Too big for c25k?

huntersB
huntersB Posts: 6
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi...I've been wanting to do the c25k for a long time! I am 100lbs overweight. Am I too big to do the c25k? Should I lose some weight first?
Thanks for input! :)

Replies

  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    I honestly don't know. The biggest concern would probably be stress on your joints (heart too, if you are too stubborn).
    Best ask your doctor...
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    My impulse is to say no way! But I suppose you "should check with your doctor before starting any exercise program" as the disclaimer always goes. :tongue: Have you checked out the program? I just finished the 5th week of c25k and what I love about it is how slowly it gets you out there and building up your run intervals. The first week is a five minute warm up walk, then alternating 60 seconds of jogging, then 90 seconds of walking, and so on, for 20 minutes. And of course you can always modify it and repeat weeks if needed.

    I've read some great stories of folks who had a lot of weight to lose, and they did the program and are still running, and having great weight loss success. :smile:
  • nigel217
    nigel217 Posts: 9 Member
    I started C25K in the first week of January at which time I weighed 268 pounds - so like you, around 100 overweight. On Wednesday, I should hopefully complete week 7. Sometimes it has been difficult and I've been unable to run the prescribed distance in a session. Most of the time though I have found it challenging but achievable. When I find a session or even a week too hard I simply repeat until I can deal with. The effects for me have been amazing. By eating sensibly and following the C25K program I've lost 31 pounds so far and this morning ran continuously for 25 minutes albeit at an easy jog of 5.2 mph. In January, the thought of me running for 5 minutes let alone 25 would have been laughable.

    So, go for it. Start very gradually. If it feels uncomfortably difficult slow down and repeat the day or week if necessary. If you feel any joint or muscular pain then take 3 or 4 days off until it subsides. Eat sensibly and you can do it.

    Good luck to you.
  • wombat94
    wombat94 Posts: 352 Member
    I started C25K on January 28 - and I weighed 307 lbs that day - still about 120 pounds overweight according to the usual tables.

    I have been taking taekwondo classes for nearly two years so I wasn't a total couch potato, but I had always been concerned with my weight and the affects running could have on knees, ankles, feet, etc.

    So far, so good. I am in the middle of week 6 and I've dropped 15 pounds since I started C25K. My stamina has improved tremendously and I have had no joint or muscle pain (other than normal soreness in my calves as they have gained in strength from the workouts).

    I say, give it a try but do so cautiously. Especially in the first few weeks, listen to what your body is telling you. I think weeks 1 through 3 are light enough workouts that if you do injure yourself it's not likely to be a serious problem - just take enough time to let the soreness or pain subside and they start back into the program.

    I LOVE C25K - it has totally changed my perception of what I can ask my body to do. Even at 292 pounds, I'm able to run for distance now (I've run as far as two miles at a stretch already).

    Ted
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    There's a poster here who runs a blog called "500lbs to Marathon" which speaks for itself!

    If you've no medical problems, go for it. Getting fitted for the right shoes that combine support and cushioning is even more important for heavier runners. C25K is a guideline, not a prescription, so don't be afraid to repeat a week if you find it tough. Also, go as slow as you need, even if it's barely more than walking pace, it isn't a race.

    Here are my beginner' s running tips, some of these might help:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

    Good luck! :flowerforyou:
  • mjbrenner
    mjbrenner Posts: 222 Member
    I am in the 290s, and I am in week 34 of C25K. Do it! It has been the weirdest thing in the world for me, because I now find that I enjoy running! I had never thought of myself as a runner, but the easy introduction can be positively addicting. I lift weights on my off days to help with my overall fitness. I find that my leg work (squats, dead lifts, etc.) is making running even easier.

    No matter what, make sure you focus on your form. Taking faster, shoorter strides and landing midfoot or on the balls of my feet ended the joint pain I initially felt. There are tons of videos on YouTube to help you get decent form when running.

    Good luck!
  • Sophie983
    Sophie983 Posts: 119 Member
    Can someone PLEASE explain what c25k is? Please, I'm curious! :)
  • RBRoy
    RBRoy Posts: 31 Member
    couch to 5k... a running program for beginners
  • islandjumper
    islandjumper Posts: 369 Member
    Can someone PLEASE explain what c25k is? Please, I'm curious! :)

    Couch to 5k, a way for beginners to start running
  • chcoley
    chcoley Posts: 63 Member
    I started C25K at about 270lbs last year and I did fine!!!
  • downsizinghoss
    downsizinghoss Posts: 1,035 Member
    couch to 5k. It is a week by week timeline for a non-runner to train to run a 5k.
  • islandjumper
    islandjumper Posts: 369 Member
    I'm about to start week 4 myself and I started off at around 220. As long as you have your doctors go-ahead and take it slow you should be fine. It's a great program (though to be honest I couldn't run enough to do week 1 so I started with much shorter jog times and worked my way up to the program).
  • JeSuisPrest
    JeSuisPrest Posts: 2,005 Member
    No...you aren't too big. Just get started. Running helped me a lot in losing the weight, just go or it!

    Ps...I was never a runner, I completed C25K and am now on to Bridge to 10K!
  • misslissa121
    misslissa121 Posts: 126
    Can someone PLEASE explain what c25k is? Please, I'm curious! :)

    It is couch to 5k, it is a program designed to get people begin running. It helps build up your endurance, so you can go from walking to running a 5k.
  • kepete
    kepete Posts: 268 Member
    I started it when I was 80 pounds heavier than I am today. My problem wasn't my weight. Instead it was too many years of being inactive and I ended up injuring my IT-Band. After 8 months of physical therapy I was able to do it without ant problems at all. If all goes well, I plan to do a half marathon this year at age 50!
  • Sophie983
    Sophie983 Posts: 119 Member
    Thank you so much! I will try it :)
  • Purple_Orchid_87
    Purple_Orchid_87 Posts: 517 Member
    The first week is a five minute warm up walk, then alternating 60 seconds of jogging, then 90 seconds of walking, and so on, for 20 minutes. And of course you can always modify it and repeat weeks if needed.
    i cant even run for 1 x 60 secs, let alone intervals :(
  • Mummsy
    Mummsy Posts: 347 Member
    I am doing a modified c25k b/c I was afraid of the full on program having done it before. It is a GREAT program! Do it but do so cautiously.
  • missdaisy79
    missdaisy79 Posts: 566 Member
    The first week is a five minute warm up walk, then alternating 60 seconds of jogging, then 90 seconds of walking, and so on, for 20 minutes. And of course you can always modify it and repeat weeks if needed.
    i cant even run for 1 x 60 secs, let alone intervals :(

    Nor could I when I started it. I've let my progress lapse somewhat recently, but a quick sprint recently from the office to the car in pouring rain was pretty reassuring that I still can do it! :wink:
  • islandjumper
    islandjumper Posts: 369 Member
    The first week is a five minute warm up walk, then alternating 60 seconds of jogging, then 90 seconds of walking, and so on, for 20 minutes. And of course you can always modify it and repeat weeks if needed.
    i cant even run for 1 x 60 secs, let alone intervals :(

    I couldn't either when I first started 2 months ago...do what you can then walk...take it slow and don't overdo it..it takes a bit longer but you'll get there if you're committed
  • samhelen
    samhelen Posts: 98
    I weigh 279 lbs -- I've been doing it for a week now, I had to dial back my running time to 30 seconds running, 120 seconds walking but I'm able to do all 8 intervals. I will continue with this pattern until by body tells me I'm ready to try the 6/90 but you're not too big to do it as along as you listen to your body and you haven't got any health issues that make running a really bad idea.
  • Nikstergirl
    Nikstergirl Posts: 1,549 Member
    As a C25K grad myself I can tell you that the program has the potential to change your life, and save it!!! Get fit for the best shoe possible by professionals at a running store. You will NOT be sorry for the $$ you spent as it will likely save you from pain and injury. Don't be afraid to repeat a workout or an entire week if you don't feel ready. Pick a local 5k a few months away and GO FOR IT!!!! There's nothing like a bunch of runners to motivate you along the way. I always just assumed if you weren't a "runner" you would be laughed at when you showed up at the start line, but that is SOOOO wrong! Runner's are a very supportive group and I have made some awesome friends since I started running. We all just want everyone to love running, no matter how competitive you may be... if you beat me I'm happy for you, if that makes any sense!!!!
  • kaned_ferret
    kaned_ferret Posts: 618 Member
    The first week is a five minute warm up walk, then alternating 60 seconds of jogging, then 90 seconds of walking, and so on, for 20 minutes. And of course you can always modify it and repeat weeks if needed.
    i cant even run for 1 x 60 secs, let alone intervals :(

    I didn't think I could either, but it's not a run, more of a "fast walk that is actually easier if you jog" kind of tempo. And the first 60s kills me - yet by the third or fourth 60s jog of a session, I find it's actually easier!
  • huntersB
    huntersB Posts: 6
    Wow! I feel the love guys!! :) Thanks so much for your inspiration. I weigh 249 but I'm 5'10 and otherwise healthy. I am super excited to get started! Now to just get started!!
  • ScottyNoHotty
    ScottyNoHotty Posts: 1,957 Member
    I started C25K on the advice of a friend. When i started I weighed 319#. Right now i'm down to 287# and i'm still trying to do the program. I am on week 3 for the 3rd time. I found that it was easier for me to repeat weeks until my body could take the exercise.
    My advice is don't give up, just keep repeating weeks until you are ready to move on. Sure, your knees, shins, and arches are going to feel like crap for a while, but your body will get stronger, and you'll build endurance. Your not alone in this...I've been doing a modified C25K for 3 months now....sometimes I quit for a week, but I always go back. Try doing it only 2 times a week and see how you do. If you need some support, add me as a friend.....remember thats its better to sweat when your exercising, than sweating over a plate of Big Mac's and fries!!!!
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    Wow. I'm amazed by the first two responses to this thread. You seriously can't conceive of heavier people being able to run healthily?

    To the OP - I'm still significantly overweight, and am training for a 10k run in just a couple of weeks. I run regularly, and for reasonable distances (though I'm not in anywhere near the kind of league of some of my MFP friends).

    You do need to ensure that you take it easy at first. Make sure you can walk a decent distance before beginning the gentle interval training the C25K recommends. I was walking an easy 4miles, before I started running training.

    Keep an eye on your knees and hips. Make sure you have good shoes.

    But as long as your doctors says you're well enough to engage in a cardio routine, I'd say go for it, if you really want to do it. There's nothing quite like running, as far as I'm concerned, for building a positive body image. Knowing I can run far further than most people can walk makes me feel good, regardless of my weight, and helps me to build faith in my own body's capacity.
  • maab_connor
    maab_connor Posts: 3,927 Member
    talking to your Dr is always a good idea - keep them in the loop in all things. but i started c25k a few months ago - at 340lbs - i started off power walk to really fast walk - and now i do a power walk to slow-jog. i take my time and listen to my body. i don't move up every week. i'm on my 4th week of week 2 of the program and am only just NOW thinking it's time to move up to week 3 of the program.

    i NEVER thought that i would like it. i NEVER thought i could do it. i gave a thousand excuses. just do it. you WILL end up loving it.
  • huntersB
    huntersB Posts: 6
    I have the "go ahead" from my doctor :) I will definently pace myself. I'm stoked!!!!! Thanks tor everyones input and motivation :)
  • mrshoneybear1014
    mrshoneybear1014 Posts: 275 Member
    I am over 100 lbs overweight and I am doing c25k. You have to be able to job for a minute straight. I used to not be able to do this. If you can't jog a minute straight, then amend c25k until you can and then start the real program. The whole point of c25k is to increase your stamina so if you jog 20 seconds, walk a minute, jog 20 seconds, etc. then that is great. Then maybe the next workout you can increase it to jogging for 30 seconds etc. Just listen to your body and give it a try!
  • KeriA
    KeriA Posts: 3,345 Member
    I didn't start it until I weighed less than 100 pounds over but that was just because I couldn't imagine myself running. When I saw those bigger than me running I realized I probably could and started to add small intervals into my walk and then I found out about C25K and started that. I do not run as fast as most (after completing it I wasn't really running 5K since I don't get 5K done in 30 minutes). I am working up to that. It is really a program for being able to run for 30 minutes. Once you can do that you can run for longer. I am up to about 40 minutes because I am taking it slowly. The point is if you decide to do it just be sure to do it at your own pace. If one week is too hard keep working on it. Don't give up you will get there.
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