C25K

I'm on day 3, week 1. Feeling great so far, even though today kinda sucked because I was stupid and tried to push myself too hard.

I'm curious, who all has tried this? Did you lose weight/tone up from the program? What was your running ability at the beginning? At the end?

Thanks in advance :)

Replies

  • LouisaMoo
    LouisaMoo Posts: 11
    I've just hit the start of week five, first run was today. I was pretty nervous about it, I didn't think I would manage three 5 minute runs but it was easy! Except when my headphones stopped working...

    The programme is great, I was so sceptical that it would work but so far it's just amazing. I've found every week challenging but not too tough to complete. I'm looking forwards to finishing and feeling like a real runner. I'll let you know how the 20 minute run goes on week 5 run 3!
  • 4thehardman
    4thehardman Posts: 731 Member
    Whe I started I had never done running my whole adult life (did it at school but hated it)
    Now I can run 6km once or sometimes even twice a week. Oh and I weigh 245lbs. If C25K can get me running at such a weight I can only imagine the impact it has on others.
  • I'm stuck at Week 7. Have to push harder. My stomach has shrunk since I started the program.
  • spaingirl2011
    spaingirl2011 Posts: 763 Member
    Just finished day 2 of week 3 myself! I really like it! I *almost* got into the running "zone" today ... so close!
  • Prahasaurus
    Prahasaurus Posts: 1,381 Member
    On week 3. I was never a runner, tried to become one many times and failed. But I went about it the wrong way (basically just tried to run a 5k right from the start, and of course failed miserably)...

    It's going well. The key seems to be to take it slowly, don't try to be a hero in the beginning. It also helps to have more carbs in you when plan to run, and being well rested. I feel great after my runs. It' a great stress reliever.

    I have been losing weight steadily for the past four months. Since starting C25k, I'm losing weight even faster, as I don't eat all of my calories back (not on purpose - I'm just not hungry enough). This may be coincidence, however. In general, you won't burn a ton of calories at these beginner distances. Usually around 250 calories per run. Much less than a round of golf. But that takes 4-5 hours...

    On the other hand, it's definitely better than sitting on the couch, or at your desk. And it's just another part of a wider program of exercise, improved diet, etc.

    So to summarize, I'm very happy with C25k. I'm running further each week, and the longer distances haven't been a problem, yet. It's probably helping me to lose weight a bit faster. I feel great after my runs.

    Good luck!

    --Prahasaurus
  • jhungate
    jhungate Posts: 95 Member
    Lost 120 pounds +/- and have kept it off. I now run 45-50 miles a week. have run 8-10 5Ks, a 7.5K, 2 10Ks, a half marathon and I'm training for a marathon. It really works.
  • Dina275
    Dina275 Posts: 35 Member
    I'm on week eight, I ran day two of week eight today. This is probably my fourth attempt at the couch to 5k program, the other time I have started it I've dropped out after about three weeks because I just lost motivation, or life got in the way and I didn't commit like I should have. This time though I've stuck with it and I am so glad I did.

    When I started the program this time I had been walking and doing small amounts of running over the summer, but the running I had done was very limited (I only ran on the downhill bits where it was easy!), during the first few weeks there were a few runs really I really had to push myself, but it got easier, and you really build up your confidence as well! I have never been a runner, and now I can run for half an hour and it amazes me that I can now do that. I don't cover 5k in that half hour, so I need to work on that, but the fact that I can run for that amount of time is just awesome.

    As for my weight, since the start of the year I have been concentrating on changing my eating and doing more exercise, so the couch to 5k program was just part of that, so I'm not really sure how much weight I lost over the time I was doing the program because it was a combination of both my diet and exercise which resulted in my weight loss.

    So it definitely works!