Ive been watching posts on here for a few weeks. I am contemplating trying tbe C25K but really think im kidding myself !
I have lost 4 1/2 stones recently but im still overweight. Ive never run in my life and wonder if I could actually do this ?
Has anyone started feeling totally out of their depth and suceeded ?
I couldn't run 30-45 seconds on week one without stopping because I felt terrible- breathless, sick, dizzy but I just this eve ran (by run I mean slope jog!) for 20 slid minutes with no break or walks at all - that's only 5 weeks later. There are good days and really tough runs but if you stick to the plan it seems to work!! Give it a try 
"Straight" not slid!!
Oh yes!!
I would take couch to 5k more as couch to 30 continuous minutes as the first step but then on to 5k, 10k and beyond!
It really, really, really works 
If you tap on my username and scroll through to my 'hello from the other side' post it outlines my journey
Wow JT; just read that post; you are one awesome lady x
Cheers xx
That is the great thing, there are loads of 'reward points'. I mean stages that you complete and think WOW, that is amazing that I did that! And they come quickly, to keep you interested. I started three months ago, can now run for 4 km, and spend a lot of time pinching my legs thinking 'OMG I have muscle tone!'. Still massively 1/3 my body weight overweight, but the journey is ongoing.
I tried to start jogging before and jogged 30 seconds and was breathless so give up and labeled myself as jogging is not for me. I then watched the London marathon and saw a link for c25k. I downloaded this and started the programme following it religiously as well as simple things like cutting out crisps and biscuits. I have lost 8 kg and now onto W6 r3. So to sum up believe in the programme, do not rush and take all the advice offered and you will be wearing that graduate badge before you know it
Definitely. I always used to think I can't run, no chance but it's worked for so many people and it seriously works. Tomorrow is my wk5 run3 which is 20 mins running (very slow jog/ shuffle)
It also becomes quite addictive; it's exciting to see how far you've come in a relatively short space of time from the very 1st walk/jog of week 1.
There's so many inspirational people on this site, always willing to encourage others so you won't be alone.
Start it tomorrow, you won't regret it x
I'm maybe 5-6 stone overweight, dodgy knees, tight hamstrings, calves, asthmatic, proper chicken when it comes to social exercise classes and gyms and spend most of my day in front of a computer (both at home and at work). I never thought I would be even capable of running for more than 5 mins let alone 30, and outside in front of real people too. Graduated this week and just stunned how this programme builds you up and gives you a sense of achievement every week. Most I've managed to run is 45 mins in one go. I would never have thought I could do that! I'm still proper slow but I know that'll build up. Having had friends in the same situation as me and now running several 10ks a month, I know it works!
Me too. Never thought it possible but after two years I can run at will. Any distance. Longest run. A couple of hours.
I started off fat and fifty. Not any more. . I couldn't do the first run. And some runs are tough. Running is a mind game c25k. Gives you the skills and confidence to challenge yourself. I promise you that you can do this. I am still shocked that I did it. Remember to have confidence in yourself.
Find some nice routes, don't push too hard and enjoy
Oh boy does it work :-). I think you would be amazed at how many of us were in exactly the same situation.
It isn't easy, but it is designed for people in your/our situation. The biggest mistake everybody seems to make is going FAR too quickly, as others have said, it is about getting you moving up to 30 minutes, regardless of speed.
Have a read through healthunlocked.com/couchto5...... and healthunlocked.com/couchto5... (posts are mine, wisdom is others :-))
So yes, categorically yes. The other bonus is it isn't just about mechanics, it also gives you many mental wins as well!
Go on, go for it!
(Typed on an iGadget so apologies for chubby-fingered-mistakes :-))
I was 67YO and had never been able to run in my entire life. I saw something for C25K - had a look at it and saw that I had to run for 1 minute 8 times over on the first day!!!! Whoa!!!! No way !!! So I did this 7 week Mayo Clinic programme first - mayoclinic.org/healthy-life... -- I only had to run for 15 seconds at a time-- AND I DID!! Then I completed C25K - that was all a couple of years ago now I am training for a half Marathon in July.
You can do it!!!
So, in other words, you're starting from the exact point where 90% of us started... yet, here we all are; still alive and mostly happy.
All you need to do to succeed is believing in yourself and following the programme; we'll be with you along the way, to help the best we can.
Start it and follow others and post you will be supported all the way. Into w5 for me and really didn't think I could run to the gate. Bad sciatica and iffy vertebra and needed to repeat a week but addicted too. I read a post early on from a man who said his sciatica had improved with running, sceptically, I began and although still plump, I move better, have little sciatica and more energy than before. What have you got to lose Jevand ?
Just reading your reply made me realise that my sciatica has got better as well 😐 used to get several flare ups a week and thinking back I had one last week and that was after a very lazy day (!) but not for a few weeks before or since.....funny how I hadn't noticed when its been a pain for so long. Maybe all the other aches and pains from exercising have taken over lol 😄😄 x
Haha,yes I have woken up very stiff and achy today through both legs but no sciatica?! I have also found I have had an odd twinge of it when I have spent too long at the computer working. Now to decide if to work in the garden weeding will irritate muscles too much for w5r3 tomorrow🤔
Yes you can do it.
No you won't quite believe you can do it at the start.
Yes you will be out of breath and panting like a good un with a big red sweaty face initially.
Yes you will get a few niggles from your body protesting in the early days as it gets used to the extra demands you place on it.
Yes you will doubt your ability when you look forward at the coming weeks.
Then something really magical happens.
You realise you can actually run.
You realise you can actually run for 20 mins straight.
You start to believe in yourself and the programme.
You realise that all of a sudden you are near the end of the course.
You realise you are a runner and it feels great.
You realise there are lots of great new running clothes and shoes and gadgets to buy.
It's a journey and sometimes is it hard, but it's so fulfilling and confidence building. It's a life changer.
Go do it, you know you want to or you wouldn't be here.
When it's going good come here and post and tell about it as we all like to see people progress.
When it's going bad come here and tell us about it as most of us have have been there and can offer some sound advice.
Then when you graduate (and it really is possible), come here and let us know as we love to cheer and congratulate the fantastic achievement 😀
You need to put this post on the homepage/an advert/leaflet - it's great 😀
Why thank you that's high praise indeed.
I am passionate about C25K, I do thinks it's magical.
I had never run before Feb of this year and I've just got back from a local Parkrun where the wife and I managed a sub 30 minute 5k 😀
I'm still buzzing!
How fantastic, well done!! I'm not brave enough to try park runs yet but am beginning to see they may be possible soon.
Me and the Mrs love Parkrun, it's the only time we get to run together.
They are a brilliant concept and nothing to be scared of, you could go next week and run/walk the course. People can just walk the course if they want.
Some people wait and do thier first Parkrun as the graduation run, you will find the atmosphere tends to bring out the best in you.
Come on, Jevand, bet you read all of the above posts now. Tie your shoes and get out there. Not tomorrow. Now. Plunge in. It is going to be the best thing you have ever done for yourself, and we will help you get there. Off you go now 🏃🏃🏃
I think we all did!!! I started 3 years ago at 43 years old, I got puffed out running for a flipping bus!!! When Laura told me I would be running for 30 minutes after the 9 week programme I burst out laughing as there was no way I could see myself doing it!!!! However I did... It's not easy but the programme is designed to get you there. I will never look back, and I've also run 2 marathons now!!! Huge well done on the weight loss that will help, and good luck I promise it works....
--- off topic ---
You know I would have never guessed your age? I thought we were about the same age, which means either you look 10-yr younger than you are... or I look 10-yr older than I am
--- off topic ---
you absolutely can! You have done well with losing weight and that will help your running journey, Some start right away before trying to lose weight, and others like you and me, lost some before starting. I would suggest , if you are really unfamiliar with exercise, you start going out for walks 3 times /week for a few weeks before starting c25k , will just help get you moving and into a routine. Then when you start the programme, take it really slowly, the biggest mistake we often make is trying to go too fast and then thinking we can't manage it! Its a mental thing too, believe you can do it and you will, and if it gets tough, and when its great, we will all be here to help encourage you through it! Good luck!
Yes yes yes! I'm a jog leader for Jog Okwood in Derby. Where Jogging group for ll abilities and we specialise in absolute beginners using the run walk method. The one thing I would say is the c25k ramps up in the middle quite quickly. Don't let this put you off. Just do what you can. Take walk breaks if required.
"Do. Or do not. There is no try". The idea is in your head - you want to do it, or you wouldn't be here. So stop skirting around it, get yourself a pair of trainers and come on in - the water's great We're all rooting for you!
I started C25k 5 or 6 weeks ago.
Previously, I hadn't run for a quarter of a century (!)
I used to loathe running at school. Now, I love it. I can't wait for the next run to come around.
If we can do it Jevand , you certainly can
Hi and welcome, think you get the general idea from what everyone has said already ,
The short answer to your question is No you are not kidding yourself.
You have already shown great determination with your weight loss, well done on that.
Can you do this? Dam right you can ☺
The only way you will know for sure is to do it. Anyone can tell you how great it is but only you can have that experience and do it for yourself. Give it a go, I dare you!
Can't add to what has already been said so well but just wanted to wish you lots of luck. If we all believe them maybe so should you! ☺
Just to add to the chorus. Yes it is possible, and most definitely worth it. I'm on my second graduation because I fell out of the habit 3 years ago when I changed jobs.
In that three years I gained a further two stone and I was already in the obese category. I this time really hesitated about coming back, but with encouragement from GP and husband I began by losing two stone and then pulling on the trainers and tracksuit bottoms. It didn't look pretty.
I'm now three weeks beyond that graduation, another stone lighter, and still running three times a week. It will be a while before I make 5k, but each time I get faster and I've even started to look like I might be running rather than shuffling my feet of the ground.
I run for myself, because it fills my lungs with fresh air, no-one can phone me or find me, and I'm beginning to like the person I'm becoming. Of course the compliments help and so last night when I was told I was disappearing there was a bit of a buzz - although "if only" is the reality.
Having read and been encouraged by others using this site, I think nearly everyone of us feels out of our depth to begin with, but the podcasts take you on a steady passage to achieving 30 minutes of running. In my proper job I spend time persuading me onto one side of the fence they sit on, and so I suppose my mantra for that is true for this. "it's only when you open the gate and walk around in the new experience that you find out if it is really for you."
It is totally possible. It is such a slow and steady build up that before you know it, you can run for longer than expected. I'm overweight too but can know run 25 mins without stopping. Good luck
Honestly it really does work! I had never ran in my life and found the first week really hard, I'm only half way through now but I'm already amazed at how far I've come and how quickly you can build up some stamina.
Once you start you get hooked and start to enjoy the feeling of pushing yourself
Just go for it! I can only echo exactly what all the above have said. Me - did C25K last year from a totally unfit and anti-running start, much to my amazement; had to stop because I was ill; and I'm now working back into it again and am about to run Week 6 Run 3. No matter where you start from, it seems to work its magic - the very best of luck to you. And keep posting, because the encouragement you get from this forum is amazing!
Yes, you can do it. Not one of started the programme being able to run. The great thing, for me anyway, was how it teaches you to pace yourself, very useful later on. Best of luck, let us know how you get on xx
It can be done. As well as all the brilliant advise and encouragement all ready posted I would add that you need to make it a habit and the best way to do that is to run on the same three days every week and if possible at the same time of day. All the best, we're routing for you.😊
Absolutely possible and the best part of it is that once you start achieving those first goals, you realise that you can and are doing something really positive. I'd never managed to run in my life ... not sporty, not fit ... not anything really ... started this in November last year and whilst I'm not saying its easy, it IS achievable ... been running 5k regularly for months now, longer runs when I feel like it and have entered a 10k run in a couple of weeks just for the heck of it ... this was never on my radar ever and at 45 it's been such a boost to know that something I thought I'd never manage is now a part of my life. Go for it, we're all here to support you
Jevand - someone else has asked in another post (but re: the 20 minute Week 5 Run 3) "is it possible?"
I ask you the same question I posed then, but re: your own post:
- do YOU think it's possible?
@jevand - just do it. You know you want to! Especially after all these comments. Just about everybody on this forum started from the same position.
There's also a post from someone starting tomorrow and asking if there's any other newbies starting; so if you start with them you'll be able to do it together and share your experiences and motivate each other
I'm sat here reading this with a bit of a lump in my throat.
We did all start here just the same as you - unsure, nervous, unfit, varying degrees of overweight etc
And in a relatively short space of time, the programme changes you, knocks down all those negatives and brings so much positives.
We have all reached different levels of running ability, but that doesn't matter - your personal achievements are fantastic.
C25k is without doubt the very best thing which happened to me 2 years ago. I have never looked back, and this is with me for life. It was damned hard, But I did it. And so many others have too.
Please, be brave and take that step, change your life for the best.
Good luck and enjoy 😀 🏃 xx
I did exactly what you have done, joined the site, watched and wondered if I too could complete this journey into the world of running, first time round I struggled and i mean really struggled repeated wk 1 at least 4 times and several of the other weeks more than once, i would manage to get home but felt like I was away to die lol, completed the programme and gave up didn't really get the buzz from reaching graduation because it had been really hard , but learning from my mistakes 3 yrs later I'm back with a positive attitude and more preparation i spent 3 months walking before recommencing the programme gradually building up my distances to around 6-8 miles then feeling fitter and more prepared I started my journey again, i am now on w4 and today managed to complete the podcast back to back I feel completely different this time, i think i was just too unfit last time. It is hard, but most things worthwhile are, but once you've taken that first step you really won't look back and if you do it in the 27 runs fantastic if you do it in 47 runs fantastic it doesn't matter, we've all been there and will be here every day to help and support your journey remember you'll never know what you can achieve if you don't just try. Good luck
Jevand hi that's the exact same as me. Lost 4 1/2 stone of 6 I need to lose. I've never run in my life either.
I started this last week and didn't find it as bad as I thought. I actually enjoyed run 3 of week 1. Started week 2 tonight and apart from the last 15 seconds of last run was ok.
All I can say as a complete newbie is you never know until you try it so I'd go out and give it a go. Listen to advice given on here as there are lots of people who were in our situation. The big thing is getting out and starting.
Best of luck 👍
I am 58 and have never run in my life. I started the C25K in February and finished it in April. If I can do it anyone can.
It really is never too late - just completed C25K!
W5 R3 - Really C25K!!!
C25K really does work!
FOR ALL YOU LOVELY RUNNERS JUST STARTING C25K 🥵 IT IS POSSIBLE! ❤️
