Running Advice?

I'm still in that six weeks where I can't run, but I've been doing what I can on the treadmill in the meantime. I got to the point where I can walk 60 minutes at 2mph.  Next I'm going to work on increase my incline to 1% (to simulate wind resistance) and then I'll start increasing my speed by .1 every time I go.  

I kind of sort of maybe want to be a runner, though.  My partner is a marathoner (since he's insane) and I sort of think it would be nice to be able to run with him.  I've never wanted to do such a thing, I think the doctor might have implanted an alien during my surgery.  

Do I need to wait to a certain weight before I can actually start running?  My knees have sucked for forever, so do I need to wait until I get to 200 or some other arbitrary weight?  I've completed C25K on the elliptical in the past, but running is "impactful" and totally different.  I really want to avoid any injury that will give me a setback.  And my partner, though amazing and knowledgeable about running, is not knowledgeable about obesity!  

(Running in the real world is an option that I'll partake of in the future, but right now I'm appreciate the consistency, and bathroom, that the treadmill at the gym provide.)  

You don't need to be a certain weight, but you should focus on building up the strength in your legs, particularly your thighs.  Those muscles are what support your knees and hips.  Think squats, lunges, that type of thing.  Google it and you'll find all sorts of helpful leg exercises.

Also ensure that you go to a running shoe store and have them check your gait.  Good running shoes are essential!

If you can, do your work outside - a treadmill is completely different than running on pavement or even a running track.  If C25K is too hard right now, the Mayo Clinic has a learn to run program that starts you out with 15 seconds at a time if I remember correctly.  And running doesn't mean sprinting - go nice and slow so you can build your endurance and not injure yourself.

Good luck to you!

Thank you so much!  I'll check out that Mayo Clinic program :)  Thankfully I do have awesome shoes since I went to a running store last year.  Although I have a feeling that I might want to get rechecked in 6 months or so, if not sooner, so that's really great advice.  

I'll look into leg exercises too - that's a great idea.  

I think getting up to 3-4 mph walking with an incline of 2-5 percent is a good start.  then do a Couch to 5K type training.  I have an app on my phone that I am using: "Couch to 5K" The company is Active.com 
"Active Network"  I basically just do what it tells me to do.  It says walk, I walk. It says jog 4 mph I increase the speed on the treadmill and jog.  SUPER easy.

I think the most important thing is that you listen to your body.  Start slow and if your knees tell you they hurt, do something else. I'm doing the Hustle up the Han****1/2 climb = 55 floors). I was concerned my knees wouldn't hold out. I started slow and so far so good, it's next week. I've also started going to a bootcamp class.  Again, listen to your body. 

Thanks!  I use the Zombies Run 5K training app and really love it.  

I feel like I've worked on ignoring my body for the last 37 years of my life, know what I mean?  Listening to it can be a challenge and I appreciate the reminder.  

Don't push to run, you'll injure yourself if not ready for it.  Walk first!

You should spend as much time as you can walking.  Push for more steps every day and on weekends.  You're going to be sore, but other time you won't be.  You're rebuilding your strength.

At some point in the future you'll be more comfortable running in small doses.  Then you repeat the cycle all over, run a little, deal with the soreness, eventually you can run more.

I am definitely walking first - I've gotten up to 60 minutes at a time post-op and will be keeping that up until I'm cleared to do more.  (But increasing the speed by very teeny increments.)  

You don't need to wait for a certain weight. Right now you won't be able to run but 30 to 60 seconds at a time. I would suggest a program like C25K (couch to 5k), its a great program and there are a couple of great apps for it. It will help you build your endurance. Yes your knees and ankles will hurt but you will lose weight fast enough that that will stop within a few weeks.

My best recommendation if you really want to run is to spend the money on a good pair of running shoes. Go to a running store and have them evaluate your gait and tell you what the best shoe for you is. They should give you a couple of options but all those types of shoes are priced in the same range so its not like if they are recommending the most expensive shoe they are trying to gouge you. Expect to spend around $120. It makes a humungous difference. Also I would NOT recommend running on a treadmill. Running outside is much more difficult and you will get a lot more out of it. Plus if you ever really want to run a 5k, they are almost never indoors.

I would recommend getting your walking speed up to 3 or 4mph before incline, then go for incline. My "base" walk is 3mpg @ 4% incline. My pre-workout warm up is 5 mins, 3mpg, starting at 7% and increasing 2% every minute to end at 15%.

I use the Zombies Run 5K training plan and have liked it in the past on the elliptical.  It rocks.  

I did go to a running store last year and got fitted for awesome shoes that I love, I figure I'll probably go back in 6 months or so to see if they're still the best shoes for me.  (I'm on my third pair now.)  I assume I'll also have to go back to the podiatrist to make sure my orthotics still fit correctly.  

Like I said in my post, right now the treadmill is great for the consistency and proximity of the bathroom.  I do intend to run outside when I feel prepared.  (Well, and once I'm cleared for more than walking.)