Does C25K work? Success stories?

I am thinking about starting it although not quite yet, still have a way to go and going to build fitness up, but its in my long term plan as it really looks good and have friends who swear by it and say its brilliant.

I don't want to injure myself and at this moment it wouldn't be wise to kick it in but if you are ready then give it a try

It absolutely works!

It's a great program to ease into becoming a runner. I was 240 pounds when I started C25K. I ran my first 5K on April 20, and I will run my first half-marathon on October 5. I'm down to 185 pounds now.

Sticking to healthy food choices has had a lot more to do with my weight loss than any amount of running ever could, BUT I have really enjoyed the process of becoming a runner. C25K was a great way to begin that process.

And, from the Unsolicited Advice Department... if you haven't already done so, be sure to get fitted for running shoes by the staff at a REAL running store. The right shoes will make ALL the difference.

Best wishes to you!

I successfully used C25K to go from zero running to running 3+ miles straight. My focus was not on losing weight as much as it was improving abilities at that point, but I wasn't exactly starting at couch because I was doing cardio classes and elliptical machines regularly. Running never was something I thought I could do or could enjoy, but now I can say that I can run, am a runner, and can walk away from a run without hating everything about it.
Take it slow.
Good luck!

ETA: I was not eating at a deficit and therefore did not lose weight, but that's not to say that you can't lose weight while running, just need to eat at a calorie deficit.

Started running with C25k 3 years ago and now I'm training for my second marathon!

Its easy to push yourself too hard, so try to keep it lighter than you think you need to and you'll be more likely to come back for more. Running to lose weight is a good reason to start, but once you get that rush of accomplishment after meeting your first big goal, you will find so many other reasons to continue. Good luck!

I like it, I am actually using the couch to 10K app right now, training for a 5K October 5th, then a 10K in April. I started on week 3 because I've kept up some jogging and some cardio for a long time. I rarely do two days in a row, try to aim for every other day, and if a day is miserable or I have to stop for an unplanned break (trust me in the humidity/heat where I live this is sometimes a MUST!) then I just repeat the workout one more time before moving on. I've never been outside of a healthy BMI, I'm stuck towards the upper end ofr someone my height, so it doesn't so much help me with weight, but the endorphins, the cardio endurance, and mental health benefits are SO worth it. I love to announce (to poor ppl who probably don't care) that this morning I ran ... minutes without stopping! Longest so far is 40, up from originally 3! I def recommend it

I did it a couple of years ago and have since run the Reading half marathon twice, and the Great South Run twice. I almost died the first week running for 30 seconds, so I'd say it worked for me.

A couple of points about it:
1) I didn't lose massive amounts of weight, because I wasn't tracking my calories - so I was fitter but still fat.

2) I had to slow down. I found that running at 10-12kph comfortable but knackering (heart rate 170+), running at 8kph seemed more stilted but allowed me to go much further (heart rate <150). It also led to shorter strides which seemed to be better for my shins.

I just finished week 2 day 3 and it went great. I'm actually looking forward to starting week 3. I was a complete non-runner prior to beginning and can not wait to feel the accomplishment of finishing a 5k when I am ready. I am doing this on a treadmill right now as I have a little one to look after, but hope to get outside for at least one day of each of the next weeks. I am also looking to lose weight. I cut my calories down quite a bit and am staying away from the junk. I am currently 180lbs and 5'6 so we will se how it goes. Hope to add insanity or Jillian micheals in on my off days starting next week.

If you push too hard (as you say in your post) then Couch to 5k would be a great program for you, and there is a very active C25k group on here as well. That would be good for you to join as they will help you look at your progress realistically There are many, many graduates on MFP.

Q: Is it good for weightloss?
A: No. A calorie deficit is all that is good for weightloss.

Q: Is it a good programme?
A: Yes. It's very good for getting somebody started with running. I started with C25K last year. This year, I've done 3 half-marathons so far and am training for a marathon at the end of October.

I didn't lose any weight with it but it DEFINITELY works. You start seeing results pretty quickly, which is motivating. It does wonders for endurance. And almost anyone can do it.