Obese - Is Couch to 5k realistic?

[lauren6283]

Hey everyone
I'm pretty obese, my BMI is over 40. I gave birth almost 8 months ago now and I really need to lose weight. I have a few questions I'm hoping some of you can answer...

-Is couch to 5k realistic at my size?

-Do I need a special pushchair to go jogging with or is my current Bugaboo Cameleon ok?

-Anyone know where I can find a good plus size sports bra that isn't going to cost me a fortune?

And if anyone has any other tips or advice they would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance :-)

Check with your GP before you start.
Get proper trainers as well as the sports bra (I got my bra from ebay and trainers from MandMdirect, on the basis I could spend more if I stuck to it).

I was a size 28 when I did it. It was fine.

Thanks MrsCakesPremonition. I will look into those ;-)

I was nearly 17 stone when I started and I did it

It was hard but you'll be surprised at how quickly your fitness improves.

Good quality trainers are a must! Sports bra.....maybe absorb shocker? They have different levels of support depending on your activity (the ones with the purple label have the most support and are designed for high impact exercise like running)

Or depending what size you are, Freya? Debenhams have a sale on at the moment so you may get a bit of money off also if you can get fitted for one to make sure you're getting the right support, if you're well endowed in the chest area they won't look good bouncing up and down (bitter personal experience right there...)

Also, if you're using the free nhs podcasts, you just ignore that cow Laura! Breathe in for 4, out for 4? I can't breathe in for that long!!

So - i don't think you'll have a problem, couch-2-5k is great, you only have to jog for like 60 seconds to begin with.

But - i think posting on somewhere like cool running, or running for women would be good if you want advice.

Tips - get an Enell sports bra www.lessbounce.com/ and download the robert ulroy podcasts so you know when to run / walk without having to faff about with timing yourself.

Do you have a route? google and mapmyrun can probably help you with local routes.

Oh and check out www.upandrunningonline.org/ - that's designed for ladies that haven't run before and i think they do a walk-run thing as well.

Can't help you with the sports bra (I'm fat but still have pretty small boobs). Do make sure you get proper running shoes with plenty of cushioning and support though. The extra weight will impact on your joints and you need to give them the right support to avoid injury.

it is realistic, take your time with it, don't be tempted to run too fast, keep slightly out of breath but not uncomfortable- that's important when you are runninf for slightly longer. I'm big (no idea of bmi but i was nearly 17stone when i started) and i'm now running nearly five miles.

oh and google 'five stretches for runners' - with couch25k you have a 5 minute walk warm-up and likewise cool-down but i've always found that stretching afterwards and following the couch25k plan means i've never strained a muscle or anything

Yes I did it at size 22 ish and BMI about 38. I was rubbish and I shuffled 5k rather than ran it - but I "ran" the Race for life all the way, didn;t walk or stop at all.

if you have big norks like me wear two bras - one underwired normal bra with a non- underwired sports bra - works a treat without spending a fortune on very expensive sports bras

Wow thanks so much for all the advice everyone, I'm overwhelmed by the response!
No excuses now so I better get off my ass and start running :-)

mrscakes I'm the same size as you were and have been wondering if I could manage it ... have you lost much?

trinity, I lost 5stone doing online weight watchers , zumba and running. Unfortunately various issues mean I've not been able to maintain but that was down to my personal situation not a problem with the approach. I hope you find a system that works for you.