C25K for fatties

[BlancheDuBois2]

Hi all

I need to lose some lots of weight. Recently had a diabetes scare, and it's given me the determination to change my diet. I'm also in the middle of buying a house, so reckon running would help with the weight loss AND mitigate the stress of dealing with incompetent knobhead lawyers.

So, anyone who's done/started/vaguely enjoyed/not hated the C25K, could you please let me know and I'll use is as motivated to get off the sofa? I've got a new spotify playlist, a new sports bra, an ideal towpath to run on, but I just need the final kick up the bum to get started...

[ShotsFired]

I'm a fellow fatty* and have done about half of C25K a few times.

The worst part for me was starting. Putting foot outside the door and going. And don't under estimate how freaking hard you will find the first few sessions, as running is a whole different way of moving to walking.

Also, do not worry if your running pace is slower than your walking pace (see above comment re different style of moving) - this was told very clearly to me by a friend who teaches running for a living!

• I found out the other day that I weigh significantly more than Donald Trump, despite being significantly shorter than him. NOOOOOOO!!!!!

[BlancheDuBois2]

Thanks Shots!

As extra motivation, how much does he weigh? I fear I'll regret asking, but...

I'm going out at 4.30. I mean it this time.

I'm not that fussed how fast my pace is, it's getting to the end of the 1/2 hour that I'm interested in!

How far through are you now?

[CMOTDibbler]

Don't think about your pace at all. If you do think, think slow!

And don't think about anyone else. Unless they are also running, they have nothing to comment about, and if they are running, they'll be thinking 'good on you'.

So go and get changed and just do it. No excuses. I did c25k 3.5 years ago, my overweight and knackered knee DH did it last year. I ran a marathon this year, aged 43! And I've never, ever, been able to run!

[ShotsFired]

You really wanna know?

He's 6-foot something and weighs 17stone. And apparently is quite overweight for that.

Sometimes I forget just how big I am...

[OurBlanche]

I'm off to week 2 of our local running club's free 0to5K training. If you have a local club they may be worth contacting.

And it's fun! Honest!

[BlancheDuBois2]

Well I went. The first 3/4 wasn't great, but I deffo got more into it. I look (and feel) like an over ripe tomato now, but round two will commence Saturday...

I'm not sure if I could face a club. I think I'd feel under pressure to keep up, and I'm so overweight and unfit I just need to go (very) slowly. But maybe in a few months... :-)

Thanks everyone!

[OurBlanche]

Oh, there is no keeping up. I am the slowest, was last time too. They really don't push you for speed at all, just to keep moving, any pace.

Running clubs can get members trained as Run Leaders (Run England) and they can specialise in 0to5K.

This time round they have Buddies, club members who just talk to you whilst you are trying to keep moving They are great and, if you have one near you I would recommend you have a look - they really aren't scary!

[mommybunny]

If you're just starting C25K and worried you may find it a struggle, it's worth bearing in mind that you don't HAVE to do it all at exactly the pace and in the time specified. If you think "oh I can't even run for 60 seconds so it isn't even worth trying!" then don't run for 60 seconds! During each run interval run as much as you can without dying and then walk for the rest of the run interval, and keep walking when the walk interval comes up to catch your breath. Then when the next run interval comes up start running again till you have to walk. And so on.

Just keep repeating the first week until you can actually run 60 seconds at a time. And then feel free to repeat weeks if you feel you need more time to adjust to the increased length of running. (No one has to know unless you tell them!) Do make sure to give yourself at least a day of rest between each running session, but other than that, treat the "weeks" as just guidelines. Re-run Day 3 of Week 5 6 times if you want! It's all good!

Good luck to all the C25Kers looking for inspiration - you're taking an amazing step toward better health. Don't beat yourself up over any of it.