I ran for years up to 1 1/2 years ago. I've tried the c2k program every time I started over. It's a very good program, and has been around for a long time. I always did it alone, but my sister did the program with her town's recreation and parks. You could also find a group through your local running store. Another option, if you want to do it alone, is using a phone app. I've never tried that but lots of people have been successful with it.

It will help to get a good pair of shoes. Go to a running store to get fitted for the right pair.

Good luck!

YES!!

I started running in March of 2011 at 236 pounds (I'm 5 foot 2) on the treadmill. I downloaded the C25K app and used that. I was slow. sooooo slow. But I did it. Even though it took me another year and a half to get my crap together on eating, I never stopped running. Now I run twice a week, zumba twice a week, and I lift weights. I focus on different things, sometimes time, sometimes distance, sometimes hills. I'm still not very fast, but now I can WALK at the pace I used to "run" at! It gives you something to focus on aside from the scale. Now that I weigh a bit less, I can run outside without it hurting my knees, and I like running both ways (treadmill and outside). You should definitely give it a shot.

I do want to add--it's a great cardio workout, but just like any other cardio--you won't lose weight just by running. Your nutrition has to be on point.

Please update us if you decide to try it!

Hi,

Last year I lost 13kg (28 lbs) by 1) watching what I ate, 2) doing Couch to 5k and 3) yoga.

Like the others have said C25k is an amazing program! It will help get started with running and you'll love the results! I fell off the exercise wagon at the end of last year, and I've just started again. I'm now in week 7 of C25k and I can't believe how energised feel after my morning run.

My tips for anyone starting C25k are:
1) Get a pair of good running shoes (to avoid pain and injuries)
2) Stretch well after your run (again to avoid pain and injuries)
3) Start slow! There's no shame in being slow. Running slow is 1000 times better than not running at all
4) Just do it!

Running (in combo with strength training) has always worked for me -- before thyroid issues -- and has helped me since I became overweight after RAI to treat my hyperthyroid. Now I'm hypothyroid and it took a while to get the meds adjusted. Started really working out and losing some of the weight. Started running againg with the C25K app on my phone which helped me bust through a plateau I was in. Completed C25K then started on C210K. Had to stop running due to bursitis in my hip, but am going to start with C25K as a way to work back into the running again.

Good luck!

I did a c25k program to get into running, not for weight loss. It's an excellent program that will help you build endurance. Any weight loss is still going to be about having a proper deficit. Stay mindful of your calories and c25k can help.

I just downloaded the app. I am not a runner....I've been a bit scared since my brother had to have surgery on his knee due to running....but I am game to start..slowly.

C25K is an amazing training plan. I used it to run my first 5K a year and a half ago, and I am training for my first 10K now. Running helps me get my metabolism going (provided i can get myself out the door). Do it! It's a great feeling as you progress through the weeks, and such an accomplishment when you cross that finish line.