I want to hear about your C5K results please!!!

allielite11

Hi everyone! I'm thinking that I want to try this C5K program! I'm just curious about everyone's results. And is there anyone that has started this program being 300+ LBS. ? I'm currently at 308 and walk 3 miles every day now and I think I could possible do this. I would love to see people's results and hear how everyone has done! Especially people who have a great deal of weight to lose like me. All the support and encouragement would be greatly appreciated! And I know seeing people's results will inspire and encourage me to try it! Thank you everyone!!

acstansell

I've been working on building up to do the C25K. I lived a very sedentary life (still do on occasion) so I was worried about the impact on my joints. I started slowly, 30 second intervals, and the worked to a minute. C25K starts you off at 1.5 minute intervals I think. I totally believe you can do it, but if you're not used to running, I'd slowly work up to sustaining for at least a minute for at least 3-5 intervals. If you can do that, you can do the first few weeks of C25K.

Also, take the time to have your feet and your gait checked out and invest in good running shoes. The better the shoes the less chance of injury.

PS: I was 276 when I started MFP. I waited until I lost 30lbs before I started even trying to run. I was just afraid of killing my knees.

jeby8

I did C5K a year and a half ago and I LOVED it! I went from doing absolutely NO exercise to 9 weeks later running a 5K! I ended up with a 33:33 time. Which isn't horrible but not my goal either! I truly believe that it works for everyone. A friend of mine did it as well as she was over 250lbs and it was incredible for her to see herself running and doing things she never thought she'd ever do. I say go for it if your willing to work for it!

Guitarjon

I haven't followed that program and to be honest havn't read it but I am now running 7k in under 3 months. I am working on pace now.

I too have been worried about my joints and being over weight but my knees seem to be holding up ok. I am only running a maxiumum of twice a week. I am doing lesser impact things in the other times.

It is pretty easy to improve running quickly but I must stress build up. Dont run 1k and expect to run 5 the next. Do 1k, try and get it quicker, then move to 1.5k and so on.

omma_to_3

I started C25K late February or early March (don't actually remember!). The 60 second intervals at the beginning were tough, even though I had been walking for months. I've been going slowly, due to a tendency to develop shin splints. I've repeated weeks, sometimes multiple times. I have my first 5K in two weeks, but won't be ready to run the entire thing yet. I just completed week 6 last night. I ran for 22 minutes straight, averaging about 4.5 mph (yes, I'm SLOW). I ran about 1.75 miles last night and it was a huge accomplishment for me.

My advice: First, get fitted for running shoes at a running store. Second, never run two days in a row (I did last night and now my knees are a little sore today!). and just do it!

lizzybeth5983

I didn't like to run and actually thought people were crazy to do it. I started the C25k program and I am currently on week seven running for 25 mins straight!!! I thought running for a minute was hard in the beginning. I started the program weighing 225lbs I now weigh 206lbs. I didn't lose the weight just from running but it is a great workout. I run just about every other day and I feel that if you start out small and work your way up you will get there in no time. You just can't give up! I wanted to in week one after running for one minute I said I AM SO DONE WITH THIS!! But something made me push on and now I am going to run my first 5k in June

You can do it !

ashmarie25

I am working on week 7 of C25K right now. I am amazed that following the program has actually gotten me up to the point where I can run for 25 minutes! I never thought I would do that in my life. Its tough sometimes, but you just have to keeo telling yourself to keep running. I feel so awesome afterwards!

Dlopez678

I'm on week 3 of c25k. My starting weight on this journey was 280.1 but I'm not sure what I was at when I started c25k. I'm now at 269 though. It's tough sometimes but you just have to push through. Do not let your size stop you. You can do this! As you make it through each day you'll feel so good.

BettyJo51

I completed a c25k program using a free app I downloaded onto my smartphone. While I didn't have as much to lose as others who have written back, I began running 3 weeks post partum so my body was definitely in a more fragile/recovering state. You can totally do it. Listen to your body, rest when you need to and know that you are doing it for you and your health and that's all that matters. Best wishes on your journey!

Ohwhynot

I was the kid in gym class who walked the mile because I just couldn't run it. I was always last in any sort of race as a kid, and as an adult, my knees and ankles tend to be weak. That said, 2 yrs ago, I started c25k, and took a few weeks longer than the plan goes, but I eventually finished and ended up running 2 5ks in a row, coming in right around 35 min each. I am not a runner, and i actually don't like running, but the program works and when you're done, it's a HUGE sense of accomplishment!

btb079

I finished it a month ago and ran my first official race last weekend. When I started I was 217, and it was tough...the biggest thing is do not give up!! My husband was about 290 when he did it (now at 240)and is running 5K in well under 30 minutes. The middle weeks are the hardest, but I swear by my children, if I can do it you can too!!!

paulwgun

My weight loss isn't recorded correctly on here as i lost a fair bit before finding MFP but since joining ive lost 31lb
I started out at 315lb did some walking to start then joined a gym last October

discovered c25k around Christmas time and tried it on the treadmill and totally failed as i was having shin splints

February this year i had my gait analysed and fitted for running shoes and started my c25k journey

I now do 5 k twice a week and will be entering a 10k next month

my weight now is 257lb so ive lost 58lb in total

start slow and i mean slow the object is to finish the task not how fast you do it by the end 5k should take you 30min ....................................not on your life!!!!!!! it took me 48min to do my first 5k im now down to 45min

I sincerely hope that in the future i will get my time in to the 30's

its very doable but like i said SLOW

lynus85

i started this program at my heaviest at 289 about 7 months ago. I made it through about 80% of the program and I had to stop because I had some hip joint pain- which i later found out was a result of being too overweight and running ( this obviously wont be the case for everyone- unfortunatley for me it was painful enough to make me stop).

I started again about 2 months ago and had to skip several of the first weeks because they were far too easy. I finished the program a few days ago- running the full 5k in 34 mins and feeling like i could have continued to run.

it was hard in the beginning but everyday got easier and I felt better about my abilites as a runner. anyone can do it if they really stick with it.

trhjrh06

I just started week 4 day 1 yesterday. And I was really worried about my knees starting this program because I had such problems with them with doing the Jillian Michaels DVD's. But I haven't had any problems. It is a great program and I highly recommend it. As I said I am just on week 4 so haven't completed it but I know I got this!

Devona14

I first started walking about two months ago. Then I discovered C25k. I'm currently on W2D2. Not that far into it, but I can already tell results. I've lost inches and this morning when I weighed, I found I'd reach one of my first goals, to be under 230. Granted, I weighed 229, but it's still under 230. :-) When I first started C25K, I thought I was going to die. I thought I was going to puke and that was just running for 30 seconds a few times. Now I'm up to a minute and a half at a time. I'm trying to keep a slow pace and focus on time, not speed. I'm proud to say that I went from absolutely no exercise to being a runner! I love it!

cavewoman15

i ran two miles once in 7th grade - once. but never, ever was a runner and didn't think i could be. i started C25K last january and ran my first 5k on my birthday in april. i kept it up and ran 5 miles last fall. i haven't been running as much lately, but can still go out for a 1-2 mile run once a week and feel good after. i am a pretty good athlete, i don't know if that matters. but i was NEVER a runner.

my recommendation would be to just follow the program exactly as it says, and don't worry about your speed. i run a 12 minute mile. also, you can repeat weeks if you need to. i found that training on the treadmill or indoor track was much easier than running outside, but i live in the mountains and have asthma, so it might be easier in other locations. i can run outside now - just not when i was training. good luck!

peuglow

Did week 1 day 1 on Sunday. It was very easy, but I'm determined to follow it to a T because I want to enjoy running for once. I always start off doing 2-3 miles, and after a few days I'm just not enjoying it.

I alternate my workouts like this:

Sun C25K
Mon Muay Thai
Tues C25K
Wed Wrestling/BJJ
Thur C25K
Fri Sparring
Sat Rest

TheDudette

I started C25K late February or early March (don't actually remember!). The 60 second intervals at the beginning were tough, even though I had been walking for months. I've been going slowly, due to a tendency to develop shin splints. I've repeated weeks, sometimes multiple times. I have my first 5K in two weeks, but won't be ready to run the entire thing yet. I just completed week 6 last night. I ran for 22 minutes straight, averaging about 4.5 mph (yes, I'm SLOW). I ran about 1.75 miles last night and it was a huge accomplishment for me.

My advice: First, get fitted for running shoes at a running store. Second, never run two days in a row (I did last night and now my knees are a little sore today!). and just do it!

4.5 mph is NOT slow at all for 2 months of running. That's actually pretty fantastic.

ThePhoenixRose

I started c25k 6 months after i had a stroke and was entirely paralyzed. I repeated each day/week several times until i could do it. I ran my first ever 5k 10 months, to the day, after i had my stroke. If i can do it, anyone can. (i know people say that, but really... i was a quadriplegic only 6 months before i started.)

Squidgeypaws007

I blogged my way through c25k if you have a spare few minutes and don't mind reading some rambling madness

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Squidgeypaws007


But short answwer: it was great - really inspiriing actually xD

traceyjayne64

I am hoping to start the C25K on Monday. I looked it up on google and i am determined to give it a go. I havent run since i was at school, so time will tell :laugh:

pearceda

Both my wife and I started this last fall. We were horrible at it to begin with and were struggling with it, but we kept at it, we even bought a treadmill so we could keep running through the winter. I was around 230 when I started and my wife was 196. I now weigh in at 195 and my wife is close to 145. She completed a 10K race last month and we are looking for another race to do together now. I also just had my personal best 5k time last night clocking in at 27:26! I have also completed 10K in 1:15:00 so I am now going to start focusing on getting that below an 1 hour. This program works and we both love running now. Would recommend getting fit out properly at a running store to make sure you are wearing the proper sneaker type.

huizenm

I started C25K a year ago in April. The first couple of days were the WORST! Running for 30 seconds or a minute? Tough! But I stuck to it - walked if I really needed it, repeated days...repeated weeks but kept pushing. I ran my first 5K in August (in 29.46!) and I'm prepped and ready to run my first 10K on Saturday! I am also signing up for my first 1/2 marathon in October and doing a 100K relay with some friends (For FUN! WHAT?!) in the fall. It is a very good program if you stick to it and it works!! Good Luck!

Oh I echo the previous posters who said to get fitted properly for shoes! Also check to see if there is a Good Form Running Clinici around you or check out goodformrunning.com

MassiveDelta

Hi everyone! I'm thinking that I want to try this C5K program! I'm just curious about everyone's results. And is there anyone that has started this program being 300+ LBS. ? I'm currently at 308 and walk 3 miles every day now and I think I could possible do this. I would love to see people's results and hear how everyone has done! Especially people who have a great deal of weight to lose like me. All the support and encouragement would be greatly appreciated! And I know seeing people's results will inspire and encourage me to try it! Thank you everyone!!

It took me much longer to complete than the 9 weeks...And when I started losing weight I was 301...but I didnt start c25k right a way I did a lot of cycling and elliptical until id lost about 25Lbs. This helped me with 2 things it helped better prepare my body that was not used to any activity and improved my cardio functionality

emgs52

Are you running outdoors or treadmill or both??

phillieschic

I was never a runner either but C25K is so awesome, I can safely say that I am now. I started in late February and breezed through the program quickly...I actually was doing two of the program weeks in one week's time. I ran my first 5K at Week 5 (early April). I wasn't fast but I got it done! I'm on Week 8 Day 2 now and I have no worries that I can run another 5K at any moment. I actually usually find myself running longer than the programmed times...I don't know how or why it happened but C25K changed the way I feel about exercise and running.

I'm addicted to it now...I actually anticipate my after-work run time. And, my weight has dropped 20 pounds in about 6-7 weeks.

My advice is take it slowly, repeat weeks if you have to, concentrate on your breathing from the beginning and get fitted for proper running shoes and size. You WILL have success with it!

Good luck!

kitkatkmt

I've never been a runner. I have always WANTED to run, though. I'm hoping to eventually do this.

Anyone that has done the C25K - has anyone gone into it with existing joint issues? I am hypermobile - I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome - and have some bad joints. I have had both knees operated on already.

I know there are a whole bunch of people where I work that did the C25K, and LOVED it.

omma_to_3

I started C25K late February or early March (don't actually remember!). The 60 second intervals at the beginning were tough, even though I had been walking for months. I've been going slowly, due to a tendency to develop shin splints. I've repeated weeks, sometimes multiple times. I have my first 5K in two weeks, but won't be ready to run the entire thing yet. I just completed week 6 last night. I ran for 22 minutes straight, averaging about 4.5 mph (yes, I'm SLOW). I ran about 1.75 miles last night and it was a huge accomplishment for me.

My advice: First, get fitted for running shoes at a running store. Second, never run two days in a row (I did last night and now my knees are a little sore today!). and just do it!

4.5 mph is NOT slow at all for 2 months of running. That's actually pretty fantastic.

Aw, thanks! I feel really slow LOL....

jessradtke

For me, the most important result from finishing C25K is the fact that I now LOVE to run. I don't just force myself to do it because I need the exercise or because I have to (like I did in high school track). I seriously LOVE it! I could never say that before. That, in and of itself, is still amazing to me. Every time I go for a run and actually enjoy the experience I marvel at it all over again. The built in short term goals really worked for me. They were close enough together that I didn't get discouraged in between. The first time I ran for 1 minute straight, then 5 minutes straight, then then ran an entire mile without stopping made me feel SO good! I didn't want to stop! And that first race is an incredible experience! It's SO worth it to feel that good about yourself!

Don't think you have to stick strictly to the plan for it to work. Adjust it as you need to. Definitely go SLOW. Short, small strides are usually best. And be reasonable about how much you can comfortably increase each week. If the increases feel like too much too soon, it's ok to add smaller chunks of time or repeat weeks until you feel ready to move on. Running three days a week does seem to be the most important part for me to see progress, but I've know people who only ran once or twice a week. Do what works for you but stick with it and you WILL see and feel the results!

monkeyriley

I looked at the C5K, but did the Runner's World Beginning Running plan. If you Google for "runner's world beginning running" it appears as the top choice.

**~Edit: A lot of the Runner's World stuff costs $, this was the free version.~**

I choose it because it incorporated walking twice a week so that I was a little more active. I thought that was important to me because I have a desk job; I generally don't move a lot during the day.

Prior to starting I wanted to break into 199 lbs. I did this because I have tried running before and found myself prone to injury when I weighed more (knee problems, ankles, etc). I also wanted to make sure that I was on track with watching what I was eating and semi-successful. By the time I got to 199 lbs, I had lost approximately 27 lbs. I did this by walking and was capable of doing so for 40 minutes solid. I also made sure that I got fitted for shoes where my gait was checked and my shoes fit correctly. The last part of the pre-training, I met with my Doctor and she sent me to a couple of physical therapy sessions to strengthen my hips and legs. That helped immensely because I learned how to properly stretch and simple strength training so that I would avoid injury and not over stretch, which I didn't know was possible.

All that out of the way, I just finished running my second 5k at a time of 24:37. I am starting to do the marathon rookie training plan for a 10k. I also signed up to run a marathon in October, which has been a life long goal. I begin the 17 weeks of training for it June 11th (I'm a little nervous about this), but I think I can do it!

So go for it! I have lost 41 lbs and feel good. I am amazed at what a little walking (eventually leading to running) and watching my calories can do.

SongbirdLandy

I just finished the program today and I have to say, it's an awesome thing to run! I will say that I haven't lost a ton of weight while doing it, but the inches have melted away pretty quickly! Since the day I started back to this program, March 5, here are my stats:

March 5 May 8 Loss
Weight 235.2 lbs 230.2 lbs -5 lbs
Neck 12.25 in 12 in -.25 in
Chest 45.5 in 44 in -1.5 in
Waist 33 in 32 in -1 in
Hips 45.25 in 43 in -2.25 in
R Arm 13 in 13 in -0
L Arm 11.75 in 11 in - .75
R Thigh 21.5 in 21 in -.5 in
L Thigh 21.5 in 21 in -.5 in

Total loss:
Weight: 5 lbs
Inches: 6.75 in