How heavy were you when you started?

[njoydsilence101]

I am 5ft7 and almost 18st would you say I am too heavy to start running?

[Anonymous36 Graduate]

Not at all! People of all weights can run

[gypsydepp Graduate]

Definitely not! Get out there and amaze yourself.

This program and site are brilliant.

Let us know how week one run one goes!

[H123 Graduate]

I would say it will be hard work-but thats the same for anyone starting off, but thinking positively your body will work harder and use more calories! Like soldiers training with a weighted back pack. Best of luck and enjoy it! Pace yourself and follow the program.

[happierswimming Graduate]

The human body is built to run! Give it a go and surprise yourself. It's fun to run- honestly!

[Paul- Graduate]

Five weeks ago when I started I was 18st 3lb now down to 17st 7lb.

I have always hated running, but had a hiccup a couple of months ago (blocked artery) decided I had to do something. A friend said about how easy this plan is. So I gave it a go. Really enjoying it!

Go on just give it a go

[njoydsilence101]

well, i have started today with an hour of power yoga just to get my body back into the swing of things again, as it has been a while... was hard work but i feel great for having done it

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to njoydsilence101]

Yoga is a really good form of excercise - it will have benefits with your running too and you can do it on "rest" days if you want to.

You're not too heavy to run, the main thing is to learn to pace yourself so that you can finish each run. Do go to a decent running shop and have your gait analysed so you can choose suitable shoes. The correct shoes will make the whole experience much more pleasant and help you avoid injury.

[Nevertoolate Graduate]

Congratulations! Doesn't it feel fantastic? I hadn't exercised for 22 years before doing this and I felt a huge rush of elation when I finished that first run. I'I've only just finished week 2 - it keeps feeling good despite the pain!

By the way I just read one of the recent blogs by someone who is 18 and a half stone and going through the programme for a second time but at a faster speed.

Good luck and don't forget this blog site is a tremendous source of encouragement. It's all a bit scary but it makes it easier to talk about it with people in the same boat.

[Gazter Graduate in reply to Nevertoolate]

I think that was me

[hollyO Graduate]

No not at all! Welcome and enjoy! You will be hooked

[njoydsilence101 in reply to hollyO]

I hope so

[Gazter Graduate]

5ft 11 and started at 21st 9!!!! Thirteen weeks later, just under 18 1/2 stone. I managed it so can you!!! Just be careful about your speed and running shoes. If you get pains in your calves get some compression socks.

[njoydsilence101 in reply to Gazter]

thanks thats great advice

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If it's too hard to run at first you could try brisk walking for a few weeks. See how you get on. The important thing is not getting injured or put off exercising. If you can walk for an hour you will cover about 5k and burn 500 cals. If you run the same distance in 40 mins you only burn a little more. It's possible to walk every day as well (or in between running days)