I want to be a runner!

[Misfitless]

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

agree you dont have to be fast or good, or progress quickly, it took me ages to run more that a few minutes at a time and I'm still very slow but running definitely helps keep my body fat down

Ooh look - the Mumsnet couch to 5 k guide

Good luck OP!

Absolutely! Like you, hadn't run since school ( which I hated). Have heard good things about couch to 5k but I just went out and ran till I couldn't breathe, walked, then ran some more. As time went on I was running more and more and gradually increased the distance. I definately recommend parkrun when you can run 5k. So supportive whatever your speed and time. Tunning us do good not just for fitness but ( for me) time to think too. If you go out and run, you're a runner! I have never regretted going out and running just not going! Go for it!!

Tunning?! Running!!

You see, op, this thread demonstrates one of the best things about running -other runners. Everyone is so positive and enthusiastic, even through times of illness or injury or just when you CBA.

You won't hear anyone saying " you can't be a runner because you are too old / fat /unfit" . Even from the few responses here you can see that we are all different ages, shapes and speeds. But we are all beating the guys on the sofa and we are proud of it

What Kristina said!

Thanks for every single one of the replies.

You are a generous bunch with your advice and encouragement.

I am now going to go on the link to the thread somebody kindly posted for me!
Tomorrow is going to be my first run and I'm really quite excited.

Sorry, pressed 'post message' unintentionally.

Thanks again

Hi everyone.

Thanks to all your encouragement yesterday, I got up at 6:15 am and went for ... tbh it was more of a walk than a run, but I did run a bit.

Had a look on the website many of you recommended and downloaded an app called 'Run the Map.'

Anyway, thought I'd let you know that you've all made a big difference to me. Without posting on here, I honestly wouldn't have bothered to even make a start until January.

Yesterday I'd have come downstairs and had a mince pie, today I'm having a satsuma after my run extremely fast walk and little run!

I started running in September and love it. Doing a 10k in May and a half marathon in September!

Wow! Well done, that's brilliant.

You're more motivated than me, I won't be off out for my run until at least 9:30!

I find that running is more than just exercise for me, it's probably as close to anything meditative as I'll ever get. I completely switch off and just feel really in tune with myself when I run. I come back feeling refreshed and mentally recharged.

The first step is always the hardest op, and you've done that already!

Do make sure you sort out some decent footwear though, it is really essential. Any decent running shop will do gait analysis and give you good advice.

Of course you can. I did a running course aged 59 yrs and then ran my first half marathon aged 62yrs, I am doing another in March when I will still be 62 yrs. If I can start then, absolutely anyone can do it!
Good luck- go for it!

Well done! I am about to go out. I find the first 5 mins hard then I get into a rhythm and you do feel wonderful afterwards!

I'm waiting for DH to get up and I'll be off out too. I live near pathed woodlands, perfect for running.

It's so bright and still outside right now, can't wait to get out and enjoy the silence of it all.

Well done, OP. You went and ran.

You're a runner now

Well done, OP! The first one is the hardest. Keep at it! Join one of the C25K threads, they are really encouraging.

Well done op. Very impressed by the first run in the dark!!!!

Well done op (I'll be on the treadmill in the gym in a couple of hours)

Well done! How good do you feel now?! Keep it up, some runs will be hard, some you will fly, but all make you a runner.

Thanks everyone - you are all amazing!

Tbh, I wanted to do it in the dark so no one would see me as I felt quite self-conscious! It was lovely and silent.

I do feel great just for getting up and having a go - I'd normally have been in bed asleep or on mn!

I got weighed this morning before I went, it was a real kick up the bum - just what I needed.

Thanks again all for your words of encouragement.

Brilliant OP. I was overweight at school, last to be picked for any team. I started running late twenties and now have 3 half marathons and numerous ten ks under my belt. I'm 43, I'm slow and I'm still built for comfort rather than speed, but getting out for a run is fun ( most of the time).
TBH you won't lose weight running unless you are incredibly lucky, but you will if you combine it with reducing cals. It does mean though that you are unlikely to put on weight and you will become fitter fairly quickly.