Hi. I'm 5'9" and weigh 19st 9lb. I'm 42 years old and haven't run since my school days. I'm due to start the C25K programme on Monday.

[Runningmom]

Is there anyone out there who is or has been in a similar situation and did it work for you?

[Bonzo]

Hi Runningmom, I was the one who didn't 'do' exercise. 5'8" and 15st 4lbs when I started. On the 1st wk 1 run I couldn't run for 30 seconds never mind a full min and felt like a steamroller had run over my chest! But was pleasently surprised on 2nd run that it felt a little easier (still couldn't run/jog for 60 seconds though) ended up doing wk1 run 5 times so I felt I could complete it and was ready for week 2. So each week I try to get out 3 times I am now 6 weeks down the line and did my first wk4 run yesterday. I cant believe the change in me, I actually enjoy going on my runs (totally unexpected) and have lost 18lbs so far! I am calorie counting at the same time. If you have a compatible phone/iPod I use two apps which help me stay on track MyFitnessPal (can get this on your computer too) and RunKeeper which tracks your runs & tells you how far you have been. I have signed up for the 5k race for life in July and want to be able to hold my own.

Good luck you CAN do it just go at your own pace and keep us informed of your progress this forum is so supportive! Go girl !!!! ??

[Bonzo]

Sorry the question marks were supposed to be smiley faces!

[PatButcher Graduate]

Hello Runningmom! Welcome to 9 weeks of Highs, lows, new friends, dog poo dodging madness You are not alone, this group is made up of all sorts of like minded folk, all ages and sizes but with the same goal in mind. I'm 45, 5'2" 10st 10 lb. I started this to improve my fitness but mostly to lose weight, My fitness has increased tenfold but as for the weight loss, not a hope I finished weeks ago but still run 3 times a week. I am addicted as I'm sure you will be too once the endorphins get you

[Tapira Graduate]

Hello Runningmom well done for taking the first step! I was 16 stone and 5'3" last July and was down to 12 and a half stone (helped by WeightWatchers online) when I started C25K in February aged 49. The programme is helping me through a weight loss plateau and the totally unexpected part is how much I am enjoying it. So, I would say pace yourself and keep posting -the people on this site are really supportive

[sfb350 Graduate]

Well done Runningmom. I'll also recommend MyFitnessPal - I use it in conjunction with a Fitbit, which records all my steps and calories burned through walking and running and automatically updates the website, telling me how many calories I'm allowed to consume. You can also add calories burned through other sorts of exercise. The MyFitnessPal app is great - you can add food you've eaten using a bar code reader (part of the app) and it will update the website. It's a really good incentive to keep active but it also means you can eat more sustainable amounts, to support your increased activity, rather than rigidly sticking to, say 1200 calories, which isn't really sufficient if you are doing any amount of exercise.

[Dallas203]

having people support you ever step of the way is the best thing

[reddress1312]

hello runningmom ( and everyone else!)

I did one run last week for the first time, but I am ready now to tackle the second one for week 1 tomorrow.

we shall do it together!

B x

[Runningmom]

Thanks everyone for the great support. Am going to start W1R1 in about half an hour with a group of 5. Wish us luck. Will update after x

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to Runningmom]

and I've just seen that you completed it