Fat and 50

[Daftclare]

I am the fattest I have ever been (14 stone and 5 ft 5) and I have tried and failed so many diets . So decided on couch25k, now on week 4 but got to say finding 5 mins quite difficult. Also am doing it on treadmill - does anyone have any advice re real running vs treadmill? And has anyone lost weight just by running? Thanks xx

[Running59]

I completed the program running. It’s only last week that I did a 20 minute run as part of my cardio workout on the treadmill

[telford_mike Graduate]

I combined C25K with a diet and lost a lot. Unfortunately running won’t do much on its own as it doesn’t use many calories. I did all my running on the road - I'm guessing it’s a bit more difficult than a treadmill. Well done for getting to week 4, and good luck!

[Denovo]

I find treadmill far more difficult. If I look at my pace as recorded by Fitbit when I run outside, it's all over the place, varying by many minutes a mile from the fastest to the slowest, and with less than a minute at the same pace, sometimes only a few seconds. Maybe I'm odd like that, but it's me. I think that is why I personally find treadmill so difficult, because it wants me to keep to the exact same pace all the time until I change it manually to something else. Have a go outside and see how it goes, then decide which works better for you.

[BrideToBe2018]

I’ve only just finished week one so you’re well ahead of me, keep going! Personally I’ve found running outside good because I set off from home, then wherever I get to when the halftime bell goes I turn around and go back- that way I know I’ll get home just when I finish and also I think there’s something psychologically that gives me a boost in the second half because I’m physically heading towards home so I know it’s almost over haha! Why don’t you try one outside and see how you go? But most of all keep going, you’re doing really well!

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Well done so far - keep going😊

I find it much harder on a treadmill and only have done 2 runs on mine - once when I slept in and couldn't face running near people and once when it rained real heavy lol

Running alone does not shift pounds - if you eat a fairly sensible diet it can help, but if you aren't watching what you eat the running won't make much of a dent in your weight loss sadly. I still have 6.5 stone to lose but I follow slimming world and although running has not had a drastic effect on my weight loss it has started to change my shape as my muscles are now working much harder than they ever have done in a long time. I'm also same age as you. Don't give up though - this programme is the best thing I have ever done - it has boosted my self confidence no end.

Good luck x

[Daftclare in reply to Bandit14]

I joined slimming world but only managed 2 weeks - I’m a nightmare at sticking to diets. But I am going to go back and persevere. Thanks for the encouragement xx good luck everybody!

[Bandit14 Graduate in reply to Daftclare]

It doesn't work for everyone - but it keeps me at least making better food choices - although we did have homemade pizza for tea😂

I've lost 4 stone so far - can't imagine doing this running lark at 22st - it's just about doable at 18. I'm hoping it will get easier as I get thinner😁

[hilanic in reply to Daftclare]

I joined slimming world and I’m sure that combining it with running makes it easier.7 pounds lost in 3 weeks 😀

[slowsue]

Hi Clare I too am overweight I lost around 2.5 stone before I started this c25 this running milarky has helped me break a barrier that I’ve struggled to get past for quite a while I start week 9 tomorrow and have lost another 4lb since doing this, might not sound a lot but it’s made a big difference in my head . Not tried this on a treadmill I like running 🏃🏻‍♀️ in the fresh air early in the morning when no ones about 😁 well done for getting to week 4 just go slowly there’s no rush

[Madge50 Graduate]

I’ve changed my diet, small changes, less sugar, home made stuff rather than shop bought (that way I know what’s in it) , avoid beige foods, eat the rainbow! I eat a lot of fruit and veg, and move about more, I’ve gone down at least one dress size (two in jeans) it’s been very slow, but that’s fine. These things never happen quickly. I’ve never, ever followed a ‘diet’ or joined any slimming club. It’s easy to find info about what’s healthy and what’s not, I just don’t like the idea of paying someone to tell me!

I’ve always run outside, it took some determination at first, but I’m fine with it now, I will only use a dreadmill if I really, really have to - horses for courses though, you’re still moving more than you did and that’s great.

So basically, no running alone will not shift weight, however, eating less, eating good things and moving more will.

Keep your eyes on the prize (your goal), and good luck with it, this is a good place to get encouragement when you need it.

Mx

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Slimming world 👌🏽 Nearly 4 stone off in a year and I had two months off too. Just running won’t make you lose wright. Look on pinch of nom - lots of nice recipes. I tend to do a slow cooker recipe at the weekend a freeze portions for in the week. Quorn burgers, naked noodles, heck sausages and quark are your friend 👌🏽

[SANDI_runs Graduate]

I'm doing slimming world too and lost 3 stone before starting c25k. I'm on week 6 now and have only lost 4.5 lb in the 6 weeks, doing this along with the SW diet. But am toning up quite nicely. I've read on here that you do not really burn enough calories to loose weight running until you get to week 9 and onwards when you are running solidly for 30 minutes.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Running will get you fit, almost regardless of weight, and jogging becomes a good fat burner, after a while. Don’t expect too much too soon. 5 minutes running is difficult, so you’re not alone in that one.

Have you checked out the NHS weight loss community on here? Many people who’ve tried diet after diet and not succeeded in their goal have done well on there.

In both your goal of losing weight and your goal of running for 30 minutes, half the battle is mind over matter. Try finding some relaxation techniques, they’re great before, or during, a run and also good for beating a food craving, or the need to snack. I’ve lost weight and given up smoking using meditation and I’m learning to run again doing it too.

Treadmill is easier to pace, outdoors is easier to stay focused in my opinion. They are both real running though. Changing from one to the other can be frustrating for a few runs.

You can beat this 9 week programme and become a runner, and you can lose the weight and have the shape you want. Believe in yourself and let’s do it.

[Daftclare in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Loving the encouragement on here from you guys! Really spurring me on ttanky

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

I lost 5 stone doing slimming world. I can only speak from personal experience that exercise alone will not lose weight.

Well done for joining c25k. It's a brilliant programme . Stick to plan, take it slow and steady and have fun. I started last September and now do 10k runs 👍

[Sofabunny]

I'm running on a treadmill. Am not trying to lose weight..though I would be chuffed if dropped a bit. I have found that once I got on to the longer runs i.e 20 mins, and over, I couldn't eat for a quite a while after..so I find I eat a bit less on my running day without thinking about it much.. My body definitely feels less flabby..legs especially so that's good. Treadmills are suppose to be lower impact..I've got a chronic back problem so decided to use treadmill..it is borng though..good play list and a fan to give a breeze help me...good luck on your journey..be it by road or treadmill !😊

[Daftclare in reply to Sofabunny]

Hi yes I have a low back problem - it was getting worse with immobility (I have a desk job) and at one point I thought running may make it worse, but what the heck - not moving is even worse. Treadmill running is convenient for me at the moment- I don’t want to upset what I’m doing- I think I may join a running club/parkrun if I get to graduate to encourage me to continue running.

[HappyNoodle Graduate]

I was 14 stone when I started now 13 stone need to run my wobbly bits off! (Maybe not all but...😊)