I started the Couch 2 5k program on Oct. 19th. It's been slow going for me. I just completed Week 3, but I am going to repeat it since I am not happy with my 3 minute runs.

Is anyone else doing this that is close to my weight? I'd love to chat with you about it, and support one another.

I have friends and family who run, but I have so far to go before I get to their level. I thought it would be fun to work with someone (or a few someones! ) at comparable levels.

I tried about 5 pounds ago...about 230 lbs., but I was getting shin splints that made it hard to just walk the next day - even with warm-up and stretching... I'm saving to buy some good running shoes (from a running store that will analyze my gait), and plan on trying again in about 10 pounds... although, on my hike today, I did jog/run a few short distances just because it made me feel good...but not nearly as much as in C25K~

Good Luck to you!

Carly - Thank you! My hubby and I actually grew up in Colo. Spgs. Hope you are enjoying it there!

I did it over the summer, and when I started I was at about 257. Like carlyjordon2002, I really came to love running while doing it and even though I completed it in September I still run several times a week.

I remember jogging (only for a minute then walk, then jog) when I was 290. I offically started running in January of this year and I was 255pounds when I started running! I'm now at 188-189 and have done 1/2 marathons, 3 5k's (most recent in 27:50) When I started January 19th, my first treadmil trial 5k run/walk was 58 minutes! Yep, thats right! a HARD 58 minutes! Now I run ten miles for fun! Best thing is to be sure you are fitted for shoes, to determine if you pronate, then you will do the run/walk till you learn to just get stronger! There is NO one that says you have to run your entire first 5k if you dont want to, especially if it's one that's sooner than later. For myself I wanted to just do it to see what the fuss was all about and quickly became addicted to my own progression! Now only could I be fixated on my weight numbers but on my run numbers, lol. Totally Fun and lets face it, running is a kick butt choice for burning calories, getting fit and stronger, killer legs, nice shaped booty! lol. Get it girl and ask questions, if you want feel free to whenever to drop me a PM if you want to! Good Luck!

I started the program a few weeks ago, but I started it doing 2 min walking and 1 minute jogging. I am now up to 1 min walking, and 2 min jogging. I am doing 20 mins of this for now, and hope to make it to where I am jogging twenty mins continuous jogging. I want to build up to doing a 5 km this summer. I'm definitely building up fast with interval training. Intervals really help with weight loss I believe.

I've thought about doing it, but have decided not to start it until I get down to about 200. Good luck!

Carly - Thanks for the tip about Daily Mile. I started an account there, too. I love the idea of tracking how far I've actually gone. Fountain is nice. When I was growing up, we lived out near Pete Field. I DO NOT miss the traffic there at all! It's easier to drive through Denver!

Jojo - I hope the intervals help with the weight loss! I do like the running once I am done with my workout, but during it, I am constantly talking to myself trying to give myself pep talks about being able to do it. lol

I started C25k when I was about 230 and I found it quite hard. I had a harder time getting through it than most people. I got to week five and I just couldn't get past it-- I think I had to repeat it three times....

Now, in the upper 180s, it's MUCH easier for me, but I have noticed that I just haven't progressed as fast as many here. Nonetheless, it has been one of the most satisfying parts of my journey. I still can't believe that I can RUN. When I was up in the mid to upper 200s I really couldn't run AT ALL.

Most people seem to have less trouble with it than I do. GOOD LUCK!

The first time I tried C25K was actually in the 260s and I also only got up to about week 5 (the 1st 20-min run) and then quit. I actually re-started and quit like 6 times or so before I finally completed it in August 2010 whilst weighing in the early 230s. My weight wasn't the reason I quit though the previous times I don't think. I think it was that I was going wayyyy too fast (speed) which made the runs really hard which made ms give up because they felt like such a punishment. My biggest thing With sticking to it the last time was to slow down! Some of the longer runs at the end I jogged them slower than I could have walked them (but most important to me was to get into the jogging/running motion and sustain that).

I still run twice a week now though (about 9mi /15km over the 2 runs) so the programme does work. Was I running 5km by the end of C25K? NO! I completed 5k maybe a week or so after finishing the program in like 52 minutes, at last check, I can do 5km in about 42 minutes but because I'm goig further than that, I usually do it in slower. Yes I'm slow but at least I'm doing it.

Did you want like a running buddy or something? I'm no longer exactly doing C25k exactly but I remember how hard it was and I still use it sometimes to try to work on speed and so I'd definitely be down with doing that.

I am doing it i completed the first week today, basically i am doing it every other day. So far so good.

I would love a running buddy! Esp. someone who has BTDT!

I think maybe I am pushing myself a little too fast with the running. I try to maintain a 3.0mph pace for the walking, and have been averaging 4.5 - 5.0mph for the running, though on the last 3 minutes, I have to keep it around 4.0.

I need to see what my time is for doing a full 5k, so I can see how far I've come in the end.

Daddyo - Congrats on the first week! At the pace I am going, you may be joining (and then passing) me on week 3 soon!

well I start week 2 on tuesday, when is your next workout date?

Hey Erin! I'm glad you posted this -- I'm starting week 1 on Tuesday. Exercise is my least favorite activity ever! Worse than going to the dentist or trying on swimsuits... in fact, I'd rather go to the dentist IN my swimsuit!!! But I know I need to do it and it would be great to have a group to post to -- would keep me more motivated! I'll post back after I complete day 1 on Tuesday.