Too fat too run: Hi guys I’m 5,2 and I’m 1... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,680 members158,718 posts

Too fat too run

Vamps273 profile image
24 Replies

Hi guys I’m 5,2 and I’m 15 stone, I want to get fit, I have a large belly and it hurts when I try to run.

Written by
Vamps273 profile image
Vamps273
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
24 Replies
ClarriePan profile image
ClarriePanGraduate

Well done on taking that first step and joining us here. The programme is designed to take you nice and gently through to running for 30 minutes. The secret is to listen to your body and if things hurt try going slower. You can’t go too slowly! As long as you are “running” (that is both feet off the ground at the same time) not walking you are doing ok. If you need to repeat runs instead of moving to the next one that’s fine - not everyone completes it in 9 weeks. Keep posting and let us know how you’re getting on.

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasGraduate

Well done for deciding to get fit. If running is too painful, can I suggest that you start off with walking? I walked 5K every day for a month before I started C25K. It did wonders to get in the right mindset for for the running programme, and I lost weight. Check out the Active 10 community here as well!

Rua8 profile image
Rua8Graduate

Hey Vamps, a few other people seem to have had the same worries as you, maybe you'll find some useful info in their threads? Have a look at healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and healthunlocked.com/couchto5... - there are more too. Sounds like it is doable with the right advice :)

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

I found wearing big firm control knickers helped... there's lots of mention of the importance of a high impact sports bra for women (and some men) but you are dead right, the tum can really hurt too!

There is a positive side to it in that it may help to keep your pace right down which is where it needs to be for you to sustain it, eventually, for 30 minutes and beyond.

Vamps273 profile image
Vamps273

Thankyou guys for the support 🤗

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Slow down and read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do it.

Amandana profile image
Amandana

For me it used to be my bum that hurt - compression exercise pants really helped. High waisted ones might work well for your tummy?

thisfishcan profile image
thisfishcanGraduate

I agree with Amandana, high waisted compression leggings/tights helped me. Pop some shorts on top if you feel a bit too exposed in the leggings/tights.

Fatcyclist-Chris profile image
Fatcyclist-Chris

Hey dude, I’m 6’1 and 18 stone, I feel your pain, I got bang into cycling which got my cardio up and strengthened my legs allot.

When I moved to running I was in agony, I swear to god though by the end of the second week I was grinning at the end of every run, shouting a swearing at the pain till it went away.

Slow down and walk when you feel it unbearable but some of it you just have to fight through.

It was no different to the pain in my backside when I first started cycling, I couldn’t get up the street without lifting off the seat, now I can got 50 mile regular.

Can’t wait to see your post by the 3rd week I bet your mind set has changed.

Your fellow chubby runner.

Vamps273 profile image
Vamps273

Just bought some Brooks trainers, so there is no turning back will be starting this Friday, nervous as Hell thankyou very much for the support Guys ☺️✌️

Couch-potato profile image
Couch-potato in reply to Vamps273

Best of luck and don't forget to post how it goes for lots of support

I'm nervous too! Haven't started yet just returning to it after a bout of ill health. Go for it - you'll be great. You will never regret it. Good luck. Xx

Vamps273 profile image
Vamps273

Good luck too you too xx

Beccym profile image
BeccymGraduate

Walk first, all activity is good. One of my friends says my running is a fast walk, I don't care.

I always have great admiration for people who get round park run and are last in the pack I think that is more impressive then the ones in the middle or the elites. Keep going :)

September70 profile image
September70

Go for it Vamps273. Best of luck and well done for taking the first step to fitness. I too started out with walking like mfamilias, before I took up C25K and I am someone who was very athletic at school and could run for 30 minutes on a treadmill but when I first started on normal ground, I felt useless. The walking built up my confidence and I built up speed over time with the walking. Used to walk once a week with friends and then did 2 other days on my own.

Vamps273 profile image
Vamps273

I was very fit in my early twenties, did everything then as I got too my early 30s it went down hill,I’m now 45 and very obese and terrified I will get bigger or worse.

Dyskadores profile image
Dyskadores in reply to Vamps273

I am overweight too but graduated to 5k a few weeks ago. Firm underwear and good trainers will get you through 😊 I'm doing it more for how it makes me feel (amazing!) but some of the weight has dropped off and I feel very well. We're all here to support you xxx

Vamps273 profile image
Vamps273 in reply to Dyskadores

Thankyou I’ve got supportive bra and pants and trainers and the couch 2 5k app on my phone, I’ve got sarah millican as the coach lol

Nwrkpak profile image
Nwrkpak in reply to Vamps273

I’m listening to a podcast called The not your average runner podcast. It’s really good for making you realise you can do it. Last nights mantra in my ear as I fell a sleep was . “You run so you are a runner. If you run slowly you still run. If you run then walk then run then walk , you still run . If you run you are a runner.”

I love it. Yes . I’m overweight and nearly 50 but I’ve now completed 2 full 5ks and quite a few 4 k+ . Even on the days I get down and say that it’s too hard I then take stock and realise how far I’ve come. I’m not sitting at home. I’m moving and I’m trying .

I’m now looking forward to the time when I can go on a 5k relaxed chilled run. Think it might be a while though!!!

Good luck with it all and keep us posted x

ClarriePan profile image
ClarriePanGraduate

Good luck for tomorrow Vamps273 🏃‍♀️

Vamps273 profile image
Vamps273

I just done 4.90km around the park fast walk did 2 minute jog, gonna do this three times a week, as long as my heart is pumping I’m happy, I will eventually be able to jog more I believe it x

September70 profile image
September70

Well done Vamps273.

lrparsnip profile image
lrparsnip

Hello Vamps. How are you doing now?

Vamps273 profile image
Vamps273

I’m walking more, not managed to run yet but not giving up x

You may also like...

Too fat to run?

and weigh a little over 13 stone- I'm 45. Back in 2011 I weighed 10 stone and ran well and had no...

Too fat to run?

5k. I have recently lost 2 stone and I still have a fair amount of weight to lose. I really want to...

Too fat!

motivation. I am about 3 stone overweight and my whole body is feeling the strain of running with...

Too fat, too unfit, need to change.

my (self inflicted) situation I'm 5ft 9 and 20 stone and suffer from the usual fat bloke conditions;

Am I too fat to start couch to 5k?

40, but I am calorie counting using My Fitness Pal but want to boost my exercise, can I do couch to...