Help

This programme doesn't work for me. I can't run past 20 minutes.

Where exactly can I be affordable quality running shoes?

Where can I find a proper exercise programme tailored to my ability that will also help me lose weight?

[debbzi Graduate]

Hi, Wishface.

I thought I could not run past 20 minutes. I struggled with the running sections on the first week. Same goes for a lot of people on here, all of whom can now run more than 30 minutes. I don't know how far you got with the programme but I do think a lot of the "I can't do it" is in the head rather than the legs or lungs.

On your second question, there's no exactly where when it comes to buying affordable running shoes. One tip, though, is to go to a proper sports shop and discover what shoes you need - then track them down cheaper on the internet.

Your third question I can't answer. The C25K is about the best I have found and I have lost weight while doing it. But most trainers will tell you that in order to lose weight, you have to put in the aerobic exercise - and that means running, or doing some other aerobic activity, for a sustained period of time.

Have you thought of exercise classes? I find Zumba is a good one.

You could invest in personal training sessions, where the trainer would tailor the exercise to your needs and abilities exactly. But that's a big outlay.

Hope you find what you're looking for.

[Hidden]

Debbzi has already answered many of the points I was going to say so I wont repeat them.

I haven't lost any weight following the plan (currently on W7) but I'm feeling fitter and feel that my shape may have changed a little. I think I need to focus on my calorie intake and cut out the sneaky empty calories.

Some people find repeating a week or doing 5-6 sessions of the same week a real help to pushing them on with the programme. I wasn't sure at the start how I'd do, when I saw that W5R3 was 20 minutes non-stop I didn't know how I'd get on, but I'm slow, really slow, and I can do it.

Could it be that you rush out too fast too quickly or something that tires you out before the 20 minutes?

I don't have "proper" running shoes, haven't had my gait analysed, just tried on some comfy Nike's and they seem to be just right for now.

What week are you currently following?

Are you a treadmill user or outdoors?

[Hidden]

I still can't run past 20 mins - fortunately my legs can As Debbzi says, it's mostly in the mind.

Have you decided that you can't run past 20 mins by getting through the programme up to Week 5 and then finding you can't run for longer? Or is that the most you have managed in the past? C25k works in a 'little and often' way - you run often and add a little bit to each run and soon you are a runner. 20 mins is no more a barrier than the 8 mins of Wk1.

If you can run for 20 mins three times a week and don't eat more to compensate then you will lose weight. Even if it feels like your weight is 'stuck', get out the tape measure and you will see that fat is turning to lean firm muscle and soon the weight loss restarts.

[PatButcher Graduate]

Oh pleeease don't be disheartened, just re-run the weeks you struggle on, we all found it hard, Trainers are important and I would go and get a proper fitting done. I started this to lose weight too but it hasn't done that BUT I am fitter and stronger, I have more confidence and Somehow I feel part of something! Keep going and keep posting...PLEASE

[bizzyb Graduate]

If you have got to week 5 and cannot run past 20 minutes you are most probably running too fast and getting out of puff - is this true for you? If I get stuck like this I add half a minute on run 1, then a minute on run 2 , then 2, then 3, etc etc. physically you can always add on small increments like this, mostly in the later weeks its all a mental thing, mostly everybody thinks they can't do the longer runs but taking it slow and steady they find they can. Give it another go, its not a race, take as long as you like to move from 20 minutes to the next bit, post on here for support as you finish the program

[Hidden]

If i ran any slower i'd be walking. The programme doesn't really address how fast one should run. It's also not optimised for people carrying extra weight, and running hasn't lost me any weight either. Carrying another couple of stone puts extra strain on the legs.