Can someone of my weight run?

[Guylian2019]

I'm around 6 stone overweight. I'm trying to start running so have printed off a training plan which includes brisk walks and run/walk days at the moment. Running downhill feels ok, running on the flat feels horrific and running uphill feels like death. It's early days (week 3) but is it possible to run at 6 stone overweight? Im trying to lose weight but it's going to take a long time to lose 6 stone. I live in a hilly area so it's a tough place for training. I can manage nearly half a mile at the moment but I can barely get home afterwards and my legs feel like lead!

Please tell me this is possible! I'm going to start swimming too and maybe pilates to try and help.

I don't run myself due to a dodgy knee, but I have a friend who had more to lose than you and took up running. She has been doing slimming world as well but has lost about 7 stone now, she's done brilliantly. Just take it steady and you'll get there!

Watching with interest because I am in the same boat.
I've been waiting/wasting years trying to make up my mind and just do it.

I get pretty far into the detail of why I shouldn't do something, which is completely the wrong way round.

Yes you can! But maybe stay on the walking section of your training plan for twice as long to help strengthen your muscles a bit, especially to help protect your knee joints?

I run regularly and even completed a half marathon a few weeks ago. Uphills hurt like hell still though! You're using different muscles for going up than going down so you just need to strengthen those ones. I've always struggled with going uphill but make a conscious effort not to avoid them. I'm getting better and can run further uphill each time I run. I'd say take it slowly, but over time you'll see a difference if you persevere. It's not necessarily your weight that makes you struggle!

If you're managing half a mile, that's brilliant. I'd focus on running the same distance without pushing it too much to increase that - when it feels more comfortable doing the half mile, then start to increase the distance (or add in more up/down hill?)

What's your plan for weight loss though? Exercise alone won't really deal with the weight, unfortunately - although it's undoubtedly very good for your overall health.

If you’re on Facebook join the group The Fat Girls Guide to Running. Loads of support and one member just completed the London Marathon.

Yes you can, I'm about stone over perfect weight and I'm slow, very slow, but I'm doing parkrun every Saturday and I'm no longer walking sections (took 4 months of run/walk). Use a couch to 5k app but take two weeks even 3 per stage if needed. Set goals and eat sensibly - I've lost a stone without actually dieting (just being a bit careful, one less roast potato etc)

Sorry not a stone, 3 stone!

Of course! I was about 5 stone overweight when I started running. I'm only a stone down now, but its defo doable.
Well done! Keep going!

Running often feels like death even to those of us who are quite fit. Keep on with the interval training - the walk-run pattern. Can you do a brisk walk up the hills, and a slow jog down? Although going downhill tends to put more stress on your joints actually.

You can also do resistance training: weightlifting. That will help develop muscles to protect your joints when you run. If you can't get to the gym, or work with an expert to learn how to do it, try the 5 x 5 Stronglifts system - people in here have said good things about it (or over in the Weights Room section of MN)

stronglifts.com/5x5/

www.womensfitnesshq.com/40-things-to-know-about-stronglifts-5x5-for-women/

And remember, you can't out-train a bad diet, so I hope you're also doing something to count calories and develop a sensible eating plan.

Yes you can . Few years ago I started running around 4/5 stone overweight. It was a struggle at first but gradually built up and got to half marathon distance. I stopped running for a few years and have recently started up again , this time 6 stone overweight. This time I'm getting shin splints and painful feet So make sure you're not doing too much too quick. I'm doing weight training alongside to strengthen my muscles. When I done my half marathon race there were people double my size running it and they were smashing it

I'm 3 stone over weight I joined a running group doing c25k I could even run for 90 seconds at the start bow to frequent park runs and have signed up for a half marathon. Bricking myself but hopefully be able to do it

I'm not overweight, been running a while and still feel like death going uphill. I live in a really flat area so any type of incline floors me. You're 'lucky', hills make you stronger.

You're already running at 6 stone overweight so you can do it. just keep at the walk/run to build your distance up. And try out parkrun, you'll see people of all shapes and sizes there.

Thanks you. Onwards and upwards.

Well tbh I think check with your doctor first.
I am about 3 stone overweight now but probably 4 when I started. I am vegan/vegetarian so that accounted for ten pounds of the stone.
I go out alone and once a week in a group. The group is lovely but talking while I run is new to me. It kills.
I read yoga or pilate s is good for in between runs
Good warm ups and cool downs too.
If you get the green light from your dr keep it up. The weight will go and the running will get easier.

Why does being vegetarian account for 10 lbs? I’m vegetarian and overweight so I’m curious.

OP good on you!

Running is wonderful for so many. It’s not just physical for me, it’s mental too.

You don’t want to put yourself off running by it being such a initial difficult and uncomfortable experience so I think diet first to lose some weight, so low impact exercise and then when that 6 stone is more like 4 stone - begin running

@Villanellesproudmum
It doesn’t. ignorr, utter nonsense

I thought so! I’m overweight because I eat more than I burn. I do it every other year, put two stone on, lose it the next year, put it on again, losing it again this year

I am vegan/vegetarian so that accounted for ten pounds of the stone.

can you explain this?

To avoid injury I would suggest power walking or nordic walking to begin with. Move on to running when you are fitter and the walking is feeling easy.

It is quite common to lose weight when you change to a plant based diet. Many people have said this to me. It does nt mean i am not still overweight .

And i have a very good appetite and love my carbs

A lot of athletes do core pilates. There are a lot of short workout specifically for runners on utube

@annie5904

No of course it doesn’t mean you’re not overweight

But I can tell you it is sure as heck doesn’t account for the specific 10 pounds you mention being as a direct result of being a vegan!