Running with a Gut!

Ok this is not the most pleasant of topics but does anyone else who has a gut go running and have issues with the wobble that happens? I have a lower gut and an upper gut (above the belly button) this upper gut is causing a lot of problems when i ramp up my running. I typically run in my comfort zone about 4.3 mph I am trying to ramp it up a bit for spurts of intensity to 7 mph which suprisingly feels great for a 1/4 mile but the gut wobble starts to effect the progress because if feels like the gut is pulling me down. Is anyone else having this problem or could suggest what has been used to help (besides the obvious loosing weight har har har)until I can get the weight down.

Maybe wear workout clothes that suck that part of you in a little bit. I wear yoga pants that can be pulled up past your belly and also full length sports bra tops that can do the same thing. Hope that helps!

I think that is why they make tight workout clothes. Get a tight shirt (even if you prefer to put it under a baggy one) or some kind of band that fits tight around your waist and covers the problem areas. Some back supports might work but you don't want them rubbing your skin so try them on first.

The make something called compression gear. Companies like UnderArmour make it...but you can probably find it cheaper some where else. Make sure you try it on before you buy it because you want to make sure that it really is tight...and not too tight. Exercise companies sometimes have weird sizing.

You can maybe buy a band that goes around your waist. I know after I had my son I really had the wobbly belly (still do but a little smaller) but would hold it down. I was adjustable with Velcro. But I wouldn't recommend it on your skin because that was irritating. So I would put it over your cloths and if you want put a shirt over that to conceal it.

Whatever you do... Don't Stop running. Keep at it and the gut will go away.

Yea...agree with above...a workout 'girdle', like one of those sweat wraps might help.

On a side, doing fartlegs like you are might be the best for now. Going from a 4.3 to a 7 pace is quite an increase. Bones are getting pounded, stress on the lower back, knees, etc. 10% rule usually applies to all increase in running (speed, distance, time). Don't know how long uve been running, but usually around the 2-3 week mark is where you start getting injuries.

I would suggest trying to increase your comfort pace to 4.5 - 5, and keep your fartleg pace at 7 for 1/4 mile. As your base comfort pace increases, your gut will decrease (hopefully), core will become stronger in controlling the sway, and you can increase your fartleg pace or duration with reduce possibility of injury.

Be carefull, don't hurt yourself. Then you won't be able to do anything. I have made that mistake in the past. It is better to walk fast or do activities with less impact until you are in better shape.

I agree with SteveMathis, don't over do it. Weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise. Continue to be active but really focus on your diet.

Also weight-bearing, muscle building exercises will have a more profound positive impact on your health than excessive cardio.

You could also try a triathlon suit. Performance Bikes has one on sale right now and I have priced others. I occasionally use my cycling bibs with another shirt and running tights over them.

When I had a gut it bounce and make my shorts fall down. Running while tugging up your pants isn't easy!

LOL thats what I am dealing with now Not for long though!!

My husband wore the compression pants/tops that mvngon referenced until his disappeared (and trust me when I say, from running more than anything, disappear it did! And fast!) So it's going to stink for a while, but it will be so worth it. And running intervals as you've been doing will do it faster than ever. Good luck!

Thanks everyone, I will definately have to look into the under armor BUT I did get he bally's compression band I think they called it a weight loss belt LOL (like it is gonna magically make you loose weight) but it is working great! I LOVE running. I keep my pace at 5 mph but I was doing speed work and that is when it bothered me. I went from 242 to 220 then the holidays came and I went up to 230 (in 4 days!) but am getting it back off now. I appreciate all the posts. shmiller, I am hoping to one day run this all off but I am only doing 40 min at a time nothing over 3 miles currently. BUT if anyone wants a short kick butt litterally workout try the brazillian butt in 20 HOLY COW I still am trying to get past the first 10 minutes ROFLMAO!