Newbie looking for your experiences!

[LauraMarii]

Hi all! I did my first run of week one today and found it not too bad. I've always been terrible at running, have tried a few times going outside and going for it but I think I always end up going too fast and getting a sore throat from struggling to breathe! I can walk for miles, I love walking, but have always wanted to be able to go for a run.

I'm 5"5', quite curvy and weigh about 11 stone on a bad day and am looking to lose a stone or 2 just to feel a little less heavy, I'm just wondering how everyone has found the programme for weight loss? Obviously alongside a healthier diet I'm hoping to see some results and just generally feel a lot more positive about myself!

Oh also I only seem to be able to run on a treadmill... I just find it easier than being out in the cold. I hope that isn't cheating! Thank you

[Notsobigdoug]

Hi and welcome. I’ve been doing slimming World and C25k plus going to the gym. I had been doing slimming world for about 3 weeks before I started running again and had lost 11lb. When I completed wk1 I was shocked and disappointed that I had gained 1/2 a pound. I nearly jacked it In but with nice words and encouragement from fellow members I carried on and managed to lose 6 1-2 pounds the following week. Up until wk5 I was doing all my runs outside. I had the exercise bug back and joined the gym again. I then started running on a treadmill. By no means is it cheating and as for weather I had it all wk1 snow wk2 rain wk3 sun. So I was so glad to be able to run in a gym. I try and complete 1 run a week out side as that’s where I began. Any way I’m just starting wk9 even through I run for 30mins at a time from wk7r3 but that is my choice before anyone moans 😂. Oh and for weight loss I’ve gone from 19.06st to 16.12st. Just remember not to eat extra because you have run. And believe me you will see results and one tip ditch the scales and by a measure tape because your lose inches not pounds 😉. So good luck and enjoy the journey 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Lisalou1402 Graduate]

I also do slimming world on along side C25K. I’ve been doing slimming world since August and running for the past 5 weeks, I’ve lost 3 stone 11 1/2 lb in total ! Running has definitely helped!

Good luck! And enjoy! Xx

[LauraMarii in reply to Lisalou1402]

Wow that's amazing well done! I was actually thinking of trying slimming world and that's 2 people now recommended it. I will look into it, thank you! xx

[Amandana]

Awesome! Treadmill isn't cheating at all! If you do want to run outdoors at some point or want to better simulate it, you can increase the incline to 1-2 degrees.

Exercise is amazing for enhancing mental health and confidence! If I don't exercise, I'm rotten to be around. It changes my mood dramatically.

About 9 years ago I was losing weight, going to the gym, and seeing good, but slow results. They accelerated when I started running. I got into the best shape of my adult life running and going to the gym. The gym bit is hard for me these days with two kids and no gym in my golden triangle (home - work - kid's school/daycare), but running I can do anywhere, so I'm hoping I'm able to keep that going. I'm also doing some yoga once or twice a week using youtube videos at home. In the beginning, this programme won't have you burning crazy amounts of calories, so don't expect weight loss off the hop. Keep up whatever else you're doing (walking, etc) as you're able.

It's definitely been harder this time around than I anticipated - I'm just finished week 2 and it's taken me 4 weeks. Listen to your body and take it slowly if you need to.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Please check this out.. there is a lot of good advice....

This is not a weight loss programme and you may or may not lose weight... but.. you will if you link this with a healthy eating regime feel fitter and stronger and healthier

Check out our sister site... many of the folk on here are on that forum too..

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Slow and steady does it... and wherever you run... you are running

[seaspaniel Graduate]

Laura

Some good targets there. I'm 5' 7" and 12 st so we are roughly in the same league. I lost weight (about a stone), but it was mainly diet. As I ran more and more my weight stabilised but I started to change shape. Belly has gone, legs thinner but muscular, waist down by 3 inches. Added benefit was I stopped snoring (apparently!). Added cost is a new wardrobe.

Interestingly you will burn the same number of calories over 5k whether you run or walk. Walking 5k or more on your non running days is ideal

If you want to run outside pop along to your local park run on Saturday at 9am. Even if just to have a look. You will see a vast range of runners doing 5k from 17 minutes up to an hour. It may be something that helps parkrun.org.uk/

As to the treadmill , if you set it to a 3 degree incline it is roughly equivalent to running on the flat outside.

[Tartiflette Graduate]

Hi, I'm quite a newbie too, just finished w2. I haven't lost any weight but I've already noticeably changed shape - looking more toned & jeans fit better 😁

I'm also running on a treadmill.