how do you start running and when?

I do my hour of cardio 5 days a week like a good girl.  I usually swim laps or walk for those 60 minutes.  I'm up to 3.5mph consistently on the treadmill.  I want to always push so I'm thinking maybe jogging is my next step.  How do I start?  Am I too heavy at 265?  I have a serious hatred for eliptical machines so ....  Thanks!!

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Start slow. Only your body can tell you if you are too heavy. I weighed more than that when I started, but every person has a different frame and their joints respond differently


Find a 3 or 5k race in your area and sign up for it. It gives you a focal point for your training. I find this helps when I'm training for something rather than just running. I'm more dedicated and focused.

a couple places to search for races.

http://www.theschedule.com/EventCalendar.cfm?CFID=206890 61&CFTOKEN=71749491&jsessionid=a230d86127e0f6c5c5e3

http://www.active.com/

Thank you!!  I found a 5k on September 17th.  I think I can do that.  There's no rule against walking is there? 

Nope, the only rule concerning time would be if there was a time limit, which most of the shorter races do not have.

You tend to find them in the longer races like 1/2 and full marathons.

Many of the 5k's list them as run/walk so I wouldn't worry about it.


You may find that the crowd has thinned out if you take an extended amount of time to finish, but other than that it's no big deal.

Scott

Like the Nike commercial says, "Just do it".  Find a park or a place where you can run and start slowly.  You've been exercising for a while now, so I'll bet you can handle it.  The 5k's here usually limit the time to 45 minutes which you can walk the whole thing and do it in that time. 

I'm like you--I started on the treadmill and then took it outdoors...haven't been on my treadmill since.....I also use my Ipod when I run--if I can't hear myself breathing hard, I don't think I'm working too hard.

Have fun!!

Kim

Thanks, Kim!  I'm kinda scared to try to jog on the treadmill.  I think I'll stick to the gym for my hour of cardio and try some jogging/walking at home, outside first.  I LOVE my ipod too!!  I wish I could use it when I swim!

When I first started to workout I was 288 lbs.  I had aches and pains for the first month.  Every day it was my legs or arms or back.  I kept on going.  I also lifted weights which I believe helps with the aches and pains.  Because you are making your muscles stronger and better able to with stand the extra work of running. 

A year later it's very rare that I have an ache or pain from running.  You just start off slow.  When I started the Couch to 5K program I repeated the same weeks over and over till I felt I was ready to move to the next level.  You can move at your own pace.  It's good to push yourself but you have to also need to know when enough is enough. 

Also with the extra weight you should invest in a really good pair of gym shoes.  This will help with shock absorbency....your joints will thank you.

Good luck   

Thanks!  I figure if something doesn't hurt when I leave the gym, I'm not working hard enough.  I don't count my feet there though!  I do have a good pair of shoes thank goodness or I couldn't walk like I do. 

Like everyone has said you just do it and listen to your body.  If it is to hard then ease up a bit if it is to easy then speed up a bit.  the C25K program has been very popular and helped many people get into running. 

I also agree with finding a race and make that the focus of your training.  I am very goal oriented and simply knowing I have a race keeps me focused no matter what the distance is.  Remember you are not racing against anyone and for your first race don't make time your focus make showing up and finishing your focus.

I did my first 5K at 11 weeks post op still in the High 280s I have been doing them ever since and love the freedom being able to run has brought me.  It has taking a lot of work and miles to get me where I am currently at but I can honestly say I have had a lot of fun getting to where I am today.

Thanks, Paul!  You think 2 months is too short a time to get ready for a race?  There's one on September 17th.