[Nell]

Ok so I have lost almost 150 lbs. Back in March my DIL and joined a 12 week program to train for a 5k, we did the 5k on May 21st my DIL went on with the runners I was in the walking group, I finished, in 61 minutes, and I finished last, I'm ok with finishing last I'm very happy that I was just able to finish!! But about the last 5 minutes or so of my walk I kept saying to myself just run, come on run! But I didn't because I was scared I guess. Ok sorry I know I'm rambling, let me get to it...I want to learn to run, does that sound dumb that I need to learn to run. 1. I'm afraid that my butt will hit my back while running 2. I'm scared of falling and screwing up my knee that finally doesn't bother me anymore 3. I don't know, I guess I don't have another excuse other than just more fear.

So do you think a 50+ year old woman who is not in the greatest shape but also not the worst and who does walk on the treadmill 45-60 minutes a day can learn to run? I'm kinda feeling like I need to challenge myself to do this. Can't run on the treadmill though I just don't think I'd feel in control running on that, and it's too hot right now to do any running outside, well if I went early in the morning I could.

Just trying to figure out if I can talk myself into doing this.

[bluedelight]

I used to run but that was over 25 years ago. I did it regularly and would go out for 10k + runs. I also played volleyball and tennis and ...

I just turned 57 last weekend.

I am 2 1/2 years pre op and started running 3-4 times a weeka couple of months ago. I set out for 5km and do a combination of walking and running (about 50/50). Sometimes I go out for 7-8 kms but always a combination of running and walking.

In between those days I walk. A couple of days ago I did over 25km and generally do at least 10-15km of walking.

The runs I do alone or with my dog. I dont want the competition of running with or against others and I prefer to push myself and not be pushed but usually do the walks with my business partner where we use the walks to hold our business meetings.

I have no intentions of doing any marathons. While there are benefits to running there are just as many risks and as we get older we have to be careful of falling and causing serious and permanent injuries. You are right to consider the risks.

Hitting the pavement is hard on the legs, ankles and feet and for those reasons I use the running as exercise and not as a competition.

So I suggest continue running, but set your own pace and push yourself as you feel comfortable. If it takes 2, 3, 5 or 10 years to get to where you think you should be as a runner, who cares, you are not trying out for the Olympics.

We have fitter bodies for sure and can do more than we have in years but dont try to make up in a year for those lost years of living in a fatter body.

But like anything else, this is just my opinion for how I choose to do things.

Best of luck and happy runs.

[bluedelight]

Sorry, my mistake I am 2 1/2 years post op!

[Catherine77]

I have been running, although I call it jogging, so that I don't feel the need to go at any fast pace. I go at a pace that I can maintain.

When I first started, I would go as much as I could and then walk, and then the minute I felt I could do more, I would. Even if it was only 10 seconds on the treadmill, I would do it. I felt so awkward, but it is amazing what you can get yourself to do once you get past the fear of not know "how". Do what works for you.

I understand the need to run, it is something I have felt that only "healthy" people do, and that if I could ever do it, I might be one of those people too. Well, we both are those people. We are healthier now than ever before, so do what you know you can do. I will say this though, I have done alot of research, and simply put if you are going to go 3 miles, walking or running, you burn close to the same calories. So, if you are worried about your knee, I wouldn't risk it.

Goodluck to you!!!!

[dixieladybug]

WOW Nell you are doing great. I am a bit older then you are and I have had both knees replaced. I have also had surgery on my ankle a few years ago for tendon repair. I guess it just got tired of carrying all the weight. lol Ok my point to all this is that I wanted to run so badly. It is something I have always wanted to do but it was just a dream BUT both my foot doc and knee surgeon told me not to run to walk but that running puts too much stress on the knees. They even told me not to walk on the treadmill. I did not give up I just switched to the elipical and not I have started walking to a walking dvd and thanks to Dr. Oz I got a good pedometer and I get 10,000 steps a day. It was so hard at first but now it is easier. I still go to the gym 3 day a week also.
If you can run and it doesnt hurt your knees I say go for it. I wish I could. If you see it hurts your knees please don't do it. Take care of them or you might end up like I did ... I had arthritis really bad and maybe you don't have that in that case it might not hurt at all. It could help make them stronger. Yep I am rambling here. lol
Good luck and let me know how it goes.

[likearock]

I tried running last month on the local track. Nobody was around so I thought I would try it. LOL- I got alot of flabby skin right now, because I felt all of it bouncing around whenever I stepped. It felt so weird. I stopped, but only because it felt so embarrassing. I'd rather walk!

[Nell]

Thanks for the input ya'll I really appreciate it a lot.

Well one of these days when there is no one at the walking trail behind our house I'm gonna go out there early in the morning and just give it at try!! LOL
I know I am not going to "run" it will probably be more like a trot. But it's just something I want to see if I can do, and yes my main concern is my knee I don't ever want to have to go through PT again, the knee pain about killed me and the PT for it was even worse!! Maybe I should take up speed walking!!! Ha!

[trickyday]

I want to run!

[Chrismom]

Nell if you have an iPod or iPhone there is an app called couch to 5k..it's great for starting runners..I tried running before surgery and did ok..I am just trying it again..a lot easier when you are 100 lbs lighter..lol it starts you out slowly walking for a minute or 2 then you run for 30 seconds then walk then run again..you just play your music then it tells you when to run and when to walk. It's great..as you progress over a 2 week period it increases the amount you run and decreases the amount you walk...I recommend it..good luck!

[Nell]

Originally Posted by Chrismom

Nell if you have an iPod or iPhone there is an app called couch to 5k..it's great for starting runners..I tried running before surgery and did ok..I am just trying it again..a lot easier when you are 100 lbs lighter..lol it starts you out slowly walking for a minute or 2 then you run for 30 seconds then walk then run again..you just play your music then it tells you when to run and when to walk. It's great..as you progress over a 2 week period it increases the amount you run and decreases the amount you walk...I recommend it..good luck!

Oh good idea I'm going to get the app for my ipod and try that out!! Thanks!! Surely I can run for 30 seconds.