Does c25k really get easier? What kind of results have peopl

eccentricity

So I started c25k tonight. I stuck out the whole time, which is a yay for me normally I give up when it gets hard. But gosh it's hard! I weigh over 100kg (not sure what that is in lbs) an haven't run since I was a kid.

Will it really get easier? How often should I do it?

Those who have done it, how often did you and (yes I want to get healthier and stronger etc but the bottom line is) has anyone lost significant weight doing this exercise regime?

(I am also doing 30ds every day)

waterwing

I did it Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.. and it worked well for me! I was able to stick with the program the whole time and it did get easier although there is a pretty big jump around week 5 or 6 I think. Anyway take your time with it and repeat a week if you need to. That's pretty intense to do 30 Day Shred at the same time.. maybe alternate days? I don't know..you don't want to hurt yourself or burn out.. listen to your body.. it will know what to do!

Oh and I didn't lose significant weight.. but I sure started toning up and I felt amazing!

danibabs

I just started Week 5 (gotten to Week 8 in the past). I do it as prescribed, 3 days a week. The first time I did it on a treadmill, this time I'm doing it outside, which I actually think is alot harder for me.
I'd say the running definitely gets easier, you can even see a difference in your endurance from day to day, however the program is meant to increase the difficulty so as you get better at running it continues to challenge you. The really great thing about it that I found though, is that I was never unable to do any of the programs, even when they sounded really daunting.
I've never done the program on its own so I can't say for sure whether I would lose weight that way, but I think it makes a fantastic compliment to a general training program.
Hope that helps! And feel free to shoot me any questions.

dianeellen2

Hi

I weigh just over 200lb's and i am on run 3 of week 1

I am amazed at how much easier it was last night - after my first day i thought i was going to die - but last night was good - i plan to keep repeating week 1 (or 2) until i feel comfortable with it

But it has got easier for me - prehaps you could find a firend to do it wit - have you got a good app to help out also?

Diane (add me as a firend if you want support and encouragement)

Nigelmouse

I started over 100kg and did the C25k on a treadmill. I did it three times a week, and slowed down if I struggled. If I struggled a lot I sometimes repeated a week, so it took me more than the 9 weeks in the plan. Some weeks were a lot harder than others, but you've got to stick with it for it to work.

Once I'd completed it I kept doing 5k 3-4 times a week on a treadmill but slowly attempting to increase my speed.

I now run 5k multiple times a week and really enjoy it, and I'm starting to work towards running 10k.

I believe combining c25k with eating healthy has been key to me losing 25kg's (55lbs, or 4 stone)

merguson

I did the program last year. My routine was to do c25k on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Hardwork and dedication got me through the program and I'm now still jogging 5k every other day. It really does help to get the weight off. At least for me. Perhaps, doing both c25k and 30ds is too much all at once??

EllieMo

I am struggling, I will admit. I'm working to my own pace, trying a slow jog and building up distance - when I am comfortable running a reasonable distance, then I will start doing interval training to build up my speed

IronmanPanda

First you may need to slow down. The number one reason new runners fail is because they try to go too fast/too far.
Second, have you had a proper shoe fitting with gait analysis?
Third, yes. It will get easier. Don't feel you need to complete each step the first time. There were days I repeated here and there but the biggest hurdle will be mental. You'll eventually hit that "I need to stop" wall but if you can convince yourself to push through for a couple more seconds/minutes you'll see it was all in your head.

Once you can conquer that you'll see that soon you'll be running for 30+ minutes straight and you can set new goals to conquer the 10k!

ETA: I started C25K last March/April? without being a runner prior and since then I've completed multiple 5k's, 1/2 marathons, sprint triathlons, and capped off 2011 with a Half Ironman. I've also lost over 50 lbs and have been able to keep it off.

ken1994

Do what you can, it will pay off. Yes it works did it last year at this time and ran 2 5k last year last one with a sub 30 minute time. I have also lost 47lbs (21 kg). The key is to push yourself and keep going, good luck!

JeSuisPrest

Yes it will get easier, give yourself time though. Repeat weeks if necessary. I am on week 9 and can run 3 miles, it's a great feeling!!

Edited to add....It amazes me I've come this far, back in the beginning I couldn't even run the 60 seconds!!!!

eccentricity

Thanks guys! I am thinking of doing 30ds and c25k on alternate days, I don't think I'm fit enough to do both every day.

I am running outside until I get my treadmill (this Saturday!) so maybe I'll find it easier then. I use an app on my iPhone that beeps and has a voice when it's time to change.

You are all inspiring

LesliePierceRN

I began c25k at 180 pounds.. the heaviest and most out of shape I'd been in my life.. I did the program 3 days a week like it said, but after the 30 minutes or so of the program, I walked another 30 to finish out about 4 miles total. By the end of the program, I was running the whole 4 miles.. and had dropped at least 20 pounds. I kept running.. that was the best thing c25k did for me.. I wanted to run, I wanted to accomplish more. I ended up training for a half marathon to raise money for our support group, and lost another 20 pounds. It's been about a year since I finished c25k and I'm still running, training for a Warrior Dash now.

david081

It's a nine-step programme, and you can stay on any step as many weeks as you like till you are happy with your progress. I recall the early stages entail mostly walking. Go easy and don't be discouraged. I went from the 5k to doing 10, 15, 20 even at times. You'll be amazed how great it feels when you finally get there, and with the right attitude you will!

Good luck,

David

Chenoachem

It does get easier if you are consistent. I did Tues, Thurs, Sunday. Don't be afraid to repeat a week if the workout is particularly difficult or undoable. It took me about 12 weeks to get through it and I worked up to being able to run 8 miles without stopping. So yes, it does work.

Enjoy!

CakeFit21

First you may need to slow down. The number one reason new runners fail is because they try to go too fast/too far.
Second, have you had a proper shoe fitting with gait analysis?
Third, yes. It will get easier. Don't feel you need to complete each step the first time. There were days I repeated here and there but the biggest hurdle will be mental. You'll eventually hit that "I need to stop" wall but if you can convince yourself to push through for a couple more seconds/minutes you'll see it was all in your head.

Once you can conquer that you'll see that soon you'll be running for 30+ minutes straight and you can set new goals to conquer the 10k!

ETA: I started C25K last March/April? without being a runner prior and since then I've completed multiple 5k's, 1/2 marathons, sprint triathlons, and capped off 2011 with a Half Ironman. I've also lost over 50 lbs and have been able to keep it off.

I'm quoting and re-posting this because it's really important.

I also started with c25k last year without being a runner. In the same year I ran my first 5k, 10k, half marathon and finished the year running The New York Marathon.

Of course, Panda and I are beasts, so there you go. I'm just saying this program WORKS.

em9371

it really does get easier!! if you need to go slower or repeat a week, dont worry. its better to build up continous time spent running at first, then work on speed later when you can easliy do the distance.
mayor_mcpanda is right, most importantly get yourself fitted for some proper running shoes, and a lot of the 'i want to stop' is in your head, once you can override that it feels amazing, you will be surpised at what you can actually do! when you get to the point you want to stop, try and keep going for at least another minute - if you always do a little more than last time you will always feel like you have made progress and want to continue with the program. get some motivating songs on your mp3 that helps me when i want to stop!
i started it 2 months ago, thought i was going to die after 30 seconds at first, i didnt do the 'official' C25K program, i just added a bit longer each time and i did 5k last week
try not to run 2 days in a row, and have 1 or 2 rest days a week. its easy to injure yourself overtraining if you are new to running. treadmill can seem very boring compared to outside - im on treadmill at minute and i cant wait till its warmer and i can go outside, i dont do running when its cold and wet lol!
btw im 219lbs, and run @ 7.5kmh Weds and Sat. ive lost 25lbs in 3 months - my last run of 5k i burned 570 cals in 40 minutes, its definetly the highest burn of all the exercise i do.

ooOOooGravy

ok you sound exactly as i did when i first started C25K back in July.

If you get chance read my blog, on when i completed week 5 and the work up to it. here --->  http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/ooOOooGravy/view/story-so-far-and-how-i-did-on-my-first-20-minute-run-143564#comments


When i Started i weighed 121kg (266lbs/19Stone), since Completing C25K i have lost 23KGs and still losing, Built up my running pace, and now training for my first Half Marathon in March.

C25K gets you running, run at a comfortable speed, repeat weeks if you need to, and run 3 times a week making sure that there is at least 1 day of non running between each session. Apply for a 5K race in your area, near the time the end of your 9 weeks as a goal to aim for. Seriously is the best thing you will ever do, i know it is for me!

Oh and get some running shoes fitted when you can afford it, this is the only essential equipment, and a watch or timer of some sort to help time your run walks.

Really, read my blog you might find abit of inspiration to help you on.

Running is hard, but the sense of achievment it provides is second to non! And finally enjoy it! its amazing!

Best of luck

pixieofdoom

I just did day 1 of week 2 last night and didn't find it too bad at all. I am finding that my legs are hurting now though (I do it every other day) so I'm a bit concerned I might be getting shin splints. I'm actually quite enjoying the challenge though as long as I remember to take it slow - I'm not actually running much faster than I'm walking.

I think it feels easier already but a lot of that is psychological as I've managed to get to the second week and have a bit more self belief. Not sure how I'll find it when it really steps up though.

I was thinking it might be best to alternate days with something like swimming rather that 30DS but I'm no expert!

Would love to hear more about how others have found/are finding it

em9371

I just did day 1 of week 2 last night and didn't find it too bad at all. I am finding that my legs are hurting now though (I do it every other day) so I'm a bit concerned I might be getting shin splints. I'm actually quite enjoying the challenge though as long as I remember to take it slow - I'm not actually running much faster than I'm walking.

I think it feels easier already but a lot of that is psychological as I've managed to get to the second week and have a bit more self belief. Not sure how I'll find it when it really steps up though.

I was thinking it might be best to alternate days with something like swimming rather that 30DS but I'm no expert!

Would love to hear more about how others have found/are finding it

if your shins are feeling sore, make sure to stretch well and rest, it will only get worse if you carry on.
have you been fitted for proper running shoes? shin splints are usually caused by wearing the wrong shoes or overtraining.

IronmanPanda

I just did day 1 of week 2 last night and didn't find it too bad at all. I am finding that my legs are hurting now though (I do it every other day) so I'm a bit concerned I might be getting shin splints. I'm actually quite enjoying the challenge though as long as I remember to take it slow - I'm not actually running much faster than I'm walking.

I think it feels easier already but a lot of that is psychological as I've managed to get to the second week and have a bit more self belief. Not sure how I'll find it when it really steps up though.

I was thinking it might be best to alternate days with something like swimming rather that 30DS but I'm no expert!

Would love to hear more about how others have found/are finding it

Sit yourself in a chair and point your toes out in front of you and spell the alphabet with them. Its an easy stretch that will help to alleviate the pain. Also ice is your friend.

Also Em is right, shin splints are generally an overuse injury. If you've already been fitted for shoes then you may need to cut back on the running a bit and let your body catch up.

MelanieAG05

I did day 1 of week 2 last night as well and it was okay although I did feel challenged towards the end. I do the C25k training and then do 30 mins strength training afterwards 3 times per week and try to do a class and/or go for a swim on other days as well - this is time dependent though as I am a working mother and my hubbie works shifts. I am going to try to stick to the program as best as possible but not going to stress if it takes a bit longer. I've signed up for a 5k at beginning of May so I have a target to get to!

Pocket_Pixi

I currently weight 212 pounds and just finished Week 2 Day 2 last night, it does get easier - by the end of week 1 I was ready to move up as it was no longer a challenge. I Do it Mon,Wed,Fri and do other carido and strength on my off days. What I was told by my friends that have done it is if you do not feel ready to move up a week don't take your time until you are comfortable and then move up.

Just remember to listen to your body, it will tell you if it is ready or not.

Steffi330

Yes it will get easier, give yourself time though. Repeat weeks if necessary. I am on week 9 and can run 3 miles, it's a great feeling!!

Edited to add....It amazes me I've come this far, back in the beginning I couldn't even run the 60 seconds!!!!

That is awesome!!! Congratulations!

Kamalka

I think you should stay away from C25k for 6 months...simply because there are plenty of chances you will put too much efforts into this and will not find the energy to get back to your jogging. I was over 100kg and I can say the begining is hard. The best way to run is to become addicted...and nobody is addicted to effort. When I started to run, I would go for 10-15min very slowly. I repeated it and 2-3 days later, I was jogging (compared to my speed now, this is walking as fast as you can) 30 min. I was already happy of myself. When I run, I keep in mind I look for nice sensations, no hurting. I always stop whiile I have extra energy left, so that I already wish to come back the next day. It is definitely impacting greatly weight loss but remember that the person who goes often and slowly will have much more results than the exhausted ones (even though I later used C25k and learned to reach satisfactory exaustion) who drop of every 3 weeks. Running has to be a pleisure, not a killing exercise. I started around my house but always go to the forest now. After 6 months of easy trainings, I was abble to run a 20k...I can now regularly run 2h at heavy pace as long as I have music in my ears (otherwise my mental tells me I am too exausted to keep he speed)

zakismom

C25K is an awesome way to get started. Just remember to listen to your body and if you feel like you need to 'stall' at a certain point to let your body 'catch up' then certainly do that. I wish I had found C25K when I started running, I just did it blindly but now run half and full marathons - even weighing as much as I do. Many of the people on my running forum started this way and have had great success.

ChunkyFunkyMonkey

I want it to stop raining so I can go out and do it! ARGH!!!

Any other tips someone just starting should know?

jahenafer

I am on week 3, workout #7. Before starting this program, I could not run for a minute straight. I do the program 3 times a week and have definitely seen improvements! Make sure to stretch before and after. Good luck!

Chenoachem

I want it to stop raining so I can go out and do it! ARGH!!!

Any other tips someone just starting should know?

You can run in the rain and it can be fun at times.

If you get a cramp on your side, try putting your hands in the air and breathe deeply.

If you get a cramp in your shoulder it is usually dehydration.

MrsMuffinRun

Hi I am on the second week. This is my third attempt really. Back in October I started and realised that, after 8 years of being full time mummy with no exercise, that I wasn't as fit and strong as I thought. So I concentrated on doing 30-40 minute brisk walks 3 times a week. Then I started again just after Xmas and it was going good for 2 weeks. Then I hurt my knee! I was gutted, thinking I had completely blown it. But I waited for my knee to recover and think it was partly due to messing around with my 4 year old more than the actual running. So I started again and so far, it seems to be third time lucky though the snow is putting a bit of a spanner in the works! I don't have a huge amount of weight to lose so that probably helps, but I think strengthening my legs up by walking went a long way to getting me ready. I also have the 30 DS and I am only using it on days when I can't get out for a run due to really heavy snow. Otherwise, I think the C25K is enough for now. I am always taking at least one rest day in between and this works for me, otherwise I get overtired and want to eat loads. Friend me if you like, I am only a week ahead and I love reading about anyone else who is doing the same programme :-) I've got a long way to go but I really want to be able to do a 5K run, however slowly, by the spring!

jhungate

I started with it and now average around 40 miles a week. Have run around 6 5k races, a 7.5k, a 10k and am training for a half marathon. It works!

kag1526

I am on week 1 still, just did my 4th session of it last week (I'm doing 2 weeks of each "week" of the program) I'm 237 lbs and it has definitely gotten easier...

Really I'm more then in my 4th session, however I only count these 4 because I couldn't do the whole run the first 2 times I tried. I have definitely gotten better.