So, I wanted to ask some advice on the best thing to do to improve my running. I started c25k in Jan, and found it hard but have managed to make it to running 5k 3x a week for the past couple of months. Still not in 30 mins but more like 40. But it's good progress from where I started.
I knew I was much much heavier than I used to be, but was still rather in denial, having studiously refused to weigh myself for about 2 years now.
Since Jan I have improved my fitness massively, and know I have lost some weight and toned up as my clothes fit differently. Now I realised I must tackle what I eat as well, and actually weighed myself this week, to have a very nasty surprise. I am even heavier than I feared, and would still qualify as clinically obese. Rather a shock as I would have said I was 'plump' it seems my bmi disagrees.
Has anyone out there managed to run more than 5k while still very overweight? Should I stop trying to increase my running distance until I have managed to get my weight down, or should I keep going with my plan of working up to 10k at the same time as dieting?
I am not suggesting I would stop running, just wondering if I should stick at 5k for now until my weight comes down some more or keep working (slowly) on increasing my distance?
I don't need diet advice, that's simple, I need to eat less calories. (It's not the theory, just doing it that's the problem). Just looking for advice on the running side. Thanks.
Written by
Grumpygoddess
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Long, slow runs. That's what you need to lose weight.
Forget all about speed and distance. If you want to lose weight, you'll want to be running for a longer time. With a 3-runs per week strategy, run 5km, run for 1 hour and have a shorter recovery run. Don't go out for 1 hour straight away, but simply build up your running time to get to 60 minutes. It doesn't matter how far you run or how fast - the calorie burn is similar whether you're running 4minute or 8minute pace.
I am still quite overweight. Although I have dropped two dress sizes already I have more to go. I graduated in Sept 2017, ran 10k for the first time in Feb 2017 and several more since, now up to 11.5k. I have registered for a 10 mile event early 2018.
I have built everything slowly. I run slowly anyway so will always be a tortoise, how ever I think I'm built for distance rather than speed😃
Well I am really glad to hear that, and well done jacks-w. I would like to try and keep working on my distance but I didn't want to be unrealistic. I am not a speedy runner and don't think I ever will be, but thats fine, and slow running is still better than no running.
In my experience (in RL) men seem to do this more than women. I think it's a mindset thing(?) As long as you do it sensibly I don't see why it should be a problem, you got this far, didn't you?😍
I started dieting earlier this year combined with training to run a 10K - as MarkyD suggests I gradually built up to doing 60 minutes. As I lost weight so it all became easier - just take it steady and don't worry about time or distance - these will improve naturally.
I managed to lose 2 stone before and during running but then stopped counting calories and put a stone back on despite running three times a week! However, I totally recommend running because my fitness levels have improved amazingly and I know I used to puff and pant even walking up hills, now I run up them without even getting out of breath. I recommend calorie counting and that means weighing and tracking all food as the only way to lose weight. If I stick to it, it works for me. Right now I am being a bit naughty but I know what I need to do!
Yes you can run! You can walk too as it burns loads of calories and is always good exercise. You continue to burn calories for a while after exercise, which is good news.
I managed to lose weight and keep it off but i eat healthily and don't drink. It's not easy as you have to stay on it. When you can run though it's a big help as if you do eat too much you can always go and run it off.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
How did your parkrun or (not)parkrun go?
week 2 begins! 
