W4 done ✅. Am wondering tho, how much difference weight makes to running 🤔

[Onewomanscrusade]

I’m very pleased to say that week 4 is complete and my first week 5 run is tomorrow (thanks for the heads up about the issues with the sarah Millican run 3 thing). I’ve mentioned before about the pain I get in my calves and shins when I run but as it goes pretty much straight away in the cool down, and following some info on this forum, I’m fairly confident that it’s my body wondering what the hell is going on with this activity 🙈. But I’m also wondering how my weight influences my run. Weighing scales are banned from my house but I think I’m probably a couple of stone over what is considered ‘ideal’ for my weight/height ratio. So how much harder is c25k with a bit of extra cushioning? 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done on your progress.

I know that if I strapped on a rucksack with a two stone weight on my back that it would affect performance and increase strain on leg joints and muscles. My advice is to follow the guidance in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... on minimising impact.

As weight reduces it will obviously be much easier.

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hi iannodatruffle. Thanks for the info. I had a read through the FAQ you made before starting and as much as possible, I try and run on grass or a mix of grass and concrete. I do feel that I’m starting to lose a bit of weight, although that wasn’t and isn’t my prime goal for starting the programme. However, as you say, losing weight can only help as I continue with the running. I’ll keep joffling and trust it will all come together in the end 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hey you you're back x

[Goforitmama Graduate]

Oh gee. I don’t really know. I think that you are doing fantastically and I admire your determination. Keep at it.

Lots of people find c25k is a platform for weight loss. Some loose lots of weight (slowly of course). Stick with it with it hun. Lots of people here supporting you.

I’m sure if I put 28 pounds into a backpack, strapped it on and went running that I would be feeling it too. Knees, calves, quads...

I’m sure others have mentioned this before... (sorry if I’m repeating...) but as the runs get longer you will need a proper pair of running shoes. They really can make a big difference, feel comfy and even kinda bouncy. They can help to avoid an injury too. Sorry again if you knew all of that already.

Good luck.

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Goforitmama]

Hi Goforitmama. Thanks for the encouragement! I’d rather be told something more than once rather than not at all, it’s a good reminder 😊. Will have a look into new footwear too 👍

[backintime Graduate]

There are lots of people who have been or are overweight here. I think that it would be easier weighing less, but it's weight you are "used to" so that means it's not like you are suddenly carrying extra weight.

Hang in there, whatever weight or not doing C25K can only help you

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to backintime]

Very true backintime. When weight loss has been a focus for me, it usually ends in disaster. I’ve always hated exercise and seen it as a punishment more than anything else so it’s nice that this time doing the C25k is proving a more positive experience 😊👍

[MarybellM in reply to Onewomanscrusade]

Now that I can run (ie I can run for 30 mins fairly easily) I’ve changed my mind-set about weight loss. It used to be ‘run to lose weight’ but now it’s ‘lose weight to run’ (better and longer!) Yes - trying every psychological trick in the book to stop my bad eating habits!

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

I’ve actually started doing that! Will try and keep to that approach. Far more positive I think 👍

[MarybellM in reply to Onewomanscrusade]

Yes - far more positive to focus on the running which is such a positive, dynamic thing to do as opposed to the negativity and self-denial of ‘dieting’.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Take the advice from IannodaTruffe

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Just seen this so apologies for being slow! I know I’m carrying at least 2 stone more than I need to and I’m sure it makes a difference. But I’m not doing C25K to lose weight because it probably won’t help that but I have seen a difference in shape which in some ways is better! A smaller size in trousers would do me fine! But I am trying to eat more healthily so the whole thing will, I hope, end up with my being much fitter and weighing less as well. I always do stretches before and after runs and, apart from a slight calf muscle tear at one point which halted me for a few weeks, I haven’t really had any problems - are you staying really well hydrated? My legs feel like lead on those days when I know I’m probably not as hydrated as I should be. Good luck with week 5!

[Onewomanscrusade Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks for this Oldgirlruns. I think this is what is happening for me. And I definitely feel better and perhaps walking a bit taller? MarybellM has nailed it with the lose weight to run rather than run to lose weight. On times I’ve thought ‘is this going to help me with my running?’ Lol. Onwards and upwards for us all hopefully! 😊😊