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Original poster

I want to be a runner!

44 replies

Misfitless · 14/12/2013 08:00

I am very overweight and very unfit. I've never done any running since cross-country at school (I was pretty poor) 25 or so years ago.

My question is, with the right attitude and schedule can anybody 'be' a runner? I know that different people have different aptitudes, but is it something that anybody can do successfully, if they put the hours in?

I'm thinking I would have to start slowly, with bouts of running and then walking, I expect, and stretching exercises before and afterwards, but I am pretty clueless.

I would appreciate any advice, and would love to hear inspirational stories from people who were unfit and overweight and then bit the bullet and are now dedicated runners.

Honestly, I can not think of anyone less cut out for running than me, but, I would just love to get to the stage where it's something I want to do and enjoy, and I am prepared to put in the hours to get there.

Does anybody know of any good apps/websites to help me get started?

TIA

OP posts:
MyCatLovesMeSometimes · 14/12/2013 08:18

I started running with the NHS couch potato to 5k a while ago and would recommend it. I can now run for over 30 mins at a time which I couldn't do previously and feel so much better for it. It's a really good realistic plan.

Good luck!

darksparrow · 14/12/2013 08:21

Search for couch to 5k or C25k - you will find loads of threads on it.

In answer to your question I would say yes - I can run 8k happily albeit slowly and never really ran before ( did c25k acfew years ago).

KristinaM · 14/12/2013 08:23

Once you have finished your C25k, join your local parkrun.

Get a pair of running shoes and a sports bra and just get out there. Don't spend weeks thinking about doing it. You could be nearly half way through the c25k programme by new year .

EATmum · 14/12/2013 08:29

I've never been a runner, but after seeing a friend do C25K a couple years' back, I gave it a go. I've kept it up, and am training for a half-marathon. I never planned to do more than 5K, but I find it has just become part of my life. I certainly don't always feel like going out, but always feel better for it.

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 14/12/2013 08:54

Couch 2 5k is definitely the way to go.

I did it after being inspired by the running threads on here a few years back and I haven't looked back. I've run regularly ever since and completely got the bug.

I'm never going to be a fast runner, but I love running and it's one of the best things I ever did for myself and my health. I was never a runner or any type of exerciser before, always hated it!

C25k is such a good way to get started because it is so gentle at first and if you are struggling you can just repeat a week.

You can do it. Just don't expect it to do much for weight loss, that is mostly diet unfortunately. The average calorie burn is 100 calories per mile which isn't much. The only time I've lost weight through running is marathon training and I put it back on after the marathon!

loisismyhero · 14/12/2013 09:01

Another vote for C25K here. I'm on week 5 of it and I'm finding it great. The thing I find hardest is fighting the temptation to distract myself with other things I 'have' to do other than going for a run. I'm a SAHM so what works for me is to do my session as soon as I get back from the school run - if I leave it until later in the day I tend to let it slide. So it's best to find a routine that suits you. I really enjoy it when I'm out there! I'm aiming for a 10k mini marathon next June.

Flossiechops · 14/12/2013 09:06

To your question - yes absolutely!! I started running about 7 years ago and joined a local running club. We did one minute walking one minute running and just built up from there. Recently did my 3rd half marathon. Also got a colleague of mine (who must weigh 15-17 stone) into it as well - she has now lost 3 stone and did her first half marathon. Go for it!

EauRougemasTree · 14/12/2013 09:21

I'm another C25k graduate, training for my first half marathon now. I've never considered myself sporty (beyond watching it on the telly) and although I've always been happy with my weight, my fitness level was crap.

I go to Parkruns and there are all sorts of runners- serious ones at the front, people running with their dogs, people running with their DCs. There are runners in their 70s. So yes, in answer to your question, anyone can be a runner. There's no snobbery either, you get brilliant tips from the more experienced runners and everyone socialises together.

Make sure you get some decent shoes and a good sports bra and take it slowly to start with.

VerySmallSqueak · 14/12/2013 09:27

Of course you can do it.

If you are very overweight and very unfit,I would start with brisk walking.Very effective as an exercise if you ensure you are slightly out of breath but still able to hold a conversation. Lower impact so better for your joints until the weight starts to come off a bit.

Good bra,good running shoes,and a smile are all you need.It's also good 'head' time if you go alone,I find!

Original poster
Misfitless · 14/12/2013 09:32

Thanks so much everyone - I wasn't expecting so many replies.

I've never heard of couch to 25k before. Will definitely check out the website tonight.

I might even start tomorrow morning - if I get up early enough it'll still be dark - bonus!!

I bought a high-vis vest a couple of months ago which is still in the boot of my car, and I have some trainers (probably not the best, but they'll do for now).

I've been thinking...I'll start a new regime in the new year, but KristinsM, your post really hit home - why wait?

I'm hoping that by doing regular exercise, it'll make me want to eat more healthily, and stop picking, and so with any luck the two will go hand-in-hand and the weight will drop off.

You all have inspired me - big thanks!

OP posts:
dyslexicdespot · 14/12/2013 09:43

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/get-running-with-couch-to-5k.aspx

I'm another fan of c25K, good luck and don't forget to buy a good sports bra and running shoes.

CMOTDibbler · 14/12/2013 09:47

I did C25k in the spring, and had always said I couldn't run. I did a half marathon in September and will do another in March. It changed my whole perception of myself.

Get out there today and make a start!

TheLeastAccomplishedBennetGirl · 14/12/2013 09:49

I'm a runner now

Started off in September this year at 14stone aged 46 and not run more than a bath for 30 years.

Now am 12stone and still shrinking, and have run 10k this week.

Good bra and the best shoes you can afford is all you need.

UsedToBeNDP · 14/12/2013 09:49

Yes. You can do it. Make sure you get good shoes. They don't need to cost a fortune but they do need to fit you well and be suitable for your needs. I'd advise a specialist running shop not your local JD Sports type place.

Come and join us on the C25k thread for support and advice, the posters over there are brilliant :)

BIWI · 14/12/2013 09:51

Another C25K graduate here!

Buy good shoes - go to a running shop and have your gait analysed and then buy appropriate insoles/shoes. It's really important as this will help prevent injuries.

And stretching is really, really, really important - but after you've finished the run, not before, when your muscles will be cold. Before you start running there is a 5 minute 'brisk walk' which is important to warm you up gradually.

BIWI · 14/12/2013 09:52

Stretching is important, by the way, as it stops you being injured. I wasn't stretching the right muscles/enough, and I ended up having osteopath treatment and had to stop running for a month while we got the problem sorted out.

TheLeastAccomplishedBennetGirl · 14/12/2013 09:53

Specialist shops will do a gait analysis for free or a small charge (which they often offset against the price of your shoes)

This will measure your foot-fall and any ankle rolling and find you shoes to counteract this, helping to prevent injuries.

MyCatLovesMeSometimes · 14/12/2013 10:14

I'd also recommend a specialist running shop. I had my running analysed and needed more support than I realised.

PurplePotato · 14/12/2013 10:20

Another recommendation for C25k here - I also have done no exercise since school and am overweight. I'm in week 4 of the plan and am now running for 5 minutes chunks quite easily (4 weeks ago I could barely keep going for 90 seconds). I feel great :)

KristinaM · 14/12/2013 12:17
Smile
thenightsky · 14/12/2013 12:22

I didn't start running until I was nearly 40. Did my 1st 10k on my 40th birthday and was hooked.

Lazysuzanne · 14/12/2013 12:49

Of course some are biomecanically more efficient than others, I don't think we can all be ultra-marathoners.

Although I've always exercised I regarded myself as a useless runner until I persevered with it in my mid 40's.

I now do it regularly but also use other forms of exercise, if I relied only on running I'd be overdoing it and end up with injuries.

WhomessweetWhomes · 14/12/2013 14:20

Another latecomer to running here. I was pretty heavy when I started too. Have done lots of 5ks a few 10ks, including my first x-country one recently, and hope to make it to a half marathon one day. Do you have a Parkrun near you, OP? They are great, and full of beginners.

Bumply · 14/12/2013 14:33

I took up running a part of a weight loss thing.
I lost over 3 stone from gym + running and I've kept off most of that as if you run regularly when maintaining weight loss you can eat more and stay the same weight.
I'm not fast and never will be but I love entering races - 5k/10k half marathon, maybe even a marathon one day. Sometimes it's a big event and you've got the company of other like minded people, sometimes I'm second to last in a small race straining to keep ahead of the 70 year old behind me!
I like that I'm competing against myself, but I'm part of the running community - I can talk shop with the young lads at work who are half my age but twice as fast.
I started out running to lose weight.
Now I'm trying to lose more weight to help with the running (another 3 st to be back to healthy bmi)

fascicle · 14/12/2013 15:54

There's loads of info on running and weightloss at the Runner's World website:

www.runnersworld.co.uk/weight-loss/37.html

I would say that yes, almost anyone can be a runner. I would also say that anybody can pick up injuries, so it's important to build up frequency, distance and intensity slowly. Surfaces, running style and shoes can also make a difference to avoiding injuries.

As well as web resources, there are plenty of books on running. I like Sam Murphy's - check out her blog and articles here:

www.sam-murphy.co.uk/

Another good resource is the Guardian:

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/running

Good luck and enjoy your running.