How long did it take you...: ... to notice a... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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How long did it take you...

TryingSoHard profile image
TryingSoHardGraduate
7 Replies

... to notice a difference?

I'm in the middle of Week 7 and had hoped I'd be able to notice a bit of a difference by now - either in terms of weight-loss, or muscle tone (but preferably both).

If I'm honest though, I can't see any difference whatsoever. I guess I must be fitter, as I'm pretty sure I couldn't have run for 25 minutes seven weeks ago, but where are the outward signs of this?

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TryingSoHard profile image
TryingSoHard
Graduate
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7 Replies
TJFlute profile image
TJFlute

It was a few weeks after graduating for me and then the changes came thick and fast and everyone started commenting on how I looked. Keep going, it will soon be noticable and in the meantime you're changing on the inside, especially your heart.

Pat184 profile image
Pat184Graduate

Hi, just as flute said I was disappointed, then a few weeks after graduation wow 4 lb weight loss and people started commenting about my shape. At 74 I still run (slowly) 3 times a week to maintain the weight loss and fitness. Keep up the good work an you will see rewards. Pat :-)

CouchtoKiltLegs profile image
CouchtoKiltLegsGraduate

Wifey mentioned that my legs were looking good at around graduation time or so. I didn't really notice any change myself until I was sitting down on a wee seat and noticed I could see some nice muscle definition starting on my calves. I don't have huge massive leg muscles but they are starting to look like runner's legs slowly but surely! I would say the physical benefits are slow burners but the emotional and wellbeing benefits are right now matey!

I suppose the point of this program is to teach you the correct technique to get you running safely for 30 mins at a time, rather than focusing just on weight management. - and by building up in the small steps over 9 weeks gives you the skills you need to take it forward & continuing to run....

and it's once you are running for 30 mins continuously, and doing this a few times a week that you will definitely start seeing the changes.

DavD profile image
DavDGraduate

I'm about to finish the NHS C25k programm (at the end of this week) and I just noticed changes on my body and my weight. I completely agree with CouchtoKiltLegs about the 'slow' physical benefits but immediate wellbeing benefits. Don't give up, visible results will come soon. Good luck!

ktaylor217 profile image
ktaylor217Graduate

I noticed changes probably 3-4 months into the running. I have really changed shape, lost half a stone and am at least one dress size smaller. People keep telling me how good I look! Stick with it and the change will happen...

Oldgirl profile image
OldgirlGraduate

Early on I couldn't see any difference but I felt better ALL OVER which for me was great.

Once I had started running 5K's and doing some HIIT I really lost weight and for the first time in over 35 years I didn't have a tummy to speak of. I do find though that I need to keep at it all the time as soon as I slack of the exercise and running it all starts to sag again, for me its an age thing, for younger people I'm sure you will maintain your new slimmer shapes better.

I did however show about 8 young women how to do AeroBox while on holiday, I kept going in the heat for the whole class, bouncing on the balls of my feet the whole time. Now there is no way I could have done that 2 years ago before I took up running. So for fitness its a winner as far as I'm concerned. Good luck with the rest for the programme and well done.

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