Baby Steps

Hi . You can absolutely run a marathon someday and it is wonderful that your son is so supportive! Back in my journalism days, I was a marathoner and I wrote a column for our newspaper's sports section about running. I knew and interviewed people who had been obese who became avid runners. I also knew several people who took up running in their 50s, 60s and 70s and even one woman who ran her first race at 80.
Patience is the key. I would suggest giving yourself at least two years (if not more) to lose the weight and train. You don't have to be slim to run a marathon, but extra pounds means extra energy for that 26.2-mile trek and extra pounding on your joints. For one marathoner I knew, 300 pounds was the turning point in her life. When she saw that number on the scale, she got up the courage to join a gym and start weightlifting. The stronger she got, the healthier she want to eat. Within a year, she gotten down to 185 pounds and a lot of that was muscle. That's when she started running.
Keep in mind though that she was young and single and had no responsibilities other than her job. She had plenty of time for weightlifting. Life happens as we get older. Sociological forces can make weight loss and exercise harder. It's good to push yourself, but you should also be kind to yourself and celebrate even the smallest of victories.
When you feel ready to run a marathon, seek out a training program for first-timers. That will help you prevent an injury. Most training programs span six months to a year. Who knows? Maybe your son will run with you.
Regardless, know that we're here for you and that you are you whether you are 350 pounds or 150 pounds. You are not your weight. Sending the best of all wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member)