Question for C25K People

[Amy5000]

Hi all. I've been considering trying the C25K program, but I have some concerns so I'll put them out there:

1. How healthy or dangerous is it for a person who is seriously overweight to start running? I'm carrying more than a few extra pound and I worry that running will hurt my knees or have some other negative consequence...

2. I've been working at losing weight and have lost some weight recently. I try to walk on the treadmill for several times a week at night for 45 minutes at a shot. If I were to start the program, would it be a bad idea to continue walking for weight loss purposes in addition to the program. I get the impression that keeping to the program and giving your body time to "recover" is important.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks in advance. Amy

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Seems to me that you are already well into the C25K program.

It is always recommended that you communicate withyour doctor before beginning any exercise program. That you are already using TM for your exercise leads me to believe that you are or will be having your physician know you are exercising.

With that out of the way, many people are involved in these events who do not full out run. There are plans that take you from walk/run combinations through the all running.

The chances of injury increase when we try to do too much too quickly. If you pick any plan of which C25K is a great start and proceed gradually as recommended your chances of doing too much too fast diminish greatly.

I think your question points to the C25K program not having you walk everyday? Most organized programs have you take time off from all walking, or all running to cross train and build up strength to continue as the journey increases, depending on your ability level, so your body has a chance to heal from the constant call of the same movements over time that would be the cause of those injuries you/we worry about getting.

If you don't get your answers here on this side of the WISH thread, I highly recommend checking on the Events/Competition portion or our WISH thread. You will find "graduates" of Couch to 5K who are walking, walk/running or many combinations of that and I know they will have tons more advice to offer. I can offer to move this thread there when you are ready or you can pose your question on that side too.

Congratulations for your moving and makijng lifestyle changes to being a healthier you!

You can do this!