When did you start running???

I am about 26 days away from surgery and weigh 289.  I walk about 2.5 miles a day in about 45-50 minutes.  I really  am enjoying it and my goal is to eventually run.  ( I am walking a 5k next week)   My question is at what point did you start working your C25k or jogging?  Did you get to a certian goal weight or did you just let you muscles/body guide you?   Obviously there is a chance of joint pain/damage being heavier, but I would really like to hear from those of you who have done it!     I do realize I will have to take some time off for recovery ,but I would also be interested in hearing how soon you got back to serious activity after surgery.
Thanks!!!
Kat

I am very new.  I can't remember exactly when I started but I think it was April.  I started the C25K but I had to do it slower.  I couldn't physically move on to the next level every week.  So I would spend more time on each level as needed and build up my stamina, I just ran my longest time yesterday...I ran 14 minutes and walked 2 minutes.  I was really able to push myself.  


I also strengthened my leg muscles.  That is very important in the prevention of injury.  I initially started to run in February but noticed my knees were hurting.  My doctor told me I needed to build up my hamstrings and quads to run and not have knee pain...and you know what he's right...no knee pain.As far as joint injury I was told it is important to get a good pair of running shoes with shock absorbency.  You will need to buy new shoes more frequently.  Don't go buying a pair of $20 shoes at Walmart or use an old pair from two years ago.  Get good shoes and your joints will thank you.  I also read it is important to pay attention to your posture and foot strike.  When running you want to land on your fore-foot...not your heel.  There are a lot of good books out there about running and so much info. 

Just remember you should push yourself but not to the point of injury.  You don't want to end up side lined because you were being over zealous.  Just listen to your body it will tell you when you need to slow down. 

 

Was your doctor recommending strength training on your legs before running on them?  Any particular exercises?

My doctor recommended I keep walking but stop running for about 4-6 weeks so I can build up the muscles around my knees and then try again.  Well I did the strength training on my knees as suggested and never stopped.  I still do them.  I never have knee pain now. 

I don't know the names of the machines.  But I do the one where you lay on your stomach and lift the weight up with my legs.  The other one is...I sit down and lift my legs up with the weights.  I include these with my lower body workout three times a week.

Yep I know which machines you are talking about. Thanks for the tip!

I was also walking before my surgery. I had RNY in March 2010 and started running in May 2010. I ran my first half marathon in October 2010. It's amazing how much easier it gets as the weight is coming off. Good for you for looking ahead!!

KUDOS Kat, for taking the first steps to reclaiming control over your health-- WLS and exercise.

I wasn't much of a regular exerciser prior to surgey.  Oh, I would have spurts but nothing sustained and I wish I had.  I started the C25k about a week before my 6 month anniversary but I was cleared for exercise at 6 weeks, no limits after 8 weeks.  However, it wasn't until about 4 months that I got serious about the exercise and hiring a personal trainer; up until I was walking about 50 minutes a day.  I then purchased a HRM and realized that I wasn't working out as hard as I imagined I was and the switch flipped and my attitude about exercise change.  I am halfway through the C25k program and truly enjoying the progress my body is making.  Just listen to your body and take it slow; jump into a bunch of exercise too soon and you will be at risk of injury that will set your healing back quite a bit.

Take care and keep us posted.

I am 4 1/2 months out from surgery, and jogging is the last thing I added back to my exercise program (I used to do 1-3 miles a day about 15 years ago).  I spent the last 3 months or so increasing my mileage and resistance on the elliptical, doing weights, yoga, and deep water aerobics, occasional lap swimming.  I had thought I'd be able to start jogging again at 190 lbs (I had always used this weight as the highest I'd allow myself to be & still jog), but my knees are worse now than they used to be, and I just didn't feel like my body could handle it at 190 lbs this time.  I'm currently bouncing around 175/170 lbs right now, and so far so good. I can go 2 miles without stopping or walking. I'm very slow, but I just keep going.  I think your body will tell you when you're ready, but I would definitely recommend doing everything you can do get your body prepared (treadmill, elliptical, bike, whatever) before you start.  The more your body is used to demanding workouts, the more successful you will be, and the more successful you'll feel.

Hope this helps!

Marsha

 Thanks for all the replies!  I appreciate the input.   I am so looking forward to this new advendture!  I am actually enjoying the walking.  It is "me" time, although I would like for my husband or son to come with me.
I am actually pretty good a replacing shoes as they wear out.  I ran a long time ago and shoe were an important aspect to not hurting my heels and shins (along with stretching).  
Thanks again for the encouragement!!
Kat

I started running as much as I could at about 270. However still to this day I can only run for at most a few minutes at a time. I never did walking/running consistently so that might be why I haven't increased my stamina as much as possible.

I started off with walking and just listened to my body when I felt like running and when I felt I needed to stop. I just started the C25K last week in the hopes that consistently exercising on a schedule and with a specific program will allow me to finally run a little longer.