If you’re carrying extra weight and thinking of donning those running shoes for the first time, you’re right where you need to be!
As someone who found solace and transformation in running, I can vouch for its incredible benefits.
Running is not just a workout; it’s a journey of self-discovery and improvement, accessible to everyone, regardless of size or background.
Let’s address a common concern: if you’re heavier, starting to run might seem daunting. I get it. There are worries about the impact on your joints or getting winded too quickly.
But fear not! In this article, I’m going to walk (and run!) you through a beginner running plan tailored specifically for those carrying extra weight. This plan is all about getting you moving, feeling great, and doing it all injury-free.
By the end of this post, you’ll be buzzing with excitement and ready to hit the ground running, all while taking the best care of your health and well-being.
Sounds great?
Let’s get started.
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
Before you start, it’s crucial to get a green light from your doctor. It’s like getting a car serviced before a long journey – you want to ensure everything is running smoothly. Be open with your healthcare provider about any concerns, including heart health, kidney function, respiratory issues, joint problems, and any medications you’re taking.
When you see your doctor, it’s time for total honesty – no holding back. This is your chance to get a complete physical assessment that’s tailored just for you. Remember, keeping secrets from your doc is like trying to run with your shoelaces tied together – not helpful!
Here are some crucial topics to bring up during your appointment:
- Heart Matters: Discuss any history of heart conditions or blood pressure issues.
- Kidney Check: Keep your kidneys in the loop.
- Breathing 101: Chat about any respiratory conditions, like asthma or other lung issues.
- Joint Ventures: Don’t forget to mention any joint problems, like arthritis or past injuries.
- Medication Roll Call: List all the meds you’re currently taking.
- History Lesson: Share any significant points in your medical history.
Once your doctor gives you the all-clear, you’re ready to embark on your running journey with confidence and peace of mind.
The Gradual Approach
Rushing into running can do more harm than good. I learned this the hard way when I started. So, I recommend the walk/run method. This approach gradually builds your stamina and helps you avoid overuse injuries.
Here’s the brief scoop to give you the big picture:
Week 1-2: Getting Started
Day 1-3 (Alternate Days): Begin with a 20-minute workout.
- Start with a 5-minute brisk walk to warm up.
- Run for 30 seconds, followed by a 2-minute walk to recover. Repeat this cycle for 15 minutes.
- Finish with a 5-minute cool-down walk.
Week 3-4: Building Stamina
Day 1-3 (Alternate Days): Increase the workout duration to 25 minutes.
- Start with a 5-minute brisk walk.
- Run for 45 seconds, followed by a 2-minute walk to recover. Repeat this cycle for 20 minutes.
- Finish with a 5-minute cool-down walk.
Week 5-6: Progressing Further
Day 1-3 (Alternate Days): Extend the workout duration to 30 minutes.
- Begin with a 5-minute brisk walk.
- Run for 1 minute, followed by a 2-minute walk to recover. Repeat this cycle for 25 minutes.
- Finish with a 5-minute cool-down walk.
Week 7-8: Building Confidence
Day 1-3 (Alternate Days): Continue with a 30-minute workout.
- Start with a 5-minute brisk walk.
- Run for 2 minutes, followed by a 2-minute walk to recover. Repeat this cycle for 25 minutes.
- Finish with a 5-minute cool-down walk.
Now, let’s dive into the actual structured two-month plan, including weekly progressions.
Goal: To comfortably run for 20-30 minutes at an easy pace by the end of 8 weeks.
Key Tips:
- Pace Yourself: Always run at a pace where you can carry on a conversation.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water before and after your runs.
- Warm-Up & Cool-Down: Start each session with a 5-minute walk as a warm-up and end with a 5-minute walk to cool down.
- Rest Days: These are just as important as training days. They allow your body to recover and prevent injuries.
Week One
- Monday: Run 2 mins, Walk 2 mins. Repeat 6 times.
- Wednesday: Run 2 mins, Walk 2 mins. Repeat 8 times.
- Friday: Run 2 mins, Walk 1 min. Repeat 6 times.
Focus: Getting your body used to movement.
Week Two
- Monday: Run 2 mins, Walk 1 min. Repeat 8 times.
- Wednesday: Run 2 mins, Walk 1 min. Repeat 10 times.
- Friday: Run 2 mins, Walk 1 min. Repeat 8 times.
Focus: Building stamina.
Week Three
- Monday: Run 3 mins, Walk 2 mins. Repeat 6 times.
- Wednesday: Run 3 mins, Walk 2 mins. Repeat 8 times.
- Friday: Run 3 mins, Walk 1 min. Repeat 6 times.
Focus: Increasing running intervals.
Week Four
- Monday: Run 5 mins, Walk 3 mins. Repeat 3 times.
- Wednesday: Run 5 mins, Walk 3 mins. Repeat 4 times.
- Friday: Run 5 mins, Walk 3 mins. Repeat 5 times.
Focus: Building longer running blocks.
Week Five
- Monday: Run 5 mins, Walk 2 mins. Repeat 5 times.
- Wednesday: Run 5 mins, Walk 2 mins. Repeat 5 times.
- Friday: Run 5 mins, Walk 1 min. Repeat 4 times.
Focus: Reducing walk intervals.
Week Six
- Monday: Run 5 mins, Walk 1 min. Repeat 4 times.
- Wednesday: Run 5 mins, Walk 1 min. Repeat 5 times.
- Friday: Run 7 mins, Walk 2 mins. Repeat 3 times.
Focus: Gradually extending running time.
Week Seven
- Monday: Run 7 mins, Walk 2 mins. Repeat 3 times.
- Wednesday: Run 7 mins, Walk 2 mins. Repeat 3 times.
- Friday: Run 10 mins, Walk 3 mins. Repeat 2 times.
Focus: Preparing for longer continuous runs.
Week Eight
- Monday: Run 10 mins, Walk 3 mins. Repeat 2 times.
- Wednesday: Run 12 mins, Walk 3 mins. Repeat 2 times.
- Friday: Run 20 mins at an easy, slow pace.
Focus: Running for longer durations without breaks.
Final Thoughts:
- Celebrate Your Progress: Each week, acknowledge how far you’ve come.
- Listen to Your Body: If you feel pain or extreme discomfort, take extra rest or consult a doctor.
- Stay Motivated: Remember why you started and visualize how much healthier and stronger you’re becoming.
The Easy 60-Day Plan For Beginners
If the above plan is a bit complicated for you, try the following simplified version.
Overall Goal: To progressively increase endurance and stamina, balancing longer walks with run-walking intervals.
Week 1: Establish a Solid Base
- 4-5 Times/Week: Walk for 30 minutes, either indoors, on a treadmill, or outdoors.
- Focus: Building a strong walking routine.
Week 2: Increase Walking Duration
- 4-5 Times/Week: Extend to 40 minutes of walking.
- Focus: Enhancing endurance and stamina.
Week 3: Expand Your Walking Range
- 4-5 Times/Week: Walk around the block four times or aim for 1 mile on the treadmill.
- Focus: Increasing your walking distance.
Week 4: Step Up the Walking Challenge
- 4-5 Times/Week: Walk around the block six times or complete 1.5 miles on the treadmill.
- Focus: Preparing for more intense exercise.
Week 5: Begin Run-Walking
- 4-5 Times/Week: Alternate between walking two blocks and jogging one block, gradually increasing the jogging portion.
- Focus: Introducing run-walking.
Week 6: Enhance Run-Walking Intervals
- 4-5 Times/Week: Alternate between walking two blocks and jogging three blocks.
- Focus: Increasing the length of run-walking intervals.
Week 7: Challenge with Longer Run-Walking
- 4-5 Times/Week: Walk two blocks, then jog four blocks.
- Focus: Building up to longer run-walking intervals.
Week 8: Intensify Your Effort
- 4-5 Times/Week: Walk two blocks, jog six blocks, then walk three blocks.
- Focus: Significantly boosting your run-walking distance.
Week 9: Maximize Endurance
- 4-5 Times/Week: Walk two blocks, jog eight blocks, then walk two blocks.
- Focus: Pushing your run-walking distances to new heights.
Chill & Enjoy The Process
If you find yourself hitting a bit of a wall and can’t quite move to the next step in your plan, there’s no need to fret or toss and turn at night over it. This journey you’re on is not a race; it’s a personal journey of growth and improvement.
Here’s the key: stick with the level you’re comfortable with until you feel ready to take that next step. There’s no rush. Every bit of effort you put in is valuable and contributes to your overall progress. Remember, every great runner started somewhere, and the most important thing is that you’re out there doing it.
The fact that you’re trying, that you’re committed to this path, already sets you up for success. Progress isn’t always linear, and sometimes, we need a bit more time at a certain stage to build our strength and confidence. That’s perfectly okay!
Running Technique For the Obese Runners
Let me level with you: if you’re not careful about your running technique, you’re playing with fire. As a beginner, especially if you’re carrying some extra weight, your risk of injury skyrockets if you don’t get your form right from the start.
Yes, we’re designed to run, but that doesn’t mean running form comes naturally to most of us. It’s like trying to learn a new dance routine – at first, you’ll feel clumsy and uncoordinated, but with practice, you’ll start moving with grace and ease.
The problem is a lot of beginners make the mistake of running with bad form, and they end up hobbling to the sidelines with an injury.
Fear not – I’ve got some tips to help you run with proper form and reduce your risk of injury.
- Run tall. Imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head, keeping your back flat and your spine straight. Roll your shoulders back and keep your eyes focused on the road ahead. You’ll feel like a superhero, powering through your run with strength and confidence.
- Engage your core. Think of your abs like a suit of armor, protecting your back and keeping your posture strong.
- Hips matter. Don’t forget to keep your hips straight – no sticking your butt out or arching your back like a cat stretching.
- Go flow. As you run, try to create flow by swinging your arms back and forth in time with your strides. It’ll feel like you’re conducting an orchestra, the rhythm of your feet and hands working together in harmony.
- Stay relaxed. Running with tension in your body is like driving with the emergency brake on – it wastes energy and increases your risk of injury. Keep your face, neck, shoulders, and hands loose and easy, and let yourself sink into the rhythm of your run.
- Hire someone. Consider booking a session with a coach or taking a class to work on your technique. Trust me; it’s worth the investment in your health and well-being.
Conclusion
Remember, the journey to becoming a runner is unique for each person, especially if you’re starting with extra weight.
It’s not about speed or distance; it’s about finding joy in the movement and celebrating your progress.
Listen to your body, take your time, and embrace the journey. Running is not just a path to physical health; it’s a gateway to a happier, healthier you.
Thank you for dropping by.
Keep training strong.