C25k graduates - questions for you!

[onedayatatime73]

How fit were you when you started?

How easy / hard was it from going from the lots of walking to an actual run?

Did it change your body shape. If so how?

Did you then get the running "bug"? Or just stop there?

[jenny5bellies]

How fit were you when you started? Not at all. I mean I could walk a bit but nothing more.

How easy / hard was it from going from the lots of walking to an actual run? It was fine. Just be guided by the podcast.

Did it change your body shape. If so how? Not especially.

Did you then get the running "bug"? Or just stop there? Yes yes yes. I now run regularly and I love it.

[DecisionsDecisions33]

Did anyone lose weigh doing this?

I'm 13.5st and also cut out sugar - running x3 per week for 2km per time for 15mins

Will I lose weight do you think. 3 weeks in now.

[Catonsie]

I thought I was fit-ish but could barely run week 1 so not running fit at all. Now in last week & running 30 mins & not even out of breath. Only the lack of strength in my legs makes me stop but that'll improve. Couch25k is fantastic, it works.

Figure wise I've certainly seen a difference - I've gained a waist. For the first time in my life my sides curve in - and I've got muscle definition there just below my ribs. I think I must be using all my abs to support what was a weak core. Still got a pot-belly though but less prone to bloat so bad. Running helps that.

[Zumbumba]

I was not fit at all, having given birth to DD 5 months before (and done no exercise during pregnancy...)

I found the first week tough, but could just about manage the one minute runs to begin with.

As the runs got longer, I began listening to music and tuning out my mind, and progressing to longer runs was not that hard. I should add, I've tried to do c25k about 3 times and failed every single time. You have to be disciplined about going out.

I used the fitness 22 app - it's a gentler increase. The NHS one has you running 20mins in week 5. I couldn't have done that and would have given up. This one builds up a little more slowly to the same outcome.

It's definitely toned my thighs and core. Aside from that, I use Strava to track myself too ( v motivating!) and after a month of running, I got fitted for proper shoes (makes a huge difference and also helps make you feel committed).

[0utForAWalkBitch]

It's brilliant. I was so unfit to start with (post second child and at over 12 stone, about 2-3 stone heavier than pre my second pregnancy). I caught the bug and now love running. I also love eating, and get no sleep so carbs and sugar and alcohol are my sane-makers, so I've not lost a lot, but I feel so much fitter. It's definitely true you can't outrun a bad diet. But I'm telling myself I'm putting healthy habits in place and when I get more sleep and can manage my eating better the weight will naturally drop off. I don't eat a lot of bad stuff but I eat too much.

[Iwannasnack]

Not fit at all. Hadn't done any exercise since before DC1 4 years ago.

It was actually fine going through the program. I remember looking ahead at some of the longer runs and thinking there's no way I can do that but I did. Don't get me wrong, every run was HARD but achievable.

I started it in Feb and have lost 5kg since then. I'm a bit slimmer and my legs are more muscular but I haven't changed shape.

At about week 6 I started doing parkruns. I did try to carry on the program to 10k bit didn't like it. I have carried on pushing my distance though. Did 10K last night and only 30secs off a sub 30 min Parkrun. Need to get myself up to 10miles as doing the Great South Run in October so I guess I've caught the bug.

Have to say I had tried c25k a few times in the past and never got past week 3. I think I was just much more motivated this time.

Good luck!