Overweight

[Skylar01]

Just completed my first run last night, it was so difficult to keep the running up. Can you be too overweight to run????

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I’m sure that is possible... but you completed the run, so not in your case!

Slow down, your brisk walk can be the same pace as your run, some people can actually run slower than their brisk walk!

I hated W1R1... I have no idea how I completed it... I looked for reasons that all involved me not being good enough... turns out I ran too fast.

Great job getting started... you can do this. Enjoy your journey

[Skylar01 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

It definitely gets better, I did run1 and hated it but did r2 and felt elated afterwards. Actually looking forward to r3, never thought I would say that😄

[Buddy34 Graduate]

At the beginning of c25k it can seem difficult to run no matter what size you are so don't worry . You've already done wk1r1 . Just go slow and don't put pressure on yourself. You can do this 😊😊

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Well done!! 👍🎈Keep going! Run slowly and you won’t find it so difficult & it’s better for your body! Drink lots of water! Can’t stress this enough!! You can do this!! Wk1:R1 ✔️ now after a rest day go for R2 & let us know if slowing right down helps you!

[Skylar01]

Thanks for the advice

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Well done, you've completed the hardest part, starting. All you need to do is the same again after a rest day

[MarkyD Graduate]

Technically, yes you can be too overweight to run. But more likely, you can be too overweight to run FAST. Slow down, you just need to break into the running gait. And look for Japanese Slow Running online if you want an idea of how to run.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on pacing, minimising impact and stretching after every run, which will all help.

Enjoy your journey............you can do this.

[iain-strachan Graduate]

I started C25K (second time round) in May and at 17 st 4lbs I was about 4 stone overweight, and well into the "obese" category with a BMI of 32.

I graduated (after a two week knee injury hiatus in week 9), in August, weighing about 15 stone 1lb.

NB the weight loss wasn't only down to the running, though I'm sure it helped! I was also doing quite a few walks, and cutting down rigorously on calorie intake. I used an app called myfitnesspal that allows you to log the food you eat (it has a database, and you can scan barcodes on most foods). It gives you a sensible allowance to give you a calorie deficit each day without starving. I also got a Garmin running watch which works out from your heart rate how many active calories you have burnt, and this links with myfitnesspal to add on to the daily allowance.

Since graduation, I've carried on running 3 times a week, including doing Parkrun, and am now down to 14 stone 4 lbs - still about 1 stone overweight according to the BMI recommendation. So still a little way to go. But I feel heaps better, and my Parkrun time has improved week on week.

So I reckon if I can do it from 4 stone overweight, I should think anyone can. On a recent program about Parkrun presented by Kelly Holmes, there was a guy doing Parkrun who was 24 stone, and he got round with a combination of walking and running.

Also - a tip (I'm sure everyone else will say this): if you found it too difficult to keep the running up, slow down! There is absolutely no shame in that.

[Skylar01]

Many thanks Iain

[Vintage61 Graduate]

I guess in extreme examples that could be the case. But you’ve done a run so I reckon you’re good. So, and this is the power of this forum because Even my husband doesn’t know my weight... I’m 5ft 6 and 18 stone. So no Kelly Holmes. First run I managed 30 secs. Now I can run 5k, got a medal n everythin !!! So, hydrate well, run slow, look at the Japanese slow running clips and build up very gradually. You can do this for absolute sure!!! Good luck and keep in touch 🏃🏻‍♀️👍🏻🏃🏻‍♀️