Is it ok for an overweight person to run?

Question

I am 5'3, 19 years old and I weigh173 pounds . I just hate walking!! I find it way too boring even with my Mp3 player.

I downloaded this 12 week running plan from the internet - where I'm supposed to alternate walks with cross-training giving one day of rest every week. The days I walk I am supposed to alternate walking with short running intervals starting from walk 3 minutes to run one minute * 6 times.. it progresses every week till I am finally able to do a 10 k...

It sounded really good to me, and the first couple of days were pretty good, but despite stretching and warming up and wearing the right footwear(Rbk Hatana), I got sore feet and even after than was OK, I still feel a strain in my inner calves when I kneel down. Should I just take a break of a day or two and then continue? or should I abandon it? I thought I could do this because I'm 19.

How the h**l do I lose weight!!

Answer 1

Run fatty...Or walk...walking is freaking easy.

Answer 2

If you're just getting into exercising at all, you might want to start with just walking for a few weeks first until you're more comfortable doing that before you try running.  Also, you might want to look into getting better shoes if the ones you have are causing you foot/ leg issues - I've had good luck with New Balances.

Answer 3

This 12 week running course maybe had or had not provided an age or weight restriction. If this workout is really destroying your body, then take a break. This is your body, not someone else that MUST stick to the schedule. The schedule is just your guide. Go at your own pace and I am certain that within 12 weeks or less, you'll feel a whole bunch lighter.

Answer 4

OMFG! Your BMI is 30.6! I think you should run on a elliptical since, your knees will suffer immense strain.

Answer 5

You should stregnthen your knees first before any kind of hard stress (which running causes). Walking is fine, you just need to deal with it, cause it's a lot like running when you think about it.

I started off walking, theres nothing to be ashamed of! Good luck!

Answer 6

If you are worried about the self-conscious issues that you might be facing when you have to run in front of people, maybe you could invest in a tredmill that can incline, create fitness programs, etc. Eat small portions, and get that cardio up girl!