C25K Success Stories Please?

hbb86

Hi there

I'm considering the C25K - I am really unfit and overweight but think this might be achievable if I take it at my own pace.

I was wondering if anyone had any c25k weight loss result pictures? how much weight did you loose doing the 9 week programme? I would love to hear your stories just to keep me motivated and for anyone else looking to do the same.

Thank you!

Holly xx

Timorous_Beastie

The best part for me wasn't the weight loss. It was accomplishing something I never thought I could.

When I first started c25k, a few years ago, I didn't even care if I lost weight. I didn't think I would, because every past attempt at weight loss either failed or left me feeling like poop. I just wanted to be fit enough to run a 5k. To be honest, if I was just doing it for weight loss, I would have quit. But going from not being able to even run 2 minutes straight, then running a mile straight a few weeks later... that felt AMAZING. Then running two miles straight, then three, then being able to keep up with my very fit brother and niece in races... that made it all worth it.

The weight loss during that time was maybe 10 pounds. The confidence I got from becoming a runner kept me motivated to lose 35 pounds.

(Be sure to add some strength training, too. It does a body good.)

mirandabaily82

Hey I'm doing the c25k and I've lost 4lbs I feel so much better for it

gabbo34

IMO, the magic of the C25k program isn't a dramatic body change at the end. It's getting your body to go from a 'non-runner' to a 'runner.' By the end of of the program you should be able to (fairly) easily run 30 minutes at a time. Once you have that base built, you'll find it's easier to add extra time and that you'll run faster as your body logs more miles.

Add a little strength training and the right diet and you'll start losing weight much faster.

Warning though, it can become addictive. Good luck! There is a lot of support on here from people who were in your shoes not that long ago....

hbb86

Thanks so much for all your advice everyone!

The MFP forums are so supportive and whenever I need you guys you're always there - I hope that as my fitness improves and I see more weight loss that I will be able to help others out too

Thanks again!

MeanderingMammal

I can't remember what I lost through C25K, although clearly that's more about achieving a deficit rather than the running per se. Each session will burn somewhere between 200 and 300 calories, so not a huge amount in the grand scheme of things.

I've lost about 4 stone over about 18 months of consciously trying to lose weight, but to answer the specific question, I finished C25K, then started working up to my current plan; marathon training.

sloseph

i lost about a stone when i did the c25k but that was with watching what i ate and some swimming too

the best thing about c25k for me was having a new achievement every week, seeing myself improve really kept me motivated to not let my diet slip, i didn't beat myself up if the scales didn't move because i knew i'd run for longer than ever before

jessiruthica

I started MFP and C25K at the same time with 80 pounds to lose. My first week was AWFUL (couldn't run even the 60 second intervals) but I kept at it. My first 5k race happened to be at the 100 day mark of this journey. I ran/walked the 5k in just under 40 minutes and lost about 25 pounds during the 100 days. Agree that most of that weight was because of calorie deficit, but for the deficit was definitely increased because of the C25K program.

You can TOTALLY do this! Add me to your friends list if you like. I'm on here a lot and love to encourage

justbritne

I didn't do it for weight loss, but it did turn me from a walker to a runner! I finished the program, ran a couple 5ks, and now I'm working on getting to a sub-30min 5k. Good luck!

theSophiemeister

I was already off the couch, but I started C210k in January to help prep for my first 10k (I've done several 5k races already). I kinda wish I had done C25k several years ago - it would have made those 5k's easier, and got me more interested in running sooner!
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DianaLovesCoffee

There is a Couch to 5K group. Click on the groups tab and look for C25K. Lots of info on those threads and a daily check in.

kazman72

I did C25K In July/Aug of last year. Turned me into a runner. I have yet to actually run a race, but plan on it in the spring. I struggled with the 60 seconds at first and now my runs are 5 to 8 miles and I have run a sub 30 minute 5k. I was at 20+ miles per week and can't wait for the weather to fully cooperate so I can get back outside. I do run a track inside but it is a lot more difficult for me mentally. I'm down 35lbs since I started. I get a monster high from running.

loratliff

Tons of success stories here; try a search!

Mine in a nutshell: started C25K in October, ran my first 5K at the end of November (no walking!), ran another 5K mid-December shaving three minutes off my initial time, then ran a 15K (that's 9.3 miles!) in early January. Now, I'm training for a half-marathon at the end of March. I, too, struggled with running for 30 seconds at a time when I began. Now, my long runs are in the 8-9 mile range.

As others have said, it's not about weight loss, but I am down 10 pounds from the time I started running in October... and several inches/sizes. You might find that you're weight loss slows some when you start running as your body retains water to help with muscle repair.

SuggaD

I started C25K around September 2013 because I had started cycling and was told that I needed to add some impact exercise for bone strength and because a lot of my friends were runners and I was envious. lol Every day felt difficult, but I always felt accomplished at the end. I finished it, decided I enjoyed running, and moved on to C210K, hated that, and just decided to start training for a half marathon. I enjoy running in the mornings 3X per week and it is a regular part of my lifestyle.

MeanderingMammal

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

to answer the specific question, I finished C25K, then started working up to my current plan; marathon training.

Just realised how that could be misconstrued:

C25K
Then to 10K
Then to half marathon
Now four weeks into a 16 week marathon plan

C25K will get you running for 30 minutes three times per week, and that's enough for general health. I'd personally say that getting to a comfortable 10K run is where most benefit lies for most people. Beyond there it's simple masochism and bloody mindedness.

mom3over40

I started c25k at the end of August 2014. It was also the time I started tracking calories here on MFP. My goal was to lose about 1 lb/week and, almost like magic, that's what happened. But I don't think I could have lost the weight without tracking calories. I also don't think I could have kept my intake at or under my caloric goal without the exercises — 43 years old at right under 5'3", my caloric allowance was pathetic

Just like what many others have said, the most joy came from seeing myself progress — from not being able to run more than a minute, to running 5k. It feels great after each run. My body also don't feel like a drag as it used to. I ran my first race last Thanksgiving and we spent the rest of the day at seaworld. My legs weren't sore like it used to after a day at a theme park!

My husband also started c25k a few weeks ago and we are registering to run together with our 2 boys in March.

Btw, my profile picture was taken appr. before and after c25k. About 4 inches lost at my waist, still work-in-progress... Now added body weight exercises to my weekly routine. Hope to see more transformation soon

ddache

I started c25k last week. Losing weight did not even crossed my mind. I do T25 to lose weight.
I just want to get fit and get ready for a 5k race in May.
I was training for a 5k 2 years ago and it was hard. I worked out 5 days a week but running was hard. Now, after a round of T25 I cant wait for the voice to say start running. Im still beat at the end but I enjoying a lot.
You can do it! Add me as a friend if you want, would love to share and hear about your progress.

RockWarrior84

Did the program and then ran a 5k, the Color Run. The end of the program was harder than the actual 5k. I did the program on treadmill.

runnerchick69

I started the C25K program and lost an additional 50 pounds on top of the 50 I had already lost. From that first 5k I found a passion for running and in 6 weeks I'll run my fourth marathon and I'm doing it in Rome...yes that Rome Who knew this little program could have such a huge affect on my life. Keep working at it and see how it changes your life

GreatCthulhu

I agree with so many of these posts. I did the C25K last year, struggled with the first week, but stubbornness and seeing myself progress really helped keep me going. I then carried on to do a 10k and now training for a half marathon. For me it wasn't really about the weight loss, but about finding an exercise routine that work and that I could stick to.

It cannot be said enough but take it slow, and repeat weeks as needed, but definitely give it a go!

Ohwhynot

I will preface this by saying I hate running and I don't run any longer. I did c25k a few years back, and lost weight in the process. I went from someone who had never even successfully ran a mile as a kid in gym class to being close to running the full 5k. I always had to take 1-2 30 sec walk breaks but did really well otherwise. It really does work, but don't expect to automatically come out of it loving running.

melduf

When I first did C25K, my nutrition wasn't in line so I actually gained a few pounds. But when I started being more carefull and doing a bit of HIIT and occasionally swimming on top of running, I started droping pounds fast!
I weighed 195 lbs (5'1'', 27 yo) when I started in April and by mid-october I ran 8K non-stop. I'm now at 176 lbs.
Running is great and addictive. Make sure you read a few blogs about good form and other advices to avoid injuries.

RinnyLush

I did C25K this time last year and it was great! I finished my race in under 30 minutes, and ended up being drawn for the grand prize - my weight in beer! I catered my boyfriend's birthday party with my winnings the following weekend. I lost 10 lbs during my training, and fell (even more) in love with running. I am currently doing the 5K to 10K training program and am running the same race again this year.

My experience was not without it's setbacks, mind you. I developed really terrible 'Runner's Knee' and, at first, was too stubborn to rest and treat it. BIG MISTAKE. The pain was awful and I ended up having to take even more time off from my training. After plenty of rest, I purchased a compression sleeve, iced and rolled out my knee after every run, and made sure to schedule rest days in between training. Now that my form has improved I can run pain-free and without my compression sleeve.

tl;dr? The program is great! Have a goal, remember to rest, and listen to your body. Best of luck!

KathleenCora

I did a C25k in September of 2014 and ended on thanksgiving. I started at 213 and ended at 183.7lbs I'd say a decent almost 30lbs loss. I started 70lbs over weight though and counted calories pretty vigorously not having many 'cheat' days. I ate on average between 1500 and 1800 so I wasn't starving. My first 5k I was at 39:40....and to be honest I was thrilled it was under 40min! Haha I can now run a 5k in 33min. which I'm again thrilled at!

at 213lbs and unhappy if you couldn't tell


End of November right before my First 5k with my 2 boys 183.7lbs


beginning of December 2014 178.1lbs


Beginning of Jan 2015


I'm now at 169!! Holy cow, can't believe it myself. I'm in the first 3 weeks of now training for my first 10k. Now that I can actually run for more than 2 min without feeling like I'm dying I LOVE it. It's so hard but after you succeed every week it feels like such a giant accomplishment. I can't get over what a success I feel like after I run 3 or 4 miles....I loved learning how to run, how to breath...and how much it's changed my body. It's a beautiful thing when your mind realizes what your body can do. Good luck to you!

zephyrq

I started C25K in June of 2013, not too long after I started dieting, I would guess I weighed 270ish (+/- 5lbs) then. I had problems with my knees when I was swimming competitively a couple decades ago so I have been very careful about increasing mileage slowly. With that being said nearly two years later and I'm currently training for the L.A. Marathon, having completed an 18 mile training run this past Saturday. The program works if you make it work. Invest in some good shoes, I can't tell you what a difference they make. And most of all, have fun with it.

Just_Ceci

dyemysoul wrote: »

I'm now at 169!! Holy cow, can't believe it myself. I'm in the first 3 weeks of now training for my first 10k. Now that I can actually run for more than 2 min without feeling like I'm dying I LOVE it. It's so hard but after you succeed every week it feels like such a giant accomplishment. I can't get over what a success I feel like after I run 3 or 4 miles....I loved learning how to run, how to breath...and how much it's changed my body. It's a beautiful thing when your mind realizes what your body can do. Good luck to you!

That's what it's all about! C25k helps your mind realize what your body can do! I started c25k in April 2013 to help me change things up a bit to get past a plateau. I literally couldn't run 30 seconds without feeling like I was going to die! Today I ran 6 miles without stopping (and could have gone further). I have run numerous 5k's and several 10k's and am currently training for my first half marathon. I used to HATE running. I like to run now.

The C25k group is great for support, success stories, etc: Couch to 5k Group