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Re: Advice from you runners
Hi! I'm an old (55) ex-marathoner -- about a dozen, and another dozen half-marathons. Lots of triathlons. At my highest, I weighed 330. When I started to run, I was probably in my 290s. I began in the Cleveland Metroparks on an asphalt trail. I would recommend using a dirt trail if you can find one, because it's much easier on the joints ... at my weight, that was a LOT of pounding, and I am feeling the effects of degenerated joints now. Sucks. When I began, I would run x number of paces (each 2 feet on the ground equals 1 pace). So I would "run" 50 paces, and then walk until my heart rate came back and my breathing evened out. Then I would "run" 100 paces, and slow down. It takes a while for the cardiovascular system to even out, and you also need time for your ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and bones to get used to what you're doing to them. Take it EASY or you'll get shin splints and quit. (Been there.)
My other piece of advice ~~ invest in an iPod or something to put over your ears. The beat makes it easier. I always felt like I was dancing, and it was fun. The other main reason for plugging your ears is that there's always some rude person in a car that makes "moo" or "oink" noises at you. I used to just about die of embarrassment when someone made animal noises at me as I lumbered and jiggled my way along the road. So blocking them out (and shooting them the bird) always helped keep my self-esteem in good condition.
Last thought ... sign up for the Disney Marathon. It's a GREAT race. Lots of older heavier women truck their way through that thing. It's hugely empowering to be with other people Just Like Me. Then get a book called the Non-Runners Marathon Training Manual. It's an absolutely wonderful guide from beginning at the VERY BEGINNING and making your way through the training. I hugely support using the book.
Best of Luck! You can do it! I'll be doing the Disney Half Marathon this January ... maybe we'll see you there?
Kate
Hi! I'm an old (55) ex-marathoner -- about a dozen, and another dozen half-marathons. Lots of triathlons. At my highest, I weighed 330. When I started to run, I was probably in my 290s. I began in the Cleveland Metroparks on an asphalt trail. I would recommend using a dirt trail if you can find one, because it's much easier on the joints ... at my weight, that was a LOT of pounding, and I am feeling the effects of degenerated joints now. Sucks. When I began, I would run x number of paces (each 2 feet on the ground equals 1 pace). So I would "run" 50 paces, and then walk until my heart rate came back and my breathing evened out. Then I would "run" 100 paces, and slow down. It takes a while for the cardiovascular system to even out, and you also need time for your ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and bones to get used to what you're doing to them. Take it EASY or you'll get shin splints and quit. (Been there.)
My other piece of advice ~~ invest in an iPod or something to put over your ears. The beat makes it easier. I always felt like I was dancing, and it was fun. The other main reason for plugging your ears is that there's always some rude person in a car that makes "moo" or "oink" noises at you. I used to just about die of embarrassment when someone made animal noises at me as I lumbered and jiggled my way along the road. So blocking them out (and shooting them the bird) always helped keep my self-esteem in good condition.
Last thought ... sign up for the Disney Marathon. It's a GREAT race. Lots of older heavier women truck their way through that thing. It's hugely empowering to be with other people Just Like Me. Then get a book called the Non-Runners Marathon Training Manual. It's an absolutely wonderful guide from beginning at the VERY BEGINNING and making your way through the training. I hugely support using the book.
Best of Luck! You can do it! I'll be doing the Disney Half Marathon this January ... maybe we'll see you there?
Kate
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