What (if anything) did C25K do for your body?

[Nearly]

I’ve just started it (did a few weeks at the tail end of 2017 so not my first time).

Just wondered if people saw a difference to their bodies after completing? I don’t have scales but I do have jeans that get tighter every time I put them on and just feel more uncomfortable every day.

Am hoping I’m likely to see a difference and if I don’t might be time to see the doctor about the weight gain.

Thanks!

Thighs are firmer, less wobble and I've lost 1.5 inches from my waist.

How long is a tricky question. It depends on how fit you are at the starting point, whether you're also including diet etc.

The best thing to focus on is consistency. Keep at it. Don't start stop start every few weeks. For me within a couple of months there was a visible difference.

I'm no thinner, but I'm fitter and my legs are now strong enough to squat on top of DH when we're shagging, which is AWESOME!!

I did C25k for a bit and then got injured, so I switched to a low-impact spin class instead.

I didn't feel much different in my torso etc but I've had to buy jeans in a smaller size (slightly uncomfortable!) as my "skinny" jeans started to get very baggy on the legs and hang off me to the knees. I'm an apple shape and have always had slimmer legs combined with a belly, but it got ridiculous.

Try combining it with eating slightly less, or you'll end up - like me - in a situation where your waistline hasn't changed much but your legs have toned up hugely...!

@nearly just saw you said you’re going away, try and make it a goal to run at your holiday destination! :) I love running somewhere new. I did 8 countries last year, inc 2 different american states. It’s a fab way of seeing somewhere quickly.

OP here.

Thanks everyone for all the replies! It’s good to hear that most people had positive results.

I’ve really enjoyed my two runs so far and haven’t found the running part difficult at all, probably because I’ve already done a little and shredded lots during the summer.

@RunningLondon that’s a fantastic idea! There’s a lovely river where I’m going which I’m sure would be ideal for a run along.

Wish I could sort out my diet. I’m still in Christmas mode because we still have lots in the house but as of February I’ll be much better.

Same as pp, legs more toned and I combined it with yoga with Adriene, which helped arms and tummy. Then I got so good at running I didn’t need to train anymore. Unfortunately the effects of running don’t last if you then sit around eating cake for a couple of months.

@NoraLuka it’s not fair is it?

How did you find the yoga? I was considering doing that in my off day from running.

@Whatabloodymessthisis I found yoga quite boring to start with, but Adriene (YouTube yoga lady) seems so nice I thought I’d better carry on. I think you have to switch off from thinking random what to make for tea / did DD finish her homework / what should I... type thoughts, and I’m not very good at that. It made a big difference to my posture, and I felt that helped with running, it’s a lot easier to run if you’re carrying yourself properly! So there’s that, plus toned arms and tummy, and it helps you breathe better. Conclusion, I don’t like the actual yoga itself that much but the effects were great!

My posture is awful so for that alone I’d give it a go. I’m going to be hunchbacked soon.

To start with I was just a sweaty panting hot mess and flabby as ever.

Then I started getting more toned and experiencing the runners high.

Not so anyone else would notice, but I could definitely see I was a bit more shapely in the legs and bum and my tummy was a little flatter too.

I did it 3 years ago and am still running 3 times a week now. Weight didn't change but I'm tighter, feel massively better and now have a 'runner's arse' according to DH

Liking the sound of a nice bum!

Yes go for it.
I did c25k eight years ago, I couldn't run 100 yards when I first started , my body was always slim but is now pert and toned even though I'm the big 40 this year . I never worry about what I eat . My mental health has never been better and I'm training for my first 100 mile ultra this year .
The benefits of running are so numerous , keep at it , you won't regret it.

100 miles that is insane!! Do you run that all at once?

Whatabloodymess - yep , that's the plan but I've updated my will in case

Good luck for that. I just can’t even contemplate that. Just shows what 8 years can do though

Lower bp, lower resting pulse, better mental health, able to run for buses and keep up with DC..!

To look at, not much, though DP sees the difference when I'm training hard. I have very strong lower body, but sadly hips and thighs are where I store weight so I'd have to lower body fat quite a bit.

I had to diet to see a real difference.

I have type 1 diabetes though and regular exercise helps no end with that.

@ArkAtEee would you mind telling me how you manage your BG levels when running. As in, do you eat before a run/adjust your basal rate etc?
I'm so very very unfit, a little overweight, half a stone ish, and very flabby! I'm relatively newly diagnosed (as in developed it @ 45 yrs old rather than as a child, but do have good control generally)

@GinandGingerBeer I developed it post-30 too.

It depends, really. I prefer to go first thing in the morning, but if I can't and want to run, I will try to fit it in when I have time. I generally give myself about half the insulin that would normally cover the carbs I eat before (usually just a small amount of cereal) and top up with jelly babies during the run if needed. I don't always need to adjust the basal. Tonight though, I had a couple of jelly babies and turned the pump down to 10% of usual delivery, knowing dinner would be ready when I got back.

I recommend you look at the forums on the diabetes.co.uk website, there is a sticky with exercise advice under the type 1 section and many other similar threads.
www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/managing-exercise-and-insulin.127691/

There's also a website runsweet.com devoted to discussion of all types of exercise and managing it as a diabetic.

It's easier with a Freestyle Libre and a pump, but I used to do the same with MDI and finger pricking. Hope I haven't hijacked the thread OP!

Thanks @ArkAtEee
I'm on a pump too & use the Libre with a Miao Miao
I guess I need to just get off my backside and see the impact for myself.
Thanks for the links, I'll take a look