Weight-Loss Run!

Weight-Loss

Quercus

New member
Runner’s Challenge

First asking your doctor before you start a running program is the safest approach.

Secondly, as important as it is for any runner to have proper shoes, for the overweight it is even more crucial. You should have your arch and pronation/supination checked to get the right type of running shoes. Below is a way to check your feet at home, but most shoe places that sell quality running shoes will check your feet for free.



Take the time to read the write-ups for the different arch types above. Keep in mind that even if you have a moderate arch like myself if you are very heavy you may want the motion stabilization shoe as it has the most support and padding. I have had no issues with my Brooks Beasts thus far. I’m not fast so a heavier shoe isn’t an issue. I can lose the weight of the shoes during a single day. The comfort and fit of the shoe is the most important. Don’t get caught up in hype, tech, or looks.

Okay the challenge:

Run.


If you aren’t already a runner start off sloooow. Running a mile on your first outing doesn’t do you any good if you feel miserable after and don’t want to run for a week or ever again.

There is a free phone app and directions online for a couch to 5K training regimen that is well structured. It was however too intense for me at first. I found relying on a chest strap heartrate monitor the easiest way not to overdo it. I ran until I was at the top of the aerobic zone and then walked until my HR lowered and then ran again. At first I was mostly walking, but you will progress to the point were walking is minimal and then you’ll be running the entire time.

However you do it start slow and listen to your body. Being overweight and running makes you more susceptible to repetitive stress injuries. The beauty is if you start slow you can avoid these injuries and your weight so you aren’t overweight anymore.

There is no time period to this challenge.

You don’t need permission to join.

You can join any time you like.

Just post a running related accomplishment and your part of this.


If you can only walk, but you’re working towards being able to run post it. It will be so awesome to start with “I walked 5 minutes” and wind up with “1st 5K”.

This is all about your efforts and accomplishments. This is a place of support and appreciation. How far, fast, and long doesn’t matter. The minute you start to run, you are a runner.

Welcome Runners!

Edit: I ditched the table because I wasn't keeping it up. I like that the thread has just become a hangout for runners. I'm open to suggestions if you'd like to see changes. Keep running!
 
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My long term goal is to run a 30 minute 5K (3.1 miles) within my aerobic heart rate zone (132-149).

A shorter term goal is to run daily with very infrequent breaks. I just finished a 22 day streak of half hour runs, but they wore me out towards the end. I'm taking a second day off from running today and will be back at it tomorrow.

I also plan to compete in a 5k soon and I'd like to do it in under 40 minutes.

My current bests are:

Best 5K
2/3/2014
43:20

Best half hour run
2/26/2014
2.3 miles
30 min
4.6 mph
150 bpm

Miles run since 1/12/2014
80.5

Runs since being able to run for 30 minutes in the aerobic zone
39 runs in the last 49 days

Longest streak
22 runs in a row (1/12-2/-3/1/2014)

All my running so far has been on road or trail. I'm not opposed to track or treadmill, but I will list any treadmill achievements separately from other runs.
 
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Hey, count me in on this one. I feel like I'm just now starting to hit my stride at the gym, mostly because I'm finally getting into the groove with running. Anyway, I don't have much to offer as far as personal bests go, but here are some tidbits of info...

- The longest I have ever run without stopping is for 22 minutes
- My average pace on the treadmill is 5.7 MPH (for the length of my legs, that pace puts me at a "moderate" jog)
- When I still played baseball I ran a 4.9 40-yard dash (I've always wondered what I could do now)
- I have a restricted (narrow) airway so it's very hard for me to run long distances because I can't intake air as fast as I need

Now, although I don't have a big catalog of personal records, I still have goals. My goals are as follows...

- I go to the gym on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and I would like to run AT LEAST one mile every single time
- I want to increase my default jogging speed from 5.7 MPH to 6.0 MPH
- I want to run at 6.0 MPH for 30 minutes without stopping, equaling a 3-mile run
- I want to run a 4.9 (or faster) 40-yard dash again
- I want to get to the point where I can complete my daily run without gasping for air (I want to be tired from a good workout, but not exhausted)

By when do I want to obtain these goals? My parents are visiting in exactly 15 weeks from today, so I would love to reach those goals before that. Realistically, I will be happy if I can just simply achieve ALL of the goals, no matter the time frame (within reason, obviously - I mean, 10 years from now is a little too long, you know? Within the year would be great).

I'll do my best to post frequently with updates. I figured it would be a good habit for me to get into to post my performance after each trip to the gym...so I'll do my best to remember to do so.
 
Welcome Chef!

I don't know about the sprint or breathing, but the 6.0 mph 30 minute is doable before then.

I'm an asthmatic with a deviated septum so breathing is an issue for me too. However you're breathing the better your cardiovascular fitness the less rapidly you'll have to breathe.

I'm like you with the open ended time frame too. So far I've been happy with trying to improve and had pretty good success. I'm slow, always have been and always will be. I am getting faster for sure and a 30 minute 5k will be lightning quick for me. My 40 was double digits in high school. Of course I weighed about the same too.:(
 
Welcome Chef!

I don't know about the sprint or breathing, but the 6.0 mph 30 minute is doable before then.

I'm an asthmatic with a deviated septum so breathing is an issue for me too. However you're breathing the better your cardiovascular fitness the less rapidly you'll have to breathe.

I'm like you with the open ended time frame too. So far I've been happy with trying to improve and had pretty good success. I'm slow, always have been and always will be. I am getting faster for sure and a 30 minute 5k will be lightning quick for me. My 40 was double digits in high school. Of course I weighed about the same too.:(

I just feel if I set a deadline for some of my goals I'd end up feeling demotivated at some point because I know (oh, I KNOW) that I wouldn't see enough progress in my stats, which would make me feel defeated. That's why I don't want to say, "My goal is to be able to run 3 miles within 30 minutes by X-date." I mean, I have motivation to reach my goal by the time my parents visit, but I won't beat myself up if it takes me longer than that. Running's never been my strong point anyway, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up with how quickly I can improve my performance.
 
Excellent very excited about this page!! To date I started off being able to run for 3 mins, 8 weeks later my current best is 30mins straight running, which was about 4.4k. Was hoping to get my 5k this week but as a weather bomb has hit and it has rained constantly I have yet to have the chance! I run 3 times a week, with other exercise every second day, and one rest day which I find stops me from getting bored and gives my body time to recover.
My goal is to complete a half marathon in October.
 
Ya, running challenge!
My goals are:
run a 5k without walk breaks
Run a 5k in under 43 minutes
Run a 10k in under 1:40
Run a half marathon in under 3:05 at the end of May

So far I have run 4k without walk breaks in 31:30. :)
 
Welcome Push and Wanna!

I got in a 2.18 mile run in 30 minutes with 147 bpm avg HR this evening.

I walked about 2 miles in hilly and muddy woods today at work as well. I was hoping that I would do a bit better after a 2 day break, but that is .1 mile off my best 30 minute distance so not a bad run for sure. It was cold. I'm having a little hip pain and I'm hoping replacing my worn running shoes will fix that.
 
I'm not sure how much I like the table, but it can always be redone. Feel free to add a different type of accomplishment and I'll make another column.
 
Glad to be of service Howard. Feel free to post back with your runs.

I thought I would share my positives and negatives today.

Negatives:

I feel bad.
My right hip and lower back are bothering me today. My sinuses are clogged and causing a rather unpleasant headache. The recent cold snap has my psoriasis flaring up on my hand which is burning and itching and looks gross.

My new GPS watch that I got yesterday didn't work at all. Like it won't turn on or charge. I've started the replacement process but that will take a while.

Positives:
I'm a runner. It's happened. I want to run. I may have to take it slow or take more breaks because of my hip, but I won't give up or quit. It's what I do.

Spring is coming and with it 5K races. I look forward to competing soon.

I'm down another half inch on my waist measurement and I've now retired 6 pairs of pants that have gotten to big for me. 3 more smaller pair will button and will fit soon enough and I will have to retire some more. I'm happy to say that I will never have to buy a pair of 40 or 42 pants again.

Not weighing myself has been a freeing process and I feel that I am focused on long term changes and progress whether than the almighty pound. So long as the belly and the pant size keep going down I'm doing it. What do I weigh? no clue.

I plan to run this evening. I may have to go slow or cut it short, but I will warm up my hip and give it a go.

Feel free to share you pos/negs and running plans.

Have a lovely humpday!
 
Well done Quercus, pity you are having some pain today, maybe take it easy and just do some walk-runs for the next couple of days- you dont want to do an injury that will keep you out of running altogether. I really like how you are not weighing too- sometimes too much emphasis is put on the number and if your measurements are still going down then thats what matters as you will be gaining muscle too. I only weigh every couple of weeks so I try not to get too caught up in the digits.
I did my first 5k this morning since the rain finally let up- took me 38:45 mins, am looking to get it under 35mins in the next 4 weeks.....
 
Awesome job PUSHgirl!

I think that's a great first 5K time. My first was 47 minutes. Once I get my new shoes and this hip thing figured out I'll do another one. Under 40 is a big goal for me and you blew that out of the water on your first go.
 
Today's running accomplishment...

Time: 12 minutes (no stopping)
Pace: 5.7 MPH
Distance: 1.1 miles (the treadmill at the gym rounds to the nearest tenth)

I feel good. Tired, but good. Jen and I are still going to do pilates in a little bit and I'm going to start my ab workout tonight. Oh, and for the record, I have an epic amount of back sweat going on right now. The kids weren't listening to their mommy a few minutes ago, so I threatened them with, "If you don't get your boots on (which is what they were supposed to be doing), I'm going to take off my shirt and make you suck on it until you get all the sweat out." One child - "EWWWW!!!" The other - "...I'll do that." Weirdo.

Positives:
I'm a runner. It's happened. I want to run. I may have to take it slow or take more breaks because of my hip, but I won't give up or quit. It's what I do.

Awesome. Pure awesome right there. One of the hardest things to do when trying to lose weight and get in shape is to not only find, but keep, a new mentality - a new identity. Looks like you found it. Good job, man. That's awesome.
 
I slipped on the ice this morning so I will not be doing my run tonight. My hamstring is a little tender from catching myself. My next scheduled run is Friday. Hopefully I feel better and can go. Long run is scheduled for Saturday. I think I am addicted! Lol.
 
Thank Chef! I really appreciate that. Nice run too!

Wanna why would you go slip on the ice? Didn't you know that would hurt? I'm sidelined tonight with my hip and back. I did a lot of exercises and it feels better, but not good enough to run. Hopefully tomorrow. It bothers me not to run, but I have to face the reality that I might not be up for daily runs just yet. I don't want to injure myself.
 
run
2.04 miles
30 min
avg hr 138
I took it very easy. I ran the whole time, but didn't push it. I'm surprised to have broken 2 miles with that low of an avg HR 132-149 is my aerobic range so it was on the low side for sure.

The hip feels okay. I did exercises before to loosen up my hips nd back. It felt pretty good. I was afraid that I was going to have a hard time running so I'm happy just to have made the half hour without trouble.
 
Time: 11 minutes
Pace: 5.7 MPH
Distance: 1 mile

I could've went for another minute to give me 12 minutes of running without stopping, but, in all honesty, I was just being a lazy Lou. Lou who? I don't know. Preferably Lou Diamond Phillips, but it can be any Lou of your choosing.

Excellent very excited about this page!! To date I started off being able to run for 3 mins, 8 weeks later my current best is 30mins straight running, which was about 4.4k. Was hoping to get my 5k this week but as a weather bomb has hit and it has rained constantly I have yet to have the chance! I run 3 times a week, with other exercise every second day, and one rest day which I find stops me from getting bored and gives my body time to recover.
My goal is to complete a half marathon in October.

Ya, running challenge!
My goals are:
run a 5k without walk breaks
Run a 5k in under 43 minutes
Run a 10k in under 1:40
Run a half marathon in under 3:05 at the end of May

So far I have run 4k without walk breaks in 31:30. :)

Nice. Two more to join the oh-so-sweet club of running. Now, time to go get in shape and put on the performance of a lifetime. BREAK A LEG!!!

I slipped on the ice this morning so I will not be doing my run tonight.

It umm...it's just an expression. I didn't mean...you weren't supposed to ACTUALLY break your...oh boy. :blush5:
 
I'd like to join in, now that my treadmill is up and running again. There's still so much snow outside that it would be akin to swimming...in the cold.

Honestly, if I could just jog for 11min straight like I did when I was 16 and 100lb lighter, I'd be happy. I didn't think I could do it then...and now, I can't, not yet.

I started a similar couch to 5K program:

5 min warm up, 2 min @ 3MPH, 1 min @ 4MPH x10, 5min cooldown.

I only managed to do half of the program. I feel bad for that, but on the other hand, I feel proud that I finally went above 3MPH on the treadmill.

My mini goal is to do this until I can finish the whole program. I'd like to do that by a week's time. From there I'll work my way up until eventually running for 30min straight.

...Does anyone else find the immediate urge to use the bathroom after they start running, when they don't actually have to?

DateGoalActual
03/07/146 intervals (3mph > 4mph)6 intervals
03/08/146 intervals (3mph > 4mph)
03/09/146 intervals (3mph > 4mph)
03/10/146 intervals (3mph > 4mph)
03/11/146 intervals (3mph > 4mph)
03/12/146 intervals (3mph > 4mph)
03/13/146 intervals (3mph > 4mph)
 
Welcome Loch! Glad to hear the treadmill is working again. Good job on hitting 6 intervals today! Listen to your body and don't be afraid to take a break if you need it. I'm really bad about ignoring my body until it's a real problem. Don't be a stubborn goober like me. :)

Very fast Chef! The "Lou" that came to my mind was "You don't know where I've been Lou!" from fight club.

Run
2.22 miles
30 min
151 avg HR

New shoes came today! I did my active warmup/therapy exercises before and between that and the new shoes I had no hip pain! 151 is 2 bpm above the aerobic zone, but I didn't notice the extra effort without having the nagging sharp pain.
 
3/8/2014
Hip pain. Took a rest day from running, but I stayed active all day.

3/9/2014
run
2.1 miles
145 bpm
30 min
Lots of hip, back, and knee pain. Mostly before and some after. Only a nagging hip pain during.

3/10/2014
run
2.2 miles
154 bpm
30 min
Warm and humid
Lots less pain before and after. Almost none during.

I hope everyone is having great running success. I'm hopeful that my new stretching routine will alleviate my pain and let me run more frequently.
 
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