Charity work

[Humpy D]

I'm fat and would like to lose some weight. Aside from looking and feeling better, I feel that an extra incentive would be to take part in some kind of charity event. Now I'm not looking at doing anything like running round the UK in a diving suit or anything but something like a 10k or half marathon. I think trying to do a marathon straight off could be a step too far.

Any thoughts/recommendations?

[944fan]

Depends on how overweight you are, your previous running experience, your current fitness and when the marathon is. I was approx 5 stone overweight when I started running. Started with the Couch to 5K plan as I couldn't run for more than a couple of minutes. To begin with it was very hard, I had very bad shin splints and was knackered.

I have now been going about 9 months with a couple of breaks, 2 stone gone. I think I could handle a half marathon but a full one would still require a fair bit of training for me.

Start with a 5 or 10K - there are loads about and build up from there.

When training be sure to build up slowly and listen to your body. Carry additional weight will increase the likely hood of injury. as a bonus though you will see huge improvements as the weight starts to come off.

[speed_monkey]

Have a look at the Tough Mudder challenges or something like Wolf Run, Spartan Race etc.

I did the very first UK Tough Mudder at Boughton house last year, was a riot! I loved every minute of it and was a fantastic incentive to get fitter as i was primarily a "lifter"

ETA: My chosen charity was H4H

[Humpy D]

Thanks for the responses.

I am 5' 9" and about 14 1/2 stone so not enormous but not waif like either.

I think you are right in saying that I should start 'slowly' with probably a 5k and work my way up from there.

[speed_monkey]

Sod that!!

I hadnt done anything like that before (since leaving the forces) and jumped in the deep end..... its scary enough to make you work for it and i kind of over estimated how hard it would be and was more than ready for it.

Even if I wasnt as fit as I was I know i'd have done it as the atmosphere and comradery around you is incredible.

Honestly look it up.... 1/2 marathon distance with insane obstacles to break the monotomy of the miles.

FYI i'm 5ft9, 12 stone and 32" waist