Walking/Running While Overweight

[suegy3]

I have a question. I've been walking on the treadmill at a 2.5% incline and I picked up the pace a bit and ran 2x for 40 seconds each. I would like to slowly move towards running but I'm afraid of injuries because I'm overweight and I know that running stresses the joints. I plan to start off at 4mph and run 40 seconds every few minutes to get my ligaments and joints use to it.

Does this like a smart way to start running? I already have good running shoes so I'm ok with that.

Thanks!

[edensmom]

When I started running on the treadmdill years ago, that is similar to what I did. I ran for a minute, walked for a minute etc. Then increased the running intervals but not the rest intervals and just built up endurance.
I am no running expert but a few months ago I started running outdoors after not running for 3 years (too busy having 2 babies ) and at first my knees would hurt or my hips. So if I was feeling beat up I wouldn't run, just rest or do something else. I have been running about 4 months again and my knees no longer bother me after. IIRC after a week or two of running most days my body had adapted to the stress.
I love to run! Nothing compares to it. (As far as cardio goes.)

[Sarah-lara]

Running is not so bad on the joints as people used to think. One thing you can do is use a Couch to 5K program, either on paper or as an app. Stretch the program out to as many weeks as you would like, since you're in no hurry. This is how my husband did his 5K. We just kept repeating each week until we felt ready to go to the next, more challenging week.

[suegy3]

Thanks for your replies. Ok, so it sounds like I'm on the right track. I'll just keep going slowly and adding in short spurts of running. I'm so afraid of getting an injury that I'm paranoid. And I also have PF which complicates things.

[tracyb]

I started running using Jeff Galloway. Very safe way to go http://www.jeffgalloway.com/

[suegy3]

Originally Posted by tracyb

I started running using Jeff Galloway. Very safe way to go http://www.jeffgalloway.com/

Thanks for posting this. I totally forgot that I have his book.

[buttons11]

Originally Posted by tracyb

I started running using Jeff Galloway. Very safe way to go http://www.jeffgalloway.com/

hmmm thanks tracb
I like this beginners approach
http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/beginners.html
very sensible and doable

[suegy3]

Originally Posted by buttons11

hmmm thanks tracb
I like this beginners approach
http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/beginners.html
very sensible and doable

Very cool, thanks for posting! I have to look for my Galloway book so this will get me over until I find it.

[LynnO]

You might also read Chi Running. That's a pretty holistic philosophy.

[Jane P.]

When it comes to your joints, I think the most important thing is good alignment. Even if you're not overweight, but your alignment is off even slightly, you may develop problems. Sometimes running shoe stores will do a gait analysis for you.