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Hey! I am looking into that c25k thing. I am not sure I am even in the beginning shape to start the program. Sad, isn't it? However, that is going to change. I will be seeing you here every day. I've just got to do this. I want to do it.

What is your goal for exercising? Would you eventually like to jog? If so the couch to 5k is a wonderful program. I did it and now can run 4 miles with hills. Maybe you don't plan on jogging, so walk and walk. Try to walk a little more every week. Squeeze it in, Park far from the mall doors or from your job. Take the stairs every chance you can get. Get some good tunes or listen to a book on CDs. I love to look at the countryside and the wildlife. Pretty soon you will want to exercise almost everyday. There are also many other ways to exercise. Mix it up and enjoy! Julie

You know, Julie...I don't know what my goals are. I am reading about all of you guys and am in such awe of your successes. I have been so far removed from any type of exercise that walking is an accomplishment for me. It is hard for me to fathom anything else. I do have to say that when I was walking today I was daydreaming about jogging and entering a race of some sort. Seems rediculous as I write it but it is a desire. I don't have scheduling conflicts it is just doing it. Somebody said it takes 21 days to build a habit. I don't know if that is true or not but I have committed myself to 21 straight days. Wish me luck =)

I did all of 2 minutes the first time I got on the elliptical machine. I was determined not to let the machine beat me. I did a little more each time I got on the darn thing. I hated it! But I knew that long term it was the best exercise for me because it was low impact and you can burn a lot of calories in a relatively short amount of time. I now can do one hour and feel fantastic afterwards!

You will one day feel the same about walking, climbing stairs, etc. Good luck!

Girl, I visited a gym here recently. I didn't know what an elliptical machine was. I found out. It beat me. Two minutes? That seems like FOREVER to me! An hour? You go!!!  Hard for me to imagine. You gotta be proud of yourself!

GeorgiaPink- You can do this!!!  I am so glad that I found this board.  To know that all of these marathoners started where we did is such an inspiration!!  If they can do this, we can too!!  Stay strong!  I agree with the healthy rewards.  I finished my first 5k(mostly walking) but that's a start.  I came home and ordered me a pair of running shoes!  

Brooklyn!  I am tickled I found this board too.  I am amazed at the accomplishments of everybody on here.  I have never had a lot of self confidence and to even entertain the thought I might someday run in a race is laughable.  But you know what?  I am going to laugh all the way to a finish line somewhere!  Congrats on your 5K!  That's what I'm talkin' about!

 I started out walking as well.  At 460 lbs I could barely do that.  I too moved to the elliptical, doing two minutes, then resting for 30 seconds....repeat.  I would do this for 20 minutes on the easiest settings.  Every other day I would add 30 seconds.  Now I do 50 hard minutes every morning.

The longest journey in the world started with one small step.

ROY

You go, Roy!!  You know, at your starting point you weighed more than me but you know what?  I bet I am very close to what your fitness level was.  I have come to realize that God has blessed me with relatively good health and I have been an ungrateful wretch.  I am ready to get in shape.  I realize my youth is spent but I can be a happy, healthy and fit old lady! =)

I started with walking short distances starting day after lap band and workign my way up to 5 miels eventually.  then I started the c25K to help save some times, and I just ran my 4th 5K on Saturday at 36:34 knocking 3 minutes off my fastest official time. 

I also started with Curves as well.  It's gentle but it gets your heart rate up.  It gets you in the habit of going to a gym, and it is very body image friendly. Big advantage is that it is fun and quick.  I eventually needed more, but I really recommend it to starter exercisers. 

Good luck.