Where are all the bigger/unfit runners when I am out?

[didldidi]

It doesn't matter if I am running/walking or just driving down the road in the car - I see loads of people running but never my size or ability! (size 16 and a complete beginner)
where are all the puffers and panters struggling to make it through 60 seconds?
do they only come out after dark?

[chibi]

I used to run around my local park when i was less fit, and 60 seconds of running was a goal

I run around my neighbourhood now, but i definitely see all sorts, shapes and fitness levels

You are doing a great thing in perservering!

[didldidi]

thanks chibi - don't know how I am going to progress to week 2 of c25k!

[CoteDAzur]

That is probably because it takes no more than a few weeks to progress from where you are now to a significantly higher level. Very soon, you will not be panting and will see that there are other absolute beginners watching you with envy

Runners you see are slimmer than you because running very quickly changes your body. You will also slim very quickly, you will see.

[didldidi]

yes but I am really strugling after four times of doing week 1 :-( still enjoying it though!

[Themasterandmargaritas]

Stick with it diddl, it really does become a lot easier very quickly, getting through the first week is probably the most difficult part.

[CoteDAzur]

Why can't you let go of Week 1?

[Haystack]

It does get easier, much, much easier, I promise. However doesn't make everyone slim, I am still a size 16 despite going from total couch potato to completing 5 km races and sprint triathlon, in fact didn't lose a pound. Still at least I am fit and fat now! Aiming to up to 10 km and much faster Tri (really struggled with the cycle) so looking forward to seeing if that helps me lose a few pounds. Definitely the biggest runner on the block round here, went running with a friend earlier this year and she was flabbergasted when I was fitter than her, you could almost hear the thought 'but you're fat, I didn't think you could really run!'. Love it though, good luck, keep going and you will surprise yourself.

[StuntCubble]

I'm a fat runner, very new to it, am about 4 weeks in and can now run 2.69 km nonstop, not great I know but tbh I never thought even that distance would be possible. I've started losing weight too am now 10 lb lighter but, still a fatty

[didldidi]

Thanks everyone, cote I did week one four times as I didn't do the three in one week and due to the gap thought I would repeat it once. Started week two this morning and managed five out of six intervals. Mind you I have noticed I am running heel first - can't seem to manage running on the balls of my feet. Now my thighs and bum are killing me! Haystack that seems like brilliant progress!

[CoteDAzur]

dididi - If you can't do one day, do repeat it until you can. However, I think you did well to pass on to Week 2 after a month at Week 1

Also, of course you will run heel first. How else? If you try to run on the balls of your feet, you can never progress from a strange-looking ballerina jog.

[CoteDAzur]

Stunt - It helps to watch what you eat while you are exercising.

1/2 of your plate should always be salad (with minimum olive oil) or vegetables (again, watch the oil), 1/4 protein (1 egg, some chicken breast, fish, meat), and 1/4 carbohydrates (3-4 tablespoons of rice or pasta, or a slice of bread). Watch the calories in the pasta sauce - no pesto or some such sauce with 300 kcals!

This is the gist of my fantastic dietician's long and detailed advice, which led me to lose 10 kgs and come down two dress sizes when I started running 2 years ago.

[didldidi]

Cote - sorry what I meant was I have done four days in total for week 1 - not that I had done the whole week four times
I always thought it was balls first rather than heel but thanks for the correction.

[CoteDAzur]

Once you progress several more weeks, I highly recommend getting on a treadmill once in a while and running at high speed for just half a minute at a time. Like, 30 seconds at 10 km/hr alternated with 1 minute at 7.5 km/hr. Or 30 seconds at 11 km/hr etc.

It is interesting to discover for yourself how you run at higher speeds. For example, how it is impossible to run on the balls of your feet at 11 km/hr

[didldidi]

Ok, will do - thanks for the tip.