What effect did C25K have on you?

I've done it and it made a huge difference to my happiness and self esteem. I felt a huge sense of achievement and loved the break from daily life that it gives me. Just starting again now after DC3 as it's a gentle way to get active again after being on mat leave and not doing much.

I didn’t lose weight and didn’t change clothing size.

I’ve had to do some serious dieting and a lot of other stuff in the gym to affect that.

I started C25k last Jan. I was weeble shaped, a stone overweight and nobody thought I would do it. But I did. From day 1 I loved it. I've done a 10k and started training for a half. Injury stopped that but I'll do it again.

I don't eat or drink my emotions now, I go for a run instead. I'm also nearly a stone down and have mostly kept it off.

There are a few asking if anyone has started seriously overweight- yes I did.... at double my ideal weight for my height. I've dropped 3 stone using good eating as well as exercise and am now 'obese' rather than 'morbidly obese' like when I started but I always do the warm up and cool down and usually soak in a bath afterwards and my knees / back have been fine.

I don't give a shit what people think when they see me running in lycra because I just don't need their opinions, I know I am improving my health and that is what matters to me!

It doesn't matter how overweight you are just go for it! And do it now, don't put it off. Primark sell running leggings and bras for cheap and now I am into it I have upgraded to nike running gear. I suggest getting the running gear even if you look like a stuffed sausage because at the end of the day who cares how you look, it's more important to be comfy when you are out running.

I'm on week 7. I have lost weight but I also cut a lot of rubbish out of my diet. I'm now running around 3.4km three times a week and although it's hard I am doing it and not giving up. I like the sense of freedom it gives me to just escape my own mind a couple times a week

I didn’t lose weight on couch to 5k but my clothes fitted a lot better and I lost bulk shape for sure. It also motivated me in new ways. I never thought I’d run for more than a minute or two. I think it trains you - if you stuck to the programme as is. This means pushing yourself at times, but it’s worth it.
I can now run. I have also now not run for six months because of weather and being slack but I was also able to pick it up again because I have a new mindset around running. So although I can’t run for 40+ minutes anymore, I can run for 20 mins and then take a break. It won’t take me long to get back to where i was.
So I think anyone can do it and change their life if, I can. So do it. Its actually really easy and you will surprise yourself.

I did it 12 years ago and still running now apart from a couple of breaks due to health problems or pregnancy. I have type 1 diabetes and it helps me manage that. I haven't lost weight, but I would be bigger if I didn't run. My legs are strong and I've gained muscle there.
For cardio, I think running gives you the most bang for your buck - it's cheap, you can do a reasonable workout in 20 minutes if necessary, you don't need anyone else or any special equipment. Works for me. I hated exercise from senior school onwards, by the way

I took it up when I finally stopped limping following SPD in pregnancy/ post-natal. I needed to get my cardio fitness back and hated huffing and puffing up hills. I went for C25k as it fitted between feeds at odd times. I had always HATED running at school but several of my friends had become runners and it inspired me.

It took a while to complete as I was wary of injury and it was over the cold season and baby got ill. I decided to sign up to an 8 mile fun run in my home town that I'd always idlely thought I might try one day, and I surprised myself by actually running the whole thing less than 3 months after completing C25k... I got talked into a HM while still euphoric... HM6 is coming up in just over a month

I love it, the alone time, music, headspace, countryside, challenging myself at races and getting medals. My DCs have becomr really keen on junior parkrun and they're great little runners which is such a good foundation for their own sporting life. I used to really miss hiking after the DCs were born, but running is an accessible substitute plus I'm fit for the future when I get the chance again

Brokenbiscuit I was about to ask the same thing!

I've started C25k three times, finished it the first time but otherwise never made it past about week 4. I have chronic migraine and unfortunately exercise can trigger a bad one - so I can only really do a run when I have no other commitments that day, or if I can do it in the evening. So I only need a series of sick headaches to put me back a week, and it all feels like too much and I give up.

I have been able to do short kettlebell workouts and walking at home workouts without getting a bad one, but I'd dearly love to be a runner. Even though I'm currently 5 stone overweight I dream of being slim and fit and migraine free.

It feels like an excuse though.

I've downloaded an app....thanks for the motivation everyone. I'm going to give it a go

I love this thread! It's making me feel really motivated! And getting addicted surely isn't a bad thing??!

Has anyone started when they have been seriously overweight?

Life changing for me.

I had been losing weight (but several months of changed eating) and realised I needed to get fitter)

That was the start of running as a mild addiction - it started off as the only option I could fit in round other commitments. Now it's something I do frequently, miss when I can't, and in 18 months I went from non-runner who wasn't much interested, to half marathon completer.

It didn't make me lose weight (though if I have run over 6 miles, I might be able to treat myself to pizza without worrying about gain), but my legs are toned (even have thigh gap), and my tummy is flatter than it's ever been. My mood is better too.

I've met some lovely people - before running I thought Lycra clad people zipping past towels automatically see me as an imposter. They don't - they're all chasing their own goals, which might be personal or competitive, and are really supportive of other people's goals. So my young fit friend from running club, who is winning some fairly serious events, is genuinely pleased when I've run a PB and placed as a veteran.

Pippi is correct, it's very additive. I think it is because it's so easy to measure your progress and the endorphins are additive.

Changed my life. I did c25k after I struggled to run for a bus one morning

Now I run 5 - 10k 3 times a week. I am stronger, fitter and more toned. Hips, thighs and bum are more toned.

I have lost a bit of weight but it's 80% diet 20% exercise really.

It really is great as c25k teaches you that you can run. Get good trainers and go steady at fist to prevent injuries. A park run once you have done 5k is a great idea, really motivating.

I'm a massive advocate, I never thought I could run, now it's a very big part of my life. I have my first half marathon at the end of the summer, currently training for that.

I feel stronger, healthier and happier.

I did it 7 years ago when the children were small as it was the easiest way to try to fit in exercise. At the start I couldn't even run the 100m to the end of my road without feeling like I was going to vomit .
7 years later I've now run nearly 20 marathons and ultra marathons.
I can eat what I like , my body is slim with toned legs and bum , my mental health and ability to cope with stress seems much improved .
I also joined a local running club and love my runs and chats with them.

There are a few downsides though.

1. it's addictive
2. you need to vary terrain , road and trail to avoid lower limb injury
3. I have about 2 toenails left in total
4. my boobs have almost totally disappeared

Andyscoming - if I were you I would treat it as a power-walking thing to begin with, and then start adding get in a few jogs when you feel you can. The key thing is to stop thinking of yourself as someone who can’t run, but I know very well that’s easier said than done!!

But honestly, you’ll be amazed how quickly you find yourself running more of your route than walking it.

I loved doing it but after about 3 months I had horrific pain in my feet, after physio and other treatments I can no longer stand for more than an hour, so it’s affected my job, and obvs my wellbeing in general.
I don’t go running anymore... it’s been a few years since and I had proper running shoes so I was unlucky I guess xx

This is an inspiring thread!

Andy I share the same concerns as you!

Has anyone been very overweight when starting it? I need to lose weight and have been watching what I'm eating for a few weeks now. Don't expect C25K to do that for me, but I'm desperately unfit and would love to give it a go. I want to be able to run around at the park with my DC for more than 5 minutes!

Couple of things stopping me, 1- it seems impossible, I can't run! And 2- I'm a bit concerned about running in public, I'll look ridiculous!

I have so much more energy after doing C25K - the other day I was playing a chasing game with my DC in the garden for hours. Pre-running I wouldn’t have had the energy to do that!

how do people choose running clubs
My club was handing out flyers at the end of park run one week. There is another club in my town, but I didn’t know anything about them at the time. Yes, there are some crazy fast people in the club, but the majority aren’t at all, including. The best thing is that Anyone getting a PB at park run is celebrated, whether it’s 35 minutes or 17 minutes.

I started C25k in January and am doing my first 10k in four weeks. I was so unfit when I started and now I look forward to my runs (just back from a 55 min jog!) and plan my week around them.

I've combined it with changes to my diet and have lost almost a stone since Jan. Also have so much more energy and feel stronger and legs feel more toned. Already planning more 10k events for later in the year.

How do people choose running clubs?

I did C25k about 7 years ago when I was 40 and have more or less kept it up since. I did 3 10k runs as well in the first couple of years. I have let it slide at times but am now enjoying park run again. But I've never been fast - always over 30 mins. I'd like to join a club but the ones locally are a high standard and full of scary fast people.

To answer the OP - I have more energy and better mood. I have put on no weight at all through my forties.

I didn't really lose any weight, in fact once I'd started doing longer distances (I'm up to a half marathon) I put weight on because the training made me sooooo hungry.

But my legs are nicely toned, and my arse a little higher than it would otherwise be. I'm fitter than when I was a teenager.

However, I started to go to park run, joined a running club and met lots of lovely new friends who are supportive and encouraging, it's done wonders for my self esteem.

@RunningAddict Ditto!

To all that have done it, how did your knees fare? I injured mine doing it a few years ago and this has put me off running which is a shame.