I have wanted to be able to actually RUN a 5k for the longest time! Keep in mind I do NOT run......ever. Has anyone gone totally from couch potatoe to a "runner"?

I call myself a jogger - I can jog continuously for 30 minutes. I couldn't do that before starting the C25K program. I hadn't ever really attempted to jog in years. But for full disclosure, I had worked my way up to walking 3 miles in 50 minutes by the end of November last year.

I completed the C25K program a few weeks ago. I am planning on doing a 5K run in August. You can see my videos after each workout on this thread - http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/335774-starting-my-c25k-adventure-looking-for-advice/

I'm on week 2 of the C25k app. Never would of thought I would be running and liking it. I always said if you see me running you better too cause there is a bear chasing me! Lol. It's amazing what this journey has done for me.

I informally did the C25k program without really realizing it about 3 months ago. I would just start jogging on the treadmill to see how far I could go, and each time I tried I would push myself to go "one more minute" longer. I am now up to 35 minutes and my all time high of 2.85 miles! I'm hoping I will be able to run the 3.1 miles in the next week. Then I will try to increase my speed. I'm hoping to run a 5K by the time I hit my 1 year surgiversary.

I'm almost 48 years old,and have HATED running my whole life. Now that I've seen what I can do, I love it! I'm very proud of what I've accomplished

What was your BMI when you started running again? Last time (with band) I waited until I was about 1/2 way to goal to start running. I feel like now I would hurt my knees. Loved my couch to 5k back then though!

What was your BMI when you started running again? Last time (with band) I waited until I was about 1/2 way to goal to start running. I feel like now I would hurt my knees. Loved my couch to 5k back then though!

I think my BMI was 29 when I started.

Babbs you give me hope then! I have NEVER EVER EVER been a runner. At 44 years old I feared I was too old. Time to lace up the shoes and get going!

Before surgery I had great luck with the couch25K app. I had never been a runner, and never got really fast but was happy with my results overall. I'm only 3 weeks out from surgery, but plan to restart as soon as my doctor releases me for more strenuous activity! My next goal will be a half marathon if I can stay hydrated enough!

You all give me inspiration!

I mix in running with my walking, either on a treadmill, or outside. I'll walk four minutes, run for one. That's when my legs get heavy and my stride gets kind of sloppy.

This weekend I've been able to push it to a minute and a half. Baby steps, right?

I've never been a runner...even back in school I was very athletic...played many sports, but struggled with running/track. At 52 I'm happy to be able to mix it in. But it would be awesome to run a mile or something like that. Maybe a 5k someday!

I'm a C25K person. I used the podcasts by a guy named Robert Ullrey. He cues you when to run and when to walk, so you don't have to use a timer or anything, and there is music built in. You can get them free from iTunes. I used it when I first started running January 2011 -- and did a half marathon that September. You should be able to do a brisk 30 minute walk before starting the couch to 5K program, though.

Also -- go to a running store and get fitted for some GOOD running shoes. Don't buy the cheapies on sale at Big 5. The good shoes will set you back about $150, but they will save your feet !!!

Love the couch to 5k app! Really slow evenly paced progression!! I did it pre op and plan to start it again post op!