does anyone over 200lbs run?

I used to do it when I was young and slim lol. I am 35 now and weigh 230 lbs. Running really appeals to me but everytime I try it it seems like my body's too heavy and there's too much strain on feet/ankles/knees... I've looked up a few programmes online about how to start running (most advocate walk/run/walk/run etc). Would it be better to lose weight first before I pound the pavement lol? Does anyone who's overweight do it?

xxx

Jogging more than running, but yes, I weight 235 and I "run". I've been running since i was in my 270s.

My opinion is NEVER let your weight interfere with your ability to do things. NEVER wait until you're thinner to try things or you may never get to them. Go ahead and try jogging/running :)

I can't run anymore.  My knees are so bad if I jog at 4.5 mph on the treadmill for ten minutes my knees hurt for days.  You just have to listen to your body.  If it hurts like it shouldn't, then DONT DO IT!!  An injury is going to set you back both physically and mentally.......then you won't be able to do anything.  You can get the same weight loss results by walking, but you'll have to walk longer.  My wife and I purchased an elliptical machine with our tax returns, so I can go up to 6 mph without any strain on my joints.   That's my alternative to running.  \
Erik

i'm a male, 255lb, and i am getting back in to running a bit.   Weather has been pretty much crap here in the NE, so it's been only treadmill so far this year...but i do 2 or 3 miles a few times a week.   I enjoy it, but don't do it everyday to save some wear and tear on the joints  :)

thank u so much for ur replies guys!

I'll have another good think about.

Mona x x x

hk is right -- never let the number on the scale stop you from trying something you want to do.  Like with anything else, you need to be smart and not jump in too far, too fast -- listen to your body.  Ease your way into it and see how you feel -- but make sure you have good quality athletic shoes first!!  If you find you have trouble with your joints, spend more time on walking and ellipticals, etc, and slowly build your way up to more running as you continue to improve your fitness level.  Good luck!!

I started out at 235, now I'm 214 and only now am I doing the learning to run program.

Why?

Because running didn't feel good at 235 or even at 220 when I started this calorie counting diet (prior to 220 I exercised more and cut softdrinks from my diet).

Also I have a friend who used to be a big runner and he's shorter than me but he shot up to 235 himself.   When he decided he'd run again to lose the weight (without regards to dieting), he screwed up one of his knees bad enough to need surgury and he still can't even ride a bike for very long.

We have a beautiful paved bike trail that runs within a mile of my house and way down the road a mile from my friends house.  We were riding it fine until his whole running thing.


So, while people will say do whatever... yeah... but don't screw your knees up because you pushed to hard.   You'll burn nearly the same calories walking 3 miles than walking/running/walking/running (etc).   So find somewhere to walk... get very comfortable shoes (or like me cheap shoes and great sole inserts) and get used to just walking long distance.   Up your speed too in walking for more calorie burning.

Hi mona,

I ADORE running and have been doing it for awhile. I currently weigh in at about 166 or so, but I have been running for about 6 years, and I was in my 220s for lots of that running time. I never had knee issues, but I DID start slowly - jogging short distances, then slowing increasing my speed and length of my jogs.

I WILL say this - having lost the weight, my overall running performance is better, I think especially because I was very top-heavy (apple shaped) and my poor slimmer legs had a hard time balancing that.

So, that being said - start slow, increase your endurance and speed, and you'll surely see results. Good luck to you! :-)

~ Colleen

I run/walk, because I do get sore doing it. I started at 260 in January and am down to just about 240 because of it (actually, I'm training for a triathlon in July!).

Just make sure to break in a little at a time so you don't get hurt. When I started, I was walking on a track, and I seriously started with half a lap running out of the five miles or so I was walking!

i think i'll do it... but i'll do it SLOWLY... I will try the walk/run/walk/run programme i've got then if I feel up to it i'll try the running programme. I know it's a fine line between pushing yourself but not overdoing it....

Thanks for all ur replies, really appreciate them :-x

Mona x x

Hi Mona!  I just finally started up again.....I used to run constantly when I was younger (and super thin) but by the time I hit 195 my knees and back were KILLING me.  I agree with the above.  If it hurts (and I mean joint hurt, not muscle hurt), then listen to your body.  I'm down to 166 now, and I'm feeling good when I run.  There's a good post on the exercise/fitness forum that talks about how to get back into running 3 miles.  It's a good concept!  Probably similar to what you have, tho!  Good luck!!!!

I used to weigh 264 when I started here. Now I'm down to 204.8. I've been working out at the gym and using the treadmill for my cardio. I use the "Speed Interval" setting so the speed is constantly changing.

Interval training is GREAT for your body. You can start at a low level and work your way up (that's what I did). Now I start at the interval level 5 which is 3.6 mph, 6% grade at the lowest pace, and goes up to an 8% grade, 4.3 mph at the highest....However, at the high intervals, I go 1 minute (4 or 5 times) at 6.0 mph (I increase the speed) to run. It works GREAT.

I would try intervals, no harm in trying!

I started running at 205 and while Im sure the extra weight definitely made it harder to run, I still managed it. Just, watch your knees. I had to take a few breaks from running/jogging b/c of mine.

i'm the worst runner ever but i started up with coolrunning's couch to 5k program a few weeks ago.  i weigh 275 (at 6'2").  i have inherited knee issues so i wear knee braces when i go and i never run on concrete (asphalt, tarmac, or treadmills for me!) but i can do it.  sort of.  i'm still a sucky runner but i'm getting there!

try out the run/walk programs but listen to your body and don't overdo it.

Well, I don't weigh over 200 but don't let that hold you back! Start off with light jogging and build up :]   

I have online friends who are over 200 and who are very active runners, completing 1/2 and full marathons.  So go for it!

I'm snatching this thread over to fitness, by the way.  :)

thats fine pandajenn lol shoulda posted it here in the first place :-o

Mona xx