes and thick warm leggings. C25K builds up slowly so you shouldn't get injured. I really miss running. A foot injury has kept me away but every time I see runners in the woods I get a little stab of envy.

AmandaHugenkiss · 04/02/2021 17:18

I’m 13 stone and getting back in to it. I run in Hokas since I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis which really help my joints, lots of cushioning.

Labobo · 04/02/2021 17:18

@thecatsthecats

I've been out in the park running at 15.5 stone and no one jumped out to stop me.
Grin Grin Grin
3dogdnorth · 04/02/2021 17:22

Don't let that stop you, it's great that you want to do that. Just go slower than you think you want to and keep it short to start with. Trainers are very personal and different ones suit different people. You really need to get your gait assessed and get trainers suited to your style of running. This won't be possible during lockdown sadly.

wizzler · 04/02/2021 17:26

Definitely c25k. There are some very supportive threads on the exercise boards

Hippopotas · 04/02/2021 17:27

I run 5k at least 3 times a week and I’m 18.5 stone! I’m sure you can do it.

Eckhart · 04/02/2021 17:29

Take it at a pace your body can handle, don't run for long, have walk breaks, and don't land on your heels.

You're going to feel amazing :)

alexdgr8 · 04/02/2021 17:31

why don't you start with walking, maybe a set distance or time.
do that every day and gradually increase speed of walking.

randomsabreuse · 04/02/2021 17:33

I'm 13 stone, not particularly heavy compared with loads of people at parkrun and doing 10k and half marathons and my only knee problem is that I managed to whack my patella tendon on the edge of the shoe rack 2 days ago...

Running sensibly and steadily is much easier on the knees than HIIT, especially if you aren't doing stuff like lunges and squats with perfect form!

myfuckingfreezer · 04/02/2021 17:34

Are you really short? 13 stone isn't going to prevent you from running!

I started C25K at 16stone. I'm 12.5stone now and will run tomorrow. Hope noone stops me!

NeverDropYourMoonCup · 04/02/2021 17:41

Do you overpronate or have flattened arches? Do you know what the terms mean? If you don't, read up first, as that'll have a lot of bearing upon which running shoes will be better for you.

You don't want shin splints, plantar fasciitis, extensor/longus tendon rupture, Achilles tendonitis, intrametatarsal bursitis or metatarsal fractures (never mind knee injuries, hip, back or SI joint inflammation), as that'll put you off just as you're getting into it. Any runner can have any of those, but as you'll be dropping the equivalent weight of a family saloon car onto each foot (I did the maths a long time ago - there's a reason why I know about these injuries), you're at a higher risk at a higher body weight.

Once you're sorted with some knowledge, get your shoes (and orthotics if you need them), some comfortable running clothing and a foam roller/exercise bands. You'll be glad you did.

2typesofjungle · 04/02/2021 17:43

I ran a half marathon at 16 stone and the world continued to turn.

Twinkie01 · 04/02/2021 17:46

Get sorted for some good running shoes and go for it. I'd say not to take tiny steps though, likely you'll end up with tight calves which could impact on your knees.

Original poster
WTFs · 04/02/2021 17:51

Thanks everyone. Im off to research trainers for heavy people!

OP posts:
Twinkie01 · 04/02/2021 17:52

You don't need trainers for heavy people love. You just need to work out how your foot strikes the floor.

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