Will I ever be able to run 5k?!?

YES!!! IT TAKES TIME!!! YOU CAN DO IT!

Just gotta do it! It doesn't matter if you finish last, it's the fact that you started and tried! And it WILL get better with time.

If you don't try, how do you know? GOOD LUCK to you in July!!! And remember, you have roughly 12+ weeks between now and then to prepare that much more!!!

You can do it! I didn't think I'd be able to but yesterday I did it! And you can too!

You can do it! I was once weighed almost 300 pounds when I began training for my first 5k and by the end of that year not only did I run a 5k I also completed my first half marathon.

About 10 years ago I completed several 5Ks. I trained for 4 months (during which I weighed around 215). I hated the experience because I trained with two other ladies who ran faster than me. I was almost the last person to complete the races everytime I ended up losing about 50 pounds in the process,though. .I recently began running again and am finding that I enjoy running by myself now.

My thoughts are this:
1) if you are MOVING- you are WINNING!
2) no one can make a judgment about how fast/slow you are running if they are not willing to run themselves.
3) the feeling of accomplishment is beyond words!
4) you do not have to be a world-class runner to be considered a "runner".

Keep it up! Goals will never be achieved if you do not strive for the goal! Good luck! Go for it!!

I am 227 and I started couch to 5k. You should make sure you're wearing proper running shoes and have proper running form. Yes sign up for the 5k! Some 5k are beginner friendly and you can walk/run/jog as long as your slowest is a 15 min mile.

At my running club, we have a starter group. That conversation "HOW much further, can't I walk yet" happens with nearly all newbies. Skinny ones as well as rounder ones.

I remember my first "run". Slowly up the road....oh no, there are some workmen....can't stop there....darn. Have to keep going till round the corner. Die quietly while pretending to stretch....jog even slower back :-)

Hang in there, repeat week 1 as many times as you need. But if you stick at it, July is fine for a race entry.

Yes. Register for the race. Continue your running program and run your race. Doesn't even matter if you have to walk for portions of it, you'll love the feeling of accomplishment. Sign up today

I started it a year ago at about 285 lbs or so. I only did it as much as my knees tolerated, but even doing it just once every week or two, my knees and my stamina got better and I progressed to weeks two and three. Some days I'd do two programs back to back if I was going for a long time. I think if you stick with it consistently, you'll be able to do the run by July definitely.

You can do it! BUT if your shins are hurting, go and get properly fitted for running shoes before you end up damaging yourself.

You can do this!!! I started C25K at 275 pounds last March and I ran my first 5K at the end of May. Now I'm training for a half marathon next month and I'm still over 200 pounds. It gets easier. I thought I was going to DIE that first month. Just don't give up. I ran 9 miles today! If you would have told me last year that I would ever be able to run 9 miles I would of laughed at you!

you will do it. I ran my first one and i was 220 pounds then when I did my first one. I finished with a time of 47:40

you can do this . I was 2 pounds heavier than you were and I did it and made it to the finish and so will you.

YES...YES...YES! I was well over 300 when I ran my first one last May. I began running in January 2012 and literally could not run 1/2 a mile. I am down to 245 and just finished my first half marathon. I have a bad knee, herniated discs in my neck and back and a bad ankle. It hurts like hell, but I promise when you do it, the joy is well worth it!

Register, run the 5K or walk, just get there. Personally, I walk a 5k. Haven't since last fall, and I have been training. Anxious to see what my times will be now. Have four lined up for next month and just one, the Berkshire Invest in Yourself in May.(this is the first one and I really wanted to participate).

I am concerned about your shin splints. Try training on a flat run for a bit. Warm up, run, cool down. Then STRETCH!!!! I cannot repeat that enough.

If you are in the Omaha area, feel free to message me.

Question to the group, what do I do with all of the shirts I am collecting?

You can do it!!!! I was about 220 lbs (now about 181) and bored with my gym routine when I first decided to give running a go. HA! I made it about 30 seconds before I was out of breath and felt like I was going to die! That was only 8 months ago. I kept plugging away at it. I didn't *exactly* do a C5K program, but just ran as far as I could until I had to walk, then repeat. I used mapmyrun.com to figure out a 5k route in my neighbourhood.

I ran my first official race on New Years Day 2013 (in -10 temp with snow!) and finished in 36:30. While that is by no means a fast time, I was not even close to finishing "last" and wouldn't have cared even if I was! The overwhelming feeling of crossing that finish line was one of the best feelings of my life.

Advice - if you are getting tired, try slowing your pace before just giving up and walking. You'd be surprised how quickly you can recover by just slowing down a little bit! Also, don't let the mere *sight* of a steep uphill stretch stop you! Look at the ground, take it slow and steady. Keep your strike soft and invest in good shoes - you don't want to hurt yourself. Most importantly - You GOT this!

Also, it's true - running really does help melt off the pounds. My weight loss had slowed considerably, until I started running. Another 40 pounds practically fell right off!

Good luck - you can do it!!!