My Dr. says no to running - but i REALLY want to!

[funshine]

Ok so today I had my yearly physical and one of the things I discussed with my Dr. is my weight. Last year it was smoking and I've overcome that so now onto my weight.

I asked if besides my weight I am in good enough health to start a running program like the C25K and she adviced against it. Due to my current weight(250lbs) and the fact that I had a reaally bad ankle sprain last april she thinks that it would be best if I waited until I lost 50lbs first before attempting a program as such because it would be too hard on my knees and ankles.

BUT ....starting the C25K is all I have been able to think about ... I got an armband for my mp3 and downloaded the podcasts .... cripes I don't wanna wait until I drop 50lbs to start it. I want it to help me drop the 50lbs.

I have read about soo many others who have started running at this weight - some even more.

Would you ever go against your dr.s advice??

 

[maleficent]

Listen to your body..

Doctors are not infallible and really don't know everything.... but sometimes they suggest things for your own good...

pushing yourself too hard before your body is ready for it could cause long term damage that you might regret.

The couch to 5K plan is a good one to start with becaue you're doing more walking than running at the beginning so use that but do each week for 2 weeks in a row and see how you feel...

You can also lose a big chunk of weight by simply walking - I'mnot talking stroll around the mall looking at all the pretty whatever... but walking where you actually are working your body - it's a very effective workout -and is a lot less taxing on the joints than the pounding running does.

there's no rush to the finish line you want to get there in one piece and enjoy your body when you get there...

And as the old saying goes -youo have to walk before you can run - you have to start somewhere -so start with walking.. and see how your body reacts

 

[xdanx]

Try it, if you feel you cant cope dont do it. All you can do is try

 

[yarmiah]

Would you ever go against your dr.s advice??

I would listen to the doctor- they have nothing to gain by telling you otherwise. Extra weight and high impact can mean serious injury. I think its great you are looking forward to the race, but you don't wanna risk hurting yourself. There will be next year, and/or other races you could shoot for in the near future.

In the meantime, focus on dropping them 50lbs so you can attempt the next race. Try some low impact cardio instead- ask your dr about eliptical, ski machines, walking etc.

I broke my ankle in 3 places in 04' and have a plate and 9 screws holding it together. As much as I would like to run, I really can't do it for more than 3 minutes before the pain sets in. I have been using a Nordik Trak since renewing my weightloss journey this past August, and if certainly can give ya one heck of a workout!

Good Luck and take care!

 

[CurvesAhead]

Based on your medical history (obesity and previous ankle sprain), your physician has already given you the advice they feel is in your best interest...which is not to run until you lose 50 pounds.

However, you are an adult. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. If you want to disregard the advice of your physician and run...go ahead and run. You will either get hurt or you won't. Either way, only you will be able to answer for whatever action you take.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[maverick2]

Why don't you try a slow jog on a a pressed cinder track and see how you do first? Try not to run on concrete or asphalt at first - concrete especially (aka sidewalks) are very hard and cause a lot of impact on your knees, which is just compounded by excess weight.

And shin splints (which can be caused by running on extra weight) really, really hurt and make training SO hard. I'm around 180 lbs and developed a pre-splint in my left leg from pushing my running game too fast. (And I was doing a 2 minute run/2 minute walk program when it got aggravated.)

I would be VERY careful whatever you decide, and don't push yourself too hard to fast. If you injure yourself this early in the game, you won't be running again for a long time, if ever. Very few things are harder than overcoming a running injury.