Fat guy running shoe suggestions?

now that I appear to be on the irreversible path to my second divorce, I need to get back in shape for dating. Back in '86 I lost about 60 pounds in 6 months and I was running pretty regularly. I've been riding my stationary cycle to start back on some aerobic conditioning but at some point my old flat feet are going to have to hit pavement. Any suggestions on shoes?

Don't go to a place like Foot Locket. Go to a real running store. They know what they're doing and they can get the right shoes for you. There's a lot more to finding the right ones than you would think. Bring your old shoes too, as it will help them assess your gait. Good ones aren't cheap, but will help prevent you from hurting yourself, especially at the beginning.

Start by walking first. 1986 was a long time ago.

Hey Stroker, I am one of Clems friends. I recommend going to the Starting Block on Forum. The will analyze your stride and get you a good shoe.

Im a fat ass with bad knees. Saucony progrids.

singleslammer wrote: Hey Stroker, I am one of Clems friends. I recommend going to the Starting Block on Forum. The will analyze your stride and get you a good shoe.

A real running store that analyzes your gait is a great start. After that, check with your doc, then find a good running program. There are lots of good beginner programs, often along the lines of a "Couch to 5K".

This is how I got back into running after years of injuries, etc. It was a great way to build up miles without overdoing it. Don't worry about repeating weeks if you don't feel confident with progressing further.

The big factor is consistency and motivation. Figure out how to achieve those and you're golden. Involving other people is usually helpful.

How fat guy we talkin here?

I'm 235 (down from 250) and have been running and second the runnjng store suggestion. I need to replace the shoes I got lasr time from gait analysis. I'm also working on minimalist shoes and can run about 1.5 miles in those and they actually have been helping with knee/ankle pain because I tend to heel strike in normal shoes. Good luck and sorry about the divorce.

You also have to accept the fact that a fat guy has to replace those expensive shoes more often because they break them down faster.

On a related note, I swore off Nikes years ago because most of them tend to get pretty narrow towards the toe. They weren't working out for me.

I've tried a few different brands, but decent inserts from a place like Ideal Feet + New Balance works for me.

I had lost 15 or so until we went on vacation in November, then the holidays etc. Need to lose that................then some more.

I dunno how old you are but lose as much weight as possible before you start running... your knees will thank you.

Try not to get too out of shape during your next relationship.

Try and find a non paved/hard surface to run on if you have them in your area.

Next you might want to think about changing how your feet land. It takes time to get used to and build up the right muscles in your legs, but it might help to run on your tip toe area. This acts as a natural suspension, and is a how we might run without the invention of thick shoes. When we land on our heels the impact goes straight to the knees. If you do get to this point shoes with little or no cushion do well, and reduce risk of turned ankles.

No one can share a perfect tip for you so i think you need to go on a sports related store and they can suggest you which shoes are best for you.

Sorry to hear about the divorce.

Have you considered biking for a while first? Or maybe even biking instead of running?

^Good suggestion.

The_Jed wrote: Have you considered biking for a while first? Or maybe even biking instead of running?

If traffic there is anything like it is here, I REFUSE to ride a pedal powered bike on the public roads. Too many overweight trucks, adults and teens yaking on the phone, blind corners, no shoulders, etc....

But I can easily hit up the local HS track to get some miles in.... Or the HS football stadium stairs.

Biking is really good for getting your cardio performance back up, but like you said, you'll have to put feet on the ground eventually. I don't know much about your area in MO, but I would suggest trying a mix of street and trail running to reduce the impact while you build up your running strength. The added bonus to trail running aside from the softer surface is that you're really working the stabilizing muscles that you wouldn't be working by running all road mileage, and you have changing scenery to keep you from getting bored.

I have been running for about 12 years now, and utterly hate running on roads or pavement, and always have trouble finishing my runs, but put me on a hiking trail or singletrack and I'm out through the trees like a deer. Gone.

sobe_death wrote: I have been running for about 12 years now, and utterly hate running on roads or pavement, and always have trouble finishing my runs, but put me on a hiking trail or singletrack and I'm out through the trees like a deer. Gone.

Plus 1, except I can't claim to be deer-like. Pavement hurts.

I too, am a tad overweight. For pavement I like the latest version of the Brooks Adrenaline. They'll work fine on most trails, too, that is you don't need trail shoes to try trails which I agree you should if possible.

nocones wrote: How fat guy we talkin here?

300 and change.

I did some Googling on the subject and apparently I'm already wearing one of the more recommended shoes for my situation (Brooks Beasts). The current pair are worn out so I thought I'd ask for some suggestions in case there was something better out there.

I may try some swimming, too.

Two words: New Balance.

They have awesome running shoes and are fat guy friendly. They also have a good selection of wide widths too. I'm lucky and have the actual factory store somewhat nearby, and I hit that up every year and pick up a couple of pairs dirt cheap.

That reminds me... I need to get my fat body back in shape too... I was advised by my doctor not to try running yet. If you are heavy, it can severely damage your knees. Walking and riding a bike might be a better choice to start out.

Skip the running. Cycling and Yoga is the answer. This from a guy who ran track and cross country, albeit a long, long time ago.