DAY 1

[Fronk1_0_0]

35 years old, have never ran before but want to lose weight and complete a challenge!

I am 6ft1 17.5 stone, and told I do not look like I am overweight, even though I am.

I'm always told - your not fat, your just a big fella! But I'm very eager to lose weight and get down to 14 stone

Completed run 1 this morning, Couldn't believe how great I felt after completing the run!

I have joined this community to track my progress and give myself come accountability by writing a post after each run!

I really hope I can do 30 min runs by week 9!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations to you Frank1_0_0 on completing run 1 of week 1 of C25K and welcome to the forum, take all the runs slowly, you can repeat any runs or week's if you wish to, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, no running on consecutive days as that could cause a injury, good luck for your running journey with C25K 😊 🏃🏾

[ArthurJG Graduate]

Well done. Two things to bear in mind if you’re looking to lose weight

First: if you rely on the scales to tell you you’re making progress you may be disappointed. That’s because you may lose fat but gain muscle. Muscle is more dense than fat and you may see no difference when you stand on the scales because of the muscle gain but muscle is healthy weight. You’ll know the difference in the way your clothes fit even if your actual weight doesn’t change.

Second: running at this level (up to 5k) doesn’t use that many calories. Therefore by itself it doesn’t affect your weight much - but don’t be put off by that. For one thing as you progress in running you may find that your eating habits change for the better. (I found I craved healthier things: I didn’t necessarily eat or drink less but I ate and drank more healthily if that makes sense). And also if you have a tendency to comfort eat or eat for something to do, well running meets some of the same needs and when you’re running you’re not eating.

So while running 5k itself makes little difference to your weight the lifestyle of a runner can have a more significant impact. And weight is only one metric; you will definitely get healthier physically and mentally to a greater extent than the scales might suggest.

So well done on a good decision. Stick with it and enjoy it!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hello , welcome and well done you!

Hopefully you have already had a good look at the pinned post;

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

So much terrific information there an dwell worth reading.

This is not a programme where you are guaranteed to lose weight... you may lose some, ( Over the years I gained some, then lost some... ), but linked with a healthy eating regime ( I am not using the word diet, it is a winning combination.

Take a peek at our sister site, Weight Loss Support, many folk on here, are on there also and find the two work together very well!

Main thing is... read the info' then slow and steady as you go, keep posting here for terrific support and of course... enjoy!

[Missmeadow Graduate]

From my experience, you will run for 30 minutes by week 9. I too am overweight but less so than when I started C25K in October. I was doubtful that I would manage to complete the programme without repeating weeks. I took the advice on here about hydration, pre and post run stretching, and, above all, running slowly and landing on the ball of the foot not the heel. You’re starting to run when the weather will only get better and Spring bursts into life. Enjoy every run and I’m absolutely sure you will achieve your goal. Well done for getting started.

[GTFC Graduate]

Best thing is that it's all there in front of you. Keep going and really enjoy each step that you tick off ✅

[LottieMW Ambassador]

Well done for starting C25k! As has been said, you may not notice any difference on the scales…but can I suggest you record all your measurements! Weight can remain the same…but you may find that inches will be lost 😉