Welcome graciels! It sounds to me like you're off to a great start with your goals. 12 pounds off in 3 weeks is great - quick enough to be encouraging & it sounds as though you're doing it the right way... through a more healthy approach to eating. I've only completed my 1st week of C25K but let me tell you even 3 sessions is making a difference I can feel. I am tired physically - not being used to anything faster than a walk but mentally I feel more energized & definitely more positive. Completing 3 sessions has really boosted my self confidence. I know I'll have some hard weeks but with the great advice & support here, I'll slog through. I'm starting to have faith that by following the program, I CAN become a runner.

I sure hope others reading these threads are motivated to try it. If you don't think you can handle 60 seconds running, start at 45 or 30. Take your time & build up to the 'proper' week 1 if you have to. I started with week 1 but believe you me my running stretches are happening at turtle pace. The important thing is that they ARE happening. I won't lie. It feels awkward, it's not a habit yet. I'm having little aches & pains - nothing major. Looking at the last few weeks of the program does scare me, more than a little but so many others have done it - I can too. And if this almost 50 year old, soon to be ex-smoker can do week 1, anybody can do week one.

Who else is trying week one this coming week? Say hello!

I got my run in today!   Used the treadmill as it is just too hot & muggy here.   Hope you are forging ahead, graciels!  

I was about 230-240 back in December 2009 and now I am down to 205-210 in July 2010.  I have ran my 1st 5k (23:30) and ran a 10k (57:44).  While the weight loss has really helped with my speed when running, the weather has been the biggest factor in my running.  My times suffer tremendously when I run in hot and humid conditions.  I am planning my 1st half-marathon at the end of September when the temps go down!

Best of luck!  Its addicting!

This is encouraging to see several of us in the same weight range pursuing similar goals.  Let's keep in touch, keep encouraging each other, and have fun while we train.   If anyone's interested in forming a separate group on yahoo for this purpose, just let me know.

I just started C25K this week too! The hardest thing for me so far has been putting on my shoes and getting out the door. It's all mental. Once I'm outside and running everything is great. I even really enjoy it and it isn't much of a struggle. But mentally, it's a major struggle! I find myself coming up with all sorts of excuses to not go run. But I will make it! And so will you! I'm so excited for everyone starting out this week. Be encouraged by all the others on the journey with you!

When I ran in the past, I had the same problem as cuppycakegirl.  For some reason, I don't have that problem at all anymore.  I actually look forward to my runs.  My running days are Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.  I actually ran today (Wednesday) too.  I was in a bad mood (car problems & money haha) and all I felt like doing was running.  It really helped.  I was in a much better mood.  I'm about to start Week two of C25K.  I decided to do week 1 a few extra times since I haven't been running at all for the past year or two.  I ran Week 1 Friday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Going to do it again tomorrow then, on Sunday, my week 2 begins!

Congrats everyone for getting started!  I completed a 6 week C25K program with a trainer the last week of June.  It was great, but I still have a long way to go.

I ran/walked a 5K on July 3rd.  I think I finished in about 55 min.  My next 5K is scheduled for August 29th.

I'm going to see if I can do week 3 or 4 of the program, and go from there.

I have a running buddy on Saturdays, but definitely need some motivation to get out the door two more times during the week.

I look forward to getting more updates from everyone.

Best wishes,

Chaunaci