I am fat. I am running.
I am a 36-year old woman with a BMI of roughly 34 (I give this number for reference about my size, even though BMI is a bullshit measure). For 3 years I’ve been learning to run and tackling milestones– up to 7.5 miles now and the sky’s the limit!
When I’m not running, I’m lifting weights (working on bench-pressing bears), swimming, and dabbling in yoga.
I practice Fat Acceptance and Health At Every Size. I do not diet, and I do not seek weight loss. I try my best to accept my body the way it is right now, every day.
Running While Fat 
Hi :) Just wanted to let you know I added you to the body positive defiant athlete list on my blog. XOXOX
Wahoo, a fellow feminist and weightlifting fan. So glad roundtoravishing posted your link so I could find your blog. Followed!
I am 33 overweight and running…do you have any good sources for considerations while running overweight? Im a newbie and upping my mileage this year. would you happen to be a type 2 diabetic? looking for resources on that as well…exhausting google. congrats on your journey
Hi Ted! I started running with the Couch to 5k program. My running since has been pretty self-directed but if you’re good with the 5k distance there are a number of “Bridge to 10k” programs to help you build mileage. As far as considerations– for me, it’s really important to go slow and build all-around strength and flexibility to help avoid injury, and also I work hard at listening to my body– it’ll tell me if there’s a problem.
I’m not a diabetic, so I’m afraid I can’t help there! Good luck to you!
Hi,
Up until recently I’ve always felt too fat to exercise (thanks media!). Finding your blog and reading over some of your early posts has been the push I needed to finally order myself some running shoes and to download the c25k podcasts.
I just wanted to thank you for putting your voice out here and making the world of exercise seem more approachable for other fat women.
Hi Zoe! Thanks for the kind words. Getting active was a big life-changer for me in so many ways, and I’m glad I can share that. Good luck with c25k– come back and let me know how it worked for you! :)
What a fantastic blog. Fitness is a lifestyle; not defined by body type or size, etc. Thank you for voicing what everyone needs to hear…..we don’t need to see any more ‘beautiful people’ in the magazines….I could never be part of that, but then again I don’t need to be, and neither do you.
I’ve nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogging Award. You can accept the award here: http://thescarredrunner.com/2013/06/27/you-like-me-you-really-like-me/. Keep up the great work!
You’re awesome! Just wanted to say that :)
Thanks :)
Hi, I’m new to the concept of physical activity (I’ve been fairly active in a practical sense because I’ve traditionally had to rely on walking and biking as a means of transportation, but I’ve never really adopted exercise as a formal hobby), and I was wondering how much emphasis I should put on strength training (I’m just starting the Couch to 5K program) and whether you have some size positive resources that I can access to help build gym workouts. Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by! The short answer is, do what you love to do. If you love running, run. If you love strength training, do that! I’m not trying to be flip here– but half the battle when you’re starting from inactivity is just to build the habits, and it’s a lot more fun to do that when you enjoy the activity.
My experience was learning, through doing C25k, that I had weakness in certain muscles, and I started strength training to address those. Probably just doing C25k is plenty for you right now, so maybe wait until you’ve achieved that goal and see where you’re at.
It’s not exactly size positive, but the muscle and exercise directory at http://exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html was really helpful for me to find exercises to work certain muscles. They also have plenty of pre-made workout plans. I also like the New Rules of Lifting for Women plan, but it’s also not size positive at all so take it with a grain of salt.
Good luck! Come back and let me know how things are going :)
Body acceptance is a good thing. :) It’s a healthy attitude!
I’m glad that I’ve just found your blog whilst browsing on WordPress!
It really doesn’t matter how much you weigh, as you can do amazing things in terms of fitness :)
I discovered that recently when I jogged 5km without stopping and not feeling too breathless
I’m overweight with a BMI of 30, but that’s not stopping me from training to jog 10km in July at a Race for Life!
From what I’ve read of your blogs so far, they are inspirational :)
Thanks for stopping by! Good luck with your 10k training :)
Just found your blog and I’m excited to discover it. I’m also fat and fit. I would love to run but it doesn’t seem to agree with me. Looking forward to your posts