You know what, I’m 36 am morbidly obese and have always watched on as so many friend and family have running successes.
I decided to do C25K to improve my health, my anxiety and see if I could prove myself and others wrong.
During Week 1 I just about managed to keep up with the runs and had to convince myself to go out but only after dark to avoid being seen!
Fast forward to week 5 and even with the storm raging, I couldn’t miss my weekend run! I’ve just got back from my W5R3 and have run for a continuous 20mins. How did that happen?
I might not be breaking any land speed records and I’m sure I can walk quicker than I run but I couldn’t be more proud of myself!
Well done to everyone pushing them self’s with this program and to anyone thinking of starting out, if I can, anyone can! Go for it.
As I reward I’m going to buy myself a waterproof jacket. I may have run for 20mins but I’m soaked.
Any recommendations?
I’m looking forward to W6!
Written by
Emlist29
Graduate
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Hi Emlist29, how’s it going? Did you get your jacket? Keep running....you can absolutely do this. Every run is doing something so kind for yourself 👏👍🏆
Hi I’m starting to find the running really comforting, even if I get a bit tired half way. Just finished week 8 run 3. It’s helping me feel a bit of space from some anxiety. Thanks for asking, I really appreciate it 😊
Paul4life, good luck on Monday, we’re all cheering you on! I bet you’ll be amazed after the first week how much you’re liking it, post how you get on 👍
Emlist29 you are a total hero 👏💐 you’ve shown guts, stamina and really gone for it. You’re inspiring! Go and enjoy choosing that jacket. Sorry I don’t know enough to recommend good kit as I’m just a newbie runner too. Loving C25K tho and right with you in spirit. Let’s get out there and keep running 😁!
Thanks for the good wishes. I like you idea you realised you’re a hero - now you know .....😉 keep us all posted and if you need to share joys and struggles we’re all in it together. You will encourage me too.
A huge well done on getting that milestone 20 minute run under your belt! I hope you are very proud of what you've achieved! Like you, I am carrying more weight than is good for me, but completing the C25K programme has made me fitter and healthier than I have been for years - possibly decades - and I feel happier about myself in general.
As for running jackets, I'd say something that has a hood and zips up completely, so that you can quickly unzip it and tie it round your waist when you get too warm or when it stops raining. I get too hot very quickly, so I quite like the rain to keep me cool and usually don't bother with a jacket!
Best of luck with the coming weeks - looking forward to your graduation post!
Congratulations to you Emlist29 on completing run 3 of week 5 in a storm (Hanna) that is a milestone run with C25K. Onwards and upwards to week 6 run 1 but be careful about that run as it catches out some people with the interval walks and runs. Go to a good sports shop regarding what to wear in wet weather.
Congratulations Em! Such a milestone run: it was my favourite. When you find a rain jacket, please will you post here what you found? I don’t generally mind getting wet but would like a jacket: I don’t know your size but I am very overweight and struggle to get any sportswear to fit, but particularly rain jackets. I am almost certainly a larger size than you but any pointers gratefully received! I hope this is ok: I just read how you described yourself x
Don’t worry, you’re right to ask, I’m a 20 at the mo. I’ve been told to look at walking jackets but to be honest I find thin waterproofs too hot as they’re not breathable. Woman’s are often too small/ short so might look at men’s.
Thank you. I think walking jackets will be too heavy and long? Not sure. I bought a beautiful Adidas rain jacket online in the January sale: I am an 18 so I bought 20-22 which is their biggest size and I knew their sizing would come up small. I’m about 3” away from the zip meeting at the waist and more at the bust 🙁
I suspect there are outlets which cater for bigger sizes but will be at a price. However USA Pro leggings have been good 👍
Well done you! 🎉 About jackets: I found a good, breathable one in a cycle shop - zips all the way down and has various aeration flaps. No hood, however, as they assume a helmet. (I wear a cap with a brim.) There’s also a website called rerun that has “preloved” running gear. They might have something from someone who has lost some weight (maybe you of the future!).
Congratulations on completing w5r3, I remember it well as it was my first post on here. My eyes popped out on stalks after weeks of gentle progression and then suddenly doubling the time.
As for waterproofs I’ve invested in decent stuff in the past and they’re usually great until you have to wash them for the first time. I don’t believe anything is waterproof and breathable though, there’s a big name in the game and as far as I can tell they sell snake oil to the gullible (including me!).
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W5R3: I actually did it. If anyone is scared, don’t be! 
W5R3 Done! But am I too slow?
W5r3 done! How far can I go, I wonder? 
W5R3 done and I cried!!!!
If I can, anyone can.
