When should I start?: Hey guys - newbie here. I... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,110 members159,473 posts

When should I start?

Curvygirl74 profile image
10 Replies

Hey guys - newbie here. I’m thinking of doing Couch to 5K. I’ve not exercised for about 18 months, due to busy work / home life. When I did train I did more strength training so not much cardio. I need to lose a serious amount of weight but not sure if I should wait a few weeks when I’ve shifted some pounds or just go for it now and take it steady?

Any advice would be much appreciated 😊

Written by
Curvygirl74 profile image
Curvygirl74
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
10 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Some advise people about to start with C25K to go for a long walk a few times before you start the runs, up to you, you could go for a 5K walk a few times, gradually increasing the pace then start C25k with the runs.

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate

Start ! Don’t hesitate ! Lots of us on here are much bigger than we should be, so don’t feel lonely. I was carrying a whole extra person in fat when I started (I call it Ethel) and it’s only slowly wearing away now, four months after graduation. Take it slow and steady: if it hurts, slow down more. Run on the most forgiving surfaces you can find. And don’t feel you have to wear Lycra ! Have fun out there x

Jogunlikely profile image
JogunlikelyGraduate

Hi there, welcome to the forum :)

If you are not sure about starting C25K just now may I make a suggestion?

A number of folks on here did pre C25K prep. They started brisk walking on the days they planned to run. This got them into the swing of regular exercise whilst building up some fitness.

So depending on how unfit you are either build up to 3 x 30mins brisk walk per week or start there. Then if you are coping with that ok start C25K.

If you decide to jump in now then just take it slowly. So many people get a little too enthusiastic with their speed and have a less than pleasant time.

Read the guide for newbies as it's full of really useful stuff. It's a pinned post possible called FAQS.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you every success 💪🏃‍♀️😊

Give it a go, see how it goes. If you find it too hard, you could speed walk instead of running ...which isn’t easy by the way, but it’s lower impact. Good luck, enjoy the journey and let us know how it goes. You’ll get plenty of support on here.

Curvygirl74 profile image
Curvygirl74

Thanks guys for the advice - think I’m going to start now and take it steady. Feeling quite excited 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Welcome.. begin this by checking out the FAQ post for Newbies...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Slow and steady.... link this with a healthy eating regime and start out. You may find the weight comes off, you may not. It is a not an overnight fix... but you will feel heather and stronger and fitter. We will be her, every step of your way:)

Well done!

Park-View profile image
Park-View

Hi and welcome!! I was in the same position as you 4 weeks ago, thought about it, then thought some more, then some more. Really wanted to do it but was worried how I would look and what the neighbors would say!! Anyway chatted it out at work with the idea of going early before work they assured me the only people I would see would be dog walkers and you know what they were right (but often not even them!) I go out at 5am home, shower and go to work feeling amazing. Go for it you will really enjoy and let me know how you get on!!

LeeU profile image
LeeUGraduate

I know quite a few people have posted already but, when to start is a subjective and personal question really, I'd reply with do you feel ready to start?

Extra weight isn't an issue, running can help you trim down, there is an excellent post on here, made just the other day, measure don't weigh I think it is, have a look and a read.

As Oldfloss says, just take it slow and steady, you may find week 1 an eye opener with regards to your overall fitness, many if not most do.

There is a saying, you can't outrun a bad diet, and this is so true, so potentially look at changing what you eat, there are a lot of diets out there, a simple piece of advice, reduce portion size, drop processed sugar and white bread.

The main thing is, enjoy the runs, even the hard ones, trust the program and believe in yourself.

Lifluf profile image
Lifluf

Go for it! There'll always be something that could cause you to delay but you'll feel great once you get going. Let us know how you get on.

Serenity0365 profile image
Serenity0365Graduate

Tomorrow!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

When should I 'graduate'?

This week I should be on Week 7, but feeling up to the challenge, I've done two 30 minute (5km)...

Should I start running today?

Hi I’m new to this community and I’ve just downloaded the couch to 5k app and wondering whether I...

When can I start running again.....?

I haven't run since last Tuesday - I have been on antibiotics due to having a urine infection which...
richardvc profile image
Graduate

When it went pear-shaped I should have posted here

About six weeks ago I failed to complete a run and it shattered my confidence. I didn’t run for a...

Should I start again?

I graduated over a year ago but at the moment I am having trouble finding(making) time to get out...
Grannyruns profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator

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.