I know there is so many people out there just like me. Food being my greatest friend and worst enemy. It’s tough being overweight. Yes in my case it’s totally self inflicted and only I have the power to change it, but when you feel so embarrassed about how you look you just turn to the thing that got you in that mess to start with. It’s finding a way to break the vicious circle.
I have tried so many times to lose weight. Once it stuck and I lost 5 stone and I was so proud of myself but as soon as I stopped I never really found the motivation to start again.
I think a lot of it comes down to how you feel about yourself. I find it hard to block out the nasty remarks from others when they see a big girl try to exercise, but I’m hoping now that I have found the couch to 5k programme and this community, I will be able to take inspiration from others who have been where I am now and help me on my journey to a new me.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated and I wish all the luck in the world to everyone who is trying to change their life for the better.
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BizzieB
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I’m overweight and everyone on here is so supportive. Take your time and just go at your own pace. You don’t have to sprint and what people have said to me is even if you need to build up to the first run that’s okay. Just do what you can and you will get there. I’m only just now being able to do run 1 and I’ve been building up to it for months
Hello BizzieB, you've come to the best place. Anyone who would make nasty remarks about someone trying to get fitter and healthier just haven't got a clue.
When you start c25k just go slow and slower again if needed and remember to drink lots of water per day and not just on run days about 2-3 litres it really helps.
C25k is an amazing plan and really does work you'll get lots of encouragement and support on here good luck 😊😊
I am overweight too and am in a running club who really support me. I am good except for the week before my time of month and it sets me back a bit each month! Ignore the meanies. When you’re old and look back at your life, what will you think of those people who held you back? I know I’d be angry that I’d let them get to me and would wish I had ignored them. So realise you are worthy and they are a minor inconvenience.
I’d recommend taking it easy with at least one rest day in between runs. Also, I’d recommend some cross training. I have an elliptical and a few fitness DVDs involving weights which I really put my all into- they really help my legs get stronger to support my weight (weight training also really helps alongside running to help you look slimmer-you won’t bulk up). Also, I’ve only just started to feel slimmer and I’ve been running for over 4 months. It takes time and effort and lots of patience, but it’s so worth it. I feel better than I have in years and I’m committed to keeping on improving. Good luck
When I first started running, I hated people seeing me run because I thought they would laugh (I am clearly not a runner) but after a while, several months, I realised that others who run, don’t judge and those who don’t run, don’t matter. I’m doing something about it which is more than doing nothing. I run like a snail but I run regularly and feel better for it. Stick with C25K and if you need motivation or help, ask the good people on here. What have you got to lose?
I’m not really overweight just trying to combat the creeping middle age speed and probably like a lot of people I’ve worried about what I look like when I’m running. But I’ve got to the point where I don’t care because it’s not about them and I’m doing something which is better for me. I also want to say that whenever I see a larger person in the gym I am in awe of them because I recognise that they have way more grit and determination. So go for it and take all the support and advice that you’ll get on here. We’re cheering you on every step of the way 😊
Hi Bizzie. Starting the c25k will be one of the best decisions you will make . I was over weight and just got down to a healthy bmi. It’s not all down to running but also food choices but running as also played a part in it also . Drink plenty water and take it slow and before you know it you will be running 30 mins without stopping and feeling a lot better for it. I also found rather than going on a diet I just changed what I ate and logged all my calories on my fitness pal app and if I fancied a treat I had one. It takes time but if you stick with it you will can the results you want. Good luck
Hi Bizzie, first off it must’ve been demoralising to lose 5 stone and put it (all?) back on, but that was an amazing achievement back then. Why can’t you do it again?
I’d be a bit more selfish and think of yourself. I reckon most overweight people’s worry about what others think is in their own minds. Who cares what people think?
OK, I’m fairly slim now (BMI 26) but I was obese (BMI 32) up until two years ago. I drank too much (that stopped) and kept a food diary. I’m male so kept to below 2000 calories. Tough at first, but you really plan meals that way. Then I took my BMI 32 body to a gym I liked, i.e. not a bodybuilder poser place, and was very welcome there. I lost weight quickly, but my greatest success (by chance) was realising I was now pretty fit and needed to do a sport. For you, it could be a weekly park run where you aim for a certain time. I think without a sport or some sort of target, it’s easier to put that weight back on.
And now I’m slim, I have nothing but admiration for larger people at the gym or out running, The ones that stick with do start to lose weight, and that’s brilliant to see.
Go for it. Don’t worry about other people.
You can do this, just go easy on yourself don't get carried away and remember to rest. I fit my runs around night shifts and run Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Yep you'll definitely get fitter and it will help with the weight loss. But, big but.... It won't make you a skinny Minnie but you've said that you've successfully lost weight in the past so hit that fruit aisle in the supermarket yes allow yourself treats and go get that graduate badge.... 👍
I hear you, and totally get it! I’m 59, and have battled my weight all of my life. And, like you say, it’s self inflicted because I love food. I’ve probably tried every diet under the sun, and had success along the way for sustained periods of time. But it’s always hard work. Now I’m the age I am, I don’t care so much about how I look, but I do care about my health and that’s what I try and focus on.
Try and think about that, and if you make some reasonably good food choices, and do this program I’m sure you will have great success, and most of all enjoy it at the same time.
The people on here are super support and friendly, so stick around and..... Good Luck 👍😁
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. Just hearing your stories and advice is definitely helping. I know it’s all about my mind frame. Before when I lost the weight I was determined and I just blocked my surroundings out and went for it. Now I’m just trying to get back to that way of mind. I’m definitely getting there and I know once I start, after the first few sessions I will be ok. I don’t want to ever come back to being like this again. It’s a life change and I want to be fit and healthy so I can do all the things I used to enjoy 😁
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