How much difference does a few extra pounds make?

[ruralrob]

ok.I have been doing park for the last year or so ,although recently work and holidays have got in the way a bit.I have also managed to put on about 8 pound.My Pb was never great (32 mins) but recently it has really gone down and today I had to keep stopping and walking and just scrapped in under 38 mins.Does the extra weight really make that much difference.I am currently 13st5 at 5ft10 .I was nearly 15 stone a couple of years ago so I'm pleased I've lost a bit ,but god it's all a bloody struggle sometimes!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Just a thought. Did you start with something like c25k . Maybe you need to go back to the start and work your way up to build up stamina and strength 😊

[Hidden]

I was wondering this, too. Reading the posts here and having a look at people's journeys saying they could barely manage the 60 second runs on week 1 and then you see their progress nine weeks later and they are completing 5K in under 30 minutes.

I'm approaching the half way mark of the programme and I don't think I'll be getting anywhere near that. I reckon in the 30 minutes on week 9, I'll manage 2-3K because I go so slow. I reckon it has to be because I'm 5 stone overweight. It kind of makes sense that my body would tire quicker than your average runner with all that extra baggage.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Hi ruralrob, I’m sure extra poundage won’t help but I reckon a 32 minute Parkrun is definitely not to be dismissed! I dream of such speeds! You’re right, taking the pounds off is far harder than putting them on but you’ve done really well so far! Happy running!