Too heavy to run....

I'd ask the doc for recommendations too, but here are a few things that were suggested to me when I started running about 55lbs heavier then I am now (but this holds true for walking)

1) Proper walking/running shoes
2) Soft Surfaces (Grass, Trail, Track) Cement is the hardest surface
3) Knee Brace/Support if you feel it would help
4) Start slow! Work your way up in time/distance.
5) Be careful about downhills it increases impact more then you realize.

I would read this thread.
Then ask some questions of the original poster.

You might consider incorporating aqua-jogging into your exercise program. It's a great non-impact way to simulate running. Here's a link with some information: http://www.aquajogger.com/blog/?page_id=128

You could also try using an eliptical machine, while it's still weight-bearing, it would probably be less impact than running or walking.

As far as walking goes, you might consider some kind of knee brace to support your bum knee while you walk, and just take it easy... Find someplace nice and flat, with an even surface. A track would be a great place to start, because it would be very easy to call it a day if your knees start to ache, or go a little longer if you're feeling okay.

try walking barefoot.  it distributes the weight to your whole leg and foot.

LOL.. that sounds good.  I never wear shoes unless I have too...

From a guy in the same boat, go to your local athletic store like sports authority and get those rubber knee bands and walk with them.  They will give you some support.  Id'stay away from knee braces because if you arent trained on how to put them on perfectly you may injure yourself by accident.  Start walking and just keep going.

I am in the same boat, still 300+ lbs and don't want to even try to run/jog until im under 275 or less.  So i am up to walking 4-5 miles at a time.

Also don't worry about the speed, just go slow and keep going to a certian amount of time like 30 min and then after a couple weeks go 40 min.

Seriously though, walking is nothing to sneeze at. At 300-lbs it's how I got started on this crazy road to fitness and if you're increasing your speed as you become more fit eventually it's going to help you when you begin to run. Eventually if your knees can take it you can start including inclines to get your HR up further.

When I finally started to start running at 240 or so I found it MUCH more comfortable on my lungs then my previous attempts because of all the cardio work I had been doing. Sure it still sucked at first as running usually does, but my lungs were not on FIRE like my previous failed attempts at running.

Walking is all I did for the first 3-4 months on my weight loss journey. Now 120+lbs lighter I still try to fit extra walking in my day on top of my Tri workouts.

Edited by IdealMuse 2010-04-26 6:45 PM

I'm no doctor, and I don't know much about your prior issues (you mentioned football, etc.), but I might suggest getting a second opinion.

I had the same issue with my doctor, and when I went to a Sports Specialist (for another issue) we got talking, and he got me thinking.  Basically, done right, I believe we are born to run.

Also the ChiRunning concept is incredible, at least for me....

And shoes are important, but it may not be the traditional thinking of super support/cushion shoes.

Again, this is just me.  And I keep saying that because I certainly don't want to give bad advice.  But I'd do some digging, get a second opinion, gait analysis at the LRS, etc...

I am unable to run currently because of a calf tear.  So the sports doc said to walk, not up hill or downhill, can be fast, but no impact, use eliptical, or walk in the pool against resistance (not during lap swim time or you will become "that guy") or aqua jogging.   Your situation though different appears to apply as it is an impact related issue.  So I am up to walking 4-6 miles a day, yay.  Only 3 more weeks untill I can go walk/jog/walk.  My wife started a walk/jog/walk program with the jog starting at like 30 seconds.  I know you are not there yet, but she is up to a 1 hour jog now.  It is really just taking it slow and never giving up.  Luck.  

Have you tried using a heart rate monitor? Just a thought...when I started running, my ideal aerobic threshold was no more than 157 beats per minute, and I hit that at barely a shuffle. I'm not really overweight, just out of shape. After a few weeks, I'm noticing that I can pick up the pace and stay around 160, and I've lost five pounds.

If you can hit your aerobic threshold by walking, say, four miles per hour, then there is no reason to run yet at this point. You'd effectively be overtraining and risking injury. If you train this way, using time as a benchmark rather than miles (say 3 days a week at 30 minutes, keeping your heart working at that aerobic threshold), then you can create a great base for picking up the pace as you drop the weight, and you'll strengthen your knees in the process.

You might not want to do this because it will attract attention and stupid comments, but if you walk with hiking poles or sticks, they take a LOT of weight off your knees and they also give your arms a nice workout. I have done a lot of long-distance backpacking (over 2000 miles) and I always hike with two sticks. Sometimes they are literally wooden hiking sticks, other times I've used the Leki hiking poles, which look kind of like ski poles. I had bad knees and the sticks really helped them.

Like I said, you will get stupid comments from people when you do this. Like, in the middle of summer, people will ask you where the ski hill is... But who cares, it's your health and your life!

Great advice KWin...

Look at this as a huge positive for you.  Now you're going out of your way to be able to get exercise in your life.  And in my opinion, when you're hurt or sick and need to take some time off from training, you're not "off the wagon", you're recovering.

Keep it up!