C25K Weight Loss?

So far I have lost 21 lbs and I'm still running on week 5 after starting the program over.

Hi-
I am starting week 9 tomorrow. I have not seen any additional weight loss, but i'm not exercising more than before, just swapped out running for the elliptical I was doing before. I have noticed more muscle definition in my legs (actually, my husband noticed :blushing: )

As far as the program, it was really tough at about weeks 4-5--had to repeat some of those runs before i could move on, but the perseverance paid off and now I am running 25 minutes straight albeit at a very slow pace. I really like it and plan to continue running from this point forward with the goal of increasing my speed to improve my overall time.

1. What type of results did you see with the program?

Increased fitness - I couldn't have been less fit unless I stayed in bed all day! Muscle definition all over, particularly in my legs. Do have a look at my blog post from yesterday to see for yourself:

http://icanyoucanwecan-blog.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-weight-lossin-shoes.html

2. Did you experience weight loss?

I've lost 22lbs since I started on MFP at the beginning of April - I honestly don't know whether I'd have lost more or less if I hadn't been running. What I can say though, is that I *know* I wouldn't be as fit as I am now without it, and that since my muscles have built up, I imagine they are burning fat, so even if the weight loss isn't directly attributed to running, there's an indirect benefit.

3. Are you still running/jogging since the program?

I haven't finished C25K yet. I got about halfway through the programme and then went back to the beginning because my friend wanted to join me. Two weeks ago we were about to start Week 8 when I got really bad shin splints, so had to rest for a few days. Almost as soon as I was recovered, I got a cold which went to my chest. I'm running again now but I've found that my stamina levels are greatly affected (and my chest still isn't clear), so I dropped back to the beginning of Week 6 last week.

I did W6D1 three times last week, and I'll probably do it again today! As much as I want to progress, I am not willing to risk injury, so I'd rather take the programme a bit more slowly and build up again, than be a bit macho about it! There's no hurry....I'm not planning to run a marathon for two years yet!

4. Did you like the program? (would you recommend it?)

I love the programme, and I'd definitely recommend it. Here's my first week's experience:

http://icanyoucanwecan-blog.blogspot.com/2011/07/c25k-week-1-not-quite-ready-to-engage.html

I found the first week pretty hard-going. The second week was better but by the third week, I had fallen in love with running! By the end of week four, I wanted to run a marathon! I honestly never thought to hear myself say those words; even at my slimmest and fittest (gym and swimming five mornings a week, and cycling up to 60 miles a week), I was never a runner, so to be around 60lbs overweight and decide to embark on a running programme seemed a bit barking! But other people on MFP had done it, so I thought, "Why not?" I cannot imagine not running now....in fact, when I am grounded, I get a bit stir-crazy! I just want to be out in the park! :bigsmile:

So hzminda.....when are you starting?


ETA: Knotty, are you on Ravelry?

I started it in February and graduated at Easter. I could barely run 60secs at the start! I persevered! The hardest part of the program is getting your shoes on and going out the door!

I now run 6 klms several times a week
I've lost 26lb with having 1200cals a day along with the running.
I am so much fitter and healthier

In January I was sick with the flu for 3 weeks , had to have daily antibiotic injections. I came down with the flu again in June but I was only too sick to work for 2 days and for the first time in my life , it didn't develop that I needed antibiotics.

I would absolutely recommend C25K! Everyone that comments on how great I look now, I tell them to google C25K

1. What type of results did you see with the program?

Definitely increased cardiovascular fitness. It has helped with my cycling as well.

2. Did you experience weight loss?

Yes - I'd stuck at about 144lbs and it kickstarted me again. I'm now around 137lbs but staying put (that's more my eating though than the running!). Have also noticed my legs are thinner (haha don't have any measurements to prove this yet!) and my abs are better defined - have been told that runs over 25 mins burn fat more than shorter runs.

3. Are you still running/jogging since the program?

Yup - have even joined a running club I go out on my own 3 mornings and week and out with the club on a Tues evening. Have also done my first 5k race and have another one coming up in 2 weeks or so.

4. Did you like the program? (would you recommend it?)

Programme was brilliant and would majorly recommend it. I have always HATED running but this programme can work wonders if you put that little bit of effort in (ie actually doing it ). It can be a struggle part way through but remember you do it at your own pace and if you need to repeat a week or whatever then it doesn't matter! Surprising how much it grows on you and you actually look forward to going out!!

Would say that running outside though is better than a treadmill - scenery for a start, things to look at and think about that take your mind off the actual running part LOL. And running in the fresh air is great!