Is c25k suitable for some size 18/20?

[bumpsadaisy11]

I am in my late 40's 5ft 5. & weigh 16st 7lbs. I am a size 18/20.
I am considering doing c25k but I am worried that it would be too much for someone of my size!
Do you think that it would be too much pressure on my poor knees if I started to try & run?
I am starting a healthy eating regime to reduce my bulk & just wanted to know if it would be better for me to start c25k once I had lost some weight?

[Chocolate1984]

I started running when I was 17+ stone & i was ok, but obviously everyone is different.

[Didiplanthis]

Watching with interest as similar size and thinking of doing it too.

[Pippin8]

I’ve just joined a beginners running group & their are women & men of all ages & sizes. I’d say you’ll be fine, it’s very much walk/jog in the beginning.

[FurryDogMother]

Why not just try walking briskly to start with and see how you get on? A couple of weeks of that and you should be fine to start c25k. I went from being unable to do a minute on a cross trainer to 30 mins non stop within 4 weeks - and I'm 58 and rather podgy - just give it a go!

[StorminaBcup]

Of course. I don’t see why you can’t build up and take it at your own pace. Any exercise is good and if it keeps you active then that has to be a positive! If running is not comfortable for you at your current weight there is no reason why you cannot start the programme and alternate your pace for slow / fast walking, and build up the running part when you are comfortable, even if it means starting the programme again. Good luck

[BIWI]

It starts off really gently so I think you'd be fine. And you don't have to move on to the next week if you don't feel comfortable.

One thing I would suggest that's really important though is a good pair of running trainers. If you have a running shop near you it might also be worth having your gait analysed, as you might need insoles for your trainers.

[lubeybooby]

I weigh more than you and did it. the stress actually strengthens your knees (there was a study done on this and it was on a bbc program but I don't have a link sorry) long as you have no heart or blood pressure issues (check with gp if unsure) then go for it!

[SmallestInTheClass]

Yes, you can always repeat the first couple of weeks of the plan over and over again until you feel ready to move on to the next. I know people who started at your size who are now running 10k runs and even marathons!

[BIWI]

This is an interesting blog

[76mum]

C25k is perfect - the whole point is you build up your fitness - I did it too at that size and seriously struggled the first weeks but kept going, my biggest advice is try and run 3 times a week. That's when you see your body improve - I went from struggling to breathe or talk to by the end running 5k in 35 mins at park run. I started a couple of years ago in the January and by May had done a 10k in an hour. No one could believe it especially me. I also did it along size slimming world

[bumpsadaisy11]

Thank you guys for all of your feedback & advice. It really is much appreciated 🙂

I am going to do this, I am going to commit & do this.

I do have one final question, is C25k enough exercise on its own to help with my weight loss, or do I need to incorporate something else as well?

I have told my husband & children that I would lie us all to take part in a park run as well, in for a penny, in for a pound!!

[lubeybooby]

bumpsadaisy if you want weight loss there is one really easy rule - 'consume fewer calories than you expend'

the best way is to accurately (that bit is very important, get a food scale) log your calories with myfitnesspal or similar app, and bear in mind if you add exercise to myfitnesspal it often over exaggerates it, so don't eat all the exercise cals back, have about half of them (works for me, 40lb off so far)

I'd also recommend making c25k and cal logging your new normal, as in this is your life now and just do it gradually, don't set your target to 2lbs a week weight loss, go for 1lb or 1.5lb then you'll likely find something really comfortable and easy you can do forever rather than constantly waiting for the end of the diet (again, works for me)

for me, losing 40lbs over the course of a year and still going is way better than losing it in 6 months - gaining it all back plus a few pounds and starting again. I had to find a way to stoip that nonsense

anyway good luck x

[SluttyButty]

Where I live there are a lot of ladies this size out in their running gear going very slowly but doing it.
A friend of mine was also this size two years ago and is now very slim and running marathons.
So yes it's completely doable as long as you listen to your body and if you need to go slower then a snail then that's fine.
Good luck

[fishybits]

I'm 16 stone, 5'8 and a size 20. I started C25K and loved it but ran once on uneven ground and now my feet start really hurting after only 15 mins of walk, slow jog. I don't know why it happened but I would say go to a specialist running shop and get your gait checked and make sure you are in the right shoes.

[dangermouseisace]

Absolutely. I’m member of a running club and there are men and women of all shapes and sizes. I’d recommend getting yourself to a proper sports shop that does gait analysis etc as they will know all about which shoes are best for you. If you go into a shop and they don’t get you to do a little bit of jogging in them walk away.

I’d also recommend, now the weather is nicer, starting to run on nice flat grass rather than asphalt if possible, or at least some of the time as it’s kinder to your joints.

Unless you’ve got other medical issues there is no reason why you can’t do this!

[dangermouseisace]

...and yeah as pps have said you need to do MFP or something to lose weight. Running alone doesn’t make you lose weight- it’s common for people to put on weight marathon training, and there are a fair few people in my club who would be classed as overweight, but are definitely fit.

[ZX81user]

Yes but i would do it on grass and make sure you have proper running shoes.

[feelingdizzy]

I did it at that size ,still fat but can run 10 k!

[bumpsadaisy11]

Well good people you have well & truly motivated to get off my lardy ass.

It took the support & help of some lovely internet strangers to give me the push that I really needed.

I have got my clothing, headphones & trainers at the ready & my alarm is set for 6.30 tomorrow morning!

Wish me luck girls 😜 xx

[StorminaBcup]

Fantastic! Well done and good luck

[SocksRock]

I was this size when I started, ended up doing my first 10k weighing 16st7. I’m a bit taller than you, but I was definitely a size 18.

To lose weight I had to count calories as well, I used MyFitnessPal and I try and stick to about 1400 calories a day, plus what I get from running. Nearly 3 stone lost so far...

Get a good bra and some decent shoes. The rest you can pick up cheaply.

[HollowTalk]

Whereabouts are you, OP?

[GeorgeTheHippo]

Make sure you let us know how you got on 😄

[RunMummyRun68]

Do it!!!

I ran London marathon today.... plenty of bigger ladies running. Look into Jeff Galloway method

[TheMonkeyMummy]

Good luck! Let us know how you get on!