Running and resources

So, I saw this story on Facebook today. It's actually 2 years old, but it's worth looking at if you're obese and think you shouldn't run for fear of injury. Here's the story. It's about a woman who may have been told she shouldn't run...because she may injure herself. She ignored that advice and shared it on her blog, which at the time seemed to have the same intention as the one you're reading now. It gained attention and now, 2 years later, it's a pretty interesting resource for anyone who's overweight and is interested in running.

I read the article because it recently came to my attention that shin splints aren't the result of a lot of body weight pressing down on a particular part of the body. They are only the result of a weak muscle. The muscle behind your shin bone. I can't say that's the only reason, but body weight isn't really the reason you may get shin splints.

That's what someone told me a few years ago. They lied? Maybe they didn't know. I was foolish enough to listen to them, though. They may have meant what they said in a different way. A year ago, I never thought I'd be running a 5k. Now, once or twice a week or more, even, I run 5k+. But things have changed between last year and now. I've lost several pounds and some inches! With the help of my trainer, I've conditioned my muscles and work on them weekly (if not daily). I've also improved my core and my ability to balance. My body has, and is still, changing.

Does that mean that a year ago I could have started running? Consistently? Without putting myself through agony? No, not necessarily. I don't know, really. But I do know that starting out with intense exercise and not just easing into it hasn't worked for me in the past when I've tried to lose weight and workout more. So, there's that.

Anyway, the point is that I can run. And maybe you can, too. Maybe a little bit of prep work and a little bit of knowledge might help you. Go to the About and Starting Out pages of this site. It's a UK site, so the resources and spellings of words are British, but... at least you can read it and maybe get something out of them. :)



Once you're reading that and all ready to run, you should check out my friend Laura's review of Melissa McCarthy's movies (e.g., The Heat, Bridesmaids, Tammy, etc.) and how they continue to carry the stereotype of fat females as being desperate, foolish, and less deserving of love. She thoroughly sums up why I hated Bridesmaids (hardly funny) very well. I think you might like it, too.