Too unfit for couch to 5k...

[PippaFawcett]

Just what the title says! I'm very overweight (approx 17stone plus) and I started couch to 5k yesterday. It is SO hard! Is there a programme out there designed for the people who have been on the couch for a lot longer than other people?! I worry that if I find it too hard so early on that it won't do my motivation any good. Argh.

I finished week 3 which I am pleased about and it wasn't too painful . Still sweaty but I enjoyed it .
I am worried about starting wk 4 . It seems a bit jump going from 3 mins to 5 .

Good luck to everyone .

howlong good luck for week 4 but don't be discouraged if the jump is too big - just do week 3 again if you need to

to everyone - have a great weekend!

WK 4 r 1 done

It is definitely a step up but I did it and I enjoyed it ( in a weird way )

Good luck to everyone else !

I've been absent from the thread since last week. I pushed myself too hard, took me days to lose the sore muscles that left me struggling with stairs and sitting! I also developed massive blisters and even my work shoes aggravated them such that they are only now drying up. Between those two things and the warm weather I have not run since Sunday. I'm still walking and occasionally throw in a little jog but I haven't been out properly. I'm reading this thread to help motivate me to get out tomorrow. I have to go early in the day before I eat and before everyone wakes up so that I can mouth along to my songs and look silly with abandon!

May I join this thread?
I started this yesterday. I'd been mulling it over for years - yes, seriously, for bloody ages!
So, I downloaded the app and off I went - at 11:30 yesterday, with a temp of 28 degrees, wearing some old jogging bottoms and my fitflops because I don't even possess a pair of trainers. And dd (12) came too.
I'm 12 stone 8 and 5'11" and going to be 49 in November.
I no longer want to be leaden, lumpy and unfit so I decided I'd enter my 50th year with the intention of being fitter.
I survived it and went again this morning at 8am, which was a much better time. I thought today was harder than yesterday.
After reading the previous posters comments, I realise this is quite normal.
I too am doing a barely there jog and can walk much faster than I'm 'running'. But, I'm going to try and stick at it.
I'd love to hear of any advice on buying a budget pair of trainers that will do for now?

Well, I did another session today - its week 2, day 3, so 1.5mins run and 1.5 walk x 6.

It was ok. Last time after the run I felt awful, but bearing in mind everyones advice, I just took it down a notch towards the end. I completed the session and feel much better and am looking forward to another run in two days time.

dudsville - I had blisters when I first started due to the running, and new trainers, but once they healed I put thick plasters on my heels, until I had done a few more runs. Radox and a warm bath helped with my achy legs. You've done the right thing in letting your body heal before going back to it, and keeping up with the walking.

saythatagain you will be just as well getting the cheapest pair you can that feel comfortable. I would even recommend the dreaded Sports Direct. Just get a cheap pair to get used to running in and then splash out on better ones if and when you decide to stick with it.

You can normally get reduced ones online in various places or try Start Fitness (online, or in real life if you live near Newcastle or Durham). They have their own brand called More Mile which are well thought-of for fell shoes and ultra shoes - their normal trainers are probably ok too on that basis and are reduced to £15 here: www.startfitness.co.uk/ladies/footwear.html?manufacturer=679

Hello everyone! Just wanted to offer some encouragement.

I started C25K in January (after having the app on my phone for3 years ) and I am now a regular parkrunner. I can run 5k in around 30 mins (PB 28:24!!) and even did my first 10K this summer in 1 hour and 1 minute.

Trust in the programme and trust in your ability to do it.

I've just returned from my jog, having gone back to doing day 1 again after reading pp advice. It didn't occur to me to do that! Anyway, I completed it sooner than my previous two days, so I'm really marginally jubilant! I'm sorely tempted to try day 2 tomorrow now .
Will definitely purchase a cheapo pair of trainers now.

Don't give up! Just walk as much as you need to in the beginning - and walk in interesting neighbourhoods where it won't feel like a chore. Good luck!

You can do it OP!

I started C25k in January weighing a smidgen over 20 stones & with a back injury. The first day was a real struggle for me too - I only managed alternate run sections & had to walk through the rest.

I kept going with it though, always completing one "day" before moving on to the next - so I would do Day 1 again until I could manage all of the run sections, even if that took a week in itself.

I am now 5st 12lbs lighter & ran my first 5k race in 30 mins yesterday. Honestly, I was so hugely unfit when I started. If I can do it, so can you.