Running isn't just for little guys (or girls)!

Greetings one and all,

Welcome to the inaugural communiqué from and for the big boned runner. A fellow big boned runner and I are on the road to becoming marathoners. We both agree that we like how we feel now, 12 weeks into consistent running, compared to how we felt 13 weeks ago. The purpose of this blog/site is to create a forum for we big boned runners. I've heard of certain races with a "Clydesdale" class of runner but I've not come across one of those races. I enjoy running and consider myself a runner, but most of the stuff I see for runners is for little people. I hope with this place in cyberspace we can come together to support each other, provide advice (both solicited and unsolicited), and provide encouragement as we put one foot in front of the other down the road to running nirvana.

One of the complaints many big boners have is that running hurts the joints, blah blah blah. Anyone can run. The challenge is easing into the activity. Some of us big boners are better off walking at first and slowly transitioning into a run. My running buddy successfully completed the Couch to 5K program (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) which is just such a plan. I started running a few years ago with a friend who ran track in college. I couldn't run 5 minutes with out needing to stop, but through consistent trips to the fitness track got to a point where I could run a 5K. This wasn't an ease into it program, but rather a no pain no gain program. I didn't burn out, but wasn't really consistent after a time, so with this new running stint, I considered myself a beginner.

The important thing is being consistent. Fitting 30 minutes of fitness into your daily routine 3 to 6 days a week. Lace up the shoes and get out the door. If you can be consistent you can be a runner whether the initial runs are 2 minutes, 30 seconds or 2 hrs. Consistency is key; get out there no matter what. Through rain, sleet and even snow running can be fun. And if you cant run, cross train. You don't need a gym, only your body an open mind and some creativity and a vigorous work out can be had.

We will post regularly and as the community of big boned runners increases we can join our smaller brethren as we take to the roads challenging ourselves--running.