Don't even sweat it juicyfruit!  My first day I had to run/jog/shuffle while pushing a double stroller with both of my kids.  I ran at night because I felt the same way, almost embarrased to have someone watch me try.  I didn't even want to run with my wife as she is in better shape that I am/was.  The kids had fun that night, they kept looking back at me to make sure I was ok because I was huffing and puffing after the 60 second runs.  Everyone battles with those thoughts in your head but don't let it get to you.  I agree with seasicksquid, you'll be amazed to see how many people will congratulate you, give you words of encouragement or just give a smile when you're out there.  It's a great boost of confidence to see others who appreciate what you are doing!  Good luck, and if you need more encouragement, come back to this site and start reading the older posts!  There are a lot of success stories on here!  I myself have lost over 65lbs and went from not being able to 'run' the 60 second intervals without gasping to finishing the 11.5mile long Tough Mudder here in Ohio earlier this spring!  Stay motivated!!

Hi everyone,

I’m a father of 2 (with one more on the way) and I weigh alittle over 240 pounds. At the beginning of the year I weighed 260 but now I’ve hit a plateau. I’m hoping the C25k program will get me over this current hump.

In addition to losing weight, I also want to build up endurance. Last year I started karate and found that I really enjoy it. A major problem is that I’m gassed shortly after the warm-up. As a result it is hard to keep up and my form breaks down. We do sparring and it gets really tough to keep from getting knocked around when you can barely keep upright.

I did week 1, day 1 yesterday and it felt really good afterwards. This morning I had a little stiffness in my hips and ankles but otherwise I’m doing well.

Good luck to everyone!

-R

Ok. Confession time.  I went to the "group" C25k last night, had a complete panic attack, there were a ton of people there... Needless to say, I left.   And beat myself up over it the whole way home.  HOWEVER, determined not to be deterred completely, I got up this morning, went to the local park, and completed W1D1.  It wasn't pretty.. I am completely worn out, and I couldn't jog the entire 60 second interval EVERY time, but I didn't quit and kept moving.  For being overweight and non-athletic, I was darn proud of myself. 

I learned group wasn't for me.. that was a bit dissappointing, but I still did it and THAT FEELS GREAT!!!

JuicyFruit:

Personally, I still do not run with people even though I went from not being able to run for 60 seconds to now to be able to run 3 to 5 miles.  Groups are good for some people, but not all.  If you are not ready for a group run, don't beat yourself up over it, but adapt!  Its great that you were able to do W1D1.  If you struggled on it, my suggestion would be to repeat W1D1 (even though W1D2 & W1D3 are the same) until it becomes easier to complete it.  My mistake is that I just barely limped by each week and eventually couldn't do the 20 minutes straight and that is frustrating.  It took me a few more weeks at the "lower levels" in order to get myself up to doing the 20 minute monster. 

If you nail each week before moving on, you may avoid the frustration of the later weeks.  Those are my 2 cents though

Just remember, every time you go out is more productive than if you sat on your couch!

Awkward Turtle:

Thanks.  I already anticipated having to repeat W1, and after this morning, I'm sure that will be the case.  But I'm ok with that.  Getting this OUT OF SHAPE didn't happen overnight and I don't anticipate that getting back in shape will happen that way either. lol.     I will, however, keep to the solo thing at this point...

Oh and I plan on using you all!! But only in a good way of course!! This entire thread was and is a very good source of motivation and strength.  I've been reading through it for a few weeks now and am amazed and proud of sooo many people I don't even know!!

QUESTION though -

As to stretching - I have seen different opinions on before/after/both, etc... What's everyone's take on this?? And how long do you usually stretch?

@JuicyFruit76

There's some personal preference when it comes to stretching.  For me, I lightly stretch, do some jumping jacks or run in place to 'warm' the muscles, then do my stretching before my run.  After my run, I walk to cool down, do a very short 'cool down' jog, then stretch.  I know I need more cool down time if I feel light headed while I'm streching. 

Experiment with your stretching to find what works for you.

Cheers!!!