Unfit

[XxGailxx]

Hi I'm Gail I've turned 50 and weights has ballooned I'm so unfit I need to loose 4 to 5 stone and can't run to save myself .is it possible for someone like me to do this or should I look for something else x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

C25K was devised for people just like you.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and is full of tips.

Enjoy your journey.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Hi Gail, I’m carrying a whole extra person in fat (I call it Ethel) and I’m feeling much fitter since starting this. You can certainly do it too ! My top tips are to take your time - it’s a life change, not a punishment ! Run on grass or hardcore rather than tarmac or paving if you can: it reduces the impact on your joints. And don’t be afraid to build up gradually, using the repeat function if you need to. Repeating isn’t failing, it’s a strategic option. Remember the First Rule of C25k: The only run you fail is the run you don’t go for ! Enjoy your journey x

[Inis in reply to ButtercupKid]

You made me laugh. Didn't realise that there were other people out there that give their weight names! Mines called Jonathan.

Xxgailxx I am in my 40s and am carrying a lot of weight. Started c25k this evening at the gym. Jogging very slowly. Give it a go!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Inis]

Slow and steady is the way. Enjoy your journey, and don’t let Jonathan get you down x

[Notsobigdoug]

Yes I did it. Ok I started when I was 35 BUT I was just under 20st. I completed the c25k back in April I think. I’ve kept running/gym and now I’m 13st13 my aim is 13.6 but want to add a stone in mussle so a new journey awaits me

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Notsobigdoug]

Great work NSBD ! That’s true commitment and perseverance. You’re my Saturday Hero 🏅😀

[peaplodder]

You absolutely can do this ! You only need to start....

[XxGailxx]

Thanks every one.my sister done it and looks great .I will maybe start of easy I'm determined I need to do something but don't want a quick fix diet I've tryed them all x

[Madge50 Graduate in reply to XxGailxx]

Well done Gail, and welcome to this fab forum, this is a slow and steady programme, overtime you will get more interested in what you eat and how much, alongside the additional movement and exercise - I know I did, small changes, like (these are some I’ve done) a bit less white bread, sweeteners instead of sugar in my tea, one less potato....etc., you get the idea....try different things like celeriac, butternut squash.

Anyway, good luck with it and come here often 🤗

Mx

[Lozzles74 Graduate]

Totally doable!

14 months ago I was 18st5lb, I would get out of breath putting my shoes on. I started with Slimming world as you cant out train a bad diet.

In may this year after losing about 4 stone I started walking, because I finally could.

Now At 12st5, 6st gone I’m in the middle of week 9 about to graduate and giving serious consideration to what my next step will be.

This morning the winter part of my 2018 1,000 mile medal arrived in the post

If you’re already at the stage of thinking about starting, you’re heading in the right direction.

Go for it, surprise yourself! But do it at your own comfortable pace and enjoy it ☺️ 🤞

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Hi Gail, welcome! Yes it’s totally possible for you to become a runner. 🏃‍♀️😀👍 It’s not such much a weight loss programme, more a “losing inches and toning up” programme. C25K is amazing. It’s clever and it builds your running legs gradually. Each run is achievable and you can take as long as you like. It’s fabulous for your general wellbeing too. 😀

We’re all here to help you. Come on here to tell us about your runs, ask advice, anything! We’re all runners too and love to help whenever we can.

So good luck. Take it at your pace and have a blast. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi XxGailxx ...you’ve chosen the best form of exercise in my opinion, get ready to surprise yourself! Running is not only good for you physically, it also helps mentally too...crikey, I’ve sorted all sorts out in my head while I’ve been out and about! If you stick with it I’m sure the weight will fall off! Good luck...and keep posting

[Karenshann Graduate]

Hi

I am 59, very overweight, about 6 stone and have just completed week 8.

I was honestly struggling to breathe in week 1 so never thought I would get this far, honestly, you can do it too

[XxGailxx in reply to Karenshann]

Brilliant ..I honestly can't wait to get started now I'm going to see Christmas thru first as I have a lot of family dinners .I'm going to using the running the machine to start with staying in Scotland the weather has been really bad ..so I will use the the running machine and on on a better day I will venture outside x

[Feed_The_Goat]

Go for it Gail - I was in a similar position and I'm doing 25 minutes of running now. Don't try to go too quickly, repeat weeks as many times as you need to and don't worry about what anyone else is thinking! Dread of running days has turned into anticipation, but it's taken me over six months with pulled muscle setbacks and what have you. Good luck with it.

[LucyLou9 Graduate]

Everybody will tell you that you can do it. I always thought they must be younger, slimmer or more sporty than me and so it was different for them, but I did it. Take it really slowly and repeat weeks if you feel the need but you can get there.

[JT489 Graduate]

Hi Gail, I was the same, am the same as yourself, and posted a similar post to you before I started. Procrastinated for a year (and before that too) ! Carrying too many stones for my body but am now on week 6!! It’s a real journey and yours will be unique, just get out there and don’t think too much...that’s what I had to do, and I don’t regret it. Good luck and read lots of inspiring and helpful posts along the way!

[Bloodhound1]

Yes it’s possible. I am 68 overweight + 5 stone and I managed it. Starts off thinking you might die at 30 seconds and then by week 9 you are running (yes... running) for 30 minutes. The big secret is SLOW SLOW SLOW don’t push just shuffle along and you get there

[MelsieJay Graduate]

It’s very possible. Good luck and enjoy it x

[Amerynthe Graduate]

Hi Gail, glad to see your post and read all the replies so far. I hope by now you are feeling more confident about getting started on the programme! I didn't start C25K until I had lost over 4 stone, but I still had 5.5 stone to go to target when I began the programme - and I still have the same amount to go. This is not to put you off, far from it, but don't get disappointed if you don't see the results you hope for on the scales. Although I haven't lost actual weight, my shape has changed as I lose fat and gain muscle tone and the improvement in my fitness is unbelievable. It's really made me appreciate that success is not only measured in terms of numbers on the scales.

Like you, I couldn't run to save myself when I started - as a colleague once said, I couldn't even catch a cold! Today I did the first run of week 9: 30 minutes non-stop. Yes, me, the girl/middle-aged woman of 58, with angina and high blood pressure, who carries an extra 5.5 stone. I have never felt fitter, I look forward to my runs, whatever the weather, and I am already looking ahead to when I graduate and am going to book myself onto the 10k run on 5 May next year in Southampton. If you'd told me I would be doing any of this before I started I simply wouldn't have believed you.

So welcome to C25K! You will get amazing support, friendship and advice on this forum, which will spur you on to victory! I really look forward to hearing about your journey!

[Jowhileyismyqueen]

You can do it Gail! I’ve got at least 4 stones to lose and I wobble about. Honestly if I can, anyone can. You’ll be saying it too in a few weeks time!

[XxGailxx in reply to Jowhileyismyqueen]

After reading all the comments on here I'm glad I posted I don't normally ask for advice or help but I know I have to do this now everyone has been great encouraging x

[DeterminedBear Graduate]

Well done for making the first step. Come here often, it helped to keep memotivated. I started in January, completed C25k in 9 weeks and have continued running. Take your time and stick with it. Good luck!

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate]

Loved reading the replies and YES, YOU CAN DO IT. I do W9 R3 tomorrow. Graduation. I'm so proud of myself. Obese when i started; 3 stones outside healthy BMI which is 4 stones more than I'd like to be. I have lost some weight and feel loads better. I can hardly beleive that I've twice run 30 minutes without stopping and I just realised I'm actually looking forward to running tomorrow. Can't believe I wrote that. I run slowly. Unfitnomore said its called the Running Shuffle. It's served me well for 26 run days and it will you. Speed is coming though. I'm faster than i was. Just don't give up. Might I suggest you don't put off day 1 until after Xmas. Do it tomorrow. It's easy to keep putting it off. I made myself run ever 2nd day after week 2. I've not had to repeat any weeks due to being far to stubborn to break into a walk even when i felt I was going to expire. I just went slower. I ran slower than my brisk walk. Will power does a lot. Needed less willpower to run 60 seconds than not put a biscuit in my mouth. Trust me on that one. Believe in yourself. Wear proper comfy trainers and comfy clothes that you can strip off as u get hotter. I tie my fleece around waist.

Good luck and keep us posted with your progress xx

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate]

Meant to say also that I'm 61 years old and hated running. You'll get lots of help and inspiration on this forum so stay on here. Don't ever give up xx