Any runners out there?

Annedreeahh
Annedreeahh Posts: 505 Member
edited November 16 in Getting Started
Hello, I know i most likely could have googled this but I figure i'd post on here to get really advice from you all.

I am not a runner and I still need to lost about 150 pounds, but I really wanted to start running so i am going to do the couch25k challenge. Does this really work? has anyone tried it?

Also is it true if I get into running it will help my legs get smaller? I basically have a pair of cowboy boots i bought in my size, but they dont fit on my legs so i've never been able to wear them and i'm hoping this will help. any replys or advice is greatly appreciated!

Replies

  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    Does it work? Well there are plenty of C25k gradates who will tell you that yes, it enabled them to manage running 5k.

    Many more will tell you that it worked in helping to get them to love running.

    Now, running on its own isn't a great way to lose weight - you have to count your calorie intake for that. But it does improve your well-being and health in many ways.

    It'll probably change the shape of your legs over time - whether you'll fit those cowboy boots, we can't predict.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    It's having a calorie deficit that will make your legs thinner as you lose fat.

    C25K is a great beginner programme, my advice would be to make sure you have decent running shoes that are fitted for you.
  • Aine8046
    Aine8046 Posts: 2,122 Member
    c25k does work. I started with 1min running 1min walking two months ago and now run 3-3.5 miles three times a week. Planning to do a 10k race in June! Keep in mind that if you want to loose weight you also need to eat at deficit - running is not an excuse to eat non-stop. For some people running increases appetite, so log your food carefully.
  • parkeram73
    parkeram73 Posts: 14 Member
    I just started c25k this week also!! And I have 100+ to lose. Never in my life have I been a runner. I like it so far. I play music along with it and it helps keep me moving.
  • parkeram73
    parkeram73 Posts: 14 Member
    I also have the pacer app and it connects to my fitness pal
  • radiosilents
    radiosilents Posts: 223 Member
    I've done C25K several times at 300+ pounds. I started it again in late January and then joined a 5K training group with my local Fleet Feet store. We just have two weeks before our graduation race, and yesterday our group did a 3 mile run together! At 290 pounds now I am very slow but I get it done and plan to keep going until I reach marathon status. I wasn't sure about joining a group, but it's turned out to be the best thing for me – very supportive and lots of camaraderie, really keeps me motivated. :) Go for it, and enjoy!
  • Glowiie1
    Glowiie1 Posts: 85 Member
    Annedreeahh wrote: »
    Also is it true if I get into running it will help my legs get smaller?

    No matter how much you try, you can never "spot reduce." In other words, working out your legs, doesn't mean your legs will be slimmer the same way that doing sit-ups won't make your tummy flat all by itself. This is entirely dependent on how YOUR BODY loses weight.

    Generally speaking though, if you lose weight overall, everything will slim up, including your legs!

    As a fellow runner (I hope you get started!), once you get past the grueling part of it, running is an amazing hobby in so many ways. I still maintain the first couple miles are the hardest, regardless of distance, but it's extremely rewarding. Best of luck!

  • dufus12
    dufus12 Posts: 393 Member
    I am short and fat and my husband ROFLAO when I mention me and running in same sentence?
    Seriously, can it done? I am willing to try, but........I am no runner..... :'(
  • parkeram73
    parkeram73 Posts: 14 Member
    dufus12 wrote: »
    I am short and fat and my husband ROFLAO when I mention me and running in same sentence?
    Seriously, can it done? I am willing to try, but........I am no runner..... :'(

    I am no runner either!! I never have been and really never thought I would be. But I got it in my head that I want to run in the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon some day and I need to start somewhere. So I signed up for a color vibe 5k I'm September. I figure if I start training now, by September I should be able to run it!! This was my first week and I did it all inside my house brisk waking up and down my hall and running in place. Does that count? It does for me, it's a start. And I can honestly say that I felt good. Especially at bedtime, I slept better. Before I started I had a sore foot and knee, but my knee and foot actually felt better on the evenings that I did my lil run. I would say DO IT!! When you look smoking hot in a few months from running, you'll be the one laughing at your hubby!!!
  • ncfitbit
    ncfitbit Posts: 1,058 Member
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    It's having a calorie deficit that will make your legs thinner as you lose fat.

    C25K is a great beginner programme, my advice would be to make sure you have decent running shoes that are fitted for you.

    Yep! I just started running in October and I love it, but when I don't eat at a deficit I don't lose, simple as that. I do think it's helped me as I've lost 22 pounds so far, but there are runners of all shapes and sizes, which is a good thing to know when you are starting out, but running doesn't magically make you thin I've learned. Lol.

    Still, besides finding MFP, starting to run has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I didn't think I could and now I do! I just ran in my second race yesterday (a 4 miler) and it feels great to set a goal for yourself and accomplish it.

    I didn't use the C25K app, but one called "Get Running" but I hear it's similar. I really liked having the encouragement, especially early on. If you have a good shoe store near you, ask about running training programs, too. I met a lot of wonderful, fun people as I trained for this last race. They put us in pace groups so I didn't have to worry I would be the slowest one there!

    Best of luck and hope you get into your boots soon! (I also have boot goals and actually, did get some of my boots on a few months ago now that I think of it, but I do think it was simply losing weight and not just running that did it. )
  • dufus12
    dufus12 Posts: 393 Member
    parkeram73 wrote: »
    dufus12 wrote: »
    I am short and fat and my husband ROFLAO when I mention me and running in same sentence?
    Seriously, can it done? I am willing to try, but........I am no runner..... :'(

    I am no runner either!! I never have been and really never thought I would be. But I got it in my head that I want to run in the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon some day and I need to start somewhere. So I signed up for a color vibe 5k I'm September. I figure if I start training now, by September I should be able to run it!! This was my first week and I did it all inside my house brisk waking up and down my hall and running in place. Does that count? It does for me, it's a start. And I can honestly say that I felt good. Especially at bedtime, I slept better. Before I started I had a sore foot and knee, but my knee and foot actually felt better on the evenings that I did my lil run. I would say DO IT!! When you look smoking hot in a few months from running, you'll be the one laughing at your hubby!!!

    What a nice thought!
    Any hints, tips?


  • parkeram73
    parkeram73 Posts: 14 Member
    Music helps a lot for me. I listen to "Good Morning" by Mandisa and just keep it on replay it's got a fast tempo and really motivational!! I especially love Mandisa because she was on American idol and Simon made a rude remark about her size when she did her initial audition, well she showed him, she is a beautiful person and has a successful career!! Being a fellow big girl I always cheer on the big girls!!
  • olivia_june
    olivia_june Posts: 111 Member
    edited April 2015
    The best thing that you can do is start. <3

    You can't spot reduce, but by eating at a deficit and moving more, you will lose weight. The best part about the beginning is that when you have a lot to lose it really just flies off initially. You'll plateau and the weight loss will ebb and flow and sometimes stop altogether. Find your motivation and push through it.

    A year ago I could barely run 20 feet without getting winded. Walking 5 minutes down the block would give me shin splints. I started seriously buckling down on my calorie intake on January 1, 2014. My first 5K was Color Me Rad last July. I ran my first 10K in September. My first half marathon was in February. I've lost just under 50lbs and I still have about 40 to go.

    If you believe you can do it, you can. You just have to put one foot in front of the other! Start slow, and combine strength training with your cardio, it will help reduce the chances of injury and will help shed inches, even on your legs. ;)
  • Annedreeahh
    Annedreeahh Posts: 505 Member
    Thank you for the help everyone. I already have been working out and have a calorie deficit, but i really wanted to add this in so i can do those run paint/color runs with my bestie who's been a runner all her life. i'm excited to start this!
  • runfoorun
    runfoorun Posts: 314 Member
    Any type of running works in helping you transform your body. It's a great form of exercise. Everybody responds differently to it though. You should mix in some strength training along with your running to get a well rounded fitness level.
  • Frequently_Fabulous
    Frequently_Fabulous Posts: 131 Member
    I am a couch25k graduate and I love it!

    That said, it took me 3 times to complete the program (I would lose motivation around week 6 and quit) and I also had to repeat some of the weeks (So instead of doing that weeks run 3 times and then moving to the next week, I needed to repeat it 4, 5, or 6 times...or even pick a distance a little further than the current week but not yet as far as next week's goal).

    I also had really bad shin splints when I started for about 4 months. Ice 'em, make sure you stretch, and they will go away eventually (I promise!)

    I am such a huge fan of the program. I hope it works for you!
  • WillowThorn
    WillowThorn Posts: 37 Member
    C25K grad here too! I had to stop it a couple times and restart due to a few things (one of which being I ended up with shin splints and foot pain because of bad shoes) but once I finally got things figured out and went through the program, I completed it and can now run comfortably! Once you run that first race, you become addicted...all the cheering people, even if they're not cheering for you, really gets you pumped! When I started, I told myself I wouldn't aim to run farther than a 5K. Now I'm doing a C25K-like program to run a 10K that's coming up in May. Good luck!
  • Koldnomore
    Koldnomore Posts: 1,613 Member
    I think this is a great program for beginners. I was up to week 8 before my accident and am now slowly trying to start over (I messed up my ankle really badly and haven't been able to do much running for the past 6 months)

    The best bit of advice I will give anyone who is new to running..Start SLOW - I mean painfully slow, When I first started I think I ran even slower then I could speed walk. If you try to run too fast you won't make it when it gets harder. Start slow and THEN work your speed up. It's easy to get the distance if you pace yourself but if you run too fast you will never even get through it and then you will give up.

    Oh, and if you plan on getting serious about running go into a running store and have someone fit you for shoes. They don't have to be expensive but it makes a ton of difference when you have shoes that are comfortable and fit you properly as opposed to the cheapest pair you can find at the local big box store.

    Good luck!
  • jrline
    jrline Posts: 2,353 Member
    edited April 2015
    I lost over a hundred pounds by walking/jogging and occasionally running. Don't try to run too much too quickly. Start out walking 1-2 miles a day after you get used to that, gradually increase your distance or speed or both. Good Luck on your journey

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  • prettygirlstorm1
    prettygirlstorm1 Posts: 721 Member
    I did C25K as well. I ran a 5k marathon about 3 years ago; a great accomplishment for me. I still do the program 5 days a week, but I hate to run! LOL I do it because I love the way it makes me feel when I am done. My legs are tone, but I don't think they got smaller, have never measured them, but I like them. I hear either people love to run or they hate it. I only run on the treadmill now. When I did the C25k the first time it was outdoors and with a group so it was not bad. Don't want to run alone. Try it you may like it! Good luck and have fun!!
  • para1422
    para1422 Posts: 1 Member
    Glowiie1 wrote: »
    Annedreeahh wrote: »
    Also is it true if I get into running it will help my legs get smaller?

    No matter how much you try, you can never "spot reduce." In other words, working out your legs, doesn't mean your legs will be slimmer the same way that doing sit-ups won't make your tummy flat all by itself. This is entirely dependent on how YOUR BODY loses weight.

    Generally speaking though, if you lose weight overall, everything will slim up, including your legs!

    As a fellow runner (I hope you get started!), once you get past the grueling part of it, running is an amazing hobby in so many ways. I still maintain the first couple miles are the hardest, regardless of distance, but it's extremely rewarding. Best of luck!

    Running can help lose weight but as already mentioned you can't spot exercise one part of your body running will tone up your legs by building muscle
  • 19laurie
    19laurie Posts: 6 Member
    Running is great! C25K programs are great also - and it is fine to repeat a week more than once if you struggle at that distance. Another option is the Jeff Galloway running programs - they combine running and walking and help to reduce injuries. There are many resources/smart phone apps to help you get through your runs. Make a playlist of your favorite upbeat music to listen to while you run. Use an app like Runkeeper to help you set goals and track your progress. I download audio books from the local library and listen to those when I run. There are running apps like "Zombies, Run!" that tell a story while you run and encourage you to keep running. You can also find podcasts online about subjects that interest you. I started a C25K program in early March, and couldn't even run for 1 minute when I started, and am now up to running 40+ minutes at a time. My first 5K is this Friday night! You don't have to be a great runner or in great shape to run - you just have to get out there and try!
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