Last night, I was totally forgetting about McFatty Monday (okay, not forgetting…just in denial that Monday was on it’s way & therefore requiring a McFatty post) until someone asked for a McFatty picture on Twitter. To document what a normal (ha!) woman looks like one year postpartum. EGADS, people.
So this is what I look like, a year after my kid was born.
umm….I also had fun with Picnic. I mean, they had beer stickers. How could I resist?
I wrote “not too shabby” on my mid-section because honestly? It’s not too shabby. I’m at pre-pregnancy weight, holding steady between 203-205 lbs. My cute little chin is back after kicking the other 5 harlots to the curb. My blood pressure & & blood sugar & cholesterol are good. & thanks to some fantastic blue pills & good therapy, I’m feeling so awesome that I don’t really even mind the FUPA because hello! it is contained by my amazing mom jeans. But I’m also realistic & when I look at that picture, I’d really like to do something about those saddlebags. & I’d like some muscles on my arms.
It’s a shame that I will actually have to sweat to get the things I want, no?
& I have a plan. I’m going to do the Couch to 5K. I’ve done a 5K…at a walking pace. I can walk the >3 miles at a good clip, pushing a stroller & kid in front of me. & I don’t even know if I’d actually like to run a real 5K. But I’d like to trim & tone up a little.
Tighten. You know.
kills me. everytime.
I am not going to make any promises that I will start this week. That’s pretty much setting myself up for failure considering that some little blonde guy is turning one on Thursday & I’m throwing THE MOST AWESOME first birthday party ever. But come next week? It’s on like donkey kong. & I think I’ll take Tuck with me, which will be amazing for her to get some of that energy out. As long as she doesn’t trip me. Eating pavement is not my idea of a good time.
Any tips? For you C25K runners, did it work? Did you tighten up? Can you run a 5K?
Anyone want to start the program “with” me?? Because y’all are going to hear me bitching about it on Twitter, so you might as well be in for the ride. Misery loves company!
You can do it! I finished the NC Roadrunners Women’s Beginner Running Program at the end of September. I ran my 1st 5K on September 25. I have 3 races scheduled before the end of the year – Monster Dash 5K on Halloween, Free to Breathe 5K on November 6, and the Turkey Trot 8K on Thanksgiving. I’ll be your buddy when you feel like you need to whine, vent, proclaim joy, etc. Hugs to you all!
I did it! Well, almost. I started the training and even though I knew it would be a 9 week training program – I figured I could complete it in 6 so I could run a 5K to benefit a friend’s mother. I was wrong. I was able to skip ahead a bit but had feet complications due to diabetes. I am actually starting to run again this week and will most likely use C25K to help. not sure where I’ll start but this program is great and if I can do it(almost!) then I KNOW you can!!!
You + me {with or without 30-40 lbs of blondes in strollers} = 5K buddies
I’ve started & stopped oh a bazillion times b/c my motivation lacks, oh and I like wine & cuppycakes {together & alone}.
Let’s start the first weekend AFTER Harrisonpalooza!
AWESOME.
We’re going to sign a pact in blood at lunch.
C25K is awesome.
If you have an ipod then you can download the awesome app. It helps a lot when you get to week 3+ and the intervals get a little confusing.
Do not feel bad if you ahve to repeat a week. Do not go on to the next week unless you can finish each running interval.
Good luck. You’ll do great!
Couch to 5K is the best thing I’ve ever done for body, my mental state, and my motivation. I was NOT a runner. If I was on fire and the extinguisher was at the end of the driveway, I’d have to think twice about burning to death. Seriously, I hated running. But I wanted to give it a fair shake, and Couch to 5K really did it for me. Now I love to run. I look forward to it. And I find myself making much better lifestyle choices over it.
I can’t say enough about how positive it was.
Also, if you have an iPhone, the C25K app is totally worth it.
I started and quit at week 3.
boo. I’d love to start up again though! I also recommend the DVD get ripped by jari love. 55 minutes 3 times a week. I’ve done it for 6 weeks and I’ve toned up SO much.
My sister and I will be doing week 3 starting tonight. I am not a runner, barely even a jogger, and I get nice and nasty and sweaty by the time the 20 minutes is up. But at the same time I feel great and accomplished and so glad I just kept at it. So far I haven’t lost anything and actually gained 0.5 a lb. but I’ve been assured by sister and husband it’s muscle (we’re doing weight training too). We’ll see though, if I keep gaining weight I might just go back to my couch potato days.
Good luck though! You can totally do it!
Oh fun! Good luck! Sounds like fun. But not so much fun that I’ll be joining you. But when you’re doing awesome and kicking ass…I’ll be mad jealous!!
I am trying to get back in to running, too. Not necessarily using C25K, but still. I’ll be able to commisserate:).
I’m joining you! I have been actively exercising trying to get my body back for about 6 months. I have ran, attended Zumba classes, and about 3x per week, I do some strength training. The strength training is CRUCIAL to getting more muscles. I can actually do 3 sets of 10 push-ups! Shut up – I still can’t believe it.
However – I was lazy last week – this week – I am renewing my commitment.
I LOVED C25K . . . I ran 4 1/2 marathons last year b/c of it! Seriously! It is awesome!
It gave me the discipline yet flexibility I needed; one word of advice though is to follow the program. Don’t skip ahead and if you need to repeat a day or a week!
I definitely felt the muscles in my arms, legs and even abs tighten up due to the program and developed a joy for running, which is crazy! I couldn’t even run 1/2 a mile beforehand . . . and now I am in my second trimester of my second pregnancy running 2 miles a day! Oh, and I started this post-pardum too!
Good luck, I can’t wait to see how you like it!
I want in. I just looked at the program and 3 days a week for 20-30 minutes a day is JUST what I need and can HANDLE. And I need someone to yell at me and say “DID YOU DO IT TODAY??” So, please, let’s yell at eachother. Next week, I’m all for it (@TrueToLife2).
And you look AMAZING. The jeans look great, and there’s no rolls anywhere!! I’m so impressed!
Here’s mine, perhaps a picture next week since I talk about looking good this week!
http://outofrealworld.wordpress.com
I’m on week 4 of C25K and I swear to everything holy I feel like I’m going to die still. Run 3 minutes straight?! HA. This week I have to run for 5 minutes straight and that’s going to be a hoot.
I’m with you on this one Blair! Let’s do it!
I started about a year ago and loved it. I got to week 6 (ish?) and then quit because it got too cold to run outside. I never started it up again when it got warmer, but I’ve been meaning to for just about ever now. My biggest problem is motivation – but maybe I’ll follow along with you!
Couch to 5K is good. It works. I started it at 3 months postpartum (my little guy just turned one too!) and ran my first race 2 months later on his 5 month birthday.
C25K turned into much more running and now I’m doing a half marathon at the end of this month, another in December and a marathon in February. We will start trying for baby number two after my marathon and I’m excited to start off this next pregnancy in awesome shape.
My prepregnancy clothes all fit well. I weigh 10 pounds less than I did before I got pregnant last time.
Running works. It helps with the mom belly too. GOOD LUCK!
The Hubs brought it up this weekend. We tried to start this summer, but in our neck of the woods the summertime is usually pretty darn hot. So I MIGHT be starting this week. Feel free to badger me via twitter or email.
Oh, and I’m home now which helps a lot (more free time during the day to workout!) but I was not home last year when I started. So the C25K is very doable with working full-time.
And I never take the boy. We have a BOB but I am not coordinated to run and push. I don’t even take the dog. Just me and my ipod. I need the alone time!
I did it! I ran my first 5k on Sept. 26th. It ended up being a full half mile longer than a 5k. And you can do it too, because you are totally more motivated than me.
I followed the C25k program also. It was a perfect transition for me. A great way to slowly condition the body rather than just jumping right into it. If you feel like you can do more the first few weeks, don’t. Stick to the plan and allow your body to adjust.
You can get some great podcasts. They were very helpful for me since I did most of my training on the treadmill. They tell you when to start and stop running, so you aren’t always looking at the clock. They’ll work just as well while running outside.
I did not lose any weight. And I don’t measure to see if inches were lost, but I can tell that I have tightened up a bit. I’m sure if I keep up the running on a regular basis I will start to notice a difference in another few months.
Check out the C25k Facebook page during your training. It’s an enormous source of support and positive feedback. It’s fun reading other people’s triumphs.
Good luck!!
I love the C25K program! I used it to get back into running after I had my baby boy
To help you stay motivated, sign up for a race now. There’s usually plenty of 5k’s around Christmas and New Years to choose from.
Good luck and have fun!
Sign me Up!! I have been wanting to start this progrm forever but I lack BIG TIME in the motivstion factor!! We just celebrated a big 1st birthday also and I don’t think I can use the “I just had a baby” excuse anymore! I have never had this awful of a body image and it’s affecting my everyday life
so TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!
Oh yeah and I’m on twitter too @lilyputtin03
I did indeed complete a 5K after doing C25K
It was a very proud moment.
I did tighten up and I certainly gained a great deal of endurance. You can so do this and I cannot wait to read about it.
Me – I am learning to deal with weight and age…at the same time.
http://www.ajdplusthree.com/2010/10/back-away-from-juniors-section.html
You know how I feel about running… But.
It has crossed my mind. If I can kick this deathcold/sinusinfection with homicidal tendencies you may have a taker for next week.
Oh my word. I feel like you just issued a challenge. Threw down the gauntlet. And now I feel compelled to join in. I’m going to take a week to think about it, though.
And no, you’re not to shabby at all
I have heard more people say, “I stopped at week 3.”
Week 3 is a bee-ya-tch, but you feel like super woman when you conquer it.
You’re gonna do awesome.
Since I first mentioned C25K, I’ve been walking most days. Gah I’m out of shape! Neal is a skinny natural runner, so I push the baby while he runs ahead and then back again.
Tell me something, how do you keep the neighbors from talking to you with the baby in the stroller? I’m all for southern hospitality and neighborly love, but damn people! I’m exercising over here! No joke, they all sit in their lawn chairs waiting to socialize and offer me food.
Morning isn’t any better because the old folks are outside washing cars/windows/garage doors/lawn chairs/etc!
I will be joining you on this journey because despite the fact that I loath running, I’ve always wanted to do a 5K. Plus I publically announced this goal on my blog last week…. so I pretty much have to do it now! Let the *fun* begin!
You still haven’t shared where your great mom jeans are from. Help a chubby mom out!
Good luck with the Couch to 5k. I considered trying it, but I’m going to start with 30 day shred instead.
BA who are you kiddding, you look AWESOME! What saddlebags!? I”m for serious! You look wonderful
Way to go w/ the 5K! Those jeans are awesome btw. And the ‘Knocked Up’ clip…make me lol everytime! 
Count me in! I have about 55 lbs of blondes that can fit in my double stroller and another blonde who can ride her bike. It won’t be easy but if you’re looking for a crew I’m in!
I loved the C25K schedule. It works really well. I modified it a little b/c I felt like I could do a little more than what it starts at, but it definitely is a good way to prepare for a 5K. I did my first 5K in August and while it wasn’t in record time or anything, I did the whole thing w/o walking and I felt so good afterward!
Now that I am knocked up I am still running, albeit slower, with some walking thrown in but I credit the C25K program for getting me to a place where I can be running right now!
P.S. I can only hope to look as good as you do when I am one year postpartum!
You can definitely do it. It’s a very do-able program. You may look ahead and think “no way” but each week you are well prepared. I am on week 5 now. I have completed it previously though. Used it to start my love of running which ended in me running 13.1 miles-a half marathon. Then I had my baybee and slacked off, hence, me on week 5 now.
I did the NC Road Runners Beginning Running program with Regan and we had a blast! It’s an interval plan much like C25K but their goal is intervals ALL.THE.TIME. You will actually finish a race fast by running intervals than someone who ran the whole thing, unless that person is from Kenya.
Ran my first 5k on 9/25 and have some more scheduled.
I’ll run with you anytime!
I got half-way thru the c25k a couple times. Then I got knocked up and I got tired so I stopped again hahaa or I would do it with you. Check out Hal Higdon’s running plans as wel because I found using a mix of c25k and his plan made it more interesting and easier to do.
Dude Blair! Sorry…I didnt mean to call you dude, but you have got to check out my blog. I know…I usually hate pimping my site in a comment, but just today I wrote about my very first 5K and it was AWESOME! The warrior dash is the 5K you have got to find and run! It was SO much fun.
plus the whole leaping over fire thing makes you kind of forget about the fact that you are running 5k
C25k week 3? Really? Back in the day (read 40 pounds lighter) I tried C25k a few times and it was the 20 min run at the end of week 5 that killed me. For some reason I always got a nasty cold/sinus infection after about a month. Though that could have something to do with the fact that it’s always allergy season in NC.
The hubs and I were talking about C25k last week though. I need a jogging stroller as the chicco umbrella will NOT hang. Any recs? Anyone?
I love my Bumbleride, but it’s really not meant as a full-time jogger. I hear AWESOME things about the BOB, though!
I WISH I could get into that program. I’m just not a runner. I started doing ZUMBA recently though. Now going 2x a week.. thinking of adding a 3rd time. Good for you though!
Oh and you totally don’t look like you weigh 203. You look much lighter. Fabulous!
Blair, I’m a long time reader, first time commenter but I wanted to say that I started C25K 2 weeks ago and love it! It is really awesome!
I’ll be following you on twitter! My twitter sn is winningam. Good luck to you!
1. Really Blair? Sadlebags? Psssh! Whatever woman, you look amazing
2. Could you get your chin to talk to my chin? My chin invited a friend over and the damn squatter hasn’t left yet.
3. I am very interested to see how C25K works for you. I’m scared of running…..sad but true.
Oh – wishing you the best of luck, ba!
I just watching my younger brother finish his first full marathon… it was amazing! I am so proud of him, and know that he felt so accomplished.
I don’t know anything about the C25K program… but it sounds pretty awesome!
I wish I could do something like this, but I have a bone disease that prevents me from running… so this is out. I will be cheering you from the virtual sidelines, promise!
that video is hysterical! what is that from?
good luck with the program! running totally changed my life
Knocked Up!!
I used to call myself a runner. I ran marathons, half marathons and a bunch of shorter distance races. I need to get back on the road…I’ll join in! I might even be able to offer a bunch of advice for different running issues, or what worked for me. Let me know.
my bffe did c25k combined with the devil ( I mean weight watchers, which I’m not going to promote today, but still love)
She lost 100 lbs in one year
This is her blog
http://www.trixieweighsin.com
she’s got great tips on the c25k program and weight loss in general, and she just got hired by weight watchers!
I’m in! I’ve been thinking about trying C25K for 2 weeks now. Now it’s time. I get married in 5 weeks and have 10 more pounds that i’d like to lose. Maybe this will kick start my weight loss again…
I started the C25K with my hubs so we could run the Susan G Koman in Sept (and so I could loss the PPD weight). He completed the program and walked all but about .2 miles of the race. He did it in 33 minutes! I was so proud! But he didn’t see much weight loss or toning (But he was eating his regular crap too).
I did NOT finish the program. I injured my knee (make sure you are strengthening too!) and then never really got back at it. I was starting to feel the difference though before I quit. I changed my eating habits, though too.
soo…I think it’s a good program. I would do it again, if I had time!
Definately pick a race to use as motivation/OMG DEADLINE time. Kudos to you for starting with a very reasonable program and a very reasonable goal.
Last summer, approximately 12 weeks pre race, I decided it was put up or shut up time – and committed to doing a half marathon. 3+ miles is a fantastic goal. 13.1 miles was a sort of lunatic goal. I did it! And I loved it! And I finished last, by an hour, and not before they started taking down the actual race course, but I did it!
I just ran my first 5k this weekend 17 months postpartum. It was awesome. I encourage anyone thinking of running a 5k to do it! It is a feeling of empowerment to know that you can complete something like this.
Oh my goodness, yes, I’ll do it with you. My big sis and I have talked about C25k before but we both joke that we hate running. Well, I’ve heard it’s great for stress relief. My husband is a runner and I joke with him that I’ll always be on the sidelines but never by his side. Wouldn’t that be cool if I surprised him and also surprised myself?
I’m a little worried though because after having pneumonia in both lungs I think it may be tough for me. But I can run with my inhaler, no?
Awesome idea, Blair.
Molly, I’ll be inhalor-toting along with you. My asthma hates me, but I figure this will be good for it!
C25K didn’t work for me. My son is 8 months and I spent all summer doing C25K. Not a pound was lost
I felt stronger, true. I was impressed that my endurance improved. But the belly is still there. The thighs are still there ;(
I’ve started Biggest Loser at work this month and I’ve lost 3 lbs FINALLY. I’m not giving up!
I tried it before and loved it, it starts out really easy. I also highly recommend the iphone/ipod touch app. I stopped when I moved back in May and work’s been too crazy since but I really want to start it up again. So I’ll start with you next week.
This week is also my first week on Nutrisystem (finally convinced DH to let me do it). So far I love it.
I did C25K several years ago and loved it — I could not run at all at first and it builds you up really gradually. I since have run a bunch of 5Ks and a 15K. I didn’t see much weight change until I bumped up my mileage but you feel such a sense of accomplishment. It is hard making time to run w/ the baby now, and I love my BOB stroller (for whoever asked) but it is big and bulky to haul around.
Doing something like a 5K is a FABULOUS idea! It’s great to give yourself a goal date. I used my brother-in-law’s wedding as my goal date and that made me work out HARD for a few weeks, but it made me FINALLY be done and fit in to my dress!
I think I might try to do a 5K some time soon. I did the 3 miles on the treadmill today, but the question is…can I do it outside? haha
Way to go!
I did C25K this spring, ran my first 5k in May. It. Was. Amazing.
I tightened up like you wouldn’t believe.
Rock on with your bad self! Also – sign up for a 5k now. It helps to have something to train for.
This seems totally do-able. I just checked it out since I had never heard of it before and I think it’s definitely the way to go. Just add in some push ups after (or before) your run 3x a week and you’ll see some better tone in your arms… running doesn’t beef up your arms too much, but it’ll strip some fat off of them.
Anyway, I’m ready to get off of my couch and to a 5K in two months!
Just did Week 8 Day 1 this morning. C25K is an awesome program. I am now running 28 minutes straight and this is from someone who has never run (unless forced) in her life. I actually now LOVE running!
Um, yea, unless you want your asthma to show you who the heck is boss, don’t run outside on a windy day. Learned that lesson the hard way. I still did every interval as I was supposed to, but I wanted to rip the man’s head off on my podcast who said around interval 6, “At this point, you should have an increased heart rate, but not be out of breath or tired.” My lungs beg to differ, jerkface.
So anyway, that’s my tip. Don’t run on a windy day. And take your inhaler a good 30 min before you go so it can get into your system.
Oh, and you’ll definitely see a difference in your body. When I was a freshman in high school (9 years ago), I got into running. First I’d run .25miles and when I could do that no prob, I’d add more. Eventually I was running 2 miles a day. My body (especially my legs) was awesome. If only I hadn’t been such a little moron at 14 and appreciated what I had then instead of saying, “Gah. I’m so fat!”
Off to restart week 1 since I got sick last week and had to take it off (seriously, who gets sick 3 days into a new program?). And guess what? It’s windy. And I’m doing outside. So much for practicing what I preach.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I have so far.
You look great!
I gotta tell ya, I think the “saddlebags” might just be the shape of a normal leg. I’m pretty skinny and my thighs look like that (though from the knee down I have chicken legs, hee hee!).
Yeeow!! Looking good! I’m so excited for you!! First stop: a good running shoe store, so they can outfit your feet for your running gait…it made a huge difference for me (and my knees!). Can’t wait to hear more.
Hi Blair
Just wanted to say I found your blog via one of my friends also doing Mcfatty Mondays. I love your blog!
It makes me laugh and cry…I am battling depression after having my third daughter. You make me feel like I can get through it too. Anyways, I desperatly need to start SOMETHING with my weight loss and this looks promising. I’m with you on the C25K!!
I started Couch to 5K. Then I had surgery and had to stop for a few weeks. Planning on starting back this week. I really liked it when I was doing it though!
you know, after reading all of these posts of non-runners that have become runners on it, plus my own friends story… i’m really inspired to do it.
But the time, oh the time.. and of course the “where” because I’d have to DRIVE to get to somewhere safe to run (in terms of traffic, not violence) and if I have to drive there I’ve already lost all ambition..
HELP?!
I have done the C25K twice, actually. It is a great program and totally doable for those with asthma. There are GREAT iPod playlists for the different stages, and even a cool app on the iPhone that dings when you should start/ stop running. Also, I am a friend of the program on Facebook which helped me stay motivated and informed.
This podcast series was great when I was just starting out. I hope you find it helpful:
http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/
OH! And this one was how I learned to make my own playlist.
http://www.creativexposurephoto.com/running/
BOB is a great running stroller. I have run in 2 marathons with the babe in tow now. Never heard of this program – I do a lot with Team in Training. Great program and a great cause!
It works! I loathed running all my life. Then I did C25K and did my first road race and got the itch… to run a marathon! ME, the couch potato! If it can inspire me to want to run 26 miles, well… it works.
I started the C25K program and then hurt my knee so had to put it on hold, but I’m NOT a runner in any way shape or form and was always impressed with how far I’d come. I had a running buddy for awhile and that helped keep me accountable as well.
My tip would be good running shoes (if you don’t already have them), dry fit (or smart wool) socks, and not to start on concrete. (If there’s a track or running trail you can go to, it’ll be easier on your knees…then you can work your way to the sidewalk).
Can’t wait to hear about the birthday party this weekend!
Haven’t tried it..would luv to though if were not for the dreaded shin splints I have been blessed with.
You go girl…you can do it!
Did it and ran my first 5K last month – loved it! Working on a half marathon training program now
The key to success with the program is that you absolutely MUST sign up for a race. If you don’t, the excuses will get you – this week it’s a birthday, next week is being too tired, the week after something else comes up…. WIth that race looming you won’t want to skip a run.
I’m not sure exactly where in NC you are, but here’s a race that would coincide with the end of Week 9 if you start next week:
http://runbecauseyoucan.com/run.html
After weeks of not having any motivation, I’m recommitting (again). And I’m in. I’ve always wanted to do the C25K program, but never followed through. But I’m going to this time especially now that I know I’ll have so many people to commiserate with!
So there are a couple of apps available for this. Is there one in particular that people recommend or plan on using?
http://auntp.blogspot.com/2010/10/mcfatty-monday-starting-over.html
I just blogged about this last week. I really, REALLY want to do a 5k, but I *hate* running.
I’ve started the C25K program a number of times, but always seem to give up around Week 3. It is HARD. I know that running is hugely mental for me, and I just can’t seem to get around that.
I did c25k – immediately followed by a 5k2Hm (5k to half marathon). I started running in March and did a half marathon on June. Went from couldn’t run for 2 minutes to finishing 13.1 miles in 2:59:30.
I’m extreme though. I also started weighing more than you and am holding right around where you’re at now (but you look a lot slimmer than me, I must be shorter…)
You can totally do it. I’ve watched (well, read) you go through harder things – you’re strong and determined.
i hope this comes out right.
i weigh roughly the same as you. i think taking a picture of yourself and posting it like you did…is a great idea. ’cause…i wanna do that.
one reason? I thought, wow, that’s what 203lbs looks like? that looks pretty darn good.
good luck with the c25k.
I’ve started and stopped this program at least a handful of times. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately (again) because I have been going to a personal trainer once a week and she wants me to start cardio two days a week in addition to her one day a week and my yoga one day a week. Crap. That’s a mouthful.
Perhaps you would like to be my online accountability buddy? LOL
yes! i will do c25k with you! my baby is 14 weeks old, seems like the perfect time to get off my butt and stop pretending like walking up the stairs from the subway is a workout!
please post updates, this will help guilt me into it!!! on twitter @jenswart
i will do it with you BA lol.
I was supposed to start like 2 weeks ago and I just haven’t. WE CAN DO IT! *fist pumps*
You can do it! And I’m with you. I ran my first 5K on labor day in 2008 and honestly? It wasn’t that bad. I was able to run the whole thing… albeit slowly… and finished well within my goal time! (Which, yes, was 40 minutes, but whatever DON’T JUDGE ME I said I was slow!)
I haven’t run one since November of 2008 because of the whole pregnancy/birthing a baby/being a mom/being so totally lazy it will make you hurt everywhere. So I’m in! Let’s do this! Maybe we can find a race somewhere that we can both run in?
I did it! I just finished it when I was found out I was pregnant with Jack. I felt so good!
I just started again and I have not been the best keeping up with it. Life is getting in the way.
It is a great program, good luck!
I will do the C25K program with you. I had a baby 3 months ago, and I am still way over my old weight, plus I definitely need to tone and be not “shappy” anymore. I don’t twitter, but I read your blog, so I will just reply and keep updating about the program.
I started running using C25K about 2 years ago. I was not a runner. Ever. I have bad knees and ankles and had every excuse not to run, but I was coerced by a friend. I finished the program and have a run a few 5K’s, a half marathon and will run my first marathon on Nov. 14th. When I started the program I weighed about 175 and I am at about 158 now. Before I started running I was doing WW and was originally about 188. I added in the running to aid with weight loss. The program definitely works, but I did gain weight in the beginning. My advice:
1) Get fitted for running shoes from a real running store. It is extremely important so you don’t injure yourself (I like Fleet Feet – Ridgewood shopping ctr on Wade Ave.)
2) If you can’t breathe you are running too fast! I am slow. I run a 12 min/mile and when I started I was around a 13 min/mile. You might feel like you can walk faster, but trust me…slow down if you can’t breathe.
3) Repeat weeks/days if you need to. It took me way more than 9 weeks to finish the program. Don’t move on until you can complete the runs. You will get frustrated, but keep at it. You can do it!
I still run intervals even now. Running has been the best thing I have ever started for mind, body and soul. If you need any advice or a running buddy, I would be happy to help.
P.S. We met at the StrollerThon. Didn’t want you to think I am some random stranger offering to run with you.
A friend and I started C25K in November 2008…we started in the winter because we didn’t want anyone to see how clueless we were… She ran on the treadmill and wanted to run outside (she swears it’s different), me? I never ran unless being chased by a really scary ogre… and even then I think I’d take my chances with hand to hand combat… Needless to say in June 2009 we ran our first 5k… Yes, I ran the WHOLE thing in about 35 minutes ( i know most of you could walk faster!)
Over the life of the program I lost 20lbs and 4 dress sizes… the same month I found out that I was pregnant with my son, and well there went the running… I have those same 20 lbs to lose and probably oh 50 more… I’ve been planning to get back into running whenever that C-Section scar cooperates (it’s now 8 months old),….hmmmm….maybe walking is a better goal? I miss running though…never thought I’d love it, but wow. I do miss it! (and C25K totally works!)
I think I just might join you
I started C25K a while ago and then fell off the wagon. But I found an app to be really useful (I have a Droid, but I understand there is one for iPhone too).
Let’s do this!
I had a baby in May. I plan to start Weight Watchers on Saturday and I have always wanted to follow through with the Couch to 5K plan. I’m in!
I have started and was completetly out of shape at the beginning. I ended up doing the 1st week a few times, then the 2nd week a few times and now I am on to the third. The pace is gradual enough that i have not had any problems with shin splints like previous times i have tried to run and I’m hoping to start week 4 by the end of October!
my fiance and I have been doing this for 5 months …I hate running. But this is OK. I still have a hard time running a mile straight, though. We have modified it to where we run up a hill then do squats, run some more, do more squats. Walk at a fast pace, then run, then squats. It works for us. Like I said, I am not a huge running fan
I also am smallish (sz 4), so I only noticed my tummy and thighs getting a little more toned otherwise I am the same as I have always been!
Good Luck, I’d love to hear your progress!
I am on my second attempt of the C2-5K right now. Week 2. It really DOES get a lot easier and the program itself is so easy and their facebook page is so encouraging. Good luck.
you can TOTALLY rock a 5k, girl. I would do the program with you, but I’m already a runner. and if I can do it? you can do it. trust me.
keep at it!!
I started C25K 5 weeks ago. I had to take a week off because I was sick but I was able to bounce back. I signed up for a race at the end of this month. It has been the biggest motivator for me. I also downloaded a C25K app. That helps a ton too. I jog with my babe in tow most days. I LOVE my Bob stroller. Good luck
I did a couch to 10km program over the summer, and ran my first 10km race ever on 9/26! I finished in 1:05:30. I was really proud of myself, ’cause my little Will was just over 11 months old (he’s a day younger than Harry), and I thought it was something great to have accomplished on my year of mat leave. Now I’m planning to run a half marathon with my sister in the spring.
So I was really pleased with increasing my fitness, and sticking with something, and achieving my goal. But I didn’t really lose weight. That was probably because towards the end of training, I lost a little bit of my “gung-ho” and was only running about 1x/week. Also, I guess my diet must really suck, because I just keep gaining weight.
I go back to work next week, so my plan is to start really paying attention to what I eat, maybe even start WW again, and get back to running on my days off (I’m a part time, shift working nurse). Since I’m not training for anything in the immediate future, I’ll take Will in the jogging stroller and just run/walk for 30min. But then soon it will probably get too cold to take the little one outside, and too dark to go once hubs gets home from work, so then ???
I love running programs- they tell you exactly what to do. I love following a plan. I think you’ll like it too. And as long as you still pay attention to what you’re eating (and don’t start indulging post runs!) I think you’ll notice a difference in your body. But if you really want to tone your arms, add some push-ups/ triceps dips/ shoulder presses 3x/week and you’ll really see some definition!
Good Luck! And I can’t wait to hear all about Harry’s bday party! Willy’s is on the same day!
I did C25k as a way to lose weight for the wedding. While I didn’t drop pounds, it did help me tone up. Now I run half marathons for fun
I did q couch to 5km about 8 years ago and continued to do it each spring to get into bathing suit shape. After my daughter was born I decided to train for a half marathon to lose the baby weight. I ran the race two weeks ago when she was 9.5 months old. You can do it! It’s great for shedding some pounds!
You know what? I’ve been wanting to try this out…and I’m def. up for the challenge of joining you.
Check out my semi-kinda McFatty Wednesday post.
It’s scary. With full color pics.
You can do it! I started with the C25K app on my iphone in May and I lost 25 pounds and I now run 3-4 miles 5 times a week. I was never a runner before but now I can not get enough of it. I done a couple of 5k’s and I think I am ready to tackle a 10K.
Good Luck!
C25k RULES. I’m on week 6, and will run my first 5k in two weeks. I am NO RUNNER and I have Halloween candy thighs too (love your photo – haha!). I hated every minute of running when I was a kid. I dreaded, cursed and cried the days we had to run a mile..if it wasn’t a requirement to pass class, I wouldn’t have done it. Make sure you do the app on your phone – it’s the best. The pace is so great that I really look forward to running. It’s crazy. YOU CAN DO IT! You’ll love every minute of it and it’s all YOU time. Love your blog!!