So last week I started from scratch, after apparently doing the program wrong for four weeks. Monday was pouring with rain, but I knew if there was a quitting point W1R1 would be it, so I went and ran around the local lake (getting soaked in the process). I didn't find it that hard, and was pretty proud of myself for getting out. I was blessed with a bit of decent weather for R2, but R3 was back to rain. Still, I was feeling quite chuffed at having done it.
Now though, looking down the barrel of week 2, I'm not so sure. The reason I wanted to do this was to help me lose weight, but I've seen it mentioned that C25K isn't really for weight loss. Yes, it'll make you feel fitter, and being active is always going to be healthier, but now I've seen that it's not likely to make a huge difference I'm wondering if it's really worth continuing. Fitting it in when I already do so many other things is really difficult, and knowing I'm already wavering on week 2 I'm not sure whether I should continue.
Any thoughts regarding running for weight loss? I understand all about calories, energy in energy out etc, I've lost almost a stone in the last few months by going to the gym but now I seem to have plateaued. I've recently taken up hiking, which I enjoy much more than running, so I don't know if I'm better off upping my activity levels doing that sort of thing instead. I'm torn to be honest, but I'm definitely leaning more towards throwing in the towel.
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Pseud0nym
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You have done three thirty minute sessions involving eight minutes of running each time............... well if that is enough to make up your mind for life that you don't like running, fine, but it seems like you haven't actually given it much of a chance in my book.
Running is not for everyone, but there are regular contributors to the forum who have had incredible success combining running and sensible diets........not fad diets.
If you are not committed to the programme, then the chances are you will lack the motivation to complete it. It is a challenge. Completing that challenge builds self esteem, determination and mental toughness and well being in a way that anybody on week one is unlikely to be aware of.
C25K is not a weight loss plan, nor is it just a way of learning to run. For many of us it has been life changing.
You will lose weight running. But if your heart isn't in to completing the course you'll most likely struggle. Most people doing the program finish it and are pleased at the sense of accomplishment and dare I say, ahem....weight loss. If you want to make a real difference to your weight, may I suggest the app My Fitness Pal? It's a calorie counting app which when used in conjunction with running REALLY works at getting rid of excess poundage. Try it.
I know where you are coming from. I tried many times in the past. I couldn't see the point either. I would try for 3 or 4 weeks and then give up. It's hard, sometimes really really hard. But when you get as far as week 6 you get a drive to keep going and complete the plan.
It is really worth it. I have lost weight and toned up by completing the plan and running 3 times a week. You may not lose weight, but you will tone up and lose inches.
But at the end of the day it's up to you. You need to really want to do it. But if you do want to it's worth it, I promise.
Hi Pseud0nym, I'm so pleased you have posted again.
After your last post, I looked up trampette running (I have one in the garage unused for years) and was surprised that running sessions on a trampette are good low impact areobic exercise.
My concern was that this would not transfer directly to running on a hard surface..not that you were doing anything wrong, but your legs would not be at the same standard as your lungs.
Reading your post today, seeing that you are put off by going back to scratch I would now think ...and I am not an expert ..that you could do some trampette work (good for burning calories) and some outside running (carry on with W 2) on days when you feel like fresh air and getting outside. Yes, it will take you much longer to get through the plan, but we are only talking about exercise here and having a plan to follow is good.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do, mixing up will help with weight loss an fitness.
I am thinking of getting my trampette out to do the Strength and Flex on, or just to exercise on non-running days 😊
Hi pseudonym, by now I think you will see you are asking a bunch of runners if you should quit running and I think maybe if you want a yes answer, we will probably all say no. I don't think for what it's worth that you did do the 4 weeks wrong, you did them different on a trampette. We don't have wrongs or rights here on surfaces or preferences you do what feels right for you. If you really dislike it then okay you know what to do, but maybe that's a consequence of going back to Week 1 and I think frankly that would have disheartened anyone. If you want to run, then we are here used in conjunction with your other efforts and maybe something like myfitness pal, I think you may be surprised at what can be done. Whatever you choose, I hope you meet your eventual goals. Good luck
Going back to the beginning from W3 isn't that many sessions in the long run. However,trying to run for 16 mins (total of W4R1) and worrying when unable to do 3 minutes for the first time outside when only used to trampette surface was my point. This is why I suggested Pseud0nym start from W1 R1 outside.
Sorry JNR , I wasn't being critical of you at all. I thought that motivation may suffer if you thought you had to go back 4 weeks. But I thought you made a valid point then that the projection and ground pounding would impact but I read your advice to try and see what a W1 run felt like and take it from there... Sorry again if it didn't read that way.
It may not be designed specifically for weight loss but just doing the exercise WILL burn off fat
But don't fall into the trap of looking at the scales and saying I'm not losing weight
As I have said you will burn off fat but you will gain muscle (which weighs more than fat), so look in the mirror at your changing body, measure your waist. thighs etc and then after a couple of weeks measure them again and see the difference
Walking is good for you and burns loads of calories. It's not just about hiking either. You can make it your business to walk more in general 🙂 Just make it something you do out of habit, leaving the car at home and not taking a bus 🙂
If you've not been trying to lose weight for long I doutbt you've plateaued. If you know you are eating healthily and exercising regularly then the weight will definitively shift. You have to give it time though
No wrong about it... just a different perspective, and the stamina and exercise benefits you have had will never be wasted.
I agree with IannodaTruffe , but would ask this. Do you want to carry on running... it is your choice. You have other things you enjoy, such as your, trampette, hiking...your gym work... ?
Exercise and a healthy eating regime is a winning combination... you could still run and make it just a part of a longer exercise regime...
I would say stay... because it would be a shame to lose you... but that is me being selfish... I think, completing this, and carrying on after Graduation will eventually bring its own rewards. Many of us, do this, and we hike, walk, cycle, swim and do lots of other stuff too... on rest days and within a normal day. I often do my run and then walk five miles with my granddaughter in her pram...
This is about many things... physical and mental fitness, weight loss for some, maybe not all... but it is supposed to be an enjoyable journey... do you want to make it?
I have just finished week 6. I haven't lost any weight but I've definitely lost inches. My husband is commenting and so are family and friends. I feel great, feel slimmer and better about how I look. When I started this I also had weight loss in mind and was told that muscle weighs more. So I quickly stopped the focus being weight and more about how I feel about myself. I can tell you there is a huge difference in just a few weeks. But we can only provide encouragement. We can't force you to enjoy it if you really don't xx
I haven't weighed myself but I have just completed week 6 and have lost 2 and a half inches around my waist! So regardless of my weight my body is clearly changing
In my humble opinion any exercise is better than none at all....I've lost nearly a stone since I started running...I do slimming world too but running evens out the naughtiness when I have a glass of wine or two...so I have to say that I think it does aide weight loss if you eat sensibly...
Your heart has to be in it though & you need to want to run...I struggled today & I REALLY want to run, I can't imagine putting myself through this if my heart wasn't in it...
You will find something to suit you whether you carry on running or not....hope it doesn't take you long because you sound like you really want to make a difference....good luck
Hiking is excellent exercise and very enjoyable but your fitness and stamina for doing it will be so much better if you run. I run regularly and hike occasionally. I've noticed how my pace and breathing seem to be faster/easier than that of hikers who don't run.
Lots of good advice yesterday but a bit confusing Pseud0nym.😕
*Weight loss is possible but not likely to show much before Wk7,8,9 and beyond but there will be toning and changes in how clothes fit.
*You did Wk 1 and managed fine even going out in the rain. You are a gym member so could do some future runs on the treadmill and mix with inside/outside running
*Why not give Wk 2 a go and see how you feel by the end of that..
You may start to enjoy it more, it does tend to grow on you.
Thanks. I think it is the starting from scratch that's got me down. Whilst I believe it's entirely the right thing to do my enthusiasm and determination has definitely waned. For the first four weeks, five if including last week, I was dead set on completing it - that's not to say I blame you or the others who said I should restart in the least, I completely agree that I need to do it properly to build up my leg muscles.
I should persevere I don't want to be a quitter. Maybe you're right, I should drag myself out to do W2R1 and see how I feel after that.
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Week 8 Run 1
Week 1 Result!!
Woo hoo I've finally smashed it!
Not sure whether or not to drop back after a setback
Week 6, Run 2 - not sure I believe it
