Hi, im overweight by about 60 lbs and was thinking of giving the c25k a go but was worried about the practicalities of starting a plan like this and being overweight. I am on a healthy eating plan now and hoping to lose weight, If anyone has any advice on this i would appreciate it.
Thanks.
Firstly, well done for wanting to take action and change your life and health. There are loads of people on this forum who have been in your position and I'm sure they'll come along in a moment and tell you that it works.
I guess you've just got to take it easily - it's not about speed (as Laura will tell you many times) and so the beauty of this plan is that you can take it as slowly as you need to. I'd say if you've got the motivation to get going then go for it, but others have been in your place and will be able to give you the benefit of their experience.
What I can say is that the plan is amazing (hence my username). I'd never run ever and I'm going to do a race for life next Saturday and know that I'll manage to run all 5k - slowly, but I'll run it. Every run I thought I was at my limit and yet each time it managed to nudge me up to the next level. Whenever your head's in the right place for you to do this plan it'll work for you.
I hope that you do decide to go for it - let us know how you go and good luck! x
Hi,
I started when i was over 17 stone (5ft 10)and just took it easy and concentrated on making sure my running style was ok and in particular not clumping along and throwing my weight around 2 much. I found it tough at times (v tough sometimes) BUT now about to finish week 8 tomorrow and can run 25 mins non stop a tad slowly BUT i can do it. I've lost weight and it's helped my depression, my diabetes, my BP and i've lost weight and toned up!!
Get a decent pair of trainers, warm up and down and take it slowly - you might well be suprised by how well you do! Go for it and keep using these forums for support and help.
Good luck!
SM
Well done on your decisions so far. Honestly I would advise a bit of caution to begin with. If you have only just changed your diet then start by walking first, maybe download the podcast and do a normal/fast walk. To change your diet and take up this is a big ask for your mind and body. Get used to the new eating regime for a couple of weeks then start the plan. On the plus side my last run burned 437 cals so its worth waiting for!
Once you start take it slow, this is the general advice for everyone. Running on a treadmill is supposed to be a bit easier and is gentler on the joints, run at a 1% incline. Running outside is more interesting but comes with rain and cold etc.
I already have a dodgy knee and didn't want to make it worse so I waited for my BMI to get to 30 before I started running.
Good luck with weight loss and running whenever you start.
it might be worth picking up a copy of Runners World this month. There are three case studies of people who have been through the journey you are embarking on, not specifically using c25k but they might make interesting reading with some hints and tips for guidance.
You might need a bigger newsagent or WH Smiths always has it.
Thanks for the advice. I did start running last year when i was probably 14 lbs lighter and was able to run for about 15 mins in the end, i actually really enjoyed doing it and have no idea why i stopped!! Have downloaded the podcasts to my ipod and will give it a go tomorrow. If i cant manage or dont feel ready to try jogging then i will do a brisk walk instead.
I will also try and pick up the runner world mag as it would be interesting reading!
I will let you know how i get on!
I'm about 60lbs over the ideal weight of a man my height and I began the c25k plan 7 weeks ago today. Yesterday, I ran my first 5k and feel so amazed at just how far I've come.
I was originally worried about so many health issues. I've always suffered with shin splints when running or brisk walking, I've always worried about my knees, and being overweight and warm-blooded, I've always worried about dehydrating as I sweat a lot during any form of exercise. However, a new pair of proper running shoes took care of the shin splints, my knees have been fine and I've managed to keep the hydration levels under control and only suffered once in the last 7 weeks.
And to echo Greg's comment re: Runners World. My wife bought a copy for me last week, it's the first issue I've read and will definitely be subscribing. Really really enjoyed it!
I have just finished week 1 and am 70lbs overweight, have lost about 24lbs in last few months. I did interval training and a lot of walking on my treadmill for the last few months consistently before I tried this program. Not sure how it would be without getting in shape somewhat first. I also am keeping to the treadmill so as to try to avoid as many injuries, but also not comfortable running in public yet. I also but a great pair of trainers.
I started C25K at 60ishlb's overweight with no healthy eating plan in place and I just went for it. I have had calf pain and am to see a physio about aching hips but today (after 5 weeks) I ran for 20 minutes non-stop. 
I started Slimming World 2 weeks ago so my healthy eating has started and I feel amazing, I'm not sure how much I've lost this week but I'm utterly amazed by how far I've come in 5/6wks.
Take it easy - know your limits (pain etc) and prepare to be amazed.
Good luck. Keep us informed
Good for you thinking about starting. I'm about 4 stone overweight and still eating chocolate(!) but I just started and did week 9 run 2 on Sunday. I am still very slow, but the really important thing is to go as slow as you like and achieve the runs without hurting yourself. When I started all I could feel was my flesh bouncing up and down on my bones, it was not nice, and I couldn't even do all of the first minute runs, but I did week one at least twice to get started properly and then sometimes repeated runs or weeks if I didn't feel I had properly got them under my belt. I have just been able to do up my favourite jeans for the first time in 2 yrs and have lost 4 lbs, am sleeping better and getting on top of my anxiety and depression. I TOTALLY recommend it - just take your time and never worry about how fast anyone else is going or how slow you think you are going. I'm completely addicted and I bet you will be too. Good luck.
Hiya, when I started I was 5ft tall and 5ft wide lol, really really severely obese, still am although I've since lost over 5 stone! A combination of healthy eating, strength training and C25k. Yes I was and still am doing a lot but I did listen to my body and gave it extra breaks if needed. I went from being breathless by just going from sitting to standing, couldn't tie my shoelaces etc to feeling much better and being able to. Do a lot more for myself. I still strength train 4 times per week and still run 3, doing both on one day and having a day off. It took me about 9 months to complete c25k due to not being able to move, plus I needed to feel mentally and physically able to attack the next step. Just take it at your pace and it doesn't matter how long it takes as long as you make it. Good luck xx
I'm around 80 lbs overweight and on Week 3. It's the first time in a loooong while I've done high impact training. If you have existing problems with joints or muscles in the lower body, it's worth checking in with your GP before starting. I had plantar fasciitis for an annoyingly long time and had to wait. Take it easy, be kind to your knees and ankles, and don't worry if you need to work up to week 1 (took me three runs before I could complete it). Good luck!
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