C25K - When to start?

masdec7
masdec7 Posts: 166 Member
edited November 30 in Fitness and Exercise
I've never been a good runner, but then I've never built up to running over a period of time. Not even as a child. I always got shin splints (even when I was in 2nd and 3rd grade and not over weight. I also have a weird form of asthma. I'm currently around 220lbs (lost 25lbs so far) and was wondering, about the C25K program. I understand it is really good for breaking into running.

However, when should I start? Should I wait until I have less weight on my knees or should I start now? Or, should I stick with walking? Right now I'm using the Leslie Sansone Walk at Home program.

Thoughts...comments...?

Thanks.

Replies

  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    If you can comfortably walk for 30 minutes, then you're ready to start.
  • peachyfuzzle
    peachyfuzzle Posts: 1,122 Member
    I started at 310lbs, and had no physical issues other than I was super out of breath after 30 seconds, which got better over time. I did end up injuring myself by trying to add in too much work too fast, but I'm now down to a hair under 240lbs, and am up to about 3.5miles straight since beginning work again about nine weeks ago.
  • briscogun
    briscogun Posts: 1,138 Member
    That's the great thing about doing C25K: you can do it on your terms! You just run for a certain time period, say 60 seconds for starters. Do it as slow as you need to. There's no medal for doing it fast. Feel like you need to do a session over again? No problem! Who's watching anyways? Want to repeat a whole week? Cool! No one's watching, just do it! I'm doing the program now and just finished Week 7. I repeated Week 6 twice. It was the best decision I made.

    Do as much or as little as you can, repeat sections as needed, and just keep pushing on! Absolutely take your rest days, do not over do it! Your body can do amazing things, its our brain's telling us that we can't that we have to overcome!

    P.S. In the beginning, you are running for very short stints, so there's not a lot of issue, but as you start running for 8 minutes and 10 minutes and 20 minutes, you are going to want to look at getting some decent running shoes. It will make it so much easier on you, and prevent injuries. Go to a running shoe store (not a sporting goods store) and have them analyze your feet/stride/gait, then recommend some shoes. I got a good deal on last year's model they had on clearance. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg, and you will NOT regret it!

    Good luck!
  • Adc7225
    Adc7225 Posts: 1,318 Member
    I started at 244, probably didn't start C25K until I was around 160 (no physical reason). I would suggest that you start slow, really slow, like 3.0 mph walking and the same for running. It takes some time for your body to really adjust to the motion of running and I think that might cause some discomfort if you run too fast too early so running slow helps.

    Also, some of the best advice I got from a runner was you will have bad days when you just can't get into your run and you may discover you just don't like running!
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