The FastDay Forum

I think that running has slowed down my weight loss (as some people said it would.) My weight loss started to slow down/stop around the time I started C25K. Last weekend I did the 5K, but due to weather and an extra busy week I haven't been able to run at all this week. I peeked at the scale this morning and I'm down 1.5 lbs.

SO....what do I do? Do I stop running? Do I keep it up and hope my body adjusts eventually?

@cblasz keep running, the slow weight loss ( as I understand it) is water retention because of repair to muscle tissue. Have you tried the measuring tape. The other day my DH told me that my running was making my rear end look firmer in my jeans, and I am maintaining so not looking to lose any more weight.

Because your progress chart has been steadily downward since the start (even before 5K prep, right?) I doubt that running slowed anything down.

In my experience running/walking adds little to weight loss by itself, but the exertion and attendant sense of accomplishment contributes greatly to overall well being.

Remember how you felt after crossing the finish line at the 5K? Is that something you wouldn't want to experience again?

It hasn't been steadily downward, it stopped and then even went up a bit!

[carieoates]

Keep running, the natural happy juice is irreplaceable. The toning is undeniable and your heart will thank you for it.

I just did it. Week one, day one! I did NOT
give up,
sit down,
fall down,
mutter obscenities,
or have a heart attack.

So, pretty good.

Well done wendyjane. I start week 3 tomorrow. Eeeeek!

Yay! Good job!

Not only did I start today, but I did it on a fast day AND took a 2 mile walk in the afternoon. Quite pleased with myself.

QUESTION:
I'm in decent shape (not great - if that was the case I'd be a runner already). What do you think of doing some of my C25K days back to back, as opposed to always leaving a day or two in between workouts? Will I either burn out or risk injury?

Wendyjane - I did a few back to backs, but in general I found it was best to give my body a rest in between!

Love your enthusiasm!

For at least the first week or so, I suggest following the C25K plan. You'll likely see why in a day or two if and when things get a bit achy.

One of the often repeated rules of running is to "always listen to your body". This phrase is almost as tired as investment advisers saying "Do your homework.". But not nearly as useless.

Start tracking your morning heart rate - right before you get out of bed. Count your heart beats for 6 seconds and multiply by 10. If you find it to be about 10 or more beats higher than usual, make this another rest day.

Suggest also skiming through this entire thread from the top for other tips and insights.

Welcome new runner!

[carieoates]

I agree with what has been said wendyjane. Go with the plan, your muscles do need a rest. But back to you. Congratulations for starting, and good luck to you.

Depending on the weather I sometimes have a walk on my non jogging days.

I just did wk 3 run 1 OMgoodness it was tough but really enjoyed it.

Great job Brand-ie! Keep it up!