Starting to run-- question for experienced runners

I need to lose at least 50 pounds and have recently started the couch to 5k program. I am in week two of it and am finding I can actually do it! My question to experienced runners is, do you run every day? I've been doing this every other day for the past two weeks. Is that a good system or is it better to do a little every day and take a day off after several days?

Also, I'd like to add in weight training but my schedule is very limited and I would not be able to do that daily.

personally i love running 6 days a week, but as a beginner i think every other day is great.

weight training should NOT be done daily. that is absolutely not enough time to recover and you will burn out VERY quickly if you do that. usually, beginners lift 3 days a week. that is plenty. i lift 4 days a week, monday, tuesday, thursday, friday. body builders, fitness competitors, or people who want to get big, or whose hobby is lifting, will do 5 days a week, m-f, and just do different body parts. example,  monday legs, tuesday back, wednesday chest, thursday arms/shoulders, friday abs. but you said you dont have the time to do it daily anyway, so thats good.

i cant offer advice on a weight schedule for you, but im sure others more knowledgeable will be able to go into that for you.

I rest two days a week, sunday and thursday.  It's important to let your body rest so that your muscles can recover and rest up for your next run.  It's also a good idea to listen to your body, you don't want to push yourself too hard, too fast.  But running every other day sounds like a good plan, and eventually when your ready, you can up it an extra day a week.  I would make sure you stretch before each run so that you can help prevent injury (this is especially important in the colder months when we are more inclined to injury).  Goodluck and happy running!

I used to jog 7 days a week, prett much every day.   My knees finally rebelled.    I had to start riding a bike in between, alternating.  Then my now-ex got a Bowflex which rocked my world.   I lift every other days because I only do chest/back/arms/shoulders.   I'd be a sore girl if I did my routine daily.  I do try and work out still every day.   Just later in the morning on weekends and maybe a day like today, the first day after my ex packed clothes and left for a friends finally...   I slept 2 hours and don't really feel like biking.   sigh. 

that said, good for you for doing C25K.   I just started running.  and tried not to stop.   I got a dog.   She needs it.   I love it.   It works out.   Right now it is is cold and peaceful and the stars are amazing at 5AM when I am out jogging.   Keep up the good work!

javagen, i've made repeated attempts to "become" a runner; i'm hoping that the current one is the one that sticks.

i honestly think that recovery days have been absolutely vital.  in the past, i have run every second day, but even then i tended to burn out.  i'm chronically anemic and have exercise-induced asthma, and it wore me down.  this time, i built my stamina by walking and hiking daily, and when i first made the shift from walking to running, i only ran every third day.  i still walk at least 30 minutes (usually more) on my non-running days. 

now, the biggest challenge is to not run on my recovery days. 

i would say definitely don't run every day, but that doesn't mean you can't do anything on your recovery days; just try not to stress your legs too much.

and olivia is right; if you can, get a dog.  mine has made all the difference.

I'm still a relatively new runner (been at it for about 6 months now) but have completed the C25K program.  I would highly, highly recommend doing the program as it is written (three times a week).  If you do it more you are more likely to get injured and more likely to burn yourself out.  

Once you are done with the program you could do it more if you'd like.  After I finished I tried bumping it up to five times a week but my body didn't like that.  I am now doing four times a week and my hip/knee are still not completely happy.

I'm pretty sure that melkor has posted some information on the forums somewhere showing that four times a week is the max you should run based on some sorta research.  If you do a forum search you might be able find it.

ETA - I agree with the other posters, you can do other activity on the other days.  I currently only take one day completely off, the rest of the days I either walk, run and/or strength train.

When I started running last September I ran 4 days per week but I always walked every day.  My goal was walk/run 7 km every day. 

It is really important to listen to your body.  As your body gets adjusted you will be able to run 5 days a week but don't push it.  Your body does need time to recover. 

At the peak of my training for the marathon, I ran a maximum of 5 days and walked on the other 2.  Now I am in my taper before the marathon and it is driving me nuts.

Hoping to be a marathoner next week.

I wish you the best.  Running has helped transform my health and body.

I'm not exactly experienced; I've been running since June (I'm a graduate of C25K as of early August) and I top out at about 4 miles now.

I personally do not run everyday - I don't have the time, and I don't want to wreck my body. You see, I was about 50 pounds overweight when I started the program, like you, and your body takes on MUCH more impact. All that weight on your knees...give yourself a day off in between runs. Ice your joints, even if they don't ache. I honestly enjoyed my off days during C25K...I went bike riding, or weight trained. It was pleasant.

You don't need to weight train daily in order to get results - in fact, you shouldn't be weight training daily. If you can incorporate compoud moves, you can get a full body workout 3 times a week and still get the body you want. :)

Things I've learned while running:

- Get appropriate running shoes! And dress for the weather.

- Every person that runs, no matter how slow, no matter how goofy, is a runner. Never, ever forget that. You don't need to look a certain way to be an athlete!

- Get off the sidewalks (and if you can, get off that treamill!) There is so much to see outside, and it's "harder", but when/if you decide to compete in races, you don't have to change venues. ;)

good on ya!  running is the best way to get rid of excess pounds as long as you take the proper precautions....sounds like you're well on your way!!  all i gotta say is never EVER underestimate a good pair of running shoes, don't be afraid to invest a few more bucks....they'll save you from endless running injuries

I agree with the poster above who asserted that anyone who runs is an athlete and a runner.   ( : 

Also --- I second (and third) the idea that a REALLY GOOD PAIR OF SHOES is very important.   

Thanks for all the good advice. I feel like I'm doing the right thing by shooting for an every other day run. 

I do have a dog but he's a little Chihuahua and not much for running! I intend to adopt a bigger dog soon too however. I suppose I'll have to go get some good shoes.

Regarding the treadmill-- I am unfortunately stuck to using it right now. It's the only thing I can manage as a working mom and still provide the attention my kids need in the morning and evenings.  It is a very good treadmill nonetheles and it makes watching the minutes for the couch to 5k pretty easy. I'm not sure how I can fit in weightlifting other than on the weekends and maybe beg off (beg for some help) one weeknight to catch a special class at the rec center. I've been a single mother for 7 years-- but that's changing very soon (next July). I want to look good in my wedding dress-- I really want to work on my upper arms especially.