Probably be done to death, sorry, but which Couch to 5K is the best?

[Earsareconstantlyringing]

To clarify, I don't run. I don't even walk fast. I'm horribly overweight, feel incredibly lethargic and exceedingly unfit but really want to tackle this and Couch to 5k seems a good idea. However, I want to enjoy it and feel gently pushed each time as opposed to overwhelmed by 'I can't do it' as I know I won't give it another go if it's truly unpleasant.

Can anyone recommend a particular C25K that's particularly good?

[Suzannewithaplan]

I havent used c25k Ears but I'm wondering if it would be better for you to start with walking?
I think starting at an effort level that challenges you slightly and then building up very gradually as your body adapts is an excellent approach and it sounds as if you are realistic about what will work for you.

So could you start with walking at a pace which is just slightly faster than you normally do and then gradually increase?

There may well be a walking program that works like this, perhaps someone can suggest it?

Once you've seen that you can make improvements in fitness without feeling overwhelmed you could then add in some slow jogging intervals with your walking

[Suzannewithaplan]

also maybe have a read of the c25k threads....there will be others at your stage who can share insights I'm sure :)

[Earsareconstantlyringing]

Excellent suggestions, thanks so much Suzanne (love your username, pray, do you have a plan and if so, are you sticking to it?)

I think you might be right, we're members of a lovely health club which has a brilliant cafe gym so I may start walking on the treadmill and build up to the C25K. I'll have a read of the threads too, thanks.

[Bruiserbereftofsoftness]

I'm in exactly the same boat Ears, 5 stone over weight and activity level of zero.
I suffer from outdoor and social anxiety so the gym is off limits but I am starting the NHS c25k on Saturday.
My knees are already aching at the thought but I've invested in two sport bras to contain the knockers and have planned two routes around dual carriages local to me.

[Earsareconstantlyringing]

Wow, well done Bruiser, impressive first steps. Maybe we could attempt this crazy nonsense together? It sounds like you have the right mindset, which is half the battle won, surely? Good luck!

[Suzannewithaplan]

more a series of provisional plans really Ears....I try to keep things open ended to account for unforeseen eventualities :o

[Suzannewithaplan]

and remember that running places a high demand on your cardio vascular system, thats why it feels like very hard work at first.
But there is no need to feel like you are about to collapse, in fact that would be counterproductive
Your body will adapt more effectively if you just give it a little bit of stress to adjust to
and then a little more and a little more.

I didnt get into running until my mid 40's, it took me quite some time to be able to run for more than a few minutes, now I can happily keep going for an hour or more

[macnab]

I used this and loved it

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

I disagree that you should start off walking, the whole point of couch25k is to ease you into running and it really does work if you follow the plan.

Best of luck!

[mimiasovitch]

I used one called Get running. It worked perfectly, and I liked that I could use my own music library. Have fun .

[AndMiffyWentToSleep]

I agree with Bruiser and macnab - the NHS app is brilliant!

[littlesupersparks]

Nhs couch to 5k should be fine. It starts off very gently. If you find one of the sessions just too much (around week 5 was hard for me) you just repeat that session. You will get so much fitter so quickly you won't believe it!!