I started running at 260. I think that you would be wise to ask a health professional if it's okay to start - an orthopedist or physical therapist would be ideal, otherwise your PCP. Beyond that, here's my advice about how to start running when obese! It's copy/pasted, so just ignore that question about "are your running at all now?" :)

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My #1 suggestion is "OMG DON'T DO C25K." Seriously, it's not the best program out there. I don't know why everyone swears by it! It's got this really stupid week, I forget which one, where you're like "WTF?! You want me to do WHAT?!"

Okay, sorry for all the caps :P

Are you running at all now? Or is running a new thing for you?

I think the "couch" in C25K is misleading. I know, for me, I had to claw my way up to the couch first and only then could I start a 5K program. I think that the initial intervals are too much for someone who is obese, and perhaps for any non-runner.

What's your fitness level at now? Are you able to briskly walk for 30-60 minutes without feeling out of breath or having any joint/leg issues? If you're not, work on that first :) If you are, yay! This would be the progression I'd suggest:

Week 1: walk 5-10 minutes to warm up, run 15 seconds out of every 5 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, walk 5-10 minutes to cool down. STRETCH. (If you don't stretch, you need to start. Seriously. I didn't stretch for forever and it was life changing when I started.) Do this 3x in the week.

Week 2: walk 5-10 minutes to warm up, run 30 seconds out of every 5 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, walk 5-10 minutes to cool down. STRETCH. Do this 3x in the week.

Week 3: walk 5-10 minutes to warm up, run 45 seconds out of every 5 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, walk 5-10 minutes to cool down. STRETCH. Do this 3x in the week.

Week 4: walk 5-10 minutes to warm up, run 60 seconds out of every 5 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, walk 5-10 minutes to cool down. STRETCH. Do this 3x in the week.

You can use most any running app (I like Runkeeper) to set up your intervals. Keep increasing in this manner, adding 15 seconds of running each week. Work up to running 4 minutes out of every 5. If you need to repeat a week, do it.

Once you're at the point where you're running 4 minutes and walking 1, and this feels survivable, consider an app like the Zombies Run 5k Training plan. It's much better than C25K in terms of development and progression. Plus it includes things like stretching and heel lifts and knee lifts that help keep things interesting.

This probably sounds like a insanely slow progression, but, believe me, it's worth it. The number 1 route too injury is trying to do too much too soon and that's even more so for people like us who have jacked up body mechanics due to our obesity. You'll also need to replace your shoes more often than a normal weighted person will - I have to change mine every 200 miles to stave off shin splits. My normal weighted friends can get away with closer to 400 miles between shoes.

If you haven't already done so, get yourself to a speciality running store to get properly fitted for running shoes. You might also consider seeing a podiatrist for custom orthotics, especially if you've had issues with plantar fasciitis in the past! They're a lifesaver for me.

I'm not trying to sound dire or like I'm warning you off running, since I'm not. Running is amazingly awesome and races are the best feeling and the running community is the best ever :) I think everyone should run :D But it's so easy to totally screw yourself up and then you're out of commission healing and no body wants that.

Great week of training for me. Hope everyone is getting out and enjoying the summer

Monday s/f 30 minutes

Tue 60 minutes swim speed focus

Wed 45 run 60 minute swim

Thursday 20 minute s/f 60 minute run with 5 hills

Friday 50 minute bike ride

Saturday 60 minute swim than onto the bike for a 70 minute ride

Sunday 80 minute easy ride

Compression garments are your friend. I tried running (I do an occasional lap at the gym these days as part of my TRX classes) but running isn't for me. I'm now down 98 pounds and have flappy stuff all over. The worst part for me is the arms -- so I use ace bandages to wrap my arms from the elbow to armpit before any physical exercise. (I'm a fencer - as in en garde - and my form is so much better if I'm not being bothered by the flopping of the excess skin against my body). Find compression garments that are comfortable for you. THey will make the running more pleasant (assuming you enjoy it, which you seemed to in the past.) FWIW, even when I was in top shape in HS at 115 pounds, I hated to run. But that's why there's chocolate and vanilla!

Try 10 minutes and see how it feels. The Couch to 5K program is very good for beginners. Generally, you do 1/2 hour of mixed walking and jogging. If after the first day you feel ok, then keep at it. No matter what my weight, running hurts for me as I badly tore up my knees when I was in my teens and am now bone on bone in both knees.

My sister-in-law is tiny and has trouble finding clothes small enough. She wears a lot of Lululemon workout clothes. Have you tried there?

I really like Gap fit workout wear too, but I'm not sure on sizing at the small end since I'm not there yet. It may be worth taking a look at the size chart online - I found it very accurate for me. I think it fits smaller than UA because my XL UA running tights were a full size bigger than my XL gap running tights.