I am 20 stone, very unfit and feel like my lungs are going to burst on uphill 30-min walks I have begun doing. Is C25K suitable for me?

[OwenA]

[crox Graduate]

I started at 18 stone took it steady and completed it. I did modify things in the early days though, shorter runs, longer walks, repeated until I was ready, that kind of thing. I'd recommend myfitnesspal as a companion to the c25k if you're serious about losing weight.

18 months ago I could barely run for 30 seconds, on Sunday I ran 21km non stop in 2 hours 55 seconds, if you want it, you can do it.

[OwenA in reply to crox]

Thanks! I do want it... just that I worry even when I'm walking uphill that something is going to give way!

[crox Graduate in reply to OwenA]

I know what you mean, I was worried too

To start with I wore ankle straps and tubigrips on my knees.

Don't try to run too fast, listen to your body.

[Hidden in reply to crox]

I have always been impressed by runners and what they have achieved ~ but you are right up there with Roger from 'Running for my existence' on Youtube.

I take my hat off to you.

[rwbldn in reply to crox]

Do you mind me asking how your weight has changed in that time? Cheeky I know, but very interested.

[crox Graduate in reply to rwbldn]

Not cheeky at all, my weight has dropped from (excuses me being metric) 112kg to 76kg I think that's about 5 stone. Or from morbidly obese to top end of healthy. I'd like to lose another 5kg or so, but I'm in no rush.

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

Hi! I was 18st 10lbs when I started weight watwatchers & a few lbs lighter when I began c25k a couple of weeks later. One year on I am 3st 5lbs lighter & ran 11.5km yesterday; my daughter is on week 8 & was over 23 stones when she started; but she's getting to enjoy the benefits weight & mood wise! Take it slow & steady, wear good trainers & repeat runs as you need, keep reading & posting for support & good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Poppy2010]

I have so much respect and admiration for both of you. I am truly humbled.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

You might want to plan some flatter runs to build up your confidence... but I have found running easier than brisk walking. Just bear in mind that initially at least, it's a different movement, doesn't have to be a different speed.

[OwenA]

Thanks everyone - your advice and expressions of support are so valuable!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Start slowly, repeat runs until you are confident, stretch after each run (NHS Choices page) and do it. You may need to buy some proper running shoes, at some stage, and many people swear by gait analysis to make sure you get the correct shoes. As others have said above, this can change you life, with huge health benefits, both physical and mental. Getting started is the hardest thing, so don't put it off. You will not regret it.

Good luck and keep us posted with your progress.

[steve76 Graduate]

Hi, I too was 20 stone when i started c25k nearly a year on and today i weigh 16stone 4lbs, I did redo some weeks but i got their in the end and i done 99% of mine on a treadmill at home which i still do.

I am by no way a fast runner only now i just do 5k in 28. 40 mins,

the weight loss is good motivation and the buying of new SMALLER clothes

Good luck

[mumble]

Hi! I have bad asthma, and used to end up out of breath even after a 3 minute uphill walk. Now, on week 5, I can manage 5 minutes straight running. At the end, I'm breathing heavily, but not out of breath. I repeated some of the weeks. Got stuck on week 4 for a few weeks - it took me a while to get through the whole 5 minutes in 1 go. Now I feel like I've really achieved something!

[theriddler]

I'm about 18st 11 (and asthmatic), and am currently on week 3 of the program.

The best thing about this program is that it deals with interval training, and also you set your own pace (it uses terms like 'brisk walk' and 'light jog') - you always feel you can achieve the next step, and Laura is there encouraging you.

So far so good

[imswan Graduate]

Invest is running trainers and I wear an ankle support, but I'm now on week 4 and my ankle doesn't feel as weak any more. Run at your own pace even if it feels slow and maybe try to find a flat stretch until you get used to the exercises this program is fab- never run anywhere before in my life and I've now done every run for 3 weeks and feel amazing!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Well done for making those first steps of asking questions. As everyone has said take it all at your own pace. I am a definite plodder but loving the confidence it seems to be bringing. I am sure you will be fine but if you really are in any doubt get a nurse or doctor at your practice to give you the ok. That way if your finding it hard at all, you know you are capable. We are after all the beetroot face brigade and proud of it.