Hi all,
I have just started, essentially I'm around 20st and I'm finding it really difficult. I'm active at work, lots and lots of walking so I thought I wouldn't find it this hard.
I have also got swelling around my calves and ankles...this normal for us bigger people?
I'm just desperate to keep doing it, just desperate to achieve something athletic, never really been my thing.
Any tips? I'm trying to be careful of how fast I am running. I think my posture is poor.
Hi Calley, I totally understand the ankle swelling, I’m relatively young but find that a problem too. Even walking for a long time can make it happen.
I really struggled week 1, could barely get to the end for all three runs. I think giving yourself enough time to recover is important. Keep the pace down as much as you can. You need all your energy for each stretch and keep going! You can do it. Sending positive vibes.
Congratulations on starting C25K with runs 1 and 2 of week 1, sorry about the swelling around your calves and ankles, don't run if that happens as running could make it worse.
You could run for 30 seconds on week 1, gradually increasing the time to 60 seconds, also you can repeat any runs or week's if you wish to, good luck and I hope you enjoy your running journey with C25K after those injuries heal.
Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Enjoy your journey.
Perhaps repeat week one a few times until you're happy? In the early days, my jogging was slightly quicker than walking pace. Keep it real slow. Afer a run keep your legs elevated above your heart for a little while. Water tablets should help - speak to your GP. Good luck and well done on starting - that's the hardest part.
If you've successfully completed two sessions of C25K first go, you are doing really well, it takes some of us a lot longer.
Do follow IannodaTruffe 's advice to read the guide.
A wee tip from me, although frankly it doesn't sound to me as though you need any... if you normally walk a lot, it may help to slow the pace not just of your running motion but of your walking motion in the sessions. So long as you keep your body moving (even though you may be covering little ground) you are doing what is needed.
I suppose it is inevitably more difficult if you are carrying extra weight, but there are lots of people on here who have completed c25k despite it. Maybe, take extra rest days or repeat the weeks until you are comfortable. I don't know about the swelling, but it sounds like you should get it checked out, when the current crisis passes.
I listen to music whilst running. That helps as I find myself singing along to it (not out loud) and it helps the time pass xxx
I’ve been around your weight Calley123 but didn’t start running until I’d lost around half. Think about it you are running with a small person wrapped around you. It’s going to be hard. But you’ve done the toughest thing - you’ve started. You are the same person with or without the weight. But I can tell you, from experience, that you will feel great if you keep going and if the weight also goes then that’s a bonus. Weight is only a number (same with age) but I guarantee you’ll feel great. Keep going girl...you’ve got this.
Thank you, I really needed to hear that!!
How did you lose so much weight!! That's incredible, well done you!
I can only imagine you feel like a brand new person!
I think I just ran out of excuses not to Calley123. I had a stressful job that involved a fair bit if travel and hotel stays and when I got home I had my family. Then I retired and there were no excuses for not taking the time to care properly for me. So I did. I lost a chunk of weight in the first year and the rest in year two of retirement. But it’s not easy. I am still watching what I eat (and drink) so it’s not a one time effort. It’s an always effort. I joined our local gym the first Monday after retiring - but for classes rather than weights. I’ve made lots of friends at those classes and they really helped me stay focussed. Returning here to Portugal for winter I was looking for something to help me maintain and running seemed the simplest as you rely on yourself and all you need are trainers. Or at least that’s how I felt when I started but using the Couch app is why I made it. I lurked on this long before I posted. I’m not generally a posting type gal. But I loved the feeling that I wasn’t alone and someone always has your back. My only regret is that I didn’t do it long ago. Because with the benefit of hindsight my excuses were just that...excuses. If I can do it - you can definitely do it. You’ve got this girl and this forum has your back. Keep telling us how it’s going and every time someone will help remind you of that fact. Happy running.
I was 20 stone when I started but I’m quite tall. It took its toll on my knees for a while but soon improved after I built up some strength. In 5 months I have put on a fair bit of leg muscle, my body shape is changing quite a lot and I have lost 18 lbs. you will find yourself watching what you eat soon enough which really helps. Well done for making a start but just take it very easy to begin with.
I’ve just done my second run too and it’s an uphill climb.
Hi, you can lose weight and build stamina and strength by skipping which is much lower impact but can be very intense exercise .
I’m on day 3 today of week 1. I have an awful lot of weight to lose and my running is more walk than run. I am not a natural runner so find it really hard. I know I haven’t got the advice you are after but I wanted you to know you’re not on your own. Hope you get the advice you’re after. Good luck.
I’m about to do my first run today like you Calley I carry far to much weight excuses stop now good luck
Did my first run nightmare but will keep going
Week 1 run 2 complete
Week 1 run 2 complete
Week 2 run 1 & 2 shin pain
Week 2 run 1, advice on running outside 
Week 2 Run 1 Slipping and sliding
