Any runners out there with success stories?

Running helped me reach my goal weight and has been helping me maintain my goal weight since. I was never a runner until one day (July 2104) I made the decision to do it. I downloaded the C25K app and away I went. I highly recommend it if you've never run before (like me). It doesn't tell you what speeds to run or walk. It's more about building your endurance and lung capacity. I never thought I'd love to run but I do. It's great for weight control and so good for the mind! Best stress reliever! Good luck to you!

I also just took up running. I downloaded the C25K app, and try to go to our local high school track to run. I've only done 2 days, but I am impressed with myself! Just keep at it. (thats what I keep telling myself too!)

I began running in mid February and have been able to add miles much quicker than I had planned. Goal is to run a half marathon next February. On Monday I was able to do 6 miles no stopping about 11:30 a mile. My biggest problem is not taking rest days. I feel like if I take a day off I am somehow a failure. Tomorrow I've planned a simple one mile run and need to stick to it (goal for the week is 25 miles and I'm at 22 with two days left to complete the final 3 miles lol)

I love it. Some days I hate it and can't contemplate why I'm doing it. But I've never once finished a run and regretted going. It's also allowed me to eat more which I looooove while still losing weight. I'm down 63 pounds since September and have about 35 left. Bring it on

I lost 40 pounds in a year by running. I still eat the same as I did before, except I keep track of my calories, and make sure I don't go over board, but I certainly don't "diet." I run a 5k and then walk for 90 minutes on my treadmill 3 nights a week, and the other 4 nights a week- I walk for 2 hours.

I ran for one year - didn't change my eating habits (which were terrible) one bit. Lost 3 pounds!

I've revamped my eating using MFP since August 2015 - I've lost an additional 25 pounds!

So at least in my case, the good eating habits are key!

I only run 4 days per week and went from couch potato in August 2014 to half marathoner currently. Slow and steady wins the race!

brian_gunther wrote: »

Running can be great, but it's only a small part of the equation. Like stated above, people either love it or hate it. But, that being said, running is more about the health benefits than the weight loss. It can help with losing weight, but isn't necessary to do so. Eating at a deficit will create weight loss. As the saying goes, you can't outrun a bad diet. Running can increase your deficit a small amount. Some folks eat back their exercise calories burned, some eat back a portion of them (50% or so), some don't eat any back.

If you are going to start running, a few things I learned:

• Start slow, and use a program. The C25K program is awesome, highly recommend you find one you like. I used the ZenLabs version because it synced with MFP.
• Get good shoes from a proper running store. Have your gait and feet analyzed so you can get the right shoes for you. When you first start and you are doing 60 second intervals, its not so important, but when you start doing 10 minutes or more at a time, you could start to see ill effects from bad kicks.
• Take rest days! Do not run back-to-back days. You need rest time to recover and make your gains. 3-4 days a week is plenty! You can cross-train, lift weights, swim, etc, the other days if you must do something.
• Did I say go slow? GO SLOW! It's not a competition! No medal for running a 4 minute mile! Take it easy, go for time, speed will come with time.

Running is fun and helps with your overall health and happiness, but it not a magic weightloss bullet. Your biggest ally there is properly weighing, tracking and logging your calories in.

Good luck!

Great post!

I'd like to add that it's recommended that you eat the majority of your exercise calories back, otherwise you risk the health problems associated with under-eating.

Other than that, again, fantastic post.

I started running on September 22 2015, and since then I've lost 17 kg. I began with C25K by Zen Labs, doing the program 3 days a week. I now run 4 days a week, can run 5 km in 29:12, and my furthest distance is 15.1 km without stopping.

I credit the weight loss to a calorie deficit.

I ate back 50-75% of my Fitbit calories earned from exercise, which meant I got to eat more and was never hangry, but never went over my daily calorie limit.

I'm feeling amazingly healthy and happy!

I've been running for about 9 years since doing C25K (no apps, just downloaded a spreadsheet from somewhere). I detested running for most of my life, but C25K showed me I could actually do it by starting slow, and it's now an inseparable part of my life.

My weight has fluctuated a bit since running, but I'm currently in the best shape of my life and getting back into triathlons, and have over a dozen half-marathons under my belt. This is coming from someone who couldn't run a mile back in college so start slow and the possibilities are limitless. A few tips:

1) Run outside. I started on the treadmill (aka the dreadmill) since I was embarrassed, but running outside, rain or shine, is a joy. When I travel for work it's really fun to run and see different parts of the place I'm staying

2) In addition to shoes, get some good socks. They'll save your feet from blisters. I like Balega Hidden Comfort but just buy something better than your 10 year old gym socks and your feel with thank you

3) Start off easy and don't increase distance more than 10%/week or you'll injure yourself. If your knees hurt, before you run out to buy new shoes, try running on the sidewalk versus the road. I was getting knee pain from the camber (slope) of the road and it cleared up when I switched to the sidewalk. That stuff about asphalt being "softer" than concrete is BS

4) Don't worry about repeating some of C25K. When there was a week I struggled with I'd just do it over, sometimes 2-3 times, until I could do it without feeling like I was dying.

5) Book a race! It's amazingly fun and hooked me to running. Check active.com and there are tons of 5Ks all over the place. When you get there, find a friendly face (if you're not with a friend) and tell them you're new to running and it's your first race, and they'll likely show you the ropes and you'll have a great time.

Enjoy!

Ran first 5k in March 2015. Just finished my first half marathon last weekend, 75 lbs lighter.