I go out really early so I won’t see anyone. I use the local schools running track. I’ve invested in a good bra and a pair of trainers. I can do this! I so want to do this!
I had a sneak peak at what week 2 had in store for me 😳 run for 90 seconds!!!! Can I do week 1 again until I feel “lighter” and more proficient or will that mess up the whole programme? Or should I push myself to attempt week 2 and hope for the best?
Your advice would really be appreciated from your experience. Thanks so much!
Written by
bessie37
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Just run slow and steady... with every run on here the worst that can happen is you just miss out on an interval, that’s ok, you walk and go again at the next one, get a good workout, that makes you stronger and you repeat it the next time. Nothing to lose at all. Believe in yourself though, you should surprise yourself quite a few times during this journey.
I agree with UNM: I too am very overweight and unfit and every week I surprise myself! Give it a try: you can always repeat weeks if you feel you need to but I have been amazed at what the programme does and how I’ve been able to progress! Just take it REALLY slow 👍💕
Of course its entirely your choice but if you coped with week 1 without pain or feeling like you were overdoing things then I would give week 2 a try - you can always stop if it gets too much, or go back to week 1 if you feel 'out of your depth'. A good bra is a great purchase, don't want to be having anyones eye out 🤣. Well done on making a start, you won't be sneaking about for long, I'm sure; once you get going a bit more hopefully you won't care who sees you.
Thank you so much! I so want to improve my fitness! Not a natural runner but I did get through week 1 so maybe I should believe in myself and push me a bit harder! Ok week 2 here I come then!
Never too old to start C25K Bessie, I was 71 when I began C25K and graduated 3 weeks after my 72nd birthday🎂. Great that you can practice your runs🏃 on the local school🚸 running track before the 🧒 children 🚶 come to school🚸. Don't worry about week 2, however, if you want to repeat week 1 or any other week then that is OK. 😊
I will make a confession to you Bessie, no, I have never began any of my cycle🚴 or running 🏃runs when it is raining,☔ but on a 101 occasions I have been caught in the rain☔, but I have never stopped when the rain ☔began, some people love ❤️running🏃 in the rain☔ but to me it just makes me feel miserable😂, I never cycle 🚴or run🏃 in the dark🚵 either.
C25k is very "satisfying" - as you progress through the weeks that you previously had thought that you would never be able to do, you will get this feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction BUT - this is a running programme - not a weight loss programme. They do go hand in hand but are two separate things. Diet/lifestyle programme =80% and running programme =20%. Notice that i used the words/diet and lifestyle together - because we do not need to change our diet only when attempting weight loss but changing our entire lifestyle.
No need to repeat if you've aced that first week! Very well done!! Many will say that starting week 1 is the hardest of them all, so embrace the next challenge - you can beast those 90 seconds, just learn the old mantra of slow & steady! 😊 Over the course of the program you'll find your happy pace.
I too was hoping to lose a few lbs on CT5K and have done (8lbs now over 9 weeks) but don't be watching those scales after every run, like many say its better to use a tape measure every so often because it can be a case of fat turning to muscle to start off with and it can fluctuate for a bit.
Running early on an empty stomach is supposedly best too for burning fat, but see how you go - I ended up doing this after about week 3, I suffer from acid too so it seemed to work out better for me, but it can be harder if you're lacking in energy (Was my excuse for a supper and a brunch anyway) Well done again, and Best of luck!
Oh and age is just a number. I've been bested by runners double my age, and see a guy in his sixties fell running round these parts up muddy hills I struggle to even walk on!
You've just reminded me I will have to wear a bra!!!! Since not working in an office, where decency dictated that one should be endured.... I have used nothing or the vesty-type minimal anti bounce things. Think I have a Nike super lycra body compressor somewhere.... Good luck inspirational lady x
You made me smile 😁I have now graduated but I tried to finish the week on a Friday, and always had a sneaky peek at the next, that initial feeling of tread does turn into into self determination by the time you hit the track for the next Week,
slow down if you need too and trust the programme but remember it is only a guide, You can extend your week beyond seven days or repeat a week, but keep those wagons rolling
Well done Bessie37. That first week is the worst, week 2 is pretty awful too. Sorry! I was the same as you going out ridiculously early so no-one would see me. I’m a mere youngster of 62, but I decided I was going to repeat every single week allowing 18 weeks to do the programme. I didn’t want to push these old bones too hard. It didn’t work out that way, and before I knew it I had graduated! Just go at your own pace it gets easier, believe it or not!
Well done for starting this plan bessie. The great thing is each run and each week prepares you for the next. It works, I'm a testament to that! So be confident that you can do the next week. I approach each run on the basis that I CAN and WILL but if I can't well never mind I'll do it next time! Keep it up your doing great
I am two runs into week 2 (last one today) and it is harder. But I am not a runner and have managed not to stop so far. I need to sort out some music which I think will help. My plan is that if I stop then I will just repeat that run until I do. Oh and I accidentally did 4 runs in week 1! I am slow but remember that poster and remind myself that I am lapping people who are still on the couch ! Good luck ☺️
I am 68 and still overweight although have lost 3 st since June. I am ready for W3 on Monday having just completed W7. You will do the programme just follow the coaches, take it slow and don’t worry about being seen out and about. Good luck
Hi Bessie, congratulations on starting the plan. I'm a lot overweight too & when I started, I tried to run when people wouldn't see me as I was so embarassed. By week 3, I started loving it & didn't care who saw me. I graduated 2 weeks ago. I've lost just over half a stone over the 9 weeks. Chuffed to bits about that but I wasn't really thinking about it & that is definitely an added bonus. I've continued running & my next goal is to start doing parkrun & hit the 5k mark. Good luck with your running journey. You can do it 😁
Well done you just follow the program you will be amazed when you realise that yes you can do it. I started at 69 and I too used to go at the crack of dawn so nobody would see me, nearly 12 months on I go anytime and don’t care what people think....I can run. Enjoy the journey it’s the best thing ever.
You’re not too old or overweight. Sorry, no getting out of it!
Just think though, as you go along you will get fitter and the weight will start dropping off. So, at the start of this journey you were the biggest you were ever going to be. It’s all weightloss and fitness from here.
Hi you are not too old or too overweight x as you complete each run progress to the next. If you don't manage to complete a run to your satisfaction then just repeat that one until you crack it 👍
And don't forget to run slowly. Slow slow slow 😁 you should be able to chat whilst you are running. The program is about building endurance not speed.
Good luck with your journey. Keep posting we'd love to hear how you are getting on 💪🏃♀️👍
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
BUT - this is a running programme - not a weight loss programme. They do go hand in hand but are two separate things. Diet/lifestyle programme =80% and running programme =20%. Notice that i used the words/diet and lifestyle together - because we do not need to change our diet only when attempting weight loss but changing our entire lifestyle. 
Am I too old?
Am I too old? 
Am i doing too many miles?
Approaching week 5 - am very overweight - will I cope?
7st overweight. I can do this... C25k
