Fat and 46 inspiration required

[Janetbrittles]

Just started couch 2 5k got my second run tonight. I'm about four stone overweight and at the moment I'm thinking I won't be able to run a whole 5k without stopping so looking forward to reading stories from people who were in the same position as me who have completed the programme 😆

[SteffieLouG]

Follow the programme and you will be fine. Just remember, the aim by the end is to run 5k OR 30 minutes non stop, it's about time and building stamina rather than distance.

You CAN do it, we're all behind you 🙂

[misswobble Graduate]

On run at a time 🙂

[ju-ju- Graduate]

When I started I almost choked when Laura said i would be able to run for 30 minutes after 9 weeks as there was no way I could believe that... but I did. I have run a marathon now too.... !!! So trust the programme, enjoy the journey and believe in yourself too

[bareliz]

Well I'm about a similar amount overweight according to the charts and getting on a bit. I'm now on W5. As everyone says take it slowly (and I mean slowly) and you will be fine. I haven't lost weight on the programme but I have definitely lost inches and feel so much better overall. I used to wonder how I'd run for 60 seconds and then yesterday I ran 2 x 8 minutes. You can do it!

[Hillrunner2201]

Just trust the program (it works!!) and tell yourself that you *WILL* finish but at your own pace. I remember feeling intimidated at the idea of running 30 minutes 3 times a week 😱😱 The early days in the program are the hardest but stick at it and you will surprise yourself. I just finished a 20 mile marathon training run today, that's not to brag but just to prove it's doable for someone who was starting from a similar point. Good luck🙂

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Have you looked at the stories on the home page. nhs.uk/LiveWell/c25k. Can't make it come up as a link but googling it will probably do it.

[J9_54 Graduate]

Hi Janetbrittles,

I'd just like to reassure you that you are not alone. I'm 46, a reformed smoker, overweight and basically a lazy bum but I' getting out there and doing it so am proof that you can if you want to.

I'm on week 2 and the very idea of me running for 30 minutes solid is still beyond my imagination but I'll take it one session at a time and see how I get on.

I'm never going to set any speed records but I'm not aiming for them I just want to get a bit fitter and hopefully lose a few pounds.

Keep posting updates and good luck with the programme.

J9_54

[Janetbrittles]

Guys this is amazing the encouragement you have given me and yes I am feeling intimidated by the thought of running for 30 minutes but also looking forward to the time when I can do it!!!! Thanks again guys x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yeay!!! Go you... well done for starting this!

Most of us started this programme and thought we may collapse!!! We are still here, still running and you will be too!

Slow and steady is the way... rest days are essential and a spot of other exercise on those days is very helpful! Walking, yoga, swimming.. even a day's gardening! Link this with a healthy eating regime and you are onto a winner

Quite a few friends on here are on the NHS Weight loss forum and find it really works well, you may want to take a peek!

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Keep posting for great support and motivational encouragement

[jo4t15 Graduate]

I was 46 and overweight when I started. 2 years in, I'm 4 stone lighter( combination of slimming world and running) and running 3 times a week, 2x 5 k and one longer run. I've done a 10 k race each month this year and am doing the great south in October (10 miles). I'm not fast but I'm out there and my physical and mental health benefits from fresh air and headspace three times a week.

I remember vividly swearing out loud at Laura in week one and would never have believed I could do it. The programme is amazing but don't be tempted to rush it. If it seems too hard, slow down and then slow down some more. If a week feels hard, do it more than 3 times. If you're not well or injured, take a day or week out ( I learnt the hard way). It is not a race, there is no rush.

I fell into step with a lady towards the end of my second ever 10k . It turned out she normally ran ultra marathons in South Africa. She was 70! I told her I'd only been running a year and she said I'd be running for the rest of my life. Think of the hare and the tortoise! I'm definitely that tortoise!

Keep it up and happy running .

[Cazhipperson Graduate]

I have just completed w6 r3. 25 mins non stop. I know what you mean i am overweight too and thought i was dying during the first few runs. Just keep going - one week at a time - you can do it! 😀

[MikeSquires]

Hi Janet

I'm 75 and 5 stone overweight. I've completed the course but I'm terribly slow. Running for 30 mins I complete a mile and a half. So a 5k will take about an hour for me.

I'm pleased though that I've done it and will now try and improve my speed.

Keep it up you're doing great

[Janetbrittles in reply to MikeSquires]

That's amazing you've made me so determined to complete the program!!! Thank you

[SteffieLouG in reply to MikeSquires]

Way to go Mike, good work 👍🏻

[Janetbrittles]

Also guys by the time I finish work it's too late for me to run outside on my own so I do it on a treadmill should I put it on an incline to replicate running outside?? I aim to get outside at the weekend

[ebow]

Okay, so I've not posted here before much but the title of the post somehow called out to me - a fat 46 year old, 4 stone (maybe 5) overweight who decided to do C25k in January!

I agree it seems a long way off when you first start, longer still when my Achilles tendon which I'd snapped playing football 10 years ago starting really aching in week 3 (tip - follow the advice of others on here and get good running shoes - ideally after getting gait analysis done at a proper running shop ... it really does make a difference!). It was so tempting to give up when I had to take a couple of weeks off because of a really heavy cold in March, BUT I ran for a whole 30 minutes in W9 (actually about 4 months after W1!), and have now run 5k in 40-38 minutes (coming down slowly) several times.

Most importantly I do feel better for it - it's no miracle cure, I'm still fat (but down a belt notch on a good day), still have high blood pressure, but just feel more alive, and able to hold a conversation when walking upstairs at work. I've relapsed a bit and am generally doing 1 run a week now, occasionally 2 or 3 but some times 0. Sometimes it feels like a slog, sometimes my running is not much beyond walking pace (especially up hills!) but usually I actually enjoy it once I get into a bit of a rhythm. I've done a local 5k in that really hot week at the start of June, and am doing the Great North 5k in September, so will ensure I get regular runs in the coming weeks before that - good to have a few goals ahead.

So in short - keep going ... push yourself to keep running when Laura tells you to - it's absolutely possible, and slowly but surely you will find it surprisingly possible, and even enjoyable!

[SteffieLouG]

Read this this morning and thought it might help 🙂

magazine.vitality.co.uk/mys...

[Merciless]

Hi I started this 7 weeks ago and am doing week 8 day 3 tonight. I did not believe for one second this would be possible when I started. Best method is not to think too far ahead and just do what you can. By the way I also have lost 29 pounds and am 51 years old. You can do it!

[3Maritime]

Go for it, I am likewise 46, was around 5 stone overweight and hopelessly unfit. Since January I have lost over 4 stone, just a bit to go now, and I am one run from completing the C25K programme. It works, it worked for me and so can surely work for anyone!