Is it a good plan

[danr79]

Does this plan work peps.

[tobyswallow]

Yes.

[jadaromi Graduate]

I am 56, had not run for almost 40 years. Although quite fit never did any running. In August I started c25k, the first run was awful, so out of breath and totally shattered and nearly gave up. But, I persevered and completed the 9 weeks. Now running 5k three times a week and enjoying it immensely. Like a lot of activities, you only get out of it what you put in and everyone is different. So on a personal level all I can say is a huge yes, the plan works.

[jadaromi Graduate]

I am 56, had not run for almost 40 years. Although quite fit never did any running. In August I started c25k, the first run was awful, so out of breath and totally shattered and nearly gave up. But, I persevered and completed the 9 weeks. Now running 5k three times a week and enjoying it immensely. Like a lot of activities, you only get out of it what you put in and everyone is different. So on a personal level all I can say is a huge yes, the plan works.

[pot58 Graduate]

Yes!!! Do it!

[hilbean Graduate]

Mission under progress! But judging by the number of graduates on here, yes it works. I find it really useful and being part of this community is a real bonus. You can share your thoughts and concerns and it really does help with motivation. In my opinion great programme, great community. But at the end of the day it will really be up to you!

[Barbarajs Graduate]

Yes for sure. I'm about half way through and have never run in my life. I'm 46 and stopped smoking 2.5 years ago. I walk miles a week as a dog walker but that's it. Loving it and have also got 3 friends doing it, one with me and two friends a week ahead.

Go for it

[runner56 Graduate]

Yes it does.

I went from struggling to run for 60 seconds to running a half marathon in the space of 7 months. Without C25K, that me shaped dent in the couch would just have gotten bigger.

It is hard at times but soooooo worthwhile.

Give it a go

[Jonny1 Graduate]

Definitely. Just read the posts on here.

[Ballanty Graduate]

It works plus it makes you feel good about your self but at time it can bee hard

[no-excuse Graduate]

Yes, yes, yes! Go for it, x

[danr79 in reply to no-excuse]

Going to start it on Monday e thinks:)x

[lisarich Graduate]

Yes - do it! I have just come back from my W6 R3 & completed 25 minutes of running - my first run was a killer & I thought I would never do it, but here I am looking forward to starting next week - it REALLY REALLY works. Just don't go too fast, I started off going fast, which is what was tiring me out, my pace has sorted itself out over the weeks - I highly recommend it

[Theziggy Graduate]

It certainly does - but like all plans it only works if you work at it and with it.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Yes. I started and believe in it so much I now volunteer as admin. Everyone comes at it from different levels and it set up to allow you to find your own. Also being part of the forum offers lots of encouragement and inspiration to help with the motivation. Go for it.

[gingernut49 Graduate]

It certainly does. I started at 63 and the first week was a struggle but I persevered and graduated nine weeks later. I preferred the podcasts and downloaded them to play as mp3 files on my phone. I run three times a week, and even run to the cinema two miles away each week, watch a film and run home! I'd previously lost three stone with the 5:2 diet, and now at almost 65 I've never been as slim, fit and healthy!

[tal31 Graduate]

Yes! It's fantastic. I'm not remotely sporty but it's the best thing I've ever done and I wish I'd done it years ago. Go for it - you won't regret it

[Tomas Graduate]

No. It's a rubbish plan. It doesn't work at all. That's why we're all posting here on a regular basis and following the plan.

Sorry danr79, but it's a f****d up question to be asking on a site dedicated to said plan. It's a bit like going into a BMW dealership and asking "are these German cars really any good?".

[danr79 in reply to Tomas]

Whopper!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You are probably approaching this innocently as an individual who wants to be fitter, well C25k does that in bucket loads, but be warned, running can be addictive and your life may never be the same again! IT WORKS!!

[runningphobe_no_more Graduate]

It worked for me - my screen name was no joke when I began in April, soon after my 60th birthday. I have NEVER been a runner - I was amazingly good at avoiding it most of the time at school, even. The first week seemed impossible, but now I run 4K three times a week (takes 32mins - I'm still slow). I can run 5K, but that has to be on non-work days when I have more time. I'm seriously considering going into training for 10K in the spring.

I now sleep better, have lost my chronic indigestion (I can even eat pizza before bed if I want to), my blood pressure has gone down and I am probably going to be able to reduce my medication. My breathing has improved so I can sing again (maybe not a plus for everyone round me). I have lost some weight, but more importantly my shape has changed for the better. And I feel good about myself. What more could I ask?

I found the programme almost by accident, and I can't remember how I came across this forum, but the two together are fantastic.

Two pieces of advice if you go for it:

1) Get good shoes

2) Listen to Laura - and never, never worry about speed - just concentrate on keeping going for the required length of time, however slowly.

PS The runs are still hard - but the exhilaration after is more than worth it.

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

Yep, it works. Started early this year, just ran my first 10k fell race. Over a mountain. For fun.

[kickibro Graduate]

Yes, it does.

I started in February of this year and ran 11k non stop last week and am training for a marathon half in March and a full in autumn. I am aged 48 and there are people in their 60's here too.

[danr79 in reply to kickibro]

How fantastic,I have always been poor at running I'm ex smoker which does not help,you must love it!

[kickibro Graduate in reply to danr79]

I'm an ex smoker too. Twice I have quit. I am not aiming for a third time lol. I have more will power now too x

[danr79 in reply to kickibro]

I too have give up a few times three years I lasted and started again I have done 2 months now x

[kickibro Graduate in reply to danr79]

The first time was 13 years so it was madness to start again. I have been nicotine free about 2 years now but I only smoked for about 9 months before quitting again.

[danr79 in reply to kickibro]

Thats good going do you enjoy a beer as I have kicked that into touch also?

[kickibro Graduate in reply to danr79]

I like a wine but not every day lol

[helingmic]

Yes, it does and will amaze you. Once you start, you will see you can do it. Oh and since other put there age down, I'm 65. I 've bronchiectasis which should have impeded me. But it doesn't. I don't really get short of breath in a worrying manner. Every stage feels good when you've done it. You may approach it with daunting, but your body will push you and you will amaze yourself. I was worried at the start, but that went as I started and I saw how good it made me feel. Highly recommended!

[Pollynorris Graduate]

Absolutely - it does. I'm 44 and started the year very overwright,band out of condition. Following this plan and one of the follow on plans has got me - injury free, fitter than ever and at my ideal weight - through a half marathon 10 months after starting

[danr79 in reply to Pollynorris]

Just done 2.5k it nearly killed me my chest was on fire serves me right for smoking all them years!

[Pollynorris Graduate in reply to danr79]

The thing is you're doing it now.

[danr79 in reply to Pollynorris]

Did 3.5 Sunday night and just done 5.5k tonight really surprising myself

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to danr79]

Well done danr79. Start another post and tell us all about it. We really do want to hear how you get on. Great decision to start. Good luck.