Thinking of starting this: Hello Everyone, My... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Thinking of starting this

Gottodothis profile image
15 Replies

Hello Everyone,

My name is Wendy and I'am already on the weightloss forum. I have been attending the gym doing weights, walking on treadmill (speed 7.5 incline 8) I walk fast normally. But it has been suggested I try running just not sure which app to put on my iphone or is it better to run for a few mins then walk then run.

Lost alot of weight already but apparently running will help get rid of my tummy and thighs.

Advice please.

Thanks

Wendy

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Gottodothis profile image
Gottodothis
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15 Replies
rammsteinqueen profile image
rammsteinqueenGraduate

If you download the nhs couch 25k podcasts the program starts you off with walking and light jogging segments. I think on the first week you run for 60 seconds then walk for 90 seconds and do that 8 times. Then the running times increase throughout the weeks. It is a great plan and something I would recommend :-)

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

Hi Gottodothis and welcome to the forum. I am using the nhs C25k podcast which tells you when to run and when to walk, with music to run to......everything you need. It's worked well for me! I believe there is also an nhs app that lets you listen to your own music but I have not used it myself.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate in reply to Millsie-J

Millions of peeps have successfully completed Couch to 5 k programme. It's a life-changing podcast or app that can literally change your life. It's free too! I would download the podcast or app and get cracking today! If you can walk you can do C25k.

Walking is great by the way. I do it all the time. I leave the car at home and walk everywhere I possibly can.

Read some of the posts to get a feel for how folks are doing on the programme, as C25k is the reason most of us are here. You can even join the Marathon and Race Support community as most of them are C25kers. There is also a Bridge to 10k community for Graduates of C25k

I am a WW member, and have been for years. I lost weight to a point where I felt really ready to try and run, having never done so before. The dog that I borrowed to help me get fit was always wanting to run but I couldn't keep up with him. Someone at WW class told me all about C25k so I started it. I can out-run the dog now, no problem!

C25k is voiced over and you are told what to do, and your hand is held all the way. The only thing you have to do is GO SLOW.

secan profile image
secanGraduate

Hi!

Most of us used/are using either the NHS podcasts (you can find them at the bottom of this page: nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/... ) or the app (you can find it here: nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/couch-to... ).

Just to be 100% clear; running can certainly help with weight loss and has also other additional benefits for your physical and mental health but there is no way to target specific zones; you will get slimmer and more toned overall and you will eventually lose the extra fat on your tummy and thighs but do not expect immediate results on those specific areas.

Also, as you build up muscular mass, which is heavier than fat, do not be surprised if you *gain* weight; monitor how your overall figure changes rather than relying on the scale.

Welcome to the runners family. ;)

Ciao,

Saverio

Old_trout profile image
Old_troutGraduate in reply to secan

The effect if running is to pull everything in. Waist and thighs change shape as you use those muscles so trousers start to fit better which is encouraging for diets and exercise. I find I walk taller too as those core muscles are used properly and back aches are a thing of the past. They were due to poor deportment I think. Though running helps to lose weight it won't by itself but the wellbeing experienced after a run keeps positive and keeps you motivated for a diet. I'm on SW and after a run I feel so good I don't want to spoil it with a cream cake! I've lost weight consistently but not dramatically since running; it feeds into the self esteem faster than dieting. Oh and when in the pub, people say they saw me out running (I'm really slow, really really slow!) which still makes me wince but they are universally admiring which also encourages!

SlowWorm2016 profile image
SlowWorm2016Graduate

Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your continuing efforts. I use the podcasts, I find the sessions keep me from overdoing it. As for weight loss, I am on week 6 of c25k and haven't lost any weight, but my shape is changing so my muscles are taking over from some of the flab ;) .

Gottodothis profile image
Gottodothis

Hi,

I have just downloaded the app onto my phone and will start tonight.

Thanks for your advice and help.

Wendy

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to Gottodothis

Hi again, some people prefer the podcast so it might be worth you looking at both podcast and app. Happy running!

sparky66 profile image
sparky66Graduate in reply to Gottodothis

Good luck wendy and welcome:) you are going to love c25k

It's tough but doable.. your be hooked by week 3, look forward to following your progress :)

Need any advice..any questions there is always plenty friendly peeps here happy to help x

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

Hi, the NHS podcasts are great and have introduced thousands of us to running. The running will help tone everything up but you will only lose weight in conjunction with your diet. It's great for cardio vascular health.

Sammully profile image
SammullyGraduate

Cto5k is fab you really should give it a try. There is great support on here too. Good luck x

Rainbowsmurf profile image
RainbowsmurfGraduate

Let us know how you get on. :-)

melly4012 profile image
melly4012Graduate

Great decision - it's one of the best decisions you'll ever make! The programme is great. Stick at it and you'll continue to surprise yourself. Go slow, stretch, take your rest days and you'll be a runner before you know it!

I'd say go with the podcast. A lot of people don't like the music (I actually did!) but it's picked especially at the right tempo for the running and walking sections. You also get to run with Laura who always seemed to magically pipe up with encouragement at just the point I was wanting to give up. She really is great, everyone here loves her! You'll also get to join in with the podcast in jokes on the forum and you'll meet Julie later down the line...

This forum is one of the best places on the internet. It's full of incredible, inspirational people so do make use of it for advice, encouragement and to let everyone celebrate your successes with you! Post after your runs and let us know how you're getting on. We'll be with you every step of the way :)

Gottodothis profile image
Gottodothis

Good Morning Everyone,

Well my first time was so so, managed 3/4 of day 1 but it had been a busy scrubbing my hallway/stairs and landing walls along with cleaning double glazed door ps with a toothbrush ( gets into the grooves), 10,060 steps and a pump/ abs class.

Today is not has busy so will try again.

susiewoo75 profile image
susiewoo75Graduate

Don't be afraid to have two rest days in between. There's no rush to complete. Best of luck!

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