Almost at 18 stone. : As being a tall 5'8 female... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Almost at 18 stone.

1sttimerunner1 profile image
29 Replies

As being a tall 5'8 female. I'm almost hitting the 18 stone mark. I'm starting to struggle to do things. I'm a young mum at 28 years. So I can bring my 6 year old daughter along in my runs, as she's peddling her bike. I'm starting running and slimming world next week. I need to fill my cupboards with good stuff, not bad haha.

Feeling quite anxious about this, as being obese and starting running is looking embarrassing to me right now. But... I have to start somewhere. I'm not a fan of alcohol, not a weekend alcohol binger. It's more... Pizzas and Chinese. Which is getting cut down to once a month/two months.

But yeah.. Anyone starting out in a similar situation.

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1sttimerunner1 profile image
1sttimerunner1
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29 Replies
Chocs_away profile image
Chocs_awayGraduate

You can do it!

I've tipped from obese to overweight this year - it's not easy to make lifestyle changes and it will test your determination but you'll be so glad you've made this decision.

Nothing to be embarrassed about, you're getting off the couch - take it slowly.

1sttimerunner1 profile image
1sttimerunner1 in reply to Chocs_away

You make it sound so easy. But I guess your right. Instead of lounging about, I'm getting up and doing things ect.

You sound like your doing amazing!

Redvic97 profile image
Redvic97Graduate

Go for it. The support on here is great. Post after every run however it goes. We’ll cheer you on or cheer you up 😊. There’s some great advice on here and remember it’s a slow jog not a fast run. This programme really is life changing. Good luck.

1sttimerunner1 profile image
1sttimerunner1 in reply to Redvic97

Thank you so much. And I will be posting after every run!!

pa259 profile image
pa259

What a great thing to do for yourself and your daughter. Remember that no one is looking at you when you run. Just get out there and do it. And eating healthily is so important. Best of luck.

1sttimerunner1 profile image
1sttimerunner1 in reply to pa259

Thank you. I've been looking at pinch of nom recipes, which sound amazing. All batch cooking starts weekend to get myself prepared as I work over night ect.

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Everyone starts somewhere and it is always tough.

Most people around us are in their own little bubble and barely see anything around them so there really are far less people paying attention than we think and most of those may even be thinking well done for getting out there! I try to remind myself that "what anyone else thinks is their problem"!

Please do read through the guide to the programme and take it easy on yourself healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The hardest part is beating those little voices in our heads telling us we can't, we won't finish, it's too hard, it's not worth it, we don't have time, it's too cold/wet etc. That's the real battle, but as you get through each week you get stronger and more determined to bat away those thoughts and replace them with I can! I will! I really am! And it feels great!

Enjoy it 👍🏻😁

RunningMigster profile image
RunningMigsterGraduate

Welcome to the gang.

I wholeheartedly agree with what everybody else has said. I for one used to look at runners who were 'old' or overweight and as a result, felt ashamed of myself for sitting on the couch. So just remember, it's people like you who inspire people like me.

You will have really tough days, thats for sure. We all do. But that's why we are all here. You're not doing this alone, you've got lots of people here to support you on your journey.

Just one more thing, running alone wont help you lose weight, so great that you're doing slimming world too, but what you will notice with running is that you will lose inches! And of course, you will quickly start to feel much healthier.

So good luck on your journey, and keep us updated on progress!

Mig

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate in reply to RunningMigster

Well said 👍😊

1sttimerunner1 profile image
1sttimerunner1 in reply to RunningMigster

Thank you so much. Your support is amazing!!! I'm looking forward at actually changing for the best!!!

Well done.

You've done the hardest bit by just wanting to do this

We're all here and cheering you on. Just take it slow then slower still and remember your rest days and rehydration.

Keep posting

1sttimerunner1 profile image
1sttimerunner1 in reply to

Thank you for the tips!!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done

on your decision.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

KRon19 profile image
KRon19

I’m heading to the gym for my first run this morning. I’m 5 3 and nearly 14 stone so everything wobbles when I run but I’m going to stick my earphones in and zone out and hope I can overcome the embarrassment bit. Good luck you’re doing a fab thing and much better to do it now while you’re young.

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate in reply to KRon19

👏🏼🎉👏🏼👍 Good for you!

1sttimerunner1 profile image
1sttimerunner1 in reply to KRon19

Fab!!! How did your first run go this morning. I've just left work from 8am this morning. I'm getting the woman I care for involved (not the runs, but the steady walks) on Monday when we're doing a 5 mile walk. I'll be doing the c25k plan in with it too.

Katiepops profile image
KatiepopsGraduate

Great decision! Everyone is self conscious when they start out, imagining themselves being laughed at by crowds of onlookers. Tell you what though, no one actually cares! No one will stare at you (except perhaps in admiration) and even if they did, so what? You’re out there doing it they’re not! You will be inspirational to somebody else who will get their self confidence together having seen you. You’ll probably never know it though!

We all compare ourselves to others all the time. It’s silly. A quote on the B210k forum I read once “comparison is the thief of joy”, so smile and have fun, forget everyone else.

Great mum/daughter time and what a fantastic lesson she’s learning from you! Well done!

Don’t go too fast too soon. Look after yourself. New you for a new decade. Believe it, you’ve got this.xx

Joanney69 profile image
Joanney69Graduate in reply to Katiepops

Great post and I love that quote 😊

Katiepops profile image
KatiepopsGraduate in reply to Joanney69

Isn’t it a delicious one?! Can’t claim it as my own, they are Theodore Roosevelt’s words.😊

Joanney69 profile image
Joanney69Graduate in reply to Katiepops

And so true 😊

1sttimerunner1 profile image
1sttimerunner1 in reply to Katiepops

Thank you so much. I love posts like this. You are making me more determined!!!

Joanney69 profile image
Joanney69Graduate

I used to be 18 stone 5lbs

There I said it. Used to be. I'm now around 12 stone and have no intention of going back there again.

Well done on deciding to do something about it while you're still young - I was 48 when I changed my lifestyle, now I'm 50 and just completed week 1 of c25k 😊

Have you seen the sister site to this one - nhs weight loss? That's where I stumbled into in 2018,desperate to lose weight and get healthy. It's a fantastic forum, full of supportive people who understand the struggle of trying to lose weight, it's free and open 24/7 😊 I can't recommend it enough, it changed my life ☺️

As the saying goes, you can't outrun a bad diet, but a new healthy eating habit along with c25k will give you so many benefits. Take a look and see what you think - you have nothing to lose apart from the weight 😊

Let us know how you get on

1sttimerunner1 profile image
1sttimerunner1 in reply to Joanney69

I'll have a gander at the sister page. Thank you!

Maz1234 profile image
Maz1234Graduate

I was over weight when I started and same as you I’m not a big drinker but love my junk food. I’ve lost quite a bit of weight and got down to a healthy bmi for my height.the running as played a part but the food I ate was what worked. I still have the odd pizza or Chinese . I use my fitness pal app to account for all my calories. Still have a treat as it will stop you craving. Good luck

Reviewer2000 profile image
Reviewer2000Graduate

You are off to a great start - reading posts like yours keeps me motivated too, so thank you so much for sharing. Only in the last few weeks have I started running close to home - I have preferred to run somewhere where I won't see anyone who knows me. Today for the first time someone recognised me and stopped the car to wave, and I didn't mind! I know I don't look great, and I've felt very self conscious, but I think I've finally got over my self consciousness - I've got bigger things to focus on, like keeping up a vague pace. As some people have mentioned above, most people aren't even looking or are interested - you're just another runner.

What an amazing example you are setting for your daughter - eat healthy, exercise often - you should be so proud. We're all cheering you on here - thanks again for motivating me to keep it up.

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate

Good for you. Each of us was a First Time runner once, and we all made it through. I’m sure you will too. 👏🏼👍 Stay with the plan, run slowly, drink lots of water every day (not just run days) and have fun succeeding. Ignore what you think people might be thinking! Most of them will actually be wishing they had started too. You. Will. Do. It. 🎉

You’ve got this. I’m a 33 year old, 5’10”, 258 pounds woman. I was heavier when I started last year. How much heavier? I’m not sure. Anyway, if can complete this program then so can you! There are times on the podcast when Laura said run and I kept on walking. There are times I had to repeat weeks but I did it! I’ve completed the program and continue to jog/run at my own pace. I said all that to say you’ve got this! 2020 is your year.

Tankerbell profile image
Tankerbell

I'm in exactly the same situation 5'-7" though. However I have a lot of years on you. I'm 62 soon to be 63 and I've tried running but it affects my joints too much. I've taken up aqua aerobics, non weight bearing and today I've just done my first yoga class, it was hard all my fat bits got in my way and restricted my movement somewhat. I belong to Slimming World and I'm going to carry on with my classes. I must believe in myself to do it. I know it will be so much better for my joints. I weigh in every Monday. So if you'd like we can try and shed some pounds in friendly competition. No pressure.

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate

Congratulations on your decision to start Couch2 5k 👍😀 Lots of great advice from the lovely folk on the forum. Wishing you lots of luck.

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