I'm pre op. Down 35 lbs. and I want to love running. I started the c25k program I'm on week 3. I feel like I'm going to die!

Does it ever get easier? Or will I always feel like I'm going to die!!!!!

It does get easier, I promise. I did a couch 2 5k app as well and now I can run 5 miles without any issues. I did get stuck on some weeks and did multiple days more than once until I could complete them without quitting. So I think it took me longer than 8 weeks to run a 5k straight and I was a lot slower than the pace the app thinks. Lots of days I thought I was going to die or couldn't to it but week 4 did start to feel easier. Week 6, I was stuck on forever but in the end you can do it at your own pace and time.

Easy or not, enjoy it while you can. Running used to really help me reach weight loss goals.

But now I have had bi-lateral knee replacements (my obesity contributed to that too) and while they say you can run with the implants, I just don't want to add any undue additional wear which might cause them to need replacing again. But walking still fits the bill and I do alot of walking and treadmill. Swimming works great too.

Edited March 10, 201412 yr by Recycled

I'd love to try it, but my knees are too bad. I'm sure it'll get easier with conditioning.

You'll only ever catch me running if a clown with a knife is chasing me...lol

My sister is preparing to run a half marathon. She was running one last year and was injured. She's fully recovered from the surgical repair. But, she had to start her training from the very beginning. She swears it gets easier and more enjoyable. And her times and distances are certainly improving. She no longers feels like she is going to die

Good luck!

I have always had great admiration for runners. Even as a kid when I saw runners I thought it was so impressive and that I could never do that even though I was an active thin child. I start c25k in November 2013 and got through the program without repeating any days. I was determined and just kept putting one foot in front of the other even when I thought I was going to die. Now I am able to run 3.75 miles without stopping and am very proud of myself. The funny thing is there are some days I feel like I can keep going and others where I think I just can't do it. The other day my earphones weren't working right so I had no music and could hear myself breathing for the first time and I thought people are going to call an ambulance or get me an oxygen mask the way I was huffing and puffing but I got it done even though it was a very tough day. I don't think I will ever be one of those people that want to run a marathon some days I love it and some days I hate it. I don't think I will ever go past 5 miles because I feel it is just hard on the joints and the human body at my age isn't meant to run 26 or 13 or even 10 miles.

But not meaning to discourage. you can do it and most days it is actually very peaceful and rewarding.

I have found that music is the key. There are certain songs that make me crave running. I used to hate it and due to a bad left knee swore I would never enjoy it. Amazingly at 135 lbs I love it. Boobs finally shrunk to a manageable size for enjoyment!!

I just ran my second 5K race this past weekend. I finished 3rd in my age division, and beat my old time by 4 minutes. I have only been running for two months. I don't know if it gets easier, but I love the fact that is pushes my body and my mind to places I didn't think were possible. If I can stay healthy I suspect I will be logging some serious miles this spring. Good luck with your training!!!

As a 9 time marathon finisher, pre-superfat and surgery obviously, I find that long-distance running is nothing but a mental game (barring any actual physical injury). It is not easy but anyone can run and run far. You don't have to be at the front of the pack and your goal shouldn't be to win but to finish and have fun. My best marathon time was Chicago in 5:07:04 and my worse was probably my last which was Los Angles which took over 7 hours to get through but I finished. I hope to start running again real soon, maybe not this upcoming running season that starts this month but perhaps next year.

It was both a shock and a joy for me when I attempted my first run after losing about 80 pounds. I kept waiting for the "wall", it didn't come! My heart, lungs, and muscles were keeping me going.

I almost cried, it took me back to when I was a skinny lad who ran everywhere just because I could and it felt good. There is such an elation that comes with realizing that you have another chance at health.

The only thing that slows me down are my 65 year old joints but I work around them.

I'm pre op. Down 35 lbs. and I want to love running. I started the c25k program I'm on week 3. I feel like I'm going to die!

Does it ever get easier? Or will I always feel like I'm going to die!!!!!

Not only does it get easier but it could become, brace yourself, enjoyable!

This time last year I was in the vicinity of 400lbs - yesterday I ran 6.5 miles. If the C25K gets too tough, do NOT hesitate to take it slower but get to that goal.

The first time I ran 5K on the treadmill I cried lol!

EDIT: This popped up on my Facebook timeline right after I posted the above: http://www.runnersworld.com/beginners/top-10-newbie-training-tips?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-Training-_-Top10NewbieTips

Edited March 11, 201412 yr by DonRodolfo

The only time I've ever run in my life was in the Army. Becuz they MADE me run. Hate running. It NEVER got easier, day after day.

I burn just as many calories by walking. Just takes me a little longer. It's nice that I'm pretty patient...

Thank you for this post, very inspiring. I can't wait to be able to run, I'm only 3 weeks out so I'd like to lose a lol bit before I go! But I can't wait to join my friends who do all the fun and special 5k's around the Seattle area, it's definitely a motivator :-)

As mentioned earlier....for me, it's 95% mental. Kind of like most things in life, when you really decide you WANT to do it, you can. Of course there can be physical limiting factors for some, health issues that can't be "ran through".

When I decided to start running, last July, I went 2 miles the first time, VERY slow. I just wanted to get through the two miles. I had no idea what any time would be. I had already been doing quite a bit of cycling cardio for a while, and I've read and heard often "cyclilng leads to running"...I'm a believer!

After that first run, I went to 5k distance, then progressed from there. This Saturday will be my first organized Half Marathon. I'm not sure about ever doing a full, but who knows.......

My suggestions:

1. Go to a running store and get the proper shoes, FOR YOU.

2. Slow down and accomplish the DISTANCE you want first.

3. If something doesn't feel right, find out what it is, and correct it. Running shouldn't hurt.

4. Set realistic goals, maybe an organized 5k run within a couple months.

5. Find out what heart rate is good for you and stick to it....running into a wall halfway sucks.

6.....Buy lots of hangers for all your newest running shirts!

As mentioned earlier....for me, it's 95% mental. Kind of like most things in life, when you really decide you WANT to do it, you can. Of course there can be physical limiting factors for some, health issues that can't be "ran through". When I decided to start running, last July, I went 2 miles the first time, VERY slow. I just wanted to get through the two miles. I had no idea what any time would be. I had already been doing quite a bit of cycling cardio for a while, and I've read and heard often "cyclilng leads to running"...I'm a believer! After that first run, I went to 5k distance, then progressed from there. This Saturday will be my first organized Half Marathon. I'm not sure about ever doing a full, but who knows....... My suggestions: 1. Go to a running store and get the proper shoes, FOR YOU. 2. Slow down and accomplish the DISTANCE you want first. 3. If something doesn't feel right, find out what it is, and correct it. Running shouldn't hurt. 4. Set realistic goals, maybe an organized 5k run within a couple months. 5. Find out what heart rate is good for you and stick to it....running into a wall halfway sucks. 6.....Buy lots of hangers for all your newest running shirts!

Thanks looking forward to seeing how running will change for me!

Running does get easier! I started running in high school because I had to for sports, but as an adult I kept running because it gave me an hour a day where no one could bother me. I fluctuated for years and when I was largest, running was a nightmare. My feet hurt, my knees hurt, everything hurt! I'm still pretty big, but now I can run at a decent pace for 3-5 miles without feeling like I'm going to die (unless I intentionally pick up the pace and push harder). Running is a love/ hate kind of thing. You don't really look forward to going for the daily run, but there isn't much that makes me feel better than a nice hard run, and when it's done- you burned a few hundred calories in the process!

Something important though that someone else mentioned- get fitted for the right shoes. I have one flat foot (weird right?) and running became so much more enjoyable when I finally bought a good pair of shoes a few years ago that are designed for flat feet.

Good luck!