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08-26-2008, 4:43 PM Takingshape Joined on 08-27-2008 Posts 1 If you are really overweight can c25k still be accomplished? I am very interested in this program... although I am currently on the couch side of it! I need to lose 135 lbs I am doing the Weight Watcher plan . Do you think I am to heavy to try this ....should I wait until I have dropped more weight?    Report

08-26-2008, 7:28 PM Melly Joined on 06-23-2008 Posts 161 Re: If you are really overweight can c25k still be accomplished? I know there are many people on the program with lots of weight to lose.  The program would be great to use alongside Weight Watchers.  I lost some weight with WW before I did C25k and I wish I had been working out more while losing the weight.  I ended up losing a lot of muscle along with the fat and had to tone back up.  That said, it might not be a bad idea to consult your doctor to see if he/she would want you to start with something with lower impact.  If you do start, make sure you invest in a good pair of shoes.  They will help take the impact and relieve some of the stress your joints would feel. Next up: More 5k running!    Report

08-27-2008, 1:03 AM Penguin Joined on 08-01-2008 Stirling, Scotland Posts 138 Re: If you are really overweight can c25k still be accomplished? Hi Takingshape, Welcome to the forum. I have to agree with Melly - check with your doctor (print out the plan and take it with you) just to be safe, and invest in good shoes from a specialist running store. Speaking as something of a "big-boned" person myself, the only other advice I would give you is take it slow. If you're carrying extra weight it's hard to keep your heart-rate down so always take it easy. Speed will come later when you're stronger and you weigh less. Make sure you use the rest days and just listen to what your body is telling you. Good luck with the programme; I hope it does for you what it's doing for me. Gary Next up - Graduated 14/09/2008 - first 5k on October 4th Read my blog at http://defiantc25krunner.blogspot.com/ - or click on the weblog link    Report

08-27-2008, 8:31 AM Scheezo Joined on 04-06-2008 Posts 168 Re: If you are really overweight can c25k still be accomplished? After your doctor gives you the green light, if you still have doubts, keep this in mind.  People go on the show the biggest loser who are sometimes 200 or more pounds over weight.  Compared to them you are small.  Push through the first week, take it slow.  At the end you'll be proud of yourself and have the confidence to go on to week 2.  That will hold true until you're running 5k's.  I struggle mentally with running my 30 minutes.  I have a battle in my head going back and forth... "You're tired", "really nothing hurts, why should I stop?", "Just a short break", "In an hour I'll be sitting down eating dinner and it will all have been worth it".... you have to find things to tell yourself to keep you going.  Repeate over and over "Never give up, never give up".  You can do it!        Report

08-30-2008, 9:48 AM Tortoise Joined on 08-18-2008 Posts 5 Re: If you are really overweight can c25k still be accomplished? I dropped most of my weight before I started running. I'm no expert, but I found that what worked best for me was to do lower impact exercise while on WW and doing weights to build (and maintain) my muscle. I think I enjoy running much more than I would have a year ago because I feel much 'lighter on my feet' and the impact on my joints is not so great. I suggest trying a lot of different types of exercise (there's lots to choose from!) and sticking with one you like the most.    Report

09-18-2008, 9:28 PM stinabee Joined on 09-08-2008 MN Posts 18 Re: If you are really overweight can c25k still be accomplished? I have about 80 lbs to lose, realistic lbs not some overachieved goal.  I am doing the C25K and loving it.  It is very hard at times, but I have been able to do it.  I just take my time.  I am now repeating wk3, it's been a little harder than the other two wks.  I am starting to believe that I can be a runner.  If you do decide to do it, pick a soft place to run.  I made the mistake of running on a cement path the first week.  Never again!!!  My shins were so sore, I am still working through that mistake.  Now I run on the school track or a crushed rock path.  Just remember to take it slow!    Report

09-29-2008, 9:45 AM oneezmonkey Joined on 09-29-2008 Easton, Pa. U.S.A. Posts 27 Re: If you are really overweight can c25k still be accomplished? I don't know if this will help or not but my "ideal" (whatever that is worth) weight is 175lbs and I now go 260lbs. I am on week 2 of the C25K program and I'm not having any real problems (yes I'm sore and tired but I said real problems) I think the trick for me was to do 2 weeks of walking before starting the program (I had to teach my body to move again) the first week was just walking and then the second week I walked at a brisk pace. I feel that for me this let my body learn how to move again. Good luck and get out there slow is better than stopped. You are the prize your ancestors worked so hard to achive, and you carry inside of you the genes - and therefore the traits - that made them successful.    Report

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