Hi everyone,  I 'm new here.  I started useing C25K last January.  I ran my first ever 5K on Mother's Day!  I was 35 and 255 pounds.  Last August when I started this weight loss journey I weighed 293.  Now I 'm training to run my first 5 mile run.  I took a bit of a summer break from dieting, still jogging, but not watching what I was eating.  So as of today I weigh 247.  I want to get down to 230 by my next race on Nov.  11. I 'm very happy to find a group like this!  Here's my question, how important do you feel speed is yo your running?  I feel like sometimes I 'm barely jogging and, no lie, speed walkers have passed me on the trail.  I usually jog 2 miles during my lunch break.  I 'm trying to figure out if it 's more important to continue to jog to build up stamina or walk 1/2 mile and jog 1/2 mile to build up speed.

I forgot to mention that I completed W3D2 on Thursday. I was supposed to do W3D3 tonight but my husband didn't get home until after 10 pm so I have to do it tomorrow. I haven't lost any weight this week so far... My official weigh in is on Monday so maybe a miracle will happen between now and then! Lol any tips on how to increase weight loss? I am already keeping my calories at 1200.

I know exactly where there are two scales here at BAF but I ain't getting on them.  They are both right next to each other at the big gym and they conveniently put them right in front so that half the gym can watch if they want to.  I thought about getting one from Amazon next time I order a batch of stuff so I have one in my room, but I may just be content with going by how my clothes are fitting.

Nicolette78, be careful you're not cutting too many calories especially now that you are getting more exercise.

Hey, I'm new here. I haven't started the C25K yet, I plan to in November. I am 40, 5'4" and 220 lbs. 5 months ago I found out that I have type 2 diabetes, so changes were mandatory. I never wanted to be a runner, but have always admired them. I want to run a trail 5K in June and eventually run a marathon. I think. I have big dreams. Honestly, the idea scares me. Any advice or words of wisdom would help and be greatly apperciated.

Hi All,

I stumbled across this thread quite by accident.  Great thread and it's nice to know there's more 200+ lb runners out there besides me.

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@ cotterk - Congrats on your first 5k!  I ran my first last October and it was a blast.  You asked about speed vs stamina.  I'd suggest not worrying about speed at all - that will come.  Concentrate on running with good form and, once a week, push your distance just a little.  If you're running 2 miles 3 or 4 times a week, try a 2.5 or 3 miler on the weekend.  That will help your stamina.  Try and make a conscious effort to concentrate on a smooth form with strides that aren't too long - the speed will take care of itself.

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If you can't resist the need for speed, try running short sprints during your regular runs.  Pick a landmars like a couple of telephone poles and put the hammer down between them, then return to your regular pace.  Once you've recovered, do it again.  This worked for me and got my speed up.

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Check out my ramblings if you like....

http://runheavy.blogspot.ca/2012/10/im-runner.html

Hello Everyone.  I'm new here.  Just ran my first 2 5k races in October and planning another one this Saturday.  I am 39 and in January 2012, I weighed in at 280 pounds.  Since then, I've lost 60 pounds.  In July, I decided I wanted to run as I have NEVER been able to run (being heavy all my life).  The first 5K I did was called a Color Run.  It wasn't timed, there was no pressure, people were of all fitness levels.  The 5K I finished last weekend (Monster Dash) was horrendous.  It mentally about finished me off. =)  It was almost an entire mile longer (so a 6K) and my time was WRETCHED!  I was SO SCARED I was going to finish last that the last mile to 1/2 mile, I began to cry.  However, I finshed!!!  This weekend, I'm hoping to fight the battle in my mind and keep my spirits up REGARDLESS of the outcome.  I WILL FINISH. 

It is good to read here to not focus too much on the time, that eventually that will come.  I workout w a trainer 2x a week, and am trying to improve my fitness levels.  Time will tell but FINALLY I can say - I'm a runner!!  A mile is a mile, is it not??!! 

Whew, gotta love it!! 

It's nice to see some new people on here. I have some weight loss questions. I started at 225. I am currently 185. I am 5'6". My ideal weight is 135-145. I seem to be only losing 1-2 lbs a week. I am only eating 1200 cal/day. I run 5K 3 days a week. Why am i not losing weight more quickly? Does anyone have any advice? I feel like I could run a lot faster and farther if I lost another 30 lbs.  I just completed my first 5K on Oct. 28th  my time was 34:07. My goal was 35 so I was ecstatic! I need to do better than 32' in order to beat the two girls who finished ahead of me in my age group. They are friends and train together. We are supposed to be doing another 5K together and I really want to win! Is there anything I can do at my current weight to increase my speed?

I just started w4 and was thrilled that I finished it. My pants are looser and I feel better than I have in years. Yes my muscles ache on running days, but It is so worth it. I finally got on a scale at work for the 1st time since July and I am down 14lbs. That all came off since starting c25k in late Sept. I can't believe that I am sitting here wishing my husband would get up so we can go run. Yeah me!