Question about knowing when it's okay to run

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LessFatMoreFit_com

5 posts since
Jul 27, 2007

Jul 3, 2008 7:31 AM

Question about knowing when it's okay to run

First off a little background, I am currently training for a 5k while weighing in at a whopping 485 lbs (at my largest I weighed almost 600 lbs!). I want to run it so badly but gravity keeps me firmly grounded in reality. I wear orthotics for my flat feet and have quality running shoes but it's still to rough to run very much. Is there a weight I should shoot for before trying to run intervals or is it okay to start now. I've been water jogging in the pool but really want to start running more, my last 5k I finished right at 50 mins doing the run/walk but want to start knocking time off that, any suggestions? thanks in advance!!

Steve

lenzlaw

2,992 posts since
Jan 18, 2008

1. Jul 3, 2008 6:57 PM

in response to: LessFatMoreFit_com

Re: Question about knowing when it's okay to run

I admire that you have lost 100 pounds and have taken the initiative to get more fit and lose more weight. I think you should have two goals, losing weight and building a base level of fitness. Are you working with your doctor or a nutritionist? I can't recommend a specific weight. I think you should be able to comfortably run 20-25 miles per week before thinking about speedwork on the road. Through the process of training, losing weight, and building your road mileage you will get faster anyway, without speedwork. You may be able to add some faster sessions in the pool to aid your aerobic fitness. You've embarked on quite a journey. You may need a little patience along the way.

Len

DaveVause

554 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Jul 4, 2008 4:10 AM

in response to: LessFatMoreFit_com

Re: Question about knowing when it's okay to run

Walk, walk, walk.

Bring your weight down. It places substantial stress on your body when you run. My focus would be to get healthy, then get fit.

Running4Jesus

21 posts since
Mar 13, 2007

3. Jul 4, 2008 6:40 AM

in response to: LessFatMoreFit_com

Re: Question about knowing when it's okay to run

wow way to go kudo for you, you should totally walk light walking can be one of the best thing to help you loose weight. walk first than whan you fell good doing that start running in short burst than go back to walking. the important thing is that you don't over do it

God Bless

Running4Jesus

Jojo_tkc

73 posts since
Apr 15, 2008

4. Jul 4, 2008 9:41 AM

in response to: Running4Jesus

Re: Question about knowing when it's okay to run

I read somewhere that if you walk for an hour and a half once a week it will do wonders for your metabolism and will kick your legs into "fat burning" mode which will keep you burning calories for longer during the day. Add one of those to your weekly routine and see how it goes for you. I have started but have only done one so far so I really dont have any results to tell of. Good luck and keep on keeping on.

acruz03

7 posts since
Aug 16, 2007

5. Jul 4, 2008 2:17 PM

in response to: LessFatMoreFit_com

Re: Question about knowing when it's okay to run

First let me congratulate you on your success. You have lost 115 lbs, you have completed a 5K, and the best part you want more. I know you will achieve it. You possess the heart of a champion. Your drive and hunger to succeed is displayed in your website and your posts. I commend you for seeking out more knowledge to achieve your goal.

Your question, "Is there a weight I should shoot for before trying to run intervals or is it okay to start now?" is a great question. You are running intervals when you do the walk run
program. In fact proportionally your intervals are probably a greater
workload than most peoples. My question to you is, "Is it important for you to run intervals?" or "Are you more interested in running a faster 5K?"

Here are 3 things you can do to run a faster 5K:

Continue losing more weight (the lighter you are the less energy you expend and less stress is placed on your body)
Weight training (It will increase your muscle mass which will increase your metabolism and help you support the stress placed on your body while running)
Nutrition (Fueling your body optimally will allow you to burn calories quicker without feeling hungry and give you energy for your activity)

Please feel free to contact me: acruz03@yahoo.com so that we can elaborate on each of these issues. As a coach and physical therapist I would be honored to help you in anyway that I can.

Sincerely yours,

ACruz

Jay Silvio

1,439 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

6. Jul 4, 2008 7:30 PM

in response to: LessFatMoreFit_com

Re: Question about knowing when it's okay to run

Steve,
Welcome to active.com! What you have done already is amazing and I hope we can help you achieve your future goals. As Len stated, adding intervals should be the final aspect of your race training and not something that needs to be considered until you can run the complete 5K distance comfortably. Have you looked into the Couch to 5K program? I know that a lot of members have had success with it and it might offer some good ideas on how to build up your running. Also, here is an article that may help with nutrition and metabolism information:
http://www.holisticmomstalkradio.com/articles/keys-to-jump-starting-metabolism.html#top
I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any more questions or comments.
Good luck and happy running!
Jay

DaveVause

554 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

7. Jul 5, 2008 3:30 AM

in response to: LessFatMoreFit_com

Re: Question about knowing when it's okay to run

Running or walking, you burn a little over 100 calories per mile depending on your weight. A reliable online calorie calculator can be found at: http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/caloriecalculator/0,7153,s6-242-306-313-0-0-0-0-0,00.html

The bottom line is that you win the weight battle at the dinner table.

Many studies have shown that people who have dropped several 10's of pounds and kept them off over the long term average 60-90 minutes per day exercising.

LessFatMoreFit_com

5 posts since
Jul 27, 2007

8. Jul 6, 2008 9:01 AM

in response to: LessFatMoreFit_com

Re: Question about knowing when it's okay to run

Thanks so much for the encouragement and kind words I really appreciate it, i'm sure you'll be hearing more from me in the future, thanks again!

Steve

This Question is Not Answered

Jul 3, 2008 7:31 AM

Question about knowing when it's okay to run

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