New to this

[Spice09]

Im starting couch to 5k tomorrow. Any tips? Have people lost good amounts of weight, toned up? Thanks.

[Malcy Graduate]

Great news - you won't regret it. Let me introduce myself as the fat, boring old git who started the programme just over a year ago, lost well over 30kg and generally turned his life around. This programme definitely does work and is absolutely achievable. Just take a look at some of the posts - most of them say something along the lines of "I didn't think I could run for X minutes, but I did it!"

I would say that it's something you have to want to do and to lose weight you'll also need to follow a strategy (I just counted calories and it worked for me). But if you do it for the first couple of weeks, you just won't want to stop.

Good luck - aim high, enjoy youself and you'll see that you really can achieve much more than you think you can!

[caz1_ca Graduate]

Well done on deciding to start c25k. Just take it slow it's not a race. It truly is amazing and very achievable. Believe in yourself and believe in the programme and soon enough you too will be addicted like the rest of us. LOL

Good luck tomorrow.

[swanscot Graduate]

Good for you deciding to start the C25K programme. Hopefully you'll find you come to enjoy running. I've not lost weight, but I have toned up. What others have done and you could do is take your measurements rather than just your weight and I bet you'll notice a difference.

[Twedders Graduate]

I'm starting week 4 tomorrow, I've repeated a few runs but over all I'm happy with the progress I've made. Without making any sensible diet changes I've lost 1.5 kg in 2 weeks, I'm toning up and have so much more energy. It's addictive, good luck and stick to rest days, they're important.

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Hiya, well done you for setting tomorrow as your start date! I'm nearly halfway through the course... Taking a bit longer than a week for each stage because of work and other commitments.... But I am hooked! Was (still am) overweight, but I think even at this early stage I may have lost a couple of pounds. Much more obvious is the way my body shape is changing, clothes getting looser etc. I believe that body fat gradually gets replaced with toned muscles and they weigh heavier. Dunno... But don't care.... It's a great scheme, I'm feeling on top of the world, and will stick through til I've done it! Lots of luck for tomorrow, hope the weather is kind for you and that you will soon be as addicted as so many others here! Linda

[con-brio Graduate]

Welcome!

In addition to the above tips (and encouraging stories of weightloss and body sculpting), I'd strongly advise you to blog regularly. You'll receive oodles of great advice, get motivated to keep it going and have a jolly good laugh as well.

I haven't seen any w8loss yet, but I can now fit into a pair of jeans that 5 weeks ago were too tight for comfort...

Have a great first run. And remember, no-one's forcing you to do this, so don't put any extra pressure on yourself. Take it as it comes and rejoice.

[Bilby Graduate]

Welcome - just to add to the advice, take it slowly! Like, really slowly. Lay out your running clothes the day before, make a star chart with the weeks and runs on if you're worried you might lose motivation.

And blog! People here are awesome and will continue to give tips, advice and encouragement for the entire time (and beyond!)

[Hidden]

Keep reading this forum, does wonders for my motivation. Go as slow as you need to to complete the runs. It's about building the stamina to run for longer. You can look at speed once the stamina is there! I took measurements and am seeing more change with those than actual weight but doing a lot of exercise on the cross trainer in addition to the runs. Good luck nd I eat you will surprise yourself more each week!

[Hidden]

Silly iPad. Should say "and I bet you surprise yourself each week"! Not eat. Lol