Hiiii, I'm new to C25K!
My first run will be tomorrow! I'm excited but nervous. I just want to hear some positive weight loss stories from doing the C25K... I'm 29, I have 3 children, my youngest is 6 months! I'm currently weighing nearly 16 stone and I am so fed up of being unhealthy! I guess I just need some more motivation to do this challenge!
Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.
C25K alone, without addressing diet, is very unlikely to make you lose weight...........a half hour workout does not burn enough calories. However, you will lose inches, become fitter and like many before you your attitude to food might well change and lead towards a more appropriate diet.
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.
HiI found that I only started losing a little weight towards the end of the programme, and I think that is a combination of many factors.
I am overweight and 50, so the metabolism isn't what it used to be.
I am female, so hormonal changes are a consideration.
I developed a stronger mindset as I persevered with the programme, and consequently am more determined to make better choices about what I put in my (and my family's) bodies.
I run more slowly than I walk, so I'm not going to be expending huge amounts of energy doing this, but I am more active multiple times a week.
So far, I have lost 6lb without feeling like I am denying myself anything, and could certainly still make better choices more often, but what is life without a few pleasures?
Wishing you all the best
Over the past year I’ve lost just over a stone. Initially I put a few pounds on when beginning the program possibly due to building muscle. Apparently this is quite common. Then I began to lose about half a pound a week which has just added up to just over a stone over the year. However, I did have to rethink my diet too and stop indulging in Mary Berry recipes 😂. I only changed the quality of my food though and not the quantity. So initially I cut out the biscuits 🍪 and late night eating. Then I reduced the processed carbs to plant based carbs. So basically I try to choose meat/ dairy, veg and fruit over bread, biscuits cakes and sweets. Think ‘real food’. Sugar and white carbs lead to insulin release and insulin is a fat storage hormone. So white processed carbs + insulin lead to weight gain 😏. I’m a big believer of all things in moderation so I still have chips from time to time and have a biscuit or cake but I tend to restrict them just to the weekend. I also try to have a decent meal and not snack between meals although my job is so crazy I often don’t get chance to eat at work. I think what I’m trying to say is that running alone probably won’t lead to much weight loss unless you tweak your diet too. Hope that helps and good luck 🏃♀️
As the others have said it’s not about weight loss but it gives you great positivity and a healthier mindset, you can do it! I’m just about to get up and go run never would I have believed it but it’s so good 💪🏻
PS Def do as Iannodatruffe says read everything you will be better prepared.
I started losing weight at the end, the 30 minute runs seemed to really help with the diet I was following, I stuck to 3 runs a week after I finished C25K and lost weight every week. This was 3 years ago, now I have put all the weight back on so I am plodding on and hoping I can get back to where I was. I remember the lovely feeling of being fit and healthy and I want that back! Lol. I worked with a few people at the time who had no interest in running until they saw the great results after 3 months or so, then they were all very interested 😄
Good luck with starting the programme. I used a combination of running and diet last year to lose 4+ stones and would offer you the following advice:1. Consistency is the key with both the diet and exercise side of things. Don't get hung up on targets like distance etc. Just get out and do something, but do it regularly.
2. Don't expect miracles. Like everything worth having, some work is involved - you probably won't lose every week (try to avoid being a "daily weigher") and you won't run faster/longer every time either. The point is that you're getting better.
3. Remember the feeling when you've done a run and use that as motivation to get out of the door next time. It's such a buzz!
4. Muscle weighs more that fat by volume so sometimes you'll be fitter and trimmer but not lighter.
5. Did I mention consistency?
Best of luck for your first run! I didn't start running to lose weight, but once I could run for longer, I seemed to choose better eating options, and as flab gradually turned into muscle, my body shape improved. My waist reappeared, for a start! My weight didn't change much but I looked loads better.I can't run at the moment because of an injury, and my waist has disappeared again, but I know I can do it again, just as soon as I'm allowed to start running again. Running seems to reset my brain, and a healthier lifestyle becomes easier to follow.
Follow the links in Ianodatruffe's post. It's all good advice.
Firstly I'd like to congratulate you on your choosing to start the program, it literally changed my life. Read the "guide" that has been linked, I found it of enormous help (especially the "easy conversational pace" bit)...
Now in answer to your question: I graduated last week, after a lifetime of obesity (just under 19 stone in January), asthmatic and an ex smoker of 24 years... It's definitely do-able.
Feel free to read my story here 👉 healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
(I go on a bit, sorry about that, I was just very emotional, after completing the plan)
Short, fat (16st), class II obese, menopausal. Hated running and have done nothing energetic since leaving school (and I'm 57). Started wk 1 mostly walking and 'power walking'. Now slow jogging 60 mins non stop, including hills- just back from 6km which I actually enjoy doing now!I've changed shape, and feel fitter, I've only lost 6kg since late Dec when I got off the couch, but also inches from my waist and all my 'back flab'.
It's more about the mind set- 'I've done that exercise so I'm not going to mess it up by eating badly'. So it's slow -but it will stick.
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