Too fat to run?

[Lisa_rose]

I graduated about 4 years ago, then didn't run for approx 3 years, now on week 3. Finding it tough on my shins (too fat to run I think), any advice?

[SamanthaN]

I had painful shins when I first started. The cure appears to have been investing in a good pair of trainers. I didn’t just pick a pair I had my running hair analysed at DW Sports and bought on their advice

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow and steady... try to land lightly...I call it kissing the ground with your feet. If you are carrying a bit of extra weight, it will help

Warm up really well and stretch after every run...

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

Check this link out too...there is a lot of great advice;

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Well done for doing this and yes, you can do it...keep it steady and keep it slow Keep posting too

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Firstly let me say you are not too fat to run, never think that. One of the great things that comes with learning to run is a bit more body confidence as you see what your amazing body is capable of. Take it nice and steady and repeat weeks until you feel comfortable. It is a journey not a race.

[Matt-78]

I have the same problem I guess the reality for me is to take it steady, don't hurt myself too much and if the shins start to hurt then I will slow to a brisk walk keeping the heart rate going and eventually the weight will come off. My little mantra is "The race is long and in the end it is only with yourself". Good luck don't give up.

[Sweatyfaced Graduate]

No such thing as too fat to run; you are made to do this whatever your shape or size.

You might just need to be bit more gentle on yourself to stop those calves hurting. Oldfloss has given some great advice above; gait analysis and wearing the right shoes will help too.

I just try to avoid stamping or slapping my feet down and when that starts to happen I revert to pretending to run on tiptoes (which for some reason works for me). And just keep it slow and repeat weeks as you need to.

Today is my first runniversary; I have lost two stone since taking up running and am still technically obese but I can run 10k regularly and i know that I can. You can too, you just need to build up to it... keep going!!