begining to run maybe

[DDH]

Hi girls,


I've been biking for a couple years now, but it's more for fitness and fun and trying to lose weight so when it's cold, or raining, or to windy I don't get to go. I have a treadmill at home, and I get on it and walk at 3.5 or 4 for 2 to 3 miles but I don't feel like I burn near as many calories as the bike so I want to start trying to run.

I have fought my weight since I had my son 13 years ago. I weighed about 180 after I had him, (I gained 70 lbs with him) horrible I know, and over the years even though I have tried several times to lose weight, I am now at 240-245.
Recently I have tried once again to get really serious about losing and have been documenting everything I eat. I am exercising daily with an ocasional day skipped because of appts and such for my MIL.
I am eating about 1000 to 1200 calories a day and the first 2 weeks I lost about 5 lbs. and then started my period, and that set me back because of cramping and eating to much. I know I have to learn to control that too.

Okay, long so let me shorten it. I want to start running and I have tried a few times so instead of walking fast at 4 mph, I will jog a bit and then I have kicked it up to 5 and 6 however I cannot breath after about 1 to 2 minutes depending on my speed. I even ran once at 10 mph for 15 seconds. LOL

How do I increase this, I feel like I am getting no better. Should I even be trying to run at my weight or am I looking at doing some damage to myself.
I love my bike, but I have to do something else along with it because the weather is just to unpredictable to depend soley on bike riding for exercise.

This week I think I gained back 2 of the lbs I lost because for two days I pigged out. I had a chocolate attack and couldn't stop. That is very unusal for me because normally I don't even eat chocolate, and snacking it not usually a problem for me, it's portion control.

Anyway, any help would be so appreciated.

[Grog]

Hi Donna!

Based on what I've seen at organized running events, if it's "dangerous" to run at your weight, you'd be in good company living dangerously because there's just about EVERY body shape out there.

I have no idea about the specific knee/joint issues, it makes sense, but 1) your legs, especially your quads, are probably very strong if you've been cycling and walking regularly and 2) if you increase only very gradually you will give yourself a chance to adapt.

It can't hurt to loose a bit more weight but also realize that running will make you hungry (like cycling). That may be one other thing to think about...

I strongly recommend that you follow a walk/jog plan that emphasizes walking. If you search the Internet a bit you will find many "First 5K" plans, like this: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=67 It gives you a ball park figure, but I would recommend that you do not increase the run times quite as fast as they recommend. You can write your own program! I find it motivating and generally easier to plan ahead and, on the day of the workout, just do "what's on the paper."

Sorry for being so chipper, I get really excited when people say they are interested in picking up running! I HATED running from the bottom of my cycling heart three years ago and now I actually look forward to rainy days so I can go for a run. Feel free to join the running thread, too!

Enjoy! But DO take it easy.

[Starfish]

I know the ones here who run will pipe in with lots of good stuff.

I think my only input right now would be: consider eating more. You might check out MyFoodDiary.com. It really helps you see where you are regarding nutrients and balance of calories, as well as tracking your exercise.

As for biking in the rain, you might consider an indoor trainer. Although I know your question was about running. OK, the others will chime in soon!

[DDH]

Thanks Grog, I printed off the 6 week beginer schedule, even though I don't plan to run a 5k. That may be a goal in the future though. Wouldn't that be something.

As far as weight loss, I'm trying, and I have used sparkpeople but I am so nutrient dumb that I am not sure what I need so I have just been counting calrories and nothing more. I measure out my food and make sure I am getting acurate counts, but it is becoming very minotness (sp?).
I wear a heart rate monitor while working out on the treadmill or bike, so I can get a calorie burning count also.

Wow, I just got kind of excited about actually trying to run a 5k. Wonder if I could do it. I think I would be embarrassed because of my weight though.

[Starfish]

As far as weight loss, I'm trying, and I have used sparkpeople but I am so nutrient dumb that I am not sure what I need so I have just been counting calrories and nothing more. I measure out my food and make sure I am getting acurate counts, but it is becoming very minotness (sp?).

MyFoodDiary.com is free to try for 5 days.

[bambu101]

Very timely topic! I have also decided to give running a try after many years of aerobics, weights, cycling, x-c skiing, etc. I ran regularly years ago (in the mid and late 70s), and really liked it, but now I am much older and weigh a lot more

I have to say that the runners here on TE have inspired me to try it again, and Donna's post and the replies are helping to nudge me in that direction. I am shopping for some new running shoes, and also hope to lose about 25 pounds along the way.

Thanks for your post, Donna! Maybe we can encourage each other along the way.

Wendy

[Grog]

Thanks Grog, I printed off the 6 week beginer schedule, even though I don't plan to run a 5k. That may be a goal in the future though. Wouldn't that be something. (...) Wow, I just got kind of excited about actually trying to run a 5k. Wonder if I could do it. I think I would be embarrassed because of my weight though.

There is no doubt in my mind that you could walk/run a 5K, and perhaps even run it the whole way, if you give yourself time. Say... 3 months?

Check out this Race Finder and find a race in your area in July or August and sign up for it! It's really motivating to have an event ahead, too.

I don't think you should be embarrassed by your weight. There are more people than you think in the Athena section, and when people notice them (most don't because they're busy running!), they think: "Wow, this is so cool" and nothing else.

[Grog]

I do not really have experience with weight loss, but I just want to give a word of caution:

I think you should try to run, or to cycle, or to tackle any exercise your mind fancies, for the FUN and fitness it brings (and a little for the competitive edge if you're so inclined...), for the satisfaction of being in better shape, but be aware that it may not be the easiest way to lose weight.

Exercising stresses your body and is likely to increase the mass of your muscles before it decreases the amount of body fat you have. It will also require that you keep eating: you can't starve yourself if you're trying to achieve new fitness goals. Surely a nutritionist who knows something about exercise could help you here.

The good news though is that when you do lose weight it will be in a healthy way, and it will most likely stay off if you stick with your exercise routines and attempt to reach new goals.

I'm rooting for you, go for it!! Set the scale aside and enjoy your hard-gained fitness!

[DDH]

Grog, what race finder? Can I look it up like I do the bike Texas with all the rides in Tx for the year?

I love the organized rides on my bike, so I would probably enjoy the runs too if I can do it.

[Blueberry]

Wow, I just got kind of excited about actually trying to run a 5k. Wonder if I could do it. I think I would be embarrassed because of my weight though.

One of the best pieces of advice someone on this board gave me was *never* to be afraid to do something because of my weight. It's your life - live it!

I walk - I do not run. I'm overweight, and it just plain hurts (and not in a good way). But...I bike, and I walk fast. Works for me. If you aren't getting knee/ankle pain, I say go for it!

If you're truly eating 1000-1200 calories (I'm notoriously bad at estimating), that probably is too little. You should probably be at 1500 at least with exercise. I'd also focus more on eating the good stuff (e.g shop the edges, lean protein, fruits, veggies, etc.).

Good luck! You CAN do it!

[rocknrollgirl]

You can do this...you can sooooo do this. I have always been active, but I just started running a few years ago in order to do an adventure race with my DH. The key is to start slowly. Use a walk jog combo. Make sure you have good shoes. START SLOWLY.....

The breathing is very different from cycling, so just be patient, it will come.

I just started a running group at my school in January and we just did a 5k together last Saturday. Pop up to last week's running thread and check out the picture of me with my friend Jackie. She never, never thought she would be able to run a 5k. Never in a million years. She is healthier and happier and she is losing weight. She uses the spark diet site.

I do agree with a couple of the other folks here, I think your caloric intake is too low. Just my 2 cents.

[RoadBunner]

Hey, DDH!

You can totally do this! See my intro on the "Hi!" thread I just posted. I second what people have said. Find a walk/run program and stick with it. Don't be afraid to change it, though. When I first started marathon training I thought that all of the magic was in the plan and if I missed a single run or didn't do the prescribed distance I was going to surely fail. Now I know you have to have flexibility and listen to your body. If you're feeling sore or drained, cut it back.

I definitely second the idea of getting fit at a proper running store in good shoes. The right shoes can mean the difference between injuries and smooth sailing. Once you get going, shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles. If you're doing a lot of your running on a treadmill, they may look very new, but replace them anyway!

I would also recommend having a goal race or maybe if there are no races nearby just a day when you invite family/friends out to cheer you on as you run a set distance. A 5K must seem very daunting but it is very attainable within a few months, I'd say. I was more proud at the finish of my first 5K than I was at the finish of my first marathon. That 5K represented a much bigger roadblock in my mind. I never thought I'd even run one mile and was so proud!

Good luck!