Just started C25K and I have questions...

Bump. I am thinking about starting it, and an nervous about doing it at my size. I would love to see some of the responses.

I posted this in a similar thread, so am pasting it here for you:

I hadn't run since school, over 17 years ago, but started C25K this year because I'd seen so many people happy with the results. I'm on week 5, and absolutely loving it! I can offer some advice following the program, through my trial and error and hope that it helps.

Whenever I struggled with a 'Day' I would repeat it the next time I ran. I repeated week 4 twice before moving on to week 5. I think it's important to listen to what your body is telling you, this is supposed to be a gradual exercise.

I found my shins hurt a lot from certain muscles being used in a way they weren't used to. There are quite a few videos on You Tube, that show how you can strengthen up these muscles. I do these and hardly ever get any pain now.

Running shoes, like Asics, made a big difference supporting my feet. There are quite a few types and prices, you'd do well to research it a bit first or get advice from a sports store.

Make sure you have at least one rest day between runs, by that I mean do something else, just don't run.

If you are struggling when running, try not to stop but jog at a crawl if you have to.

I use runkeeper to track me when I'm running outside (on my phone) and it's really interesting looking at the stats, like pace and cals burned to get you going.

Don't give up, just keep repeating till it gets easier. It is a real achievement high, each and every time you complete a day and then a week. I've seen dramatic improvements in my health and weight loss because of it.

Hope that helps some

I started running with C25K about a year and a half ago. Since, I've done two half marathons. I have never been as sore as I was the first week of C25K. Just remember to stretch and that the muscle soreness is just you growing stronger.

I DEFINITELY recommend getting fitted for some running shoes. The shoes will probably be costly ($100) but if running is something you're serious about, it's worth it. A good running store will fit you for free and recommend a few shoes that work for you. Don't feel bad about going online and looking for a better deal on these shoes. (The shoes I wear are only $5 more at the store than online so I just buy them at the store. Instant gratification.)

I second running on softer, even surfaces and doing some strengthening of your shin muscles. Also make sure you don't increase mileage too quickly. (If you're following C25K, this shouldn't be a problem.)

When you get to the end of week 5, don't freak out. You are ready! And you'll feel so awesome after you've completed it!

2, Am I too heavy to be running? Would it be better to wait until I lose more weight?

I don't want to quit if that is common at the beginning--
Would love to hear from those who started this program at my weight!

Thanks for your help!!

Hi!!!! First congrats on getting healthy I started MFP at 243, your weight now, I've only lost 11 lbs (232) and I started C25K Sunday just past. I've had some shin splints, but I think its because I never ran prior to this app, mainly treadmill walking, and elliptical. I've adjusted my stride, and it has helped alot. I think your legs are just getting used to the ground/and or treadmill, but it could be stride, shoes, etc.

I think your sx are common....anybody can correct me if I'm wrong

I started running when I started here (at 125kg or 275lb). Here are the things I learned...

-Get good shoes. Go to a sports store and tell them what you're doing. In my words 'I'm attempting to run, but will probably walk more than run for the first few weeks.. and I'm working up to running. I'm determined not to have s***ty shoes as my excuse for quitting'

-SLOW DOWN. I tried to run way too fast at the start. I'm pretty sure I could walk faster than I ran when I slowed down, but I was able to stick to the run times. Now that I'm a bit more comfortable in my stride I can go a bit faster.

-Breathe. You won't die, even though you feel like you're about to.

I haven't ventured outside yet - just going on the treadmill at the gym. The treadmills at my gym all have tvs on them so I tune into the music channel and off I go. Distract myself so that I'm not concentrating on how much it hurts/how long to go/trying to breathe and that is working for me.

And finally... bask in the glow once you're done. It feels amazing and you need to remember that feeling the next time you start. The first 10 minutes always suck for me, but if I think about what I'll feel like when I'm finished that's enough motivation to get me through.