Hi All,
I’m here for a bit of advice really, I’m SUPER unfit and overweight. I’ve never ever been a runner (there again I’ve never been fit!) so this is a big leap for me. I just joined the gym before lockdown so haven’t been able to go yet, so was thinking of giving C25K a go. Is it doable for absolute beginners? Not going to lie, the thought of running scares me but I’ve always wished I could go for runs!
Everyone on the forum was unfit before starting C25K and some or not all are carrying a bit of weight. And may still be overweight, but what we all be once we have completed the programme is fitter and healthy than went we started.
The mantra of the forum is the snail is your best friend. So slow and pace yourself and you can do this. I’m in my 57 and overweight and I will be starting W9 on Friday.
Good luck 😉 on this Journey that you are about to take.
Do it! I was 20st on the 1st of Jan, i couldn’t do a flight of steps without getting out of breath. I’ve changed diet, Tom Kerridge worked for me, I started walking then this app 6 weeks ago. I’ve just done my first 20min run this morning following the app. It’s very achievable and very encouraging. You will find the people on here very supportive. We’ve all done it or going to do it, so don’t feel alone.
Go for it, it’s a life changing and even a saver 👍
Ps 16.5st now.
I've just started yesterday, a little older than you, but not in my grave yet. I need to shift weight but more importantly I need to get moving because I could give an aomeba a run for its money. I will take a look at Tom Kerridge, thanks for the tip!
Such an inspiring post square bear - great name - well done to you on all you’ve achieved so far and all you will continue to do so on the journey ahead 👍 you can do this 🏃♂️🎉
Absolutely do-able! Go for it. You were motivated to join the gym so are already in the right mindset. Seems to be the case that most people who start and finish couch to 5k are complete non-runner to start with. I for one had never run since I was a child. Good luck!
Hello Bloop45,
I agree with the others 👆. Take it slow and steady and you will be amazed at what you can achieve, don't be scared, just go for it 👍
Well done for coming on here! C25K is specifically designed with absolute beginners in mind. I honestly did not think I could do it either. I bad broke my ankle a few years back (three surgeries and two years in casts), and more limited range now, so I was sceptical that it was even physically possible. I was very unfit, and we my hayfever, sinuses and asthma were off the scale. But with lockdown driving me mad I though now was as good a time as any to give it a go. And boy, did I struggle at first. But you know what, the very hardest bit of this is just getting off the couch, literally. It is an incredibly well-designed programme that does actually know what it is doing. I say this with my hand on my heart as I am now in to week six of the programme and just ran 20 straight minutes last week! I struggled with a minute at the beginning! Each step teaches you physically how to do it, builds your strength in your legs, your lungs, and in your head (which is a huge, huge part of it). What you will also find is this online community is the BEST support to, from how to prepare for a run (lots of water, every day, when running or not), what to eat or not before a run (half a banana five minutes before you set off, and a cup of coffee if you fancy, nothing heavier), finding good stretches (really important you do these before every single run, and after, honestly, don't skip this) and such incredibly morale boosting. Honestly, give it a go. You can do this. I thought I couldn't, and absolutely, hand on heart, did not think I would have got this far!
Amazing inspirational message- you’re right this is such a supportive online community. I’m an older non runner - hated running at school and never did so since - here I am on week 4 about to do run 3 on Thursday hopefully. It’s not easy all the time but it’s a great programme and it’s working. We can and will keep on running 🏃🏼♀️🏃♂️🎉
Well done! It is such a great and well-organised programme and community. I really, really struggled the first two weeks but then I noticed the progress I was making, and it felt amazing!
I had not run for many years, c25k makes the journey so much easier to do rather than just relying on your own willpower.
I’m no expert but here is what I learnt from the program:
1 make sure you do the 5 minute walks at the start and the end
2 don’t try and go too fast - it’s better to be able to finish the run than be the quickest
3 enjoy the rest days, and if you don’t feel right on one day take another rest day and run tomorrow.
You can totally do it! I did my first run on Sunday and had to repeat it because I failed miserably!! I repeated it yesterday with no issues. I am not a runner at all. If I can do it then you totally can!! I am actually even enjoying it 🙈
I’ve never run before and started on Monday. Will do 2nd session this morning in half an hour. You have to have a rest day the day after each session. The app is great as it tells you when to walk and when to run/jog. Read all the info on here about couchto5k it’s helpful. What to drink and eat before doing it, why have a rest day after each session etc etc I felt a sense of achievement after finishing it. Go for it. I Need to do it early today as it’s going to be a warm one x
Agree with everything others have said...I started in February having not run for 45 years and graduated last month..I've dropped 2 stone but more importantly I regularly exercise now and feel loads better. I also agree that it's really important to warm up (and down) and take the whole thing at a pace you are happy with. Good luck!
Welcome to the forum.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.
Enjoy your journey.
Absolutely you can do it! I am overweight and when I did week one I was astounded how unfit I was. I found it hard and my legs were so sore the next day. It made me realise how unfit I was and how little I moved. But they key is don’t let the difficult runs put you off! Remember why you are doing it, make sure you take a rest day between runs and keep going! The program took me from that, to now week nine where I am able to run for 30 minutes without stopping, and I have actually started to enjoy it! I feel so great after a run and it makes my whole day better, I tend to run early before work, particularly in this weather I find it too hot to run in the afternoon. Good luck and if you are ever struggling come on here, the people are so supportive!
Wow thank you everyone for your replies! It’s definitely helped get rid of that “I’m way to unfit to do it!” And “are you crazy? You can’t run for a bus!” Feelings I’ve been having!
Definitely go for it! Im about to start week 7 - really proud of myself. You will have moments when you wonder if you're going to make it but stay focused- its so rewarding when you reach end of each week. Each run geared around small increases & do it at your pace- you will get there.
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