Starting again W1R1 today

I started C25k in July 2014 (so the app tells me) however I gave up mid week 3, I don't remember why, probably laziness.

Anyhow, I've just got divorced which has motivated me to loose the rather large rubber tyre I have accumulated. I fully understand C25k will not necessarily make me loose any significant weight however will it help me to get rid of the fat around my middle? I've had it for a good number of years and I am sick of it, time for a change.

I know diet is important too, and my diet on the whole is pretty good, the biggest contributing factor to my tyre is beer. The industry I work in is pretty liquid, in particular the people I work with. I will be cutting the alcohol to special occasions only.

Now after the rambling background I have a question. I am a very immediate person, I hate waiting for anything, especially the positive effects of exercise. If I don't see immediate results I get demotivated (possibly what happened in July 14). To give me some reality, realistically how long am I talking before I start noticing differences such as looser clothing? I only ask so I don't get demotivated after week 2 and no change.

I fully intend to complete the C25k this time, I really enjoyed my first session this morning. On the days I am not running I will be doing other forms of exercise such to build muscle but using my own body weight only (lunges and the like).

Thanks for reading, I hope to join the graduate tower in around 9 weeks.

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate]

I am no expert but....I'm pretty sure couch to 5k on its own will not lose you any real weight in the early weeks, maybe when you start doing the 20 minute plus runs you might lose a bit. However combined with good diet and some other form of exercise on non running days that should help. I really started noticing the difference when I got an exercise bike and started doing half an hour a day on it when not running.

Hope this helps and stick with the programme, it is gold dust!!

[Hidden in reply to ChrisAllen1]

Thanks Chris, I would like to have an exercise bike but I just don't have the space at the moment, hopefully in a couple of months I will.

Checking here will really help motivate me, I really struggled to get up at 5:30 am today but once I was out I thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt like I could have done more today but I will follow the program exactly and not get ahead of myself.

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

No problem and well done for getting out at half 5!!!, not something I could do in the winter!!!

[Hidden in reply to ChrisAllen1]

It's not easy but I leave for work at about 7 am and don't get home until 7 pm, I have more motivation in the morning than when I come home.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

C25K will give you noticeable improvements in just a few runs.

It works, so just follow the instructions and enjoy it.

This guide to the plan may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks Iannoda, that's the type of results that will really keep me going.

I read the guide this morning thanks, and yes it was very helpful.

[Hidden]

I didn’t do this for weight loss but I noticed changes in body shape within 3 or 4 weeks. My legs and bum became slimmer and better defined. My clothes were looser and fitted better. I also stopped watching my calories (as middle age had made this necessary) and my weight has stayed stable. I think people who are following a diet plus running probably notice that weight comes off quicker than dieting alone. That’s got to be reinforcing! Good luck👍😊

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Helen, I am really looking forward to clothes fitting better, hopefully some time this year I will have to buy another wardrobe but that's a way off yet.

I'm getting impatient to do my next run now (although I'm sure I won't be saying that at 5.30am on Friday!