To think I'm too fat for C25K?

[Omzlas]

I'm fat. I was a chubby child and that's always stayed. As an adult, I'm been a size 16 but never thinner and I'm now way above that. I did manage to lose 4 stone in 2017 but I was miserable for 9 months and I've piled it all back on now (it was for a close family member's wedding)

I've read a lot about C25K, as well as watching YouTube videos etc but I have a sense of trepidation. I can't even run for a bus without needing oxygen, will I really be able to do it?? Should I work on my overall fitness before starting C25K and see how that feels?

I don't want to run marathons, I want to be able to keep up with my kids and not leave them without a mother before the time they start secondary school is all, an overall baseline of 'reasonably fit' is fine for me

Another 'start with walking'. Leslie Sansone has some fab free walking videos on Youtube. Once you can do them without breaking a sweat, move on to running.

Go for it!!

Not running ( feet arthritic) but I am a size 22 and have started cycling after 45 years of not doing it. I am now 66, been cycling for three weeks and today I realised I actually enjoy it after being petrified. I am sure people have a giggle at me, but, you know what, at least I am trying while they sit in their cozy cars.

I'm pretty sure when I did it last year the advice was to be able to walk briskly for 30mins, as a base level of fitness before starting week 1 of the running programme. So yes OP, I would definitely work on your overall level of fitness before starting if that is not something you could already do. But i would encourage you to start - you won't regret it!!

I've completed C25k at 14 stone. I've also run it at 10 stone and it is much much easier but it's so worthwhile completing regardless of weight.

With more weight you're more likely to get certain injuries such as knee injuries, sprained ankles and shin splints BUT if you build up slowly with the couch to 5k plan then you should avoid injury. If you're asthmatic make sure you take a couple of puffs of reliever before you leave as it makes a difference to how long you can run for and remember there's no pressure to move through the plan quickly so you can repeat a week if necessary.

I love running even though I'm currently a size 18. I find drinking a strong coffee (e.g. either cafetiere coffee or two teaspoons of ground coffee) with sugar in it half an hour before running gives me a huge energy boost so that's worth a try if you like coffee.

I think I’d end up pooing myself if I tried that caffeine trick! C25k is awesome, I couldn’t manage running for a minute in September when I started it and I’ve now well and truly caught the bug....parkruns, a 5k, a 10k done (and enjoyed, which so never thought possible!)

Well I did it! I ran for one minute once at the end and I felt like I was going to die but I didn't!

It’ll be the best thing you ever do for yourself.

Well done, that’s a fantastic start!

Do it! Get Strava on your phone, it really motivates me when I run. Strava also allows you to plan your runs on a map, I used to draw funny shapes on maps so then they’d show up on the app when I ran them. You’ll see your speed increasing, and I find it quite addictive. Then start going for parkruns on Saturdays, and you’ll find you lose weight really quickly and in a fun way. Running is the best!