Calling all C25K before and afters!

I started C25K to get in shape to do the KC warrior dash at the end of July. Completed C25K and went on to B210K. Just finished B210K this morning. C25K was great, B210K seemed to have a bug or two on the map if you run other gps programs at the same time. Started the program on 3/14/011 at 214 lbs. at the the end of B210K I'm bouncing between 174-176 lbs. Very happy to get those two programs as it did get me to my lowest weight in 13 years as well off my butt and moving.

I didnt actually follow the program, I just kinda did it on my own. Started dropping weight in November, was at around 305. Started using an elliptical trainer in February. Broke that by April (ok, so apparently when they said it had a 250 lb weight limit, they were not kidding....) and started walking.

When I first started walking, I could only make it about 2 miles. There's a really nice walking trail by my office that's about 4 miles in length, so I downloaded cardiomonitor for my android and started walking a mile, then walking back. But that got old pretty quickly, so I decided to start adding some jogging in the beginning of May. When I first started I was doing good to make it a tenth of a mile before feeling like I was going to pass out, then I'd walk until I got my wind back...and run some more. Kept doing that and just kept jogging as much as I could, and walking when I couldnt. By mid June, I was jogging a full 5k (though 'jogging' for me is a relative term...I generally do 11-12 minute miles).

For the last few weeks I've just been running for an hour every night after work without really paying so much attention to how far I'm going. Generally around 4.5 to 6 miles, depending on the weather. I live in Alabama so it can get quite hot and humid, on the 97 degree, 110 degree heat index days I'm lucky to do 4.5 miles....on the 85 degree days I generally do 6.

And since November, I've dropped from 305 to 228 today....but the weight has been basically dripping off since I started jogging. So even if I didnt do the C25K program (or even the one hour runner program after), it's "basically" what I did/am doing...and it's the best thing I could have done to get healthy. I cant even describe how much better I feel now...

I actually call myself a Jogging Junkie now that I've found the C25K. I used to make fun of runners, wondering why they would do that to themselves without a good reason----like a wolf is chasing them
But I have fallen madly in love with the program and running. I'm currently on w6w2. All those trainers on TV you've heard saying "focus on your breathing"? It really works! I think about my breathing and focus on a spot on the horizon and my body just knows how to do the rest You can't help but grin from ear to ear when your done!

YES!! This is almost exactly what I was going to say!! C25K was an eye opening experience for me. I never "got" running before and couldn't figure out why people would do it. Now I'm one of "those" people out there sweating their butts off (literally) in this crazy hot weather. I'm addicted!

I will hopefully have some pics in about 2 weeks. I am on W8D3 tomorrow. I started running a week before C25k, and picked up on week 5 of the program. I have run 5 days a week, doubling up two of the runs each week. I love it! I highly recommend going to a running shoe store to get fitted for running shoes. I also make sure to stretch after a warmup walk before running and again afterwards. I try to eat a banana each day for the potassium that helps with leg cramps. I usually read Hebrew 12:1 before I run and pray for a great, safe run without pain. If pain comes, I pray the Lord takes it away, for HE is greater than any pain I may have, and He gets me through it. He hasn't let me down yet! Good "luck" with your journey!

I promised pics & stats, so here they are:



Lost during program:

Weight: 3 lbs.
R Thigh: .5"
L Thigh: .5"
HIps: .75"
Waist: 2"
Belly Button (that terrible post-baby pooch): 2"
R Arm: .5"
L Arm: .5"

Blessings!

It really is an amazing program. A few short weeks ago, I thought I'd die during the first week of the program. 30 seconds of running was tough. Yesterday I ran for a solid hour (4.75 miles, I'm slow) and didn't stop once. Honestly, I could have kept going, but I was out of time. I couldn't believe it!

I walk at 3mph on the treadmill and jog at 4mph. is that ok to start?

Yes. You jog at a rate that is comfortable to you, and when you feel ready, you can increase the speed. I was going at 3mph/4.5mph, and got through week 3 fine, but once I got to week 4, that 4.5mph killed me, so I eased it down to 4mph, slow jog and was able to get through the entire workout without feeling dead.

Good luck, you'll do great!

Update, I finished day 2 of week 5 today, TWO 8 minute intervals, I couldn't believe it, I can jog for 8 minutes!! Tuesday, it's a 20 minute run. Love it, and I'm really looking forward to the challenge.. My interval is 3 and 4 mph, slow jog, but a jog nonetheless, with both feet off the ground between steps.

I'm about to start the C25K program...all your stories are amazing! I can't wait to have the same success

Bump

I did it for two or three weeks then just upped it on my own, after a week of doing that I didn't need it anymore.

If you keep pushing yourself you can do anything, if you can run 5 then you can do 7 after a week pushing it then double it, whats the worst that can happen? you'll get tired and lose 14 mins of your life or you will become the runner you want to be

Every once in a while cover up the timer and just run as long as you can, you will be surprised how long you can run